Leeds United player ratings v Sunderland: Ilia Gruev terrible, Struijk 10/10
Leeds United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Monday, having come from 1-0 down to win it at the death.
Daniel Farke‘s side dominated the early proceedings without much cut-through after two Illan Meslier saves, but Sunderland soon caught them cold and Wilson Isidor turned Ethan Ampadu to fire in the opener.
After half-time, United pressed even further forward with Brenden Aaronson and Ao Tanaka lashing wide, but finally found the equaliser through Pascal Struijk’s close-range header, and it was Struijk who popped up again at the death to win it; both of his goals being set up by crosses from Joe Rothwell.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the performances of each United player out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 6
Made an impressive double-save early on to deny Jobe Bellingham and then Patrick Roberts after Leeds were caught out on the break. Came to close down Isidor for Sunderland’s goal but could do nothing about it, however did save well from Trai Hume and Roberts’ efforts early in the second half.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Caught out of position as Le Fee ran in behind to create an early Sunderland chance, but bailed out by Meslier. Got forward at will thereafter and was one of Leeds’ most dangerous attackers either side of being booked late in the first half after scything down Bellingham, seeing a blocked shot saved by Patterson at the death.
Joe Rodon – 5
Solid early on and picked out several good passes forward, but played Isidor onside in the lead-up to the opener, keeping the Black Cats at arm’s length thereafter.
Ethan Ampadu – 4
Beaten all ends up by Isidor for Sunderland’s opener, being turned like a screw as the Frenchman rolled in for 1-0, and while no such errors came again, Ampadu only looked assured once he stepped into midfield.
Junior Firpo (off for Sam Byram, 92′) – 4
Drew a roar from the crowd with important challenges 15 minutes in, albeit these came when he was well out of position on the right-hand side. Looked to get forward as ever, but often didn’t put himself in a good place to pass to, and was shown a late booking for pulling back ex-Leeds man Ian Poveda.
Pascal Struijk proves pivotal for Leeds United v Sunderland
Ao Tanaka (off for Pascal Struijk, 71′) – 6
Made a superb intervention to cut out a pass which would have played Bellingham clean through on goal, and then saw a good strike blocked from the edge of the box. Shown a yellow card on the half-hour mark after clipping Dan Neil late, then went close with a curled effort just wide before being taken off midway through the second period.
Ilia Gruev (off for Joe Rothwell, 71′) – 4
Struggled to really impose himself on the game and his deliveries from crucial set-pieces was very hit-and-miss. Did allow Tanaka the licence to roam forward with freedom, but both were hooked with 20 to go.
Daniel James – 6
Surging runs aplenty down the right continuously threatened to do damage, winning one free-kick right on the edge of the area after Bogle’s ball forward. Had Leeds’ first shot on target of the match after cutting inside off the left, and saw a header cleared off the line.
Brenden Aaronson (off for Mateo Joseph, 79′) – 4
Sent a left-footed volley looping over the bar from Piroe’s flick after United caught Sunderland out at the back, and did similar in the second, becoming less and less effective in the final third despite another industrious display.
Manor Solomon (off for Largie Ramazani, 79′) – 5
Left in a heap out wide after being clattered in a fair 50-50 challenge by Hume, but was eventually back to his feet and back running at the Sunderland defence, sending a low strike into Anthony Patterson’s gloves after a one-two with Firpo but being largely kept at arm’s length before his withdrawal.
Joel Piroe – 5
Did his best to be industrious and link up with his attacking midfielders up front, but was often crowded out by the visitors’ towering defence. Tested Patterson with a venomous second-half strike, which stung the Sunderland keeper’s palms, and saw further efforts from the edge of the box blocked.
Substitutes:
Joe Rothwell (on for Ilia Gruev, 71′) – 8 – Put in an absolute peach of a free-kick into the box for Struijk to glance his header home – combining with his fellow substitute perfectly – and did the same from Leeds’ corner beyond added time as the Dutchman won it for the hosts.
Pascal Struijk (on for Ao Tanaka, 71′) – 10 – In the right place at the right time to head in and equalise from close range, having come on to push Ampadu into midfield. Popped up once again to win it right at the death, with another bullet header from another Rothwell cross
Mateo Joseph (on for Brenden Aaronson, 79′) – 7 – A pressing machine up from in the latter stages, but the ball just wouldn’t break for him to get any shots on goal
Largie Ramazani (on for Manor Solomon, 79′) – 6 – Cut inside as Solomon did to fire a shot goalwards, and saw the subsequent block
Sam Byram (on for Junior Firpo, 92′) – N/A