Wilfried Gnonto sees off Bristol City to power dominant Leeds up to second

Leeds moved into the Championship automatic promotion places as Wilfried Gnonto’s 48th-minute goal earned a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The Italy winger beat goalkeeper Max O’Leary with a clinical left-foot finish from 10 yards after running on to a deflected long ball forward from Junior Firpo. It was no more than Leeds deserved for a hugely impressive display in a largely one-sided contest, with their hosts out of sorts and only able to create a few openings.

The Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, said: “The margin of victory should have been greater. It was almost the perfect away performance. We were so dominant and created so many chances, but I have to criticise our failure to put them away. If we want to be celebrating in May we have to be more clinical.”

City’s head coach, Liam Manning, made three changes from the 2-2 draw at Coventry, with Ross McCrorie, Matty James and Tommy Conway named in the starting lineup. Farke made one switch, bringing in Gnonto for the injured Dan James.

Leeds made a bright start and had the first effort on goal in the ninth minute when Joe Rodon fired over from a Glen Kamara pass. At the other end Nahki Wells had a low shot blocked after running on to a Cam Pring header.

Leeds had a great chance to take the lead after 13 minutes when Crysencio Summerville caught George Tanner in possession and raced clear down the middle only to shoot too close to O’Leary, who saved with a hand above his head. O’Leary was in action again five minutes later, parrying a Patrick Bamford shot from inside the box. Then Summerville cleared the crossbar from another good shooting position.

Leeds began to dominate and O’Leary denied them again after 34 minutes, blocking a close-range shot from Georginio Rutter for a corner after Bamford had outstripped Zak Vyner to cross from the right. City were relieved to reach the interval on level terms, taking their time over throw ins and set pieces.

Leeds needed only to find an end product to their slick approach play, and they put that right immediately after the break with Gnonto’s clinical finish. It should have been 2-0 three minutes later as Summerville robbed Pring and raced through to feed Kamara, whose shot was deflected for a corner with only O’Leary to beat.

O’Leary saved a low drive from the dangerous Summerville, but Leeds almost paid for not putting the game to bed in the 66th minute when Tommy Conway’s pass found Bristol City substitute Anis Mehmeti and his shot almost squeezed under the advancing Illan Meslier.

Still Leeds squandered chances, the elusive Summerville firing wide after another penetrating break. But there was little threat at the other end from a tired-looking Bristol City side and the final whistle brought scenes of celebration as the Leeds players saluted their large band of travelling fans.

Manning said: “I have to give Leeds credit for being the best side we have played, but tonight we weren’t at the level we are capable of. We have played the top sides and Leeds were the best. I expect them to sustain a promotion challenge.”