Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Sat 18 April 2026 16:58, UK Updated Sat 18 April 2026 17:16, UK

Leeds United took a giant step towards Premier League survival thanks to a virtuoso display from James Justin in a 3-0 win over Wolves.

Daniel Farke‘s side picked up where they left off after beating Manchester United as they scored twice in the opening 20 minutes at Elland Road on Saturday.

Justin scored a superb overhead kick inside the box before Noah Okafor turned in Brenden Aaronson’s teasing cross for two goals in as many minutes.

Leeds were in control for much of the contest but seemed content to cruise in third gear, rather than put a sorry Wolves side – who had an Adam Armstrong goal ruled out for offside – to the sword. Dominic Calvert-Lewin won his team a penalty and then converted it on second half stoppage time.

Leeds are now nine points clear of the bottom three as Farke’s side secured back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time this season. Now, here is how MOT Leeds News rated the Whites’ players.

James Justin can do no wrong

There was little fanfare when Justin swapped Leicester City for Leeds last summer, with the versatile defender seen as a backup option.

In the first half of the campaign, that came to pass as the 28-year-old struggled for game time. But the one-time England international took his chance when it came his way and Justin hasn’t looked back.

Against Wolves, few would have predicted he would be the one to execute a brilliant bicycle kick to open the scoring in the 18th minute.

Former Leeds man Aidy White described his acrobatic effort as a “special finish”, and at the other end, Justin impressed, too.

During the contest, the former Luton Town ace won four tackles, made six clearances, three interceptions, and won seven of his eight ground duels.

Justin also made a last-man tackle and scored a goal to remember. He has been an unsung hero but games like this will change that name tag.

Mixed display for Brenden Aaronson

With Ao Tanaka’s return to prominence, pressure is on Aaronson to deliver while Anton Stach is out injured.

The American has notched four goals and added as many assists for Leeds this season but hasn’t been on the scoresheet since a brace against Newcastle United in early January.

Aaronson did get an assist for Okafor’s second against Man United, although he didn’t know much about it. But against Wolves, he put in a perfectly-weighted cross to again set up the Swiss, who is now Leeds’ second top scorer.

However, for much of the contest, the 25-year-old put in a frustrating display on his 100th Leeds appearance. He lost the ball 10 times, won five of his 10 ground duels, and was successful with two of his three dribbles.

Aaronson lost his temper after being crunched by Ladislav Krejci, with the United States international then getting booked for pushing over the Wolves man, which prompted Ethan Ampadu to lead him away.

Aaronson’s commitment to Leeds is never in question but his consistency in recent months has, arguably, not been good enough. Moreover, his decision-making can still be frustrating.

Leeds United player ratings vs Wolves

Karl Darlow – 7

Jayden Bogle – 6

James Justin – 8

Jaka Bijol – 7

Pascal Struijk – 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6

Ethan Ampadu – 7

Ao Tanaka – 7

Brenden Aaronson – 5

Noah Okafor – 8

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7

Substitutes:

Wilfried Gnonto – 6

Ilia Gruev – 5

Joe Rodon – n/a

Lukas Nmecha – n/a

Sean Lonstaff – n/a