Leeds United player ratings v Manchester City: Patrick Bamford awful, Max Wober impresses
Sam Allardyce’s tenure at Leeds United got off to a losing start as Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
An Ilkay Gündoğan first-half brace saw Pep Guardiola’s side to another three points to edge close to another Premier League title. Rodrigo halved the deficit in the latter stages after Gündoğan missed a penalty to secure his hat trick.
The defeat leaves Leeds 17th in the table and here MOT Leeds News rates the players out of ten for their performances at the Etihad.
Joel Robles – 5
Made a couple of stops in the first half but, on the whole, looked rather uncomfortable. Had Meslier been in goal, the score wouldn’t have been too dissimilar.
Rasmus Kristensen – 5
Filled in well alongside Wober in a slightly unnatural position. Wasn’t to blame for any of the goals, with Leeds’ midfielder’s failing to close Gündoğan down. We’ve certainly seen worse from Kristensen this season.
Max Wober – 6
Not a surprise to see Leeds’ defence produce a more resolute performance with Wober at its core. The Whites are far more effective with the Austrian starting. Provided leadership and cohesion at the back, and was vital in keeping the scoreline down. For the most part, dealt with Erling Haaland effectively.
Junior Firpo – 3
Riyad Mahrez ran Firpo into the ground all afternoon. His attempt to prevent the assist for Gundogan’s first goal was nothing short of pathetic. Didn’t offer anything going forward. Once again, another poor display from the defender.
Luke Ayling – 5
Caught out a couple of times during the first half with Phil Foden probing down the left wing. Improved in the second period. Fairly disciplined performance on the whole from the 31-year-old. Would’ve liked to have assisted Jack Harrison in an attacking sense more often.
Adam Forshaw – 4
Operating in the centre of midfield against City is a daunting task and it was clear Forshaw was slightly off the pace. It’s understandable considering his lack of gametime. Looked after the ball well and remained disciplined in terms of his positioning.
Weston McKennie – 5
The pick of Leeds’ midfielders. Was unfortunate not to score in the first half with a powerful header from a corner. Was aggressive and tried to press whenever he could. Will be disappointed not to have blocked City’s second goal. The three-man midfield suited the American.
Marc Roca – 3
Up until Roca was substituted, you wouldn’t have known he was on the field. It was a truly abject performance from the midfielder. He didn’t impact the game during the first half and was rightfully hauled off early on in the second half. Poor work from the Spaniard.
Jack Harrison – 5
Harrison huffed and puffed but was isolated at times going forward. Tried to run in behind but City’s powerful defence stifled him fairly easily. The counterattack was going to be Leeds’ lifeline, but it sadly didn’t materialise.
Willy Gnonto – 4
Disappointing performance from the youngster. He picked up a silly yellow card and was replaced early on in the second half. Can have no complaints about being taken off. Should’ve been looking to play on the shoulder and hurt City in behind.
Patrick Bamford – 2
The less said about Bamford’s display the better. He hasn’t got the pace or physicality to compete with the Premier League’s best. Failed to hold the ball up and didn’t threaten Ederson at all during the 90 minutes. A change is needed upfront for Leeds United.
Substitutes
Sam Greenwood (on for Roca 59′) – 5
Rodrigo (on for Gnonto, 58′) – 6
Pascal Struijk (on for Forshaw, 80′) – 4
Crysencio Summerville (on for Harrison, 66′) – 5
Brenden Aaronson (on for Bamford, 80′) – 5
In other Leeds United news, one source has shared what Big Sam has done at the club, which is something that has been seen for a while.