Daniel Lewis

Sat 27 January 2024 16:58, UK

Leeds United squandered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 with Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Elland Road.

The Whites were good value to make it six wins in a row to begin 2024 on Saturday (27 January) when Jaidon Anthony fired them ahead.

However, Daniel Farke’s side wasted a number of chances and let their tempo drop as the game went on, allowing Adam Randell to equalise and set up a replay in Devon.

MOT Leeds News has rated the performance of every Leeds United player out of 10 following the contest in West Yorkshire.

Illan Meslier – 3

Was beaten by Adam Randall for the Plymouth equaliser and his distribution was nothing short of terrible at times. Ryan Hardie also got the better of him, but Sam Byram made a block on the line.

Jamie Shackleton – 4

Nowhere near as effective as Byram down the opposite flank. Failed to play a simple pass to Gnonto in the first half and Daniel Farke was not pleased about that. Was also nowhere to be seen for the Plymouth goal.

Joe Rodon – 5

A strange game for the Welshman in that he did not have much to do for large parts of the contest, yet Leeds still conceded a goal. The attack originated down the left and was scored by Randall coming in from the right, so Rodon was not wholly to blame.

Liam Cooper – 6

Solid on the ball with his passing out from the back. Like Rodon alongside him, it was a quiet afternoon on the whole and he will therefore be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet, although he did make a potential goal-saving block late on.

Sam Byram – 8

Produced a delightful moment of defensive play to head Hardie’s effort off the line as Plymouth looked to nick a goal against the run of play, which they eventually managed to do. Also got the assist for Anthony’s goal in what was a good all-around display from the full-back.

Ilia Gruev – 5

Was pretty commanding for an hour or so as he kept Plymouth at bay and got forward, playing a couple of key passes. However, the Leeds midfield just seemed to drop off and allow the visitors back into the game.

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Was his usual self in that he turned over possession a number of times in holding midfield, with his two interceptions a team high. Also got forward occasionally as he looked to add to his brace from the previous round, but he must wait for that elusive first Elland Road goal.

Wilfried Gnonto – 3

Fired against the crossbar in the first half, shortly after sustaining a shoulder injury that looked as though it would force him off. He stayed on but was very ineffective, a sliced shot under little pressure after 71 minutes perfectly summing things up. Much more is needed if he is to justify a starting spot.

Georginio Rutter – 7

Did not score or assist, which is a mark against him, but he was still a threat for the vast majority of the game. He registered a game-high three dribbles from a slightly deeper position and offered more than Piroe and Gnonto in attack.

Jaidon Anthony – 8

Good value for his goal in the first half, which was very nicely taken after getting away from a couple of players and firing past Conor Hazard. It was poignant moment as he lifted his shirt to pay tribute to his mother, who recently passed away, earning a harsh booking in the process. Was a menace throughout, but could not quite inspire his side to victory.

Joel Piroe – 5

Started as the centre-forward, which is where he thrived for Swansea City, but showed little of his killer instincts from the past. Saw an effort saved by Hazard and was wayward with his only other effort in an underwhelming display.

Substitutes

Ian Poveda (on for Wilfried Gnonto 74′) – N/A

Patrick Bamford (on for Jamie Shackleton 82′) – 7

Was more dangerous in his 10 minutes on the field than Piroe was for the full 90. Prodded just wide and went close with another chance, which he may be disappointed not to have converted.

Junior Firpo (on for Sam Byram 82′) – 6

Played in the cross for one of those Bamford chances. Showed in his cameo appearance why he is now a regular starter thanks to his creative threat.

Matteo Joseph (on for Georginio Rutter 89′) – N/A

In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit was blown away be an “unbelievable” moment against Plymouth.

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