Jayden Bogle sublime, 9/10 baffles – Leeds United player ratings vs Nottingham Forest
Leeds United coasted to a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Heading into the relegation six-pointer with Forest, Leeds were handed a huge boost with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s availability, having been the subject of injury rumours on deadline day, and that boost certainly paid off.
Jayden Bogle opened the scoring after 26 minutes, with Noah Okafor doubling Leeds’ advantage just four minutes later.
Calvert-Lewin then got himself on the score sheet after a ball into the box from Ilia Gruev, to make sure of all three points early in the second half.
The win takes Leeds nine points clear of the bottom three, with two of those sides set to face off against each other on Saturday.
Jayden Bogle shines in six-pointer
Bogle scored the opener after making a tremendous run in behind the Forest defence, before composing himself in front of goal to roll the ball beyond Stefan Ortega.
However, it wasn’t just his goal that fired Leeds to victory at Elland Road; it was his entire performance from the back to the front.
Bogle’s passing was pinpoint throughout the night, and his ability to get up and down the right flank proved crucial when it came to containing Forest’s counter-attacking threat.
The 25-year-old completed 91 per cent of his attempted passes, completed four tackles, and won 63 per cent of his defensive duels.
Another fine display from the former Blades man, only topped off by his first Premier League goal for the Whites.
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Ilia Gruev stuns Elland Road, but in a good way
Gruev has started 12 times for the Whites this season, and very rarely has he showcased the quality to showcase that level of gametime.
However, on this occasion, he did, and he did so by offering a lot more going forward than he ever has before.
Gurev assisted Bogle and Calvert-Lewin with their goals, but also showcased the defensive solidity he provides when teams are looking to hit Leeds on the transition.
Given what so many of us became accustomed to in a typical Gruev performance, the level of quality on display from him today was quite baffling, and that is the best compliment you could give to him.
It’s his place to lose now.
Leeds player ratings
Karl Darlow – 7
Jayden Bogle – 9 (for Bornauw 96′)
James Justin – 8
Joe Rodon – 8
Pascal Struijk – 8
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 8
Brenden Aaronson – 7 – (for James 78′)
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Ilia Gruev – 9
Noah Okafor – 8 (for Longstaff 82′)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
Subs
Dan James – N/A (for Aaronson 78′)
Sean Longstaff – N/A (for Okafor 82′)
Sebastian Bornauw – N/A (for Bogle 96′)