Leeds 7-0 Cardiff: Leaders hammer Welsh side

Both managers made two changes to their starting XIs as two of the form sides in the Championship met at a ground that has generally been a happy hunting spot for the Bluebirds.

Cardiff headed to Elland Road not only unbeaten in nine games, but having lost just one of their previous 13 away league games at Leeds, winning seven times.

However, Leeds, unbeaten in 11, are currently the team to beat in the second tier and they underlined that status by punishing the visiting Bluebirds from almost the first whistle with Wales winger James taking the role of chief tormentor.

He provided the opener as he raced clear and kept his composure after rounding the Cardiff goalkeeper, picking out a perfect pass for Aaronson to convert.

Leeds can be a force at Elland Road and defend a lead like no other side in the division and were soon 2-0 ahead as Piroe’s pass sent James clear and his excellent cross was converted at the back post by Tottenham loanee Soloman.

The hosts looked like they might score every time they attacked and Firpo dragged wide, Jak Alnwick saved from James and Piroe saw a 20-yard effort flash past the upright in a half that also saw a James effort ruled out for offside against Solomon.

Leeds were levels above Cardiff in a first half where the Bluebirds did not even get a sniff at goal with Illan Meslier a virtual spectator until the 44th minute when Anwar El Ghazi sent an apologetic effort his way from 25 yards.

Cardiff have showed renewed resilience in recent weeks and had been on their best run of the season, but were simply outclassed by Leeds in every regard as the hosts added a third on 50 minutes after Firpo’s brilliant cross was turned home by James following a fine passing move.

The Bluebirds were in damage limitation mode but went 4-0 down after Callum O’Dowda fouled former Swansea winger James and another Piroe slotted home the penalty.

Gnonto then added a brilliant fifth as he sliced through Cardiff’s defence and fired the ball back across goal into the corner.

Cardiff keeper Alnwick made several saves, while Piroe and Largie Ramazani could also have added to the tally.

However, there was to be a sixth goal as Joseph finished from another brilliant Firpo cross, with Piroe adding to Cardiff’s torment with virtually the final kick of one of the most one-sided football matches of the season.