Meslier truly shocking, 9/10 gem superb – Leeds player ratings v Sheffield United
Leeds United took a five-point margin over second-place Sheffield United with a 3-1 win on Monday.
The hosts took the lead at Bramall Lane, but an inspired second-half fightback secured victory for Daniel Farke‘s side.
Goals from Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and a stunning strike from Joel Piroe cancelled out an Illan Meslier own goal to take the Whites a step closer to Championship promotion.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the players out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 3
The Whites keeper has been under pressure this season and he did not help his cause with a shaky performance and an own goal to give the Blades the lead. He recovered well afterwards but this was a poor display.
Jayden Bogle – 5 (off for Byram, 90)
A miserable return to his former stomping ground as the Leeds man failed to fire going forward and struggled defensively.
Joe Rodon – 6
A solid performance from the Wales star who was crucial to his side’s build-up from the back and shined in duels in the air and on the ground.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Was brilliant with the ball at his feet as he created three chances and a monster performance at the back when the hosts tried to add to their lead.
Firpo shines in Leeds win
Junior Firpo – 9
Excellent defensive showing and the cherry on the top was when he drifted into the box to head home Dan James’ cross
Ilia Gruev – 4 (off for Rothwell, 58)
A disappointing night for the Bulgarian star who was replaced by Joe Rothwell before the hour mark after a sloppy performance at Bramall Lane.
Ao Tanaka – 8
The Japan ace kept the Elland Road outfit ticking when they pushed forward and put in a typically solid defensive display as he was constantly there to recover the ball and he snatched a late winner.
Dan James – 7
Was a menace when taking on his man and it eventually paid off as his cross was headed in by Firpo and his tracking back was top-notch as he won the majority of his duels.
Brendan Aaronson flops despite Leeds win
Brendan Aaronson – 4 (off for Joseph, 58)
The American midfielder was hauled off after 58 minutes after failing to exert his creative influence on the contest and not offering much defensively when his side did not have the ball.
Manor Solomon – 5 (off for Gnonto, 83)
The Tottenham loanee returned to the squad was a persistent threat down the wing but failed to add to his tally of four goals and four assists since the turn of the year.
Joel Piroe – 7
Joel Piroe struggled to influence the contest in any meaningful way, having just two touches in the Blades’ box and no threatening efforts on Michael Cooper’s goal until the 84th minute but released an absolute thunderbolt to secure the victory.
Substitutes:
Mateo Joseph – 5 (on for Aaronson, 58)
Joe Rothwell – 5 (on for Gruev, 58)
Wilfried Gnonto – 6 (on for Solomon, 83)
Sam Byram – N/A (on for Bogle, 90)