By Anthony Onifade

4th Oct, 2023 | 9:42pm

Jaidon Anthony anonymous, Ethan Ampadu shines - Leeds United player ratings v Queens Park Rangers

Leeds United clinched all three points at Elland Road in a comfortable 1-0 Championship win over Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday (4 October).

The Whites saw their six-game unbeaten run come to an end after a 3-1 defeat to Southampton at the weekend and were keen to bounce back quickly on home turf and they achieved just that with a consummate display

Crysencio Summerville bagged his second Championship goal of the campaign and the only goal of the game to ensure Leeds United returned to the top six in the league table with 16 points from their opening ten games.

QPR rarely troubled the Leeds United defence who looked comfortable and dominant all evening and saw goalkeeper Asmir Begovic sent off in injury time after he felled Patrick Bamford who was through on goal.

Here is how MOT Leeds News rated the performance of every Whites ace in the game this evening.

Illan Meslier – 6

Was a mere spectator in the Leeds United goal for most of the game as the Whites dominated possession so well and the defenders did their bit. There was no real threat that called the Frenchman into action until the closing minutes with a superb last-ditch block to stop Lyndon Dykes grabbing an equaliser.

However, in terms of his distribution, he completed over 80 per cent of his passes and had a decent accuracy with his long passes as well [Sofascore].

Luke Ayling – 6

If Ayling had the ability to compose his game and showcase a better pausa, he’d be a sensational attacking full-back component but his all-action and frantic style continues to be his unfortunate downfall. One instant at the end of the first half when Anthony’s deflected strike fell to him in the box only for his poor first touch which allowed the ball to trickle away from him. It was a great opening.

Joe Rodon – 7

Leeds United fans will have been relieved to see Rodon back in Farke’s starting eleven and he was at his dogged and assured best at the heart of the Whites defence as he barely gave the QPR attack a sniff in a dominant display. Survived an injury scare when he suffered a heavy blow to his arm but rallied on to deliver another masterful showing in defence, winning four of his duels, completing over 90% of his passes and dribbled past zero times.

Pascal Struijk – 7

The Whites registered four clean sheets in a row before the Southampton defeat and it would be cruel to deny Struijk his role in those shutouts and he was crucial again this evening in a dominant display alongside Rodon. Missed a guilt-edged chance late in the second half which would have been the icing on an easy cake.

Sam Byram – 6

Didn’t have much to do on the night but like his defensive teammates, it was a fairly comfortable evening. When Byram needed to deal with the opposition threat, he did with such an assuredness and meticulous edge that certainly makes him a crucial component in this Farke team. Not the flashiest of performers but does his job with such grand aplomb.

Ethan Ampadu – 9

Mr midfield fantastic. Ampadu as he’s so regularly done during his short career at Elland Road kept things ticking over with sublime passes and vision which certainly reminded the Leeds United faithful of the days when they were enjoying the flawless displays of Kalvin Phillips at the heart of the midfield. Won nine of his total duels, dribbled past zero times, registered one key pass and completed five of his long balls while successfully completing over 80% of his passes.

Midfield masterclass.

Archie Gray – 7

Leeds United have a thrilling midfield prospect on their hands in Archie Gray, a player devastatingly effective in all phases of play. Composed and assured when playing out from the back, aggressive and rugged when winning duels in the midfield and a nuisance when pressing from the front and providing some thrust and cutting edge in chance creation. At 17 years old he’s running the Elland Road show, already looks like the complete midfield package. Scary.

Jaidon Anthony – 4

A largely ineffective showing from the Bournemouth loanee. His first start will have been his opportunity to stake a claim in Farke’s first eleven but he failed to grab that with both hands. Did incredibly well to dribble out of tight spots and carry his team up the pitch on numerous occasions but that was just about it. Must do better next time.

Crysencio Summerville – 7

Summerville is playing with great confidence in a Leeds United shirt and remains one of Farke’s most glamourous footballers amongst a whole host of talents and it showed as he took his goal like a seasoned pro.

His speed, non-stop running, tenacity, dribbling qualities and deceptive movement on the ball is a crucial weapon for Leeds, especially in Wilfried Gnonto’s absence. Still needs to slow his game down a little at times but his threat in the final third is clear for every Leeds United fan to see.

Georginio Rutter – 7

Rutter has looked absolutely superb in recent weeks, registering two goals and two assists from his eight goals before the QPR game and he registered his third with a sublime pass for Summerville’s opener. The Frenchman is in the form of his life and that’s certainly down to the role Farke has him in playing in. He’s performing with freedom, confidence and an aura that makes him well worth the £30m outlay.

Joel Piroe – 5

A very quiet afternoon for the Leeds United man who simply could not get into the game in an anonymous performance but such is Piroe’s brilliance and expertise at this level, that he will take it in all in his stride and improve in his next outing. Even the best of strikers have an off-day and Piroe is amongst that prestigious list.

Substitutes

Patrick Bamford (on for Piroe 65′) – 6

Looked sharp when he came on for Piroe and will be incredibly crucial when the former Swansea City man has an off-day like tonight. A wonderful backup option to have.

Daniel James (on for Anthony 65′) – 6

Provided much-needed energy and enthusiasm when brought on but will it be enough to claim a start against Bristol City on Saturday?

Ian Poveda (on for Summerville 80′) – N/A

Charlie Cresswell (on for Rutter 90+10′) N/A

In other Leeds United news, journalist Graham Smyth says the actions of a player against Southampton “was not a good look”.