Joel Piroe has stinker as teammates shine — Leeds United player ratings v Preston
Leeds United beat Preston North End 2-1 in the Championship on Saturday, with Joel Piroe letting his teammates down at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s team hosted PNE on 12 April, and the hosts needed the three points to regain their place at the top of the table.
The Whites took an early lead through Manor Solomon, but Kaine Kesler-Hayden quickly cancelled it, with Jayden Bogle then finding the back against Paul Heckingbottom’s team.
Junior Firpo also struggled at Elland Road, being a liability in the opening 45 minutes and unable to grow into the game after the break.
Here, MOT Leeds News have given their player ratings for the match:
Bogle stands out in defence for Leeds v Preston
Karl Darlow – 7
Darlow commanded his area admirably, giving the Whites’ defence confidence, something that has been missing from Illan Meslier in recent weeks. The Welshman pulled off a brilliant save at the start of the second half but made a baffling error by handling the ball outside the box to give the visitors a free kick.
Jayden Bogle – 9
Bogle was brilliant on both ends of the pitch, doing his work defensively, contributing up front, scoring for the hosts, and putting in some threatening crosses. The right-back constantly ran up and down the pitch, being pivotal on both ends of the pitch.
Joe Rodon – 7
Rodon was calm and composed on the ball, confidently circulating possession at the back. The centre-back was defensively astute, winning most of his challenges.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Ampadu was also comfortable with the ball at his feet, forming a brilliant partnership with Rodon to keep Preston off the ball and maintaining control for the hosts, but he picked up a yellow card late in the game.
Junior Firpo – 4
Firpo was the weak link in defence for the West Yorkshire outfit and was at fault for PNE’s first goal. The 28-year-old was caught out defensively on a few occasions.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 29 | 3 | 9 |
Ao Tanaka – 5
Tanaka was his robust self in the middle of the park for the Peacocks, but the Japan international failed to win several of his duels and couldn’t stamp his authority on the game.
Ilia Gruev – 3
Gruev was highly involved in the final third for the Whites, creating multiple chances, getting an assist and doing his defensive duties diligently.
Piroe wasteful in Leeds v Preston
Willy Gnonto (subbed for Isaac Schmidt in 80th minute ) – 6
Gnonto was lively on the right wing for Farke’s team, constantly pestering Preston’s defence, but the Italian national couldn’t take some of the opportunities presented to him.
Brenden Aaronson (subbed for Patrick Bamford in 80th minute ) – 7
Aaronson was a creative force for the Peacocks and helped link the midfield with the attack, but could’ve done better with chances to find the back of the net.
Manor Solomon (subbed for Sam Byram in 90th minute ) – 9
Solomon was the standout star for the Whites at Elland Road, scoring and providing an assist in the first half. The forward continued to be a constant threat after the break but was a bit quiet.
Joel Piroe – 4
Piroe could’ve been Leeds’ best player on another day but missed a number of opportunities to score, hitting the woodwork once. The Dutchman was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet but should’ve done better.
Substitutes:
Patrick Bamford – 5
Isaac Schmidt – 5
Sam Byram – N/A