Joel Piroe stinks again, Sam Byram shines – Leeds United player ratings v Bristol City
Leeds United head back north frustrated following an uninspiring 0-0 draw at Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday [26 October].
Daniel Farke’s side were not able to connect in attack and rarely threatened despite dominating large spells of possession.
A wasteful display will have Farke tearing his hair out having potentially lost further ground towards the top of the Championship, despite remaining organised defensively.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the players out of 10 for their performances at Ashton Gate.
Illan Meslier – 6
Dealt with set pieces, but didn’t have any real saves to make as Leeds dominated further up the pitch. The Frenchman’s long passes rarely found his intended target, but he swept up well and acted as the fifth defender in possession.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Always keen to get forward, and put a chance into the side netting before the break from an acute angle, but was caught defensively at times including the clip on Armstrong for his booking.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Organised as usual alongside Rodon at the back, was dominant in the air and made his defensive contribution when sporadically called upon.
Joe Rodon – 7
Like Struijk, maintained an organisation at the back which will in turn have helped Meslier behind them. Had plenty of touches, helped move the ball up to the creative men, and forced a header on target in the first half.
Sam Byram fulfilled his task for Leeds United
Sam Byram – 8
Came into the side and put in an encouraging display, considering he was in for Junior Firpo and chosen ahead of Isaac Schmidt. Won duels, and got forward as often as possible in supply. The occasional error in judgement, but in the main, gave Bristol City something to think about.
Joe Rothwell – 7
Used his experience well in the middle of the park, and provided a great set-piece outlet. Not everything found a teammate, but he has that crucial nous at this level to ensure stability in midfield.
Ao Tanaka – 6
Showed glimmers of the class Leeds fans have become quickly accustomed to. Was not quite at the level of previous games since arriving in England, but a steady performance.
Dan James – 5
Was one of two players to come into the starting XI along with Byram. Quiet in the first half, and gave the ball away several times. On top of this, he should have likely scored when throwing away two good chances.
Leeds United hugely wasteful in attack
Brenden Aaronson – 4
Struggled to perform to his full capabilities, and rarely created anything for the Bristol City defence to worry about. Lost five of his seven tackles and did not execute one attempted dribble as much of the game passed him by.
Wilfried Gnonto (off for Patrick Bamford 85′) – 7
Provided his usual threat in the first half, forced O’Leary into his first save of the afternoon and sprayed passes upfield which usually came off. Every opponent knows the young Italian’s talent – not many can limit it too well, and his big chance was cleared off the line.
Joel Piroe (off for Mateo Joseph 70′) – 3
Appears to be far more effective when introduced from the bench than as a consistent starter, which will disappoint him on his clear chance offered by Farke. Offered zero threat, had one shot blocked from outside the area, and lost four of his six duels.
Substitutes
Mateo Joseph (on for Joel Piroe 70′) – 5
Almost scored with his first touch with a header from Byram’s tidy setup. Is looking to make a case to earn his place back from Piroe, whom he replaced. No real service otherwise.
Manor Solomon (on for Dan James 71′) – 4
Quiet when he came on, could not improve on a disjointed attacking performance from the team.
Patrick Bamford (on for Wilfried Gnonto 85′) – 5
His role in this Leeds side has diminished over quite some time.
In other Leeds news, Ross McCormack makes a bold declaration over one Elland Road signing.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.