Dan James celebrated his 100th appearance for Leeds by scoring a vital goal as his team defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 at Elland Road, reclaiming the top spot in the Championship. James netted in the second half after Max Wöber's own goal had initially canceled out Wilfried Gnonto's opener. Brenden Aaronson added Leeds's third goal in stoppage time.
Patrick Roberts secured a late equalizer for Sunderland, helping them salvage a 1-1 draw with Bristol City. The home side dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create chances and saw a penalty appeal dismissed just before halftime when Aji Alese went down in the box. Luke McNally put the visitors ahead in the 63rd minute, but Roberts's strike in the third minute of stoppage time ensured Sunderland maintained their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light this season.
Burnley were held to a goalless draw by Derby at Turf Moor, with a first-half penalty appeal being rejected. The hosts, aiming to pressure Sheffield United and Leeds at the top of the table, were convinced that defender Nat Phillips handled Josh Brownhill's cross-shot in the 33rd minute. Brownhill had been set up by Jeremy Sarmiento after Callum Elder's poor clearance, but Phillips claimed the ball hit his shoulder, and referee Andy Davies ignored Burnley's protests. Derby's point ended a three-game losing streak and eased some pressure on head coach Paul Warne, whose team has now gone six matches without a win.
Makhtar Gueye came off the bench to score the winning goal as Blackburn secured their fifth consecutive victory with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Blackburn also maintained a clean sheet for the fourth match in a row, while Danny Röhl's side suffered their first defeat since losing to Sheffield United a month ago.
Elijah Adebayo's 90th-minute winner helped Luton return to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Stoke at Kenilworth Road. Tom Cannon's early goal put additional pressure on Luton manager Rob Edwards, but goals from Carlton Morris and Adebayo ended a three-game winless streak. Luton now sit on 22 points, five points clear of the relegation zone, with Stoke in 16th place.
Swansea ended Plymouth's six-match unbeaten home run with a 2-1 win, pushing Wayne Rooney's side down to 23rd place. Swansea took the lead in the 44th minute through Jay Fulton following Josh Tymon's cross, with Liam Cullen doubling their advantage an hour into the game. Mustapha Bundu pulled one back for Plymouth, but they remained near the bottom of the table.
Portsmouth climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since August after a 0-0 draw with Norwich at Fratton Park. Both teams, who had combined for 18 goals in their previous three matches, failed to find the net in a match that lacked the expected goal-fest. Portsmouth extended their unbeaten run to four matches, including two consecutive clean sheets, after a slow start to the season.
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