Dan James 9/10, 4/10 teammate flops – Leeds player ratings v Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds United retained their place at the summit of the Championship table courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday afternoon.
Manor Solomon struck the opening goal just three minutes in at Elland Road (19 January), before Largie Ramazani came off the bench to finish off superbly late on, and Ao Tanaka flicked home in stoppage time to gloss the three points.
Daniel Farke made seven changes from the side which overcame Harrogate Town in the FA Cup eight days ago, opting for Ethan Ampadu alongside Joe Rodon with Joel Piroe leading the line.
MOT Leeds News rates the performances of Daniel Farke’s team out of 10 at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier – 6
A steady game for the number one, which will do his confidence the world of good in a tricky period. Made a solid diving save to deny Gassama just after the hour, not too much else to do.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Won challenges and displayed his usual desire to maraud upfield with the ball. Booked for a cynical sliding foul on Gassama, more than made up for it by setting up Ramazani’s goal.
Joe Rodon – 7
So comfortable on the ball, helps Leeds out massively when protecting a slender lead. Superb distribution from the back, even if he lost the odd aerial duel against a physical Owls attack.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Crucial challenge to prevent Windass getting a 1v1 chance with Meslier, performed well as he filled in at centre-half in Pascal Struijk’s absence.
Sam Byram – 8
Decent enough considering Solomon wasn’t much help defensively ahead of him. A professional, unglamorous display. Let Ugbo get ahead of him for a late corner at 1-0, otherwise solid.
Joe Rothwell (off for Ilia Gruev 69′) – 8
Played a superb ball which caused all sorts of problems for the opening goal. The type of industrious midfielder vital to any Championship team. Will be worried about his place in the side now Gruev is back, but it’s a lovely headache for Farke.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Never looks distressed in the middle of the park, dictated the tempo of the game as he so often does. It’s little wonder clubs are interested in the summer signing, who rounded off the win with aplomb in injury time.
Dan James puts in man-of-the-match display for Leeds United
Dan James (off for Willy Gnonto 83′) – 9
Didn’t score or assist, but had some game. Always a nuisance down the right flank with his quality, and Leeds are a worse side without him. A Premier League player in a Championship promotion race.
Brenden Aaronson (off for Josuha Guilavogui 89′) – 6
Forced the error from Beadle for Solomon’s goal, was relatively effective but did give the ball away on occasion and needs to be stronger at times – something Barry Bannan appeared to revel in telling him.
Manor Solomon (off for Largie Ramazani 83′) – 7
Started the game in the best possible way by tucking away the opener inside three minutes. Could have done better defensively in the second half to help out Byram behind him, but ultimately scored the crucial first goal.
Joel Piroe (off for Mateo Joseph 69′) – 4
Couldn’t always get into the game, lost more duels than he won but forced three efforts from pot shots towards goal. Now is when he needs to perform with the transfer window still open for strikers.
Substitutes
Ilia Gruev (on for Joe Rothwell 69′) – 5
Struck a free-kick just over the bar, won by his fellow substitute Joseph immediately after the pair’s introduction. Great to see him work his way back to full fitness.
Mateo Joseph (on for Joel Piroe 69′) – 5
Came on eager to impress as his goal drought continues, and won a dangerous free-kick with his first touches.
Largie Ramazani (on for Manor Solomon 83′) – 7
Came on and showed his quality to seal the deal with a quite brilliant finish. Another reminder to Farke of what he has on his bench.
Willy Gnonto (on for Dan James 83′) – 6
Eager defending in his cameo to help see out the win.
Josuha Guilavogui (on for Brenden Aaronson 89′) – N/A
Replaced Aaronson for the final minutes.
In other Leeds news, a transfer update emerges on a former Manchester City striker linked with Elland Road.
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