Leeds United player ratings v Plymouth Argyle: Illan Meslier flops in 4/10 shocker
Leeds United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over Plymouth Argyle after extra time at Home Park on Tuesday 6 February.
The Whites were made to work in normal time, but after Illan Meslier had allowed Plymouth Argyle back into the game, three goals in extra time ensured Leeds’ FA Cup journey would continue.
They will now face either Chelsea or Aston Villa away from home in the fifth round of England’s oldest cup competition.
MOT Leeds News rates each player out of 10 following the Whites’ latest victory on the road.
Illan Meslier – 4
His positioning for Plymouth’s equaliser will certainly be called into question as the Frenchman’s list of high-profile mistakes continues to grow. Had it not been for this error, Wilfried Gnonto’s goal might have been enough and Daniel Farke’s side wouldn’t have been forced to play an extra half an hour in poor conditions.
Sam Byram – 8
One of Leeds’ most impressive players on the night. Made a huge goalline clearance during the first half to prevent Plymouth from taking the lead and won the ball high up the pitch in the buildup to Gnonto’s goal.
Junior Firpo – 6
Was caught out of position twice in the first half as Plymouth went close to scoring on both occasions, but improved as the match went on and was more of a presence during the second half.
Joe Rodon – 7
Hardly put a foot wrong defensively but picked up a yellow card as he was forced to pull a Plymouth man down as the home side looked to break.
Liam Cooper – 7
Looked confident alongside Rodon. He was on hand to cut out a Plymouth cross during the first half which could have potentially led to a goalscoring opportunity.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Superb in midfield, made two or three huge tackles in the middle of the park to prevent Plymouth from creating dangerous opportunities and had a moment of brilliance late on as his corner went straight into the back of the net.
Glen Kamara – 6
Worked hard in midfield and grabbed himself an assist but struggled to provide much quality going forward before being hooked off midway through the second half.
Jaidon Anthony – 5
He had a very quiet first half as he struggled to get on the ball. He livened up in the second half and began to see more of the ball higher up the pitch but struggled to provide any quality in the final third.
Wilfried Gnonto – 8
His superb strike opened the scoring as he netted for a second match running in a Leeds shirt. He was lively throughout but struggled to get the better of his fullback at times.
Joel Piroe – 6
He had two great opportunities and rattled the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area, but struggled to provide much influence on the match.
Mateo Joseph – 7
He had the first big chance of the match when he struck the crossbar early in the first half and had another big chance just after half-time when he dragged his shot wide. A positive performance overall from the youngster.
SUBS
Archie Gray (on for Kamara 71′) – 6
Got stuck in when he came on and helped Leeds control the ball in extra time. A cameo appearance which demonstrated his growing presence for the Whites.
Joe Gelhardt (on for Gnonto 71′) – 6
Quiet throughout extra time and did little to influence the match.
Patrick Bamford (on for Mateo Joseph) – 6
Just like Gelhardt, it was a quiet cameo for Bamford after his third-round heroics.
Georginio Rutter (on for Anthony 82′) – 7
Got himself on the scoresheet from the bench and provided a threat for Farke throughout extra time.
Crysencio Summerville (on for Byram 93′) – 9
His moment of magic inspired Leeds to a big victory, a constant threat during extra-time in a cameo performance which stole the show at Home Park.
In other Leeds United news, the club have banked a helpful cash boost.
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