BORO TAKE A POINT
LEEDS UTD 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 0
Sky Bet Championship pacesetters Leeds and Middlesbrough will both head into the international break unbeaten after playing out a goalless draw in a frenetic clash at Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa suffered his first defeat as Leeds head coach in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday but his record in the Championship remains intact heading into the twoweek hiatus.
United had the first attempt on goal when Samuel Saiz blazed well over and threatened again as Gaetano Berardi sent a fizzing 30-yard drive just wide.
Former Leeds midfielder Jonny Howson then forced Bailey Peacock-Farrell into a good save.
Peacock-Farrell had to be alert to keep out Daniel Ayala’s header from the long throw-in.
United thought they had taken the lead when Ayling met Barry Douglas’ corner with a firm header, only for Adam Clayton to clear his effort off the line.
The hosts ended the first half on the front foot with Jack Harrison seeing a header comfortably saved by Darren Randolph amid penalty appeals from Kemar Roofe before bending a 25-yard shot straight into the Middlesbrough goalkeeper’s hands.
Peacock-Farrell pouched a weak Ryan Shotton header and Roofe sent a strike way over at the other end in a lively start to the second period.
Harrison curled an effort wide after Boro failed to clear their lines and after a cagey period Stewart Downing fired high into the stand for the visitors.
Ayala failed to keep his header down from Mo Besic’s free-kick as Pulis’ side continued to test Leeds from set-pieces.
Jansson came on to replace an injured Berardi and he helped his team survive more Middlesbrough pressure in the closing minutes.