Pranav Shahaney

Sat 12 August 2023 16:56, UK

Leeds United had impressive moments but failed to get the win against Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday, 12 August.

Both sides had their chances to win the game, but at the end of 90 minutes, a stalemate seemed like a fair result, but the hosts scored a late winner through Lukas Jutkiewicz’s penalty to win 1-0.

Daniel Farke will certainly want more reinforcements through the door as this side did not play as fluidly as he wants them to.

Here are our ratings from the game:

Illan Meslier – 7

The Frenchman has been shaky in recent months but this was a calm and composed display from him. Whenever he was called into action, he delivered, no questions asked. He was also comfortable playing the ball out from the back and did not show any nerves. It’s hard to drop him after this display.

Luke Ayling – 7

A mature display from the veteran who captained the side and led by example. He was seldom caught out of possession and did his defensive duties just as well as he did his offensive ones. Marshaled his team well and was an impressive display from the fan favourite.

Charlie Cresswell – 7

Was extremely solid at the back both in and out of possession. It’s clear that Farke wants to play out from the back and ensure his side retains possession as much as possible. For that system, the 20-year-old seems ideal and he looked to share a good understanding with Pascal Struijk.

Pascal Struijk – 5

Had a few shaky moments in the first half but grew as the game progressed and did not make any howlers that put his team in danger. However, few questions may be asked about how he good he is to play in Farke’s system over the course of the season.

Sam Byram – 3

Looked completely out of sorts in the first half and was twice caught out of position. He was a tad wayward with his passing as well and it wasn’t a performance Farke would’ve liked. He had a chance to redeem himself in the 84th minute by scoring the winner but failed to head the ball into the back of the net. The summer signing is not justifying Farke’s decision to bring him back, thus far.

Archie Gray – 7

Looked assured on the ball and seems to have formed a decent understanding with Ethan Ampadu. While he’s unlikely to be the first choice for long with new signings expected, he’s not going to be dropped based on this performance. He does not look like someone who’s made his senior debut a few weeks ago.

Ethan Ampadu – 7

Bar the unnecessary challenge that led to the yellow card, it was another solid display from the new Leeds signing. With each passing game, he gives the feeling that he’s been part of this midfield for years. Farke will be delighted with how well he controls the tempo as well as putting his body on the line out of possession.

Jamie Shackleton – 5

Struggled to keep up with the pace of the game on a few occasions and he cannot be a regular option for Farke in the final third. If Leeds are to get promoted, they definitely need to find upgrades in the final third and Shackleton is more of a bench option.

Ian Poveda – 5

Not as involved as he would’ve liked to have been and he was making a lot of pointless runs during the game. One cannot fault him for trying too hard but that’s what happens when he hasn’t played with this group of players for a while. He’ll certainly have plenty to reflect on from this performance.

Dan James – 6

Proved to be a constant threat down the left flank and with Leeds hitting Birmingham on the counter attack on numerous occasions, he was the one carrying the ball into the final third. He was also on set-piece duties and it seems like he’s made the left-wing role his own under Farke. However, he made a mess out of things at the end, conceding a penalty which saw his side lose the game.

Joe Gelhardt – 4

Had to drop deep more than he would’ve liked to as he’s better running into spaces left in behind defences and being a threat in front of goal. Birmingham held their line well and didn’t really allow the Leeds United 21-year-old the luxury of St Andrews on Saturday afternoon.

Subs

Georginio Rutter – 5

Joe Rodon – N/A

In other Leeds United news, the club could look to rekindle their interest in a Golden Boot winner who Daniel Farke will love and it will take £15million to get the deal done.