Leeds player ratings v Watford – James MOTM in 9/10, 5/10 Ampadu struggles
Leeds United increased their automatic promotion hopes with a 4-0 win over Watford on Tuesday.
Daniel Farke made ten changes to his starting line-up but two goals from Dan James and strikes from Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe gave the Whites a commanding victory at Vicarage Road (11 February).
The Elland Road outfit are eight points clear of third-place Burnley, who host Hull City on 12 February after the dominant win away from home.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the performances of each United player out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 6
A quiet night for the French goalkeeper with the hosts only attempting one shot on target in the whole contest, accuracy with the ball at his feet was impressive, overall, a very solid night for the under-fire stopper.
Jayden Bogle – 6
A typically defensively solid performance from the former Sheffield United man but a quiet attacking display by his usual standards.
Joe Rodon – 8
A Brilliant performance from the former Tottenham man, was essentially as the Whites built out from the back and imperious in the air as Watford tried to threaten.
Ampadu struggles despite victory
Ethan Ampadu – 5 (off for Struijk, 87)
Solid in build-up from the back like Rodon but was nowhere near his centre back partner when it came to defensive dominance but he is naturally a central midfielder so can be excused in that regard.
Junior Firpo – 7
A force going forward and defensively, a very impressive performance from the Dominican full-back who notched an assist for Solomon’s strike.
Ao Tanaka – 7 (off for Rothwell, 81)
A typically assured performance from the Japan international as he constantly recovered the ball and progressed the Whites forward in search of more goals.
Ilia Gruev – 6
The Bulgarian midfielder has only just returned from injury so can be excused for a performance that was not up to standard as he was beaten regularly in ground duels.
Dan James shines again for Leeds United
Dan James – 9 (off for Gnonto, 77)
The Welshman shined again for Leeds with a stunning performance and put his side in control of the contest and could have had a hat-trick on another occasion.
Brenden Aaronson- 7
The American attacking midfielder constantly created chances and put in an excellent shift defensively as he regularly won the ball back and drove his side forward.
Manor Solomon – 8 (off for Ramazani, 77)
The Tottenham loanee notched a goal and an assist in another fantastic display as he provided a regular outlet for his teammates.
Joel Piroe – 8 (off for Joseph, 81)
A really well taken goal to put the result beyond doubt and an assist for James’ second strike of the night as he constantly hassled the Hornets’ defence.
Substitutes:
Largie Ramazani – N/A (on for Solomon, 77)
Wilfried Gnonto – N/A (on for James, 77)
Joe Rothwell – N/A (on for Tanaka, 81)
Mateo Joseph – N/A (on for Piroe, 81)
Pascal Struijk – N/A (on for Ampadu, 87)