Leeds United player ratings: 8/10 Jaidon Anthony the star as 2/10 Joel Piroe stinks v Chelsea
Leeds United fought to a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk matched by a brace from Mateo Joseph before Conor Gallagher won it.
An early goal from Joseph put the visitors ahead, but Farke’s side led for just eight minutes before Jackson put Chelsea back on level terms and Mykhailo Mudryk sent the Blues into half-time in the lead.
Joseph scored his second goal shortly after half-time with a low header from the edge of the six-yard box to equalise. It was a brilliant second-half display from Leeds who put Chelsea to the sword, but a late goal from Gallagher sealed it for the Blues.
Leeds United knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea
MOT Leeds News has rated each player’s performance out of 10…
Illan Meslier – 4
The Leeds shot-stopper should have done much better with the first goal, and arguably for the second too. Jackson was able to turn the ball in from a tight angle through the keeper’s legs and the Frenchman will be disappointed with that.
Connor Robers – 4
With Archie Gray moving into midfield, Roberts was handed the opportunity to impress at right-back and failed to make the most of that chance. The alternating pair of Mudryk and Noni Madueke got the better of him, especially in the first half, and he switched off for the second goal.
Liam Cooper – 5
Cooper failed to track the run of Jackson for the opening goal which put Leeds on the back foot not long after their opening goal, but his second-half display made up for the error. With three tackles and four clearances, he did his job well.
Joe Rodon – 7
Rodon was a constant roadblock in the way of the Chelsea attack, with his security in possession also standing out despite a sloppy performance from his teammates. A 95 per cent passing accuracy and 100 per cent long pass accuracy stood out on the night. [Sofascore]
Junior Firpo – 5
In a similar display to his opposite full-back, Firpo struggled to deal with the alternating Chelsea wingers, often getting caught high by an overlapping run and struggling to make a difference when going forward.
However, he stepped up alongside his teammates after half-time, with four tackles and one key pass, but ultimately it was not enough.
Archie Gray – 8
The youngster registered a key pass, competed in six duels and attempted three dribbles, with a 93 per cent pass accuracy in what proved a frustrating result for the visitors, but he has earned plenty of praise for yet another strong display. [Sofascore]
Ethan Ampadu – 7
As he has done so often at Elland Road this season, Ampadu provided a screen in front of the defence, breaking up play and making interceptions to ease the pressure on the back line. It was a very important display from the former Chelsea man.
Jaidon Anthony – 8
Two assists on the night for the winger saw what was one of his best Leeds performances in terms of end product, finding Mateo Joseph with the second cross which was especially impressive.
Those assists came alongside eight crosses, five dribbles, two clearances, two tackles, and two big chances created, it was an excellent display. [Sofascore]
Daniel James – 5
His constant running and pressure in behind the Chelsea defence caused problems and provided Leeds with an outlet. While his final ball may not always have been perfect, his presence caused constant issues for the home side.
Joel Piroe – 2
Although it was a difficult game against Premier League opposition, Piroe could have used this as his chance to get back in the first-team at Leeds.
However, with just 19 passes completed, giving the ball away 13 times, failing to hit the target with a single shot and only three of nine duels won, the striker failed to make an impact. [Sofascore]
Mateo Joseph – 8
The perfect way for the striker to score his first and second-ever senior goals for Leeds, as he made the difference in the key moments in a game with the magnitude of Leeds v Chelsea in the FA Cup – it’s just a shame it wasn’t enough for a result.
Subs
Crysencio Summerville – 5
Wilfried Gnonto – 6
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke was hit with a key blow before the game.
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