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While three of the top four were at home , Daniel Farke's side arguably had the toughest assignment.

But Boro was swept aside by Leeds despite the visitor benefiting from a Maximilian Wober own goal that cancelled out Wilfried Gnonto's early opener.

Leeds had to wait until the 74th minute to restore its lead through Daniel James, before Brenden Aaronson's stoppage-time goal made sure of a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Burnley could muster only a goalless draw at home to Derby County, while Sunderland required a last-gasp leveller from Patrick Roberts at home to Bristol City, drawing 1-1.

Although Sheffield United could replace Leeds at the summit on Thursday, Farke's side is three points clear of third-placed Burnley and four clear of Sunderland in fourth.

Blackburn Rovers leapfrogged Boro into fifth after beating Sheffield Wednesday.

At the other end of the table, Portsmouth climbed out of the bottom three on goal difference after a 0-0 draw at home to Norwich City, but there was no respite for Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle.

After back-to-back thrashings at Norwich and Bristol City, The Pilgrims suffered their first home defeat since August, going down 2-1 to Swansea City in a result that leaves them 23rd.