Leeds United player ratings: Willy Gnonto has 3/10 stinker, 7/10 best of bad lot v Huddersfield Town
Leeds United saw their winning run in the Championship come to an end as they were held 1-1 by Huddersfield Town.
The Whites entered Saturday’s (2 March) contest at John Smith’s Stadium on a remarkable nine-game winning streak in the league to begin 2024.
However, Michael Helik fired Huddersfield in front shortly before half-time to stun the visitors.
Town had Jonathan Hogg sent off for two yellow cards and Patrick Bamford did manage to level up the scoreline, but there was to be no winner for Daniel Farke’s men.
MOT Leeds News rates the performance of each player out of 10, using data provided by WhoScored and Sofascore.
Illan Meslier – 6
Many will question if he could have done better to push away the initial save from Matty Pearson’s header, which allowed a simple finish for Helik, but that would be a harsh assessment. Made five saves in total.
Archie Gray – 7
Another impressive showing from the youngster, who was reverted back to defence, even if Leeds were unable to keep a clean sheet. Produced a superb defensive intervention in the first half and also showed the occasional attacking glimpse before making way. His six tackles where double that of anyone else.
Joe Rodon – 5
The Wales international will be hugely frustrated at the manner in which his side conceded, but this was by no means a bad game on a personal level. Led the way for both interceptions (two) and clearances (three).
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Attempted a remarkable 107 passes and completed all but 10 of those. Also produced a couple of clearances, but like Rodon he will be disappointed to have switched off when defending the Town goal.
Junior Firpo – 4
Lively down the left-hand flank prior to being replaced as he put five crossed into the box. The problem is that only two found a team-mate, and Roberts bagged an assist after coming on to show him how it is done.
Ilia Gruev – 4
The midfielder was a major fitness doubt before the match and that perhaps told as he had an off-day. Lost possession four times and, while both he and Leeds did improve, the passing accuracy was not quite at his usual levels.
Glen Kamara – 5
Gave Leeds control early in the second half when they went all out for an equaliser. However, it was clear a more attacking approach was needed and he was sacrificed a little over an hour in.
Willy Gnonto – 3
Had a couple of attempts but could not trouble the Huddersfield goalkeeper. Has so often been a difference-maker for Leeds during their winning run, but just did not have the magic touch here as he departed without any notable involvement, while also gave away needless free-kicks.
Georginio Rutter – 5
Got visibly frustrated at times and, while he did offer the odd occasional moment of quality, he was another Leeds attacker who just was not at the races. In fact, all three of his attempts were off target and he did not create any chances, although his four dribbles were the highest figure on the day.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Incredibly unlucky when hitting the frame of the goal late on. Did not score or assist, but he did get another shot on target, created a team-high two key chances and was heavily involved with 65 touches.
Patrick Bamford – 7
Was having a quiet time of things before he scored with a poacher’s finish thanks to some nice play from Connor Roberts. That was his first and only attempt of the game – as efficient as you like, even if it was not his best afternoon.
Subs
Connor Roberts – 7
Introduced in the 62nd minute and assisted Bamford’s equaliser five minutes later. The attacking full-back was brought on for his ability to make something happen in the final third, and he did just that.
Joel Piroe – 4
Given 30 minutes or so up top but did little of note. Definitely not as effective as the player that we saw at Swansea City.
Daniel James – 4
Got 10 crosses into the box – remarkable considering he came on with more than an hour played – but only two found a team-mate. Also unsuccessful from any dribbles.
In other Leeds United news, Jason Cundy slammed the Whites live on talkSPORT.
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