Match Report Leeds United vs. Cardiff City Cardiff

The hosts added a third goal after the break, with James getting on the scoresheet at close range six minutes into the half.

Alex Robertson went close to reducing the deficit with 55 minutes gone. His curling strike was plucked from the top corner by Meslier. The Bluebirds looked to their bench moments after this chance with Joel Bagan and Yousef Salech introduced for Jesper Daland and El Ghazi.

Any hope City had of a three-goal comeback reminiscent of the 2019 squad at Elland Road was taken away by Leeds' fourth goal. Joel Piroe scoring from the penalty spot. 

The hosts continued their impressive showing, with substitute Wilfried Gnonto adding a fifth goal moments after coming onto the pitch. Fellow substitute Mateo Joseph netted a sixth for the home team with two minutes of the 90 remaining, while Piroe scored his second of the afternoon deep in added time.

It was an afternoon the Bluebirds won't want to remember, however it was just a first defeat in nine competitive fixtures. Riza's side will be looking to put the result swiftly behind them in their next game, at Stoke City, in the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday.

Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle (Byram 66'), Firpo, Ampadu, Rodon, James (Gnonto 66'), Rothwell, Piroe, Aaronson (Joseph 70'), Solomon (Ramazani 70'), Tanaka (Struijk 78'). Subs Not Used: Darlow, Guilavogui, Wober, Gruev.

Cardiff City: Alnwick, Rinomhota, Goutas, Daland (Bagan 56'), O’Dowda (Fish 80'), Ralls (Mannsverk 68'), Chambers, Robertson, El Ghazi (Salech 56'), Ashford (Ng 68'), Robinson. Subs Not Used: Horvath, Willock, R.Colwill, Reindorf.