Leeds United v Southampton player ratings: Joel Piroe anonymous as Whites miss out on promotion
Leeds United were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the Championship playoff final at Wembley, missing out on promotion back to the Premier League.
Adam Armstrong netted the winning goal for the Saints in the 24th minute after being played in behind by Will Smallbone and lashing low past Illan Meslier into the bottom-left corner.
Leeds had started the brighter of the two teams but failed to make the most of their early chances and were unable to claw their way back from behind.
Below, we MOT Leeds News rates each of the Whites’ players out of 10:
Illan Meslier – 6
Could do little about the goal after being exposed one-on-one against Armstrong. Made a superb save low to his right to deny the goalscorer a second later in the game but had little else to do besides.
A positive display from Archie Gray on a disappointing day
Archie Gray – 7
Heavily involved in build-up play from right-back and acted as a crucial hub for attacks that were constructed on his flank. Moved into midfield after Connor Roberts came on for Glen Kamara but was unable to affect proceedings in a more meaningful way.
Joe Rodon – 7
Was sturdy in defence but also made a handful of forward runs to support the attack and nearly helped craft an excellent opportunity but ended up getting in a muddle with Wilfried Gnonto.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Armstrong got in behind him for the goal but the skipper on the day was otherwise tidy in possession and strong in the air.
Junior Firpo – 6 (Off for Mateo Joseph 83′)
A quiet outing from the left-back who so often catches the eye in attack. Instead he was forced to do his fair share of defending, making eight defensive actions but failing to register any real influence in attack.
Ilia Gruev – 6
Saw plenty of the ball and was both tidy and fairly progressive with his use of it but was unable to conjure anything special up from the centre of the park.
Glen Kamara – 7 (Off for Connor Roberts 73′)
His substitution was perhaps a surprising one given how well he did his job screening the defence, making five recoveries, four defensive actions and four interceptions, as well as recording a 95 per cent passing accuracy [FotMob]. However, his departure allowed Gray to move into a midfield role as Farke looked to involve the teenager more.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6 (Off for Dan James 66′)
Was involved in some bright early interplay but his only shot of the game was a tame one and he struggled to impose himself on proceedings before being substituted.
Georginio Rutter – 6
In keeping with the theme of Leeds’ afternoon, Rutter floated around in attack but was largely unable to conjure up any of his usual attacking magic despite a bright start in which he was involved in several promising attacks.
Crysencio Summerville – 4 (Off for Jaidon Anthony 74′)
A disappointing afternoon for the Championship player of the season, who failed to hit the target with any of his four shots and did not create a single chance. His undeniable talent was certainly not on full display at Wembley.
Joel Piroe fails to impress up front
Joel Piroe – 4
Was almost completely anonymous up front, barely seeing any of the ball and failing to register a single shot or create a chance. It is surprising Farke did not take him off.
Substitutes
Dan James – 6 (On for Wilfried Gnonto 66′)
Nearly lashed in the equaliser with a dipping drive that crashed off the crossbar. His influence was otherwise limited, though.
Connor Roberts – N/A (On for Glen Kamara 73′)
Jaidon Anthony – N/A (On for Crysencio Summerville 74′)
In other Leeds United news, a former Whites winger has sent three-word message to a departing player.
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