Leeds United player ratings v Norwich City: Archie Gray has 3/10 shocker, star man gets 8/10
Leeds United played out an uneventful goalless draw against Norwich City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The Whites sprung a selection surprise for Sunday’s (12 May) game at Carrow Road as Georginio Rutter was brought in to lead the line, with Archie Gray selected in an advanced position.
However, Leeds had just two attempts on target all afternoon – still one more than their opponents – in a result that leaves the second leg wide open.
MOT Leeds News rates the performance of each visiting player out of 10, using data supplied by WhoScored.
Joe Rodon superb at the back for Leeds United
Illan Meslier – 6
Made just one save of note in what was a quiet game in goal. Distribution was lacking and that can often send out a nervous energy to his colleagues, but ultimately kept a clean sheet.
Sam Byram – 7
Another who more than played his part in a solid defensive display from the Whites. His five tackles were two more than any other visiting player as he more than got the better of his duel down that flank.
Joe Rodon – 8
An absolute rock at the back, as ever. Norwich did not create an awful lot, but he was alert to everything and was deserving of the clean sheet. A combined five clearances and interceptions was a Leeds high on the day.
Ethan Ampadu – 7.5
So incredibly composed on the ball, completing just short of 99 per cent of his passes. Did not have a single clearance or blocked shot to make, which says more about Norwich’s lack of attacking threat.
Junior Firpo – 7
Did what was asked of him defensively, which has not always been the case, with nobody bettering his three interceptions. Did next to nothing in an attacking sense, although you wonder if that was part of Daniel Farke’s instructions.
Glen Kamara – 5
Hard to choose between the two sides in terms of the midfield battle, with Kamara summing that up nicely with some good moments and some less so. His 82 touches were bettered only by Rodon’s 90, showing he remains key to getting this Leeds side going.
Ilia Gruev – 5
Completed 91 per cent of his passes, which sounds high but is slightly down on his previous highs this season. Conceded double the number of fouls than any team-mate (four) as he tried to break up play in a mixed performance.
Archie Gray underwhelming in Norwich City draw
Willy Gnonto – 5
Just could not really get going, although he did almost win Leeds a penalty in the first half in the most contentious call of the game. Completed only one dribble, which shows he was not quite at it.
Archie Gray – 3
Given he has spent most of the season in defence, it cannot be easy for Gray to flip into attack mode. Was ultimately asked to create today, though, and yet he registered no key chances, completed no dribbles and, well, did not do much of anything in an attacking sense. Four unsuccessful touches was also a joint-high.
Crysencio Summerville – 6
Played a couple of key passes as he desperately tried to make something happen, but the truth is that if he is not fully at it then Leeds lack in the final third. Was fouled three times as Norwich’s defenders did a job on him.
Georginio Rutter – 4
It was a big call from Farke to go with Rutter up top, and it ultimately did not really pay off – unless the 0-0 draw can be considered a positive, in which case the German will be happy. Tried to hold up play but was fouled three times on a frustrating day.
In other Leeds United news, Rutter was slammed by a Sky Sports pundit for something he did against Norwich.
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