Leeds United player ratings v Salford City: Pascal Struijk impacts at both ends, Georginio Rutter disappoints
Leeds United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup via a penalty shoot-out, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Salford City on Tuesday 29 August.
The Whites once again found themselves behind during the first half when Matt Smith headed home in the 34th minute to send the home support into dreamland.
However, Pascal Struijk got the visitors, who had controlled proceedings, back on level terms in the 76th minute, as he bundled the ball home following a free kick. This sent the cup tie to a dreaded penalty shoot-out and after 20 nail-biting penalty kicks, it was the hosts who advanced 9-8 at the expense of Leeds United.
Here are our ratings from the game:
Karl Darlow – 5
Very little to do, couldn’t do much about the goal Leeds conceded. Will be disappointed not to have saved Curtil Tilt’s spot-kick in the shoot-out, mind.
Leo Hjelde – 6
Beaten too easily toward the end of the first half but otherwise looked relatively comfortable.
Charlie Cresswell – 7
Dealt with whatever came his way, not at fault for the goal conceded. Was decent in possession and helped to bring the ball forward from the back.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Very poor for the goal. Gave the ball away initially and then was beaten too easily in the air by Matt Smith. Made a brilliant recovery challenge to make up for it toward the end of the first half. Made amends for his mistake when he bundled in the equaliser in the second half.
Jamie Shackleton – 5
Looked to get forward at times and dealt effectively with what came down his side. Missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out which proved costly.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Pushed further forward and demonstrated his versatility. Tidy in possession while he also filled in defensively when needed.
Archie Gray – 6
Popped up all across the midfield and helped to retain possession. Another relatively impressive performance for the youngster who didn’t do much wrong.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Very unlucky not to score as he hit the post. Caused lots of danger and linked up very well with Wilfried Gnonto. Had another great chance during the first half after being played in by Joe Gelhardt. Unlucky not to score once again in the second half as he saw his shot saved superbly. Overall was quite wasteful.
Wilfried Gnonto – 7
Missed a clear-cut chance in the first half, firing high and wide. However, he was absolutely everywhere and caused lots of danger. Was very unlucky not to have won a penalty at the beginning of the second half. Constantly sent deliveries into the penalty area and looked to create.
Joe Gelhardt – 6
Played a great pass to Summerville in stoppage time during the first half which could have led to a goal. Popped up in some useful positions and linked up well as he tried to impact the game but couldn’t create anything meaningful before being hooked off around the hour mark.
Georginio Rutter – 4
Missed a great headed chance just past the half-hour mark. Also picked up some useful positions but struggled to create anything meaningful. Missed two brilliant chances late on and then a penalty in the shoot-out.
Subs
Sam Greenwood – 5
Unlucky as he saw his free kick hit the crossbar late on.
Luis Sinisterra – 5
Missed a brilliant chance after coming on, as he fired his shot from the middle of the box high over the crossbar.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has reported that a deal for a new midfielder is now dead.