Dan James explodes off bench, Manor Solomon offers nothing – Leeds United ratings vs Watford
Leeds United went top of the Championship with a 2-1 win over Watford that looked like it would be comfortable but proved arduous as the game wore on.
The Whites make the perfect start as Largie Ramazani’s speculative fourth-minute effort was fumbled over the line by Daniel Bachmann, and Brenden Aaronson added a second three minutes later as Bachman made another error to parry a deflected cross straight at the American.
Watford turned the tables and started the second period in similar fashion as Kwadwoh Baah breezed past Pascal Struijk down the Whites’ left and tapped home a rebound in the 47th minute, as Leeds’ performance dropped right off.
Jayden Bogle hit a post and Mateo Joseph headed straight at the keeper when Dan James put a chance on a plate for him in a second half performance which was a long way short of the first, but the home side held on for another victory.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the Whites players out of 10 for their performances against the Hornets.
Illan Meslier – 6
Complete spectator for nearly 40 minutes but was ready when called upon with a save as Watford came back into the game, but much less convincing in the middle of a crowd for the subsequent two corners. His touch on Baah’s cross only deflected it onto Rodon and back to the German for an easy finish. Made an important near-post save to keep a Tom Ince free kick out on the hour.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Started well as he begins to look more like the player he was supposed to be and has developed a very positive understanding with Gnonto down the right. Looked more assured defensively while the Whites were on top but allowed one dangerous chance just after the home side were pegged back. Much more effective going forward as he hit the post and fired over one excellent cross in the second half.
Joe Rodon – 6
Solid in defence for the most part and put in an important challenge between the two early Leeds United strikes. Couldn’t do a huge amount about the rebound off him as Watford pulled one back.
Largie Ramazani scores and goes off injured for Leeds United
Pascal Struijk – 5
Largely decent but one extremely poor moment was punished. Lovely long pass freed Firpo down the left in the build up to the opener and looked imperious until he was crunched by Festy Ebosele. Dismal role in Baah’s goal immediately after the break as he let the attacker waltz round him and into the box from the left.
Junior Firpo – 5
Decent first half but fell apart after the break. Up high early and often as he played a key role in the move that put the Whites ahead and a first-half header went close to scoring from a corner for the second game in succession. But he was out of position as a result for the Baah goal but Struijk should still never have let the Watford man past him so easily, before a lazy pull-back just inside an hour got him booked and suspended for the next game. Far too sloppy after that.
Ao Tanaka – 7
All-action display under far more pressure than last time out but held his own. Developing defensively with every game but still not quite perfect. Tracked men deep into his own half on a number of occasions and wasn’t afraid to throw himself into challenges, even if his tackling technique still needs some work. Tidy on the ball as usual.
Joe Rothwell – 6
Another largely solid performance in the middle if not as assured as the win over the Blades on Friday as he was caught in possession a couple of times. Quiet as the momentum swung after the break.
Brendan Aaronson nets winner from Daniel Bachmann error
Willy Gnonto (off for James ’72) – 7
Excellent first 45 that fell off in a big way after the interval. Inches from doubling the lead immediately after the opener and his deflected cross bamboozled Bachman for Aaronson’s goal. Had Watford defenders on the back foot and went close again on half an hour. Faded significantly after the break and scuffed at a dangerous rebound after Bogle hit the post.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Good game overall and took his chance this time. Great start as he seized on a loose ball in midfield to surge forward and set Gnonto up for a dangerous attempt, and then slotted home just after as the Whites turned the screw early. His energy was useful as the game became more attritional.
Largie Ramazani (off for Solomon ’13) – 7
Eventful early cameo where he looked sharp, scored fortuitously, and then went off hurt after a challenge down the left flank. His goal got Leeds United off to a blistering start, not that he would have expected the shot to be successful. Clattered minutes later and left in pain to give Daniel Farke another injury concern.
Joel Piroe (off for Joseph ’72) – 6
Frustrating night. Much more involved than he was in the Sheffield United victory and pretty good with his all-round work and combination play. But let himself down in front of goal as he squandered the best opportunities. His heavy touch let him down when played in by Gnonto in the first half, and could only pass a tame effort straight at Bachman when an inviting chance fell to him in the second.
Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe poor in front of goal
Substitutions
Manor Solomon (on for Ramazani ’14) (off for Byram ’96) – 4
Disappointing for a Premier League talent. Decent energy but not much impact anywhere for more than an hour from the Tottenham loanee as Leeds United missed Ramazani’s dynamism. Had a few late efforts without really threatening. Outperformed by all three other wide men despite playing the most minutes.
Dan James (on for Gnonto ’72) – 8
Excellent impact off the bench, as he played a key role in creating three big chances. A great through-ball for Bogle was followed by two dangerous crosses, with the second a beauty with the outside of his foot that Joseph had to score but didn’t. Went close with an effort of his own soon after as his introduction turned the pressure back on the visitors to see out the win. Surely starts if Ramazani misses time.
Mateo Joseph (on for Piroe ’72) – 5
Wasted a wonderful chance from James’ cross to nod an unchallenged header straight at Bachman when either side would have settled the game.
Sam Byram (on for Solomon ’96) – 6
In other Leeds United news, a confirmed Whites transfer update has been issued with developments due imminently.
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