Championship Final: Derby County 0, Leeds United 1

Leeds United have crowned 2023 by standing proudly at the top of the Championship table, thanks to a brilliant winner from Brenden Aaronson at Derby County.

The American international’s composed finish, the result of an exquisite team move, proved decisive in a match that tested the mettle of both sides at Pride Park.

It was Leeds who initially took command in the first half, but Derby’s resolute defense, organized with precision, ensured that opportunities were fleeting. The closest Leeds came was when Mateo Joseph’s effort was saved by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, marking the only meaningful action of the first 45 minutes.

The second half saw a transformation into a more frantic affair, with Derby’s Swedish goalkeeper pulling off saves against the likes of Aaronson, Largie Ramazani, and Dan James, while Illan Meslier also had his share of tests, most notably from Curtis Nelson.

Yet, Zetterstrom was left helpless when Aaronson surfaced in the box to slide home the winner in the 79th minute, propelling Leeds two points clear atop the table.

It’s worth noting that the last occasion Leeds finished a calendar year at the pinnacle of the second tier was back in 2019, a season that culminated in their triumphant return to the Premier League.

In a delightful twist of fate, they sit on 51 points as they head into January, mirroring the scenario from five years ago.

Just three weeks prior, Derby were swept aside by Leeds in a dominant display at Elland Road, culminating in Paul Warne’s telling remark that his squad resembled a “League One team with a bit of sugar on top” compared to their formidable opponents.

Yet tonight, despite the loss, Warne’s side can take pride in the effort and intensity they displayed against a team that previously outclassed them.

Sticking to the lineup that triumphed against West Brom on Boxing Day, Warne’s men showcased resilience. In contrast, Daniel Farke made four changes for Leeds following their recent victory at Stoke.

The game’s first major opportunity came via a thrilling exchange between two of the replacements: Willy Gnonto’s perfectly-timed cut-back found Mateo Joseph, who unfortunately directed his close-range effort horribly wide.

Leeds dominated possession leading up to the half, but it wasn’t until the 28th minute that Zetterstrom was truly tested, saving a low shot from Joseph aimed toward the bottom corner.

A near-miss ensued shortly after, as a misdirected cross from Kayden Jackson nearly caught Meslier off guard, skimming just wide of the post.

Aaronson had a costly miss before the interval, blasting over during a promising counter-attack, and Joseph echoed his disappointment shortly after.

As fatigue settled in during the latter stages, Derby emerged as a surprising threat.

Meslier’s reflexes were tested as he deftly deflected Nelson’s header away from a corner, while Zetterstrom showcased his own skills moments later, spectacularly denying Ramazani at close range.

James, brought on as a substitute, nearly made an impact immediately but was thwarted in a one-on-one with Zetterstrom. Nevertheless, the Derby defense crumbled during a stunning attacking sequence from Leeds.

Aaronson was fundamental in a flowing move that culminated with a precise pass from Manor Solomon across the top of the box, allowing Joel Piroe to set up the American as he surged unopposed into the area.

Leeds will kick off the New Year against Blackburn Rovers at home, while Derby heads to Sheffield Wednesday.

Derby County boss Paul Warne articulated his thoughts post-match to BBC Radio Derby:

“In the first 10 minutes we showed them too much respect, really – even with throw-ins we weren’t getting tight enough. But after that I thought we were really good – as good as we can be in the nicest possible sense.

“The lads gave everything they could. We made changes second half because you could see some fatigue because that is two massive efforts, with two big home games [against West Brom and Leeds] and I can’t criticise the lads’ efforts.

“I thought second half we were quite good, it felt like we were the team that might get a goal on a breakaway or a set-piece.

“They then obviously made changes and I hate to admit it, but their goal was a very well-worked goal. It probably took something magical to win this game, and unfortunately it wasn’t our players that did that.”

Leeds boss Daniel Farke shared his views with BBC Radio Leeds:

“I think it was a fully deserved win. We were in total control because we expected them to be on it and to try press us. But we didn’t allow them to press us because we had good solutions today.

“Perhaps in the first half we didn’t have enough clear-cut chances to score, but we didn’t allow them anything. In the second half my feeling was that at some point we missed too many clear-cut chances to win such a difficult away game.

“Normally you can’t miss so many chances to win points in such a difficult place but then obviously we scored, for me, the goal of the season. It was an unbelievable team goal.

“I’ll put it straight away into my poetry album, I loved this goal I have to say. It was a perfect team move and Brenden also came up with a perfect calm finish.”