Leeds 4-0 Ipswich: Whites thrash second-placed Blues as stunning display closes gap between the clubs to seven points

Daniel Farke could not hide his joy after Leeds marched to a stunning victory to close the gap on Ipswich to seven points in the automatic promotion race.

First-half goals from captain Pascal Struijk, an own goal from ex-Whites defender Leif Davis and Crysencio Summerville's penalty provided the platform for a result that kept Leeds' chances of a top-two finish alive.

Leeds' teamwork was peerless, their belief unwavering and it came as no surprise when Joel Piroe scored a fourth early in the second half.

Farke has now not lost to the Tractor Boys in six meetings, with a four-match unbeaten streak as Norwich boss in the East Anglian derby, followed by a league double with Leeds this season.

The German's first win in charge of the Elland Road club came at Portman Road in late August, a 4-3 success that signaled Leeds' promotion history.

After this success they are the only side in the Championship with an unbeaten home record this season and in reality it has been much easier than anyone could have imagined.

Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys have been going strong since gaining promotion from League One, but they were reduced to so much rubble on a rough Elland Road.

There was no mistaking the magnitude of the game and the noise that fell from the vintage stands before kick-off created a cauldron-like atmosphere.

That raw passion, that unifying sense of togetherness when Marching on Together is belted out by a packed crowd, remains one of the most impressive sights and sounds in the English game.

Joel Piroe celebrates after scoring the fourth goal of the match at Elland Road on Saturday

If Farke's side couldn't overcome Ipswich in front of their own supporters, could they really consider themselves capable of overhauling McKenna's side in the coming weeks and months?

Leeds started brightly and Struijk's eighth-minute opener was just reward for their early venture.

The hosts won a corner delivered by Summerville from the left flank and Piroe's header was brilliantly saved by Vaclav Hladky on his goal line.

Leeds supporters were treated to a brilliant performance from their side against a top team

The ball fell invitingly to Struijk and the Dutchman nodded home from close range for his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.

Leeds continued to surge forward and they doubled their lead in the 25th minute when the ubiquitous Summerville gathered possession on the left flank, beat Harry Clarke and whipped in a low cross.

Cameron Burgess missed his clearance attempt and Davis only managed to divert the ball into his own net.

It was a nightmare for former Leeds player Davis – a member of their promotion-winning side under Marcelo Bielsa in 2019/20 – but Ipswich scored almost out of nowhere moments later.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke thanks the fans after his team's brilliant win on Saturday

Conor Chaplin tried his luck from 20 yards with a brilliant half-volley that hit the outside of the post.

However, the momentum largely stayed with Leeds and they claimed a third on the stroke of half-time.

Georginio Rutter thought Dan James and the Wales winger played neatly in Summerville, who was felled by Davis.

The Dutchman stood up and scored a perfect penalty, giving Haldky no chance.

Ipswich were stunned but two minutes into the second half Piroe found himself in space and blasted a right-foot shot onto the crossbar.

Leeds' fourth soon arrived, though, as Rutter's pass fell kindly to Piroe and the ex-Swansea man showed some neat footwork before firing low and hard towards the header.

With Farke announcing the substitutions as the second half unfolded, Rutter saw a left-foot shot hit the crossbar as Leeds ran out comfortable victors.