Just In: Leeds United player ratings as Piroe and Joseph struggle to impact tight… Read More 👇
Leeds United player ratings as Piroe and Joseph struggle to impact tight… Read More 👇
Leeds United (4-2-3-1) managed to secure a valuable away clean sheet in a tightly contested match against West Bromwich Albion.
Despite a solid defensive performance, some of Leeds’ attacking players struggled to make an impact, leading to a lackluster display in the final third.
Illan Meslier (7/10): The French goalkeeper will be pleased with his clean sheet, especially after a shaky start to the season. Meslier was well-protected by his defense, and although West Brom had their chances, he confidently dealt with everything that came his way.
It was a steady performance that Meslier can build on as the season progresses.Jayden Bogle (7/10): Bogle had a challenging afternoon, especially after picking up a yellow card in the first half.
West Brom targeted the flanks, putting Bogle under constant pressure.
Tom Fellows, in particular, tested him repeatedly, but Bogle managed to hold his own.
Although his performance wasn’t always tidy, Bogle did his job and even tried to push forward in the latter stages of the game.
Joe Rodon (7/10): Rodon will be relieved to have kept a clean sheet after a couple of disappointing performances. He was solid in defense, ensuring that West Brom’s Josh Maja, who scored a hat-trick last weekend, didn’t get a sniff of goal.
Rodon wasn’t called upon too often to make crucial interventions, but when he was needed, he delivered, including a vital header late on.
Pascal Struijk (7/10): Struijk played a significant role in nullifying Maja’s threat.
His aerial presence was particularly important during set-pieces, where he seemed to attract the ball like a magnet. Struijk’s defensive performance was crucial in securing the clean sheet.
Junior Firpo (7/10): Firpo faced a tough challenge as West Brom frequently targeted his side of the pitch with diagonal passes aimed at Karlan Grant and Darnell Furlong.
Despite the pressure, Firpo generally coped well, although he eventually received a yellow card and had to be cautious for the remainder of the match.
As the game wore on, Firpo began to look fatigued, and West Brom found more success down his side in the closing stages.
Ethan Ampadu (c) (7/10): As captain, Ampadu played a vital role in shielding the backline and getting involved in defensive duties when necessary.
He battled hard against John Swift and Alex Mowatt, but his passing was occasionally off, which hindered Leeds’ ability to transition into attack. Despite this, Ampadu’s work rate and commitment were evident throughout.
Ilia Gruev (6/10): Gruev had a relatively quiet game, staying under the radar but working hard off the ball. His set-pieces were generally good, but he didn’t make a significant impact in open play.
Gruev’s contribution was more about effort and industry than standout moments.
Daniel James (5/10): James found it difficult to influence the game due to Leeds’ struggles in possession.
He was often left feeding off scraps and couldn’t utilize his pace to full effect. While James showed for the ball when he could, he ultimately had little impact on the match.
Joel Piroe (4/10): Piroe had a disappointing game in a role that is crucial for Leeds’ attacking play. His first touch and passing were below par, and even his usually reliable shooting let him down.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Piroe, who struggled to make any meaningful contribution.
Wilfried Gnonto (5/10): Gnonto wasn’t as effective as he has been in previous matches, but he still put in a shift for the team. He engaged in a tough battle with Furlong throughout the game, though he couldn’t quite find the cutting edge that Leeds needed.
Mateo Joseph (4/10): Joseph had a frustrating afternoon as he was largely isolated up front. West Brom’s defenders, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi, kept him well-marshalled, and he found it difficult to get involved in the game. Joseph’s lack of impact was symptomatic of Leeds’ struggles in the attacking third.Substitutes:
Joe Rothwell (6/10): Rothwell came on for Piroe in the 64th minute and had a nervy start, almost gifting West Brom a goal with a poor first touch. However, he settled down afterward and played a key role in set-pieces, which was his main contribution.
Patrick Bamford (N/A): Bamford was introduced late in the game as Leeds looked for a goal, but he didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Brenden Aaronson (6/10): Aaronson replaced James in the 64th minute and worked hard to help his team defensively. He had a few moments of quality, but like the rest of Leeds’ attack, he couldn’t turn the game in their favor.
Leeds United’s defensive resilience earned them a valuable point, but their attacking play left much to be desired. The team will need to find more creativity and cutting edge if they are to turn these types of performances into wins.
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