Tony Pulis offers honest verdict on Leeds United’s performance and promotion chances

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Middlesbrough drew at home to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis has told the Teesside Gazette that he thinks Leeds United have ‘got everything’ to win promotion this season.

Boro hosted Leeds in the Championship’s early kick off on Saturday afternoon, with Pulis hoping to bounce back from a midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Newport County.

Boro failed to take chances in the first half but went ahead just two minutes into the second period, with Lewis Wing opening the scoring for the hosts.

However, Leeds looked dangerous after that goal, and after a lengthy stoppage due to Whites ace Jack Clarke falling ill on the bench, the Whites struck in the 11^th minute of added time.

Kalvin Phillips popped up in the 101^st minute to snatch a last-gasp draw for Leeds, meaning they have gone ahead of Norwich City into top spot in the Championship, possibly only temporarily as the Canaries play today.

They haven’t allowed Sheffield United to gain any ground on them though, and another late goal again showed the resiliency and determination in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

After the game, Boro boss Pulis offered his view on the game, suggesting Boro were on top in the first half but Leeds were much better in the second, praising their performance mostly for their pressing.

Pulis added that Leeds have ‘got everything you need’ to be promoted to the Premier League, praising their pace and set pieces whilst admitting that he has been really impressed with Bielsa’s side this season.

“Coming in 0-0 at half-time I was disappointed because I thought we should have been in front of the game,” said Pulis. “Second half I thought Leeds were the better team, I thought that at times they really pressed us and the lads dug in having got the goal.”

“Leeds have got good players, they’ve got everything you need to get promoted, they’ve got pace in the right areas, their dead ball play, their free-kicks and corner, set-plays, deliver real quality into the box. I’ve been really impressed with Leeds this year,” he added.