Leeds United player ratings v Coventry: Willy Gnonto stars as Mateo Joseph struggles
Leeds United cruised to victory with ease as they beat Coventry City 3-0 at Elland Road on Saturday 28 September.
Willy Gnonto opened the scoring for the Whites within the first 20 minutes after a sublime strike was coolly placed into the top corner.
The second came courtesy of Jayden Bogle in the 47th minute who, thanks to an inch-perfect ball from Largie Ramazani, managed to bypass Ben Wilson’s gloves.
The third was yet another goal from Joel Piroe who managed to bag a poachers finish which proves why Leeds are happy with their attack as it is [Ben Jacobs, 28 September].
The West Yorkshire outfit dominated proceedings throughout and never looked like dropping points throughout the 90 minutes.
Here, MOT Leeds News rated each player out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 6
Hardly anything to do in the first half with Coventry failing to even have a shot in the first 45 minutes, the second half was very much the same but the Frenchman made a great save in the dying embers of the game and managed to tip Brandon Thomas-Asante’s effort over the bar.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Solid start, managed to pick up a fair few loose balls, was very strong in attack, and even managed to get his name on the scoresheet after running down the right-hand side of the pitch after receiving a near-perfect pass from Ramazani.
Joe Rodon – 7
Didn’t have the best of starts, almost collided with Struijk in the first 10 minutes, seemed a bit shakey but did help start the attack that put Leeds 1-0 up. Managed to get himself booked in the 76th minute after stopping a Coventry break.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Tried his best to create something from Leeds’ set pieces but had a fairly poor showing and didn’t get his foot behind the ball enough.
Junior Firpo – 8 (off for Byram 82′)
Very good start, constantly up and down the wing and even managed to assist Gnonto after a perfectly placed first-time pass, has really made the left-back spot his own since the start of the season and more than lived up to the “terrific” status Bryn Law lauded him with [LUTV, 28 September].
Illia Gruev – 7
Much better game than against Cardiff, felt in control of the ball and helped shore up Leeds’ defensive line, poor free-kick that went straight into the wall two minutes in. Also had a long-range effort but failed to get it on target.
Ethan Ampadu – 7 (off for Tanaka 40′)
Strong start. Swept up a couple of Leeds’ mistakes and was there when Struijk and Rodon almost collided. Went in for a massive challenge and managed to win the ball but paid for it as he had to come off in the 40th minute due to injury.
Willy Gnonto shines for Leeds United
Largie Ramazani – 8 (off for Piroe 70′)
Didn’t create much in the first half but did manage to have the odd shot here and there, massive contrast between his last game against Cardiff. Managed to turn things around in the second half and assist Bogle to get Leeds’ second with an inch-perfect pass.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Involved in most attacks and was the pass before the assist to Gnonto’s opener. Lead a couple of counter-attacks and almost got his own name on the scoresheet on multiple occasions.
Willy Gnonto – 9 (off for Schmidt 82′)
Made sure he was in all the right places, pivotal in the Whites’ attack, and was pulled down a couple of times, scored Leeds’ first goal, and had a say in all three goals even getting himself an assist for the third.
Mateo Joseph – 6 (off for Joe Rothwell 82′)
Was probably the weakest player in Leeds’ attack, didn’t have the best of games once again, and had a say in a couple of the attacks but nothing of any consequence to Coventry.
Substitutions
Ao Tanaka (on for Ampadu 40′) – 7
Didn’t have much to do as Leeds were fairly dominant throughout the clash, however, he did manage to hold his own when faced with pressure from the opposition, sent a beautiful ball over the top of Coventry’s defence towards Gnonto who then set up Leeds’ third.
Joel Piroe (on for Ramazani 70′) – 7
Scored Leeds’ third to take his total in the Championship to three this season. Perfect ball to his feet from Gnonto and managed to finish the ball with style.
Sam Byram (on for Firpo 82′) – N/A
Isaac Schmidt (on for Gnonto 82′) – N/A
Joe Rothwell (on for Joseph 82′) – N/A
In other Leeds news, a Whites ace was hailed as “terrific” after what he did against Coventry.
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