By Pranav Shahaney

4th Mar, 2023 | 4:51pm

Leeds United player ratings v Chelsea: Brenden Aaronson, Luke Ayling flop

Leeds United could not win their second Premier League game on the spin as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on 4 March.

Stamford Bridge is usually not a good place for visiting teams, but Chelsea’s form meant that they were there for the taking.

However, Wesly Fofana’s goal was enough for the Blues to win the game 1-0.

Here are our Leeds player ratings for this one:

Illan Meslier – 7

Made an impressive save in the first half to deny Kai Havertz and could not do much to keep Wesley Fofana’s header out of the net. All in all, it was a good game from the Frenchman who has struggled of late.

Luke Ayling – 4

Was caught out of possession a number of times in the first half and it was due to Chelsea’s lack of clinical edge why they didn’t capitalise on his howlers even more. It remains to be seen if Gracia keeps faith in him.

Robin Koch – 6

Was decent at bringing the ball out of defence and boasted a pass accuracy north of 80 per cent. He was beaten in the air a couple of times, but it wasn’t a performance that put his side under any real danger.

Max Wober – 7

The Austrian also had a decent game playing along side Koch and was in fact better than him with his passes. Did not allow Chelsea to have too many clear cut chances and this was one of his better performances since moving to the club.

Junior Firpo – 5

Firpo tried his best to get involved but it wasn’t the performance worth writing home about. He’s known for his attacking prowess, but he seldom seemed to get himself in threatening positions where he could set up something for the attacking players. He did well in the dying stages and his cross found Ayling who almost slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Tyler Adams – 6

Adams was his usual self in midfield and anchored the proceedings pretty well. He was good with his passes and ensured that he was a defensive menace for the Blues He won three out of his four aerial duels as well and Gracia will be thrilled by it undoubtedly.

Weston McKennie – 4

He lost six of his nine attempted ground duels in the game. Apart from that, he lost possession on 17 occasions and it wasn’t one of his best performances this season. He was even dribbled past two times and Gracia would’ve wanted more from his central midfielder.

Brenden Aaronson – 3

Playing in the hole, one would’ve expected the American to get involved in the build-up more often than he actually than he did. He completed just 15 passes all game and created nothing for Rutter or the other Leeds attackers. He did not make a single key pass or complete a cross either – misplacing both his attempts. He could very well be dropped for the next day.

Crysencio Summerville – 7

The Dutch attacker was difficult to contain for Chelsea. He was electric and constantly found himself in pockets of space in the final third. On another day, he would’ve found the back of the net or provide an assist but he justified Gracia’s decision to start him.

Jack Harrison – 6

Tried his best to make things happen down the left but to no avail. He did have moments where he had the Chelsea players worried, but they eventually dealt with the threat they were posed.

Georginio Rutter – 4

It’s baffling how a centre forward’s heat map is the most prominent inside his own half, typically in the position a left-back should occupy. Rutter was all over trying to get involved in the game, but did not do his primary job of being a goal threat. Gracia really needs to position him better in order to get the best out of him.

Subs

Willy Gnonto – 5

Mateo Joseph – 4

Sam Greenwood – 4

In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.

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