LEEDS United won’t have an easier Championship victory than their 3-0 demolition of poor Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road.

The shambolic visitors offered nothing. No shots, no corners, not even a booking as they went down without a whimper to drop into the bottom three.

Both clubs were without several key players but Leeds proved they had much more strength in depth as they totally outclassed the Devon side from start to finish.

Argyle manager Wayne Rooney, with more focus on the upcoming midweek game against bottom club Portsmouth, opted to erect a yellow-shirted barrier in front of goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw.

As early as the 12th minute Grimshaw was warned about time-wasting as Plymouth made their intentions clear. Leeds needed to be patient as they continually probed in and around the visitors’ penalty area.

Joel Piroe had a volley that hit an upright flagged for offside while playmaker Ao Tanaka’s thumping shot forced a good save from Grimshaw.

With Tanaka and Joe Rothwell running the show United finally broke through on the half-hour as a corner was only partially cleared and Dan James lashed the ball from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Two minutes later Piroe stabbed in the second goal as Plymouth’s defence got in a tangle. At times there were so many Argyle players in their own area that they simply got in each other’s way.

Leeds wrapped up the points on 38 minutes when Piroe’s backheel cannoned off defender Kornel Szucs to give the on-rushing Brenden Aaronson a simple goal from close range. Three goals in eight minutes.

The Pilgrims altered formation at the interval by throwing on an extra attacker in Andre Gray but it didn’t stop United’s domination. Even with the handbrake on the midfield combination of Rothwell and Tanaka kept Leeds ticking over. Chances for Piroe and Willy Gnonto were created – and missed – as the game of attack against defence continued.

With a midweek trip to Millwall looming Leeds boss Daniel Farke was able to take off several of his key men and hand debuts to teenagers Sam Chambers, Charlie Crew and recent free agent signing 34-year-old former French international Joshua Guilavogui.

Eighteen-year-old Crew, already a full Welsh international, almost capped the perfect day for Leeds with a goal but his long-range strike was tipped over by Grimshaw.

Farke said: “We were in total control of the game. This was what I love when you are so dominant and have a really complex performance.

“We needed 10 or 15 minutes to find our tactical positioning between the lines and our offensive roles behind the striker in order to create a few more gaps and chances against a back six in front of them.

“Afterwards we were all over them, created many good situations, scored three really good goals and could have done a bit more second half.”

Jayden Bogle missed the game because of suspension but will be available for Wednesday night’s game at the New Den.