Callum O'Connell

Sun 21 January 2024 13:59, UK

Leeds United were rescued from a frustrating draw with Preston by a late Joel Piroe penalty, as they struggled to make their chances count, but were able to keep up a now four-game winning run for Daniel Farke.

It was a terrible start at Elland Road as a free kick resulted in a scramble in the box which saw Will Keane put the visitors ahead after just one minute.

Daniel James then put Leeds level with a header, and despite a flurry of chances in the second half, they struggled to be clinical in front of goal, before a late Piroe penalty rescued all three points at Elland Road.

MOT Leeds News has rated the players’ performances out of 10 below…

Illan Meslier – 7

Not a lot he could’ve done to stop the first goal which ricocheted around the box and was turned in from around five yards, but other than that he made some impressive saves to keep Leeds in the game. Some strange decisions with his punching, but overall a good display.

Archie Gray – 4

Struggled to deal with Liam Millar just as in the reverse fixture as the winger targeted the 17-year-old. His play going forward was good but that lack of experience and awareness defensively was his downfall again again Preston’s main man on the day.

Joe Rodon – 5

Struggled to effectively deal with the duo up top for Preston. By no means did he have a bad game, and he remained competitive in his duels throughout, but some sloppy fouls and touches were a standout compared to his previous impressive displays.

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Another confident performance from Ampadu at centre-back, although he and his boss will be thinking the sooner he can step back into midfield the better. He is perfectly capable at the back but does his best work for Leeds in the middle of the park.

Junior Firpo – 7

Defensively he was outstanding, making two clearances, three blocks, two tackles and two interceptions which is not usually what he has been recognised for at Elland Road. Going forward he was impressive too, picking up an assist and causing trouble with his overlapping runs in an excellent display at both ends. [Sofascore]

Ilia Gruev – 6

He proved once again how effective he is at breaking up play in midfield, but he lacks creativity in possession which can at times make Leeds look slow in the middle. However, it’s another impressive display from somebody who has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks.

Glen Kamara – 6

Much like his teammate, he breaks up play well in midfield, and with a 100% passing accuracy, his dictation of the game from midfield was excellent as he continued to prove he has been one of the most astute summer signings Leeds could have made. [Sofascore]

Daniel James – 8

Leeds’ best player on the day, his pace was devastating for Preston and the constant runs in behind proved difficult for them to stop. Also got Leeds their equalising goal to ensure the early impact of that opening goal didn’t last too long for either team.

Georginio Rutter – 2

An uncharacteristically poor game from the Frenchman. He struggled to have any impact at all playing the role between midfield and attack, missing several chances to score including a free header from ten yards out.

Only 14 passes completed, just two of 13 dribble attempts completed and a yellow card for diving summed up a miserable day for him. [Sofascore]

Crysencio Summerville – 6

Much like Rutter, he struggled to have much of a direct influence on the game, but he looked threatening every time he had possession with his quick feet and pace causing all sorts of trouble for the defence. On another day he gets at least one assist, but not today.

Patrick Bamford – 4

Fingers crossed Bamford hasn’t simply reverted to type after his strong run of form, but his display today was very much that of the old Bamford. A lack of accuracy with his passing and no conviction in his finishing left Leeds wanting in the final third yet again.

Subs

Joel Piroe – 7

Sam Byram – 6

Liam Cooper – N/A

Matteo Joseph – N/A

In other Leeds United news, Blackburn could be set to make a move for Charlie Cresswell.

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