Leeds United's Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford take swipe at Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Leeds United's Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford both aimed swipes at Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca following the 3-1 win at Elland Road.

The Whites scored three late goals to complete a stunning turnaround at a rocking Elland Road and secure a huge three points in the race for automatic promotion.

It piles the pressure on Ipswich Town and Southampton for the games on Saturday, whilst recording Leeds' ninth successive league win at the expense of the Championship leaders.

The Foxes looked to be heading for victory through Wout Faes' first half goal, before substitute Connor Roberts levelled in the 80th minute to put Leeds on course to maintain their unbeaten home record.

However, it would be Leeds who would secure victory, with teenager Archie Gray sparking jubilant scenes inside the ground just moments later when his deflected strike beat Mads Hermansen.

With Leicester losing their discipline late on, Dan James struck a 20-yard free-kick in stoppage time, which bounced off Patrick Bamford's knee and in.

Enzo Maresca's thoughts on Leeds United vs Leicester City

Before the game, Maresca said in his pre-match press conference: "It's a huge, huge game for them. For us, it's one more game."

Maresca piled the pressure on his side's opponents, adding: "I think it’s an important game, and every time we win a game, we move closer to the target.

"But if it doesn’t happen, we keep going. It’s a huge game, but for them more because they are nine points behind us.

"If we are nine points behind, yes, it’s the game we have to win."

Of course, the nature of such comments from Maresca was always likely to rile up both Leeds fans and the playing squad, too.

Patrick Bamford spoke post-match on Sky Sports and emphasised his feelings on the game, whilst indirectly criticising Maresca. He sarcastically said: "We knew with the magnitude of the game that it was going to be a bit loud. It was a joy to play in front of that.

"We don't want to get carried away, as people said before the game - it's just another game.

"There's still 12 left, so still a lot to play for."

Ethan Ampadu, Leeds' captain on the night, added further to this with his reaction walking down the tunnel seen below.

The reaction continued, with Leeds' Twitter (X) account also posting this clear message to Maresca shortly after full-time.

A huge victory for Leeds United

Leeds knew it was a huge game and that a win would be a huge step towards an immediate return to the Premier League.

It could be pivotal in the race to secure promotion this season automatically, and, potentially, for the title race as well, with Leeds now breathing down Leicester's necks.

Daniel Farke himself is no stranger to a Championship title win, having already won two of them with Norwich City.

However, ultimately, Leeds' main goal is to secure promotion this season, be that in second or as the league winners.