Daniel Feliciano

Tue 26 December 2023 14:28, UK

Leeds United suffered another defeat on the road in the Championship as a late Liam Millar goal condemned Daniel Farke’s 10 men to a 2-1 loss at Deepdale.

The first half was a scrappy affair with minimal chances for either side, as Daniel James’ effort was blocked while Illan Meslier made a good save to deny a long-range effort from the home side.

The second half was more of the same until Meslier got into an unnecessary tussle after claiming a cross and shoved the Preston attacker in the face, earning himself a straight red card.

Preston scored just minutes later through Alan Browne’s header, but Leeds battled back and earned a penalty after a foul on Daniel James which was converted by captain Pascal Struijk. But in the 89th minute Liam Millar cut onto his right foot and curled one into the top corner to hand the Whites another defeat on the road.

Here is how MOT Leeds News rated the performance of each Whites ace..

Illan Meslier – 1/10

Had absolutely nothing to do and then made the stupid decision to slap someone in the face and get sent off. Idiotic and now will miss three games. Essentially cost us points.

Archie Gray – 2/10

Probably the toughest game that Gray has had this season. Was run ragged by the winger, made some needless fouls and in possession he was pressed to death. In case you weren’t sure, he’s definitely not a right-back.

Joe Rodon – 6/10

Potentially the best defender in the division and he showed why once again with a fine performance at the back. Preston had their chances limited and he could do nothing about the goals. Probably should have prevented the Meslier incident by getting involved quicker.

Pascal Struijk – 7/10

A captain’s performance, capped off with a brilliant penalty. He kept the team going in a tough time and made a brilliant block before his goal too. Easily the best player on the pitch in pink. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.

Djed Spence – 4/10

Spence has never looked completely comfortable at left-back and still looks to be trying to get his full fitness back after injury. Wasn’t his best performance but in a bad day for the whole team, he hardly stood tall.

Glen Kamara – 5/10

The Finnish midfielder had a really strong first half where he dominated the ball and was a constant threat with his passing and running, but in the second half he struggled and then was subbed early on in the second half after the team fell behind.

Ethan Ampadu – 4/10

Wasn’t the technical masterclass that we’ve become used to seeing from Ampadu and he looked shattered. Probably about time Farke gave him a rest if this is what he’s delivering.

Daniel James – 5/10

Offered very little going forward for the most part in the game but he ran constantly, earned the penalty late on and won a few big free-kicks in dangerous positions too. That’s why he’s first-choice for Farke.

Crysencio Summerville – 5/10

The player of the season so far but he was kept quiet for the most part. Summerville was constantly trying to make things happen but it just didn’t click and his teammates were underperforming and thus unable to help. Bad day at the office.

Joel Piroe – 3/10

When Piroe is good he’s really good, but when he’s bad he’s really bad and this was one of those bad days. Barely got on the ball in his deeper position, and was slow to react to a cut-back which could have given the Whites the lead before they fell behind. No shock he was the one sacrificed to get Darlow on.

Georginio Rutter – 6/10

He came to life when Farke went for the win despite being a man down and he got a partner up front, and was key to everything good the team did during the game. A shame it didn’t result in a win.

SUBSTITUTES

Karl Darlow – 5/10

Wilfried Gnonto – N/A

Mateo Joseph – N/A

Ilia Gruev – N/A

Patrick Bamford – N/A

In other Leeds news, Sky Sports pundit gushes over Leeds United star Georginio Rutter live on air v Preston North End