Craig Scott

Sun 2 January 2022 15:52, UK

Leeds United took a huge stride away from the Premier League’s relegation zone with a3-1 win over Burnley at Elland Road on Sunday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men moved eight points clear of 18th-placed Burnley thanks to late goals by Stuart Dallas and Daniel James.

Jack Harrison gave Leeds the lead in the first half before half-time substitute Maxwel Cornet equalised for Burnley with a long-range free-kick.

Here, MOT Leeds News rates the players’ performances out of 10:

Illan Meslier – 5

The more we watch replays of Cornet’s goal, the more we think that Meslier could have done better. It was a long-range free-kick, yet the French goalkeeper was very slow to react. His starting position also saw him a couple of yards off his line – if he moved back he might have been able to react quicker and reach the ball.

Luke Ayling – 7

It was great to see Ayling back at right-back because he’s definitely not cut out for playing in the middle in the Premier League. He played well against Burnley. He was defensively solid and was inventive and threatening when he got forward.

Robin Koch – 6

Koch’s going to take a while to get going again after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines but he didn’t look too bad against Burnley. He can do better, but we were encouraged by his display on Sunday.

Diego Llorente – 6

Llorente was unfortunate to have conceded the foul that led to Cornet’s goal as it looked as though he was the one who was fouled first. His yellow card means he’ll be banned for the next match but it might not be a bad idea for him to have a week off to rest up.

Junior Firpo – 7

We’re not the only ones who’ve been critical of Firpo’s opening months as a Leeds United player but he returned to the side with a very good performance against the Clarets.

Adam Forshaw – 8

Was there a blade of grass that Forshaw didn’t cover? The 30-year-old was, as always, brilliant for the Whites in their engine room. You would not think that this player has not long come back from a near-two-year injury lay-off. Well done, Adam.

Stuart Dallas – 9

Dallas is a player who’ll always give at least a seven each time he plays – and he was much better than a seven against Burnley. Dallas threatened throughout and then scored a stunner in the 77th minute to make it 2-1 to Leeds. He almost passed the ball into the net from outside of the penalty area. Man of the match.

Mateusz Klich – 6

We saw decent glimpses from Klich, who’s attracted a lot of criticism this season. Some of the criticism has turned into abuse lately with the Poland midfielder being forced to shut down his Twitter account to avoid vicious trolls. He wasn’t bad against Burnley but we really do need to upgrade our midfield options this month.

Raphinha – 5

It simply wasn’t Raphinha’s day against Burnley. The Brazilian missed what was practically an open goal in the 72nd minute, hitting the side netting to score what should have been his ninth of the Premier League campaign. That miss summed up his performance and he must do better.

Jack Harrison – 8

Harrison’s been getting better and better this season and you could see the relief he felt when he scored in the first half on Sunday. We do really like Harrison and want him to prove his doubters wrong. If he plays more like that, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.

Tyler Roberts – 4

Roberts was atrocious in front of the goal. He basically missed an open goal in the first half before firing numerous efforts wide. WhoScored shows that he hit the target with just one of his six attempts. Leeds need Patrick Bamford back as soon as possible or even start Joe Gelhardt instead. Limped off in the second half but is banned for the next game anyway.

Substitutes:

Joe Gelhardt (on for Roberts, 58′) – 8

Stunning assist with a left-footed cross for James’ goal.

Daniel James (on for Harrison, 62′) – 7

James had a slice of luck to score his stoppage-time header but it was very well-deserved.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign this “fantastic” French midfielder in January with him set to quit his club.