George Overhill

Fri 3 November 2023 21:50, UK

Leeds United produced an outstanding away display at the runaway league leaders Leicester City to record a huge 1-0 victory.

An enjoyable first 45 minutes ended goalless as the Whites missed strong early chances and the hosts hit the bar, and it was more of the same after the break as the two sides went toe to toe.

Leeds United went ahead just inside the hour as Sam Byram’s header from a Dan James corner was parried out for Georginio Rutter to slot home.

Here, MOT Leeds News rates the Leeds United players out of 10 for their performances at the King Power.

Illan Meslier – 7

Not tested extensively and was beaten by the long-range strike that cannoned back off the bar. Almost played Ampadu into trouble with one risky pass. Pulled off a vital late save to preserve the lead.

Archie Gray (off for Ayling ’93) – 6

Held his own playing out of position once more in arguably his biggest test so far, but beaten a couple of times by Stephy Mavadidi when there was space in behind. Didn’t look as much of a risk as Byram did at times on the other side and showed remarkable composure under pressure at times in the second 45.

Joe Rodon – 8

Holds this defence together. Stood strong at the back to cut out some threatening balls as the Leeds United full-backs were under siege at times. As the Whites took control after the break he slid in with a crucial last-ditch tackle to halt a Leicester break into the box and very good in the air.

Pascal Struijk – 8

Great game against top tier opposition as he showed plenty of composure to cut out Leicester balls into the box, and set Leeds United teammates away up the pitch on a number of occasions. Difference between this performance and the flustered showings he was putting in down the stretch last season is night and day.

Sam Byram – 6

Uneven, but ultimately more good than bad. Started well, getting forward early and snapping into tackles, but came under increased pressure as he was booked inside half an hour for multiple fouls and space began to emerge down his flank and Abdul Fatawu almost made him pay by smashing a shot off the bar midway through the half. Looked a risk defensively but it was his powerful header that was parried out for the opening goal. Overall performance was much stronger after the break.

Glen Kamara – 9 Man of the Match

Excellent. Imperious in the middle breaking up Leicester moves and looked comfortable on the ball against top tier opposition. Faded slightly as the game wore on but for 70 minutes-plus he was fantastic.

Ethan Ampadu – 8

Vital, as ever. Showcased his wonderful range of passing and then displayed steel in throwing himself into challenges as Leicester sought a route back into the game.

Crysencio Summerville (off for Gnonto ’90)- 6

Not bad but couldn’t quite match his recent output. Characteristically dynamic on the ball and could have had a penalty in the first half but his outstanding impact in of late was a struggle up against Ricardo Pereira. Got booked for a late altercation with Hamza Choudhury as a likely result of his frustration.

Dan James (off for Anthony ’93) – 7

Good, but as with Summerville on the other side he looked sharp again and was always willing to carry the ball forward with intent, but didn’t have the same opportunities as he has in recent games. His corner led to Rutter’s opener.

Joel Piroe (off for Gruev ’84) – 4

Starting to become a bit of a concern. Spurned the best chance of the game in the opening minutes by firing wide and was again quiet thereafter as the questions about his positioning continued. Would be harsh to say he has actually been bad lately but Leeds United are increasingly playing around him.

Georginio Rutter (off for Bamford ’84) – 8

Another important display. Perhaps not as unstoppable as he has been recently but still looked the most likely of anyone to be the difference. In a playmaking capacity he was again excellent but more than once wonderful passes were wasted by teammates. Then, after passing up a couple of good chances of his own he was on the spot to break the deadlock. Ran himself into the ground for his team.

Substitutions

Patrick Bamford (on for Rutter ’84) – 6

Ilia Gruev (on for Piroe ’84) – 7

Willy Gnonto (on for Summerville ’90) – 6

Luke Ayling (on for Gray ’93) – N/A

Jaidon Anthony (on for James ’93) – N/A

In other Leeds United news, a key Whites man has “knuckled down massively” following questions over his attitude according to Phil Hay.