Joel Piroe stinker with 2/10, Illan Meslier MOTM gets 8/10 – Leeds United player ratings v Leicester City
Leeds United completed a stunning comeback at Elland Road to earn a huge 3-1 win over Leicester City and move to within six points of top spot in the Championship.
The Whites fell behind early in the first-half when Patson Daka flicked on a corner to the back post for Wout Faes to nod into an empty net, leaving Leeds to rue big missed chances from Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto either side of it.
Leicester controlled much of the second half and had a second goal controversially ruled out for offside, but Daniel Farke’s side couldn’t conjure up any sustained pressure.
But with 11 minutes to go the ball broke to substitute Connor Roberts in the box for him to drill a low strike into the corner for an equaliser. Then just minutes later Archie Gray smashed a left-footed strike that deflected twice and into the net.
Dan James rounded off the 3-1 victory with a powerful free-kick in stoppage time.
Sensational Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier – 8/10
Meslier had a terrific performance between the sticks despite the result. Some huge saves at 1-0 down to keep the team competitive and could do nothing about the goal.
Archie Gray – 6/10
A real lesson for the 17-year-old as Stephy Mavididi ran him ragged all night. His play in possession wasn’t as secure as usual and defensively he just couldn’t cope with the winger. But what a time to open your account with a winning goal.
Joe Rodon – 4/10
Rodon has been a fantastic signing this season, but he really struggled in this game. In possession he was sloppy, got booked early which saw him struggle in duels and was dragged out of position too often.
Ethan Ampadu – 5/10
His ability on the ball and in tight spaces was severely missed in midfield in this game. It was the first time Leeds have lacked his presence and he wasn’t able to influence the game nearly as much as he would’ve liked.
Junior Firpo – 4/10
A tough night for the left-back as he failed to really combine with Summerville down the wing, while defensively he found himself struggling to deal with Abdul Fatawu.
Ilia Gruev – 4/10
The Bulgarian has been in great form recently but his safe passing really didn’t help to break down a stubborn Leicester team in this game. Didn’t help to stop the transitions enough either.
Glen Kamara – 3/10
Kamara was probably lucky to play all 90 minutes because his usual energy and steel wasn’t there tonight, but defensively was solid towards the end to help seal the points.
Wilfried Gnonto – 4/10
Gnonto started the game really well with direct running and pace, but his decision making was poor for the majority of the night. One instance in particular really let him down where he should have shot but didn’t, and it summed up his night.
Georginio Rutter – 7/10
A really tough first 45 minutes saw Rutter struggle to get anything going, but he was persistent in his dribbling and creativity and got his rewards with his involvement in the goals. What a player.
Crysencio Summerville – 4/10
As great as he has been this season, it was a slow night for Summerville at Elland Road. Leicester doubled up on him with Ricardo Pereira and Hamza Choudhury and he struggled to get anything going.
Stinker for Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe – 2/10
The Dutch striker got the nod up front again despite Patrick Bamford being fit enough to be involved, but he was shocking. Missed a huge chance at 0-0 and did little to influence the game before being hauled off just after the hour.
SUBSTITUTES
Patrick Bamford – 5/10
Daniel James – 7/10
Connor Roberts – 6/10
Jaidon Anthony – N/A
In other Leeds news, the Whites want to sign an attacking sensation from this British club.
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