Dan James 9/10 again, Joel Piroe stinks – Leeds United player ratings v Norwich
Manor Solomon and Daniel James were the standout performers for Leeds United as they earned a 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday.
Solomon put the Whites in front just 31 seconds into the game, finding the back of the net with a clinical finish. James, who provided the assist for the opener, then got his name on the scoresheet by doubling the hosts’ lead in the second half of the game on 22 January.
With the Canaries failing to test Illan Meslier, Daniel Farke’s side, who earned a similar result against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, claimed all three points to go back on top of the Championship table.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates each player’s performance out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 5
The goalkeeper, who has been under the spotlight in recent weeks, had a quiet outing this time as Norwich failed to register a single shot on target.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Was easily the most impressive among the defenders as Leeds eased past Norwich. Bogle was heavily involved in attack and played a lovely backheel pass to Brenden Aaronson in the lead-up to Solomon’s opener.
Joe Rodon – 6
Had a quiet game, but deserves credit for keeping the Norwich attackers at bay.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Was the better of the two centre-backs on the evening as he produced an assured captain’s performance.
Sam Byram (Off for Junior Firpo 55′) – 4
Byram was the second Leeds player to be booked in the game and was taken off as a result.
Ao Tanaka lucky to avoid red card
Ao Tanaka (Off for Ilia Gruev 55′) – 6
The Japan international was booked for a foul in the Norwich half early on in the game and was perhaps lucky to avoid a second early on in the second half, leaving Farke with no option but to hook him. He was a solid presence in the middle of the park nevertheless.
Joe Rothwell (Off for Josuha Guilavogui 89′) – 6
Was rightfully booked for simulation in the second half.
Dan James (Off for Wilfried Gnonto 74′) – 9 Man of the Match
Deserves a lot of credit for the assist for Solomon’s opener as he played the ball into the dangerous area nice and early. He produced an even better finish to double the Whites’ lead in the second half.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Was involved in the lead-up to Solomon’s goal.
Manor Solomon excellent for Leeds United
Manor Solomon (Off for Largie Ramazani 74′) – 8
Put Leeds United in front just 31 seconds into the game, finding the back of the net with a tidy finish. The attacker then turned provider, setting up James for his goal.
Joel Piroe – 4
Was an invisible figure in the first half, although he grew into the game in the second period. Had his name taken late in the game.
Substitutes
Ilia Gruev (On for Tanaka 55′) – 4
Junior Firpo (On for Byram 55′) – 6
Wilfried Gnonto (On for James 74′) – NA
Largie Ramazani (On for Solomon 74′) – 5
Josuha Guilavogui (On for Rothwell 89′) – NA
In other Leeds United news, a European club want to sign this Whites ace now as complications emerge.
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