By Craig Scott

13th Mar, 2022 | 4:03pm

Adam Forshaw shines as Luke Ayling struggles: Leeds United player ratings v Norwich City

Joe Gelhardt’s stoppage-time winner sealed a massive three points for Leeds United as they beat Norwich City 2-1 at Elland Road on Sunday.

Rodrigo grabbed the first goal of Jesse Marsch’s reign in the first half before it felt as though two points were being dropped when Kenny McLean scored for the away side in the 91st minute.

Gelhardt was thrown instantly onto the pitch and in the 94th minute, the teenage striker was prodding home Leeds’ stunning last-gasp winner.

Here, MOT Leeds News rates the players out of 10 for their performances at Elland Road this weekend:

Illan Meslier – 6

Meslier was more or less untested by the Norwich attackers with their best effort hitting the crossbar. His distribution was good.

Luke Ayling – 4

If there was one man who had our hearts in our mouths, it was Ayling. He could have seen red in the first half for a studs-up challenge that was reviewed by VAR. Ayling, who misplaced passes and looked on edge throughout the game, also conceded a penalty that was thankfully – and correctly – overturned by VAR. Ayling was just dodgy.

Pascal Struijk – 5

Struijk missed an absolute sitter in the first half when he smashed the ball over the crossbar from close range. Defensively, he wasn’t bad but Struijk missed the biggest chance of the game and should have scored.

Diego Llorente – 5

Llorente lookd to back to his usual self against Norwich. He played a big role in Rodrigo’s goal and passed and defended well throughout the game. However, he really let himself down when Kenny Mclean scored a late goal for Norwich. He owes Gelhardt a pint – if he’s old enough.

Stuart Dallas – 7

You can always rely on Dallas to be able to put in a solid shift. He always scores at least a seven because he’s just so consistent and reliable. Dallas was untroubled defensively and contributed a lot in the attack.

Adam Forshaw – 9 (Man of the match)

Has anyone checked whether this is the same player who’d been injured for almost two years and struggled with us in the Championship? Forshaw was, yet again, superb this weekend in the middle of Marsch’s midfield.

Mateusz Klich – 8

One of Klich’s best performances of the season. The Poland international was involved in most of Leeds’ best attacks and really thrived in the attacking role. We’d love to see more of this Klich.

Raphinha – 8

Raphinha hit the woodwork twice and just as we thought it was going to be yet another one of those days for the Brazilian, he pops up with a stoppage-time assist for Gelhardt to score. It was a great day for Raphinha in the end. He was Leeds’

Rodrigo – 8

From zero to hero. Rodrigo was brilliant against Norwich. Almost every attack was going through him and he combined superbly with Raphinha and Dan James. He took his goal very well in the first half and it was great to see the scenes as he celebrated. Good match by Rodrigo but we need to see this Rodrigo more often.

Dan James – 7

James was also in great form in what was a fine attacking performance by Leeds United. Our only issue was our finishing and James was culpable for a couple of poor displays of decision-making and shooting. However, there were a lot of positives surrounding his display.

Patrick Bamford – 5

Bamford had a quiet first half compared to his attacking teammates and didn’t get a chance after the break as he was substituted off. Bamford looked as though he was limping after the half-time whistle blew. Worrying.

Substitutions:

Jack Harrison (on for Bamford, 46′) – 5

Robin Koch (on for Rodrigo, 60) – 5

Joe Gelhardt (on for Klich, 90+2) – 8

Gelhardt was on the pitch for what seemed like a matter of seconds before scoring the biggest goal of Leeds’ season so far and the biggest goal of his career so far.

In other Leeds United news, a blogger has shared what staff are saying about Marsch behind the scenes at Elland Road.