Jack Harrison superb as attackers shine, midfield doesn’t: Leeds United player ratings v Watford
Leeds United took a huge step towards Premier League safety, responding to Everton’s victory earlier in the day, to win 3-0 at Watford.
Star man Raphinha put United ahead half way through the opening half with a wonderful long-range finish off the near post, having fooled Ben Foster in the home goal.
A ragged game looked like the Hornets could get back into it at any time, with the midfield poor, until Rodrigo capitalised on an error at the back to score the second, and Jack Harrison’s wonder-goal made the result safe late on.
MOT Leeds News rates the players out of 10 for their performance at Vicarage Road.
Illan Meslier – (7)
Was under a fair amount of pressure early from free kicks and corners but was equal to the challenge. Produced an excellent save from Ismaila Sarr before a late flag. Looked much sharper than most of those in front of him.
Luke Ayling – (5)
Conceded a clumsy foul early to give the home side one of a few unnecessary openings. Forward early and often from an offensive perspective but defensively looked shaky at times. Under almost constant pressure as the game wore on, making some important tackles, while losing others. Uneven display.
Diego Llorente – (6)
Up and down display. Gave away an unnecessary foul just before half time to needlessly put his goal under threat, but a crucial last-ditch header soon after the half prevented a big Watford chance. Was forced to make a fair amount more interventions of that variety as the home side mounted sustained pressure. Could have volleyed a third goal late on.
Liam Cooper – (7)
Was unhappy with his teammates on a number of occasions during the opening exchanges. Teamed with Llorente to dig his side out of a number of holes as desperate blocks and clearances became frequent. Felt like his presence was crucial under pressure considering how often the back line has collapsed this season.
Stuart Dallas – (4)
Let Sarr in behind him on the hour for what looked certain to be the equaliser but was let off when the Senegalese blasted wide. There was space down his flank worryingly often that a better side would surely have taken more advantage of.
Mateusz Klich – (3) – off for Phillips ’58
Poor. Was unlucky to concede a cheap free-kick that Watford nearly took the lead with a quarter-hour in, making minimal contact in the challenge. Not good enough on the whole, giving away possession and looked to be a step behind opponents on a number of occasions. Replaced by Phillips just before the hour.
Robin Koch – (3)
Very disappointing. Not strong enough on the whole as the home side were a threat around the Whites’ area too frequently for the majority of the game. By-passed too easily and largely anonymous.
Raphinha – (8) – off for Summerville ’83
Looked sharp from the get go and was unerring with his first real opportunity to fire the Whites ahead from range in the 21st minute. Was at his best after half time, putting in a great ball that James could have had a penalty from, then winning a corner with quick-footed trickery. Would have been the stand-out until Harrison capped his display late.
Rodrigo – (8)
Got away with a sly kick on Kamara midway through the first half. Despite the attack being the stronger element of the Leeds performance he was the quieter of the quartet until he moved up top once James went off. Scored the second when he pounced on an error in the Watford defence and rounded the keeper to slide it home. Suddenly was central to the play after that. Great response.
Jack Harrison – (9) – Man of the Match
Looked sharp in the first half although came inside often when there was space out wide. Sent over a lovely cross early after half time that should have been finished off. High energy performance throughout, with great attacking intent and competed more than central midfield teammates. Angled in a screamer late on to make the result safe.
Dan James – (7) off for Greenwood ’67
Preferred again to Joe Gelhardt up front, he did what he does and closed down energetically from early. Was busy if untidy but it was his perseverance which gave Raphinha the chance to score the opener. Hornets were clearly wary of his threat as Kiko Femenia wrestled him to the ground to prevent one break. Should have got a shot away before the half but Sissoko dispossed him. As so often, had an effect but wasn’t as telling as he could have been.
Substitutes
Kalvin Phillips – on for Klich ’58 – (6)
Sam Greenwood – on for James ’67 – (7)
It was his through ball that led to the Rodrigo goal, although it should have been dealt with better.
Crysencio Summerville – on for Raphinha ’83 (6)
In other Leeds United news, a club president’s willingness to cause “great anger” is bad news for the Whites.