Leeds edge past Southampton to climb out of relegation zone

Leeds United grabbed a huge home win over bottom-placed Southampton as they dragged themselves out of the relegation zone with three crucial points.

This was their first win in 11 league games as new manager Javi Garcia got off to a perfect start in front of a vociferous Elland Road faithful.

Leeds create chances in the first half

Leeds had several chances to take the lead in the first half as they came out better of the two sides pressing the visitors right from the whistle.

Luke Ayling had an excellent opportunity to give his side the lead in the 19^th minute, but the right-back blazed his shot off target following neat wing play from Leeds in the buildup.

Just seconds later, Stuart Armstrong got in behind the Leeds defense following a delightful James Word-Prowse cross-field pass.

With only Illan Meslier to beat in the Leeds goal, the 30-year-old Scottish midfielder dragged his shot way off target.

Tensions were high for Leeds

Brendan Aaronson and Jack Harrison had half chances as the hosts pushed for a goal, but neither could hit the target as tensions grew at Elland Road.

Gracia’s side should have taken the lead in the 40^th minute when they were two against one leading towards goal, but Weston McKennie’s poor touch to Aaronson meant the chance went begging.

Neither side looked like they could score the decisive goal after the restart with misplaced passes and poor passing in the middle of the park.

However, Junior Firpo was the unlikely hero for the hosts as he scored the winning goal in the 77^th minute.

After neat play on the wings by Crysencio Summerville and Harrison, the left back tucked past Gavin Bazunu, who took far too much time to get down to keep out the tame effort.

Summerville should have made it 2-0 at the death, but the Dutch winger narrowly missed despite only having Saints keeper Bazunu to beat.

Leeds held on for the win, and the result takes them a point above the relegation zone in 17^th place.

The Saints, meanwhile, remain bottom after losing 10 of their last 12 league games with 18 points as new manager Ruben Selles suffered his first defeat in his second game in charge.

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images