James Murray

Mon 1 January 2024 15:48, UK

Leeds United grew into the game in the first half as they took a lead into the break against Birmingham City on Tuesday (1 January).

After a slow start to the contest from the Whites, they started to get more shots away at goal as they looked to put the Blues under pressure at Elland Road.

It was Patrick Bamford who broke the deadlock for Daniel Farke’s side on 34 minutes as he rose highest to give the hosts the lead before Dan James made it 2-0 in injury time.

Here is how MOT Leeds News rated the performance of each Leeds player in the first half.

Kristoffer Klaesson – 5

The keeper probably wouldn’t have expected to have been in this position, but he was drafted into the starting lineup following Illan Meslier’s suspension and Karl Darlow’s injury. He had to do next to nothing in the first half before denying Siriki Dembele on the stroke of half-time.

Archie Gray – 5

A reasonably steady first half for the teenager, winning two out of his four duels. He did, however, only record a pass success rate of 64 per cent, which he won’t be pleased about [Sofascore].

Joe Rodon – 6

The defender made an excellent challenge to deny Dembele as he got in behind the Whites’ backline and looked certain to create a huge chance for Birmingham.

Liam Cooper – 4

It was poor play from the Leeds captain to allow Dembele to get in behind as he pushed too far up the field, allowing plenty of space behind him to exploit.

Sam Byram (Off for Firpo ’17) – 5

The left-back had a decent start to the game before he had to be replaced by Junior Firpo with less than 20 minutes on the clock. He won five out of his six duels.

Ethan Ampadu – 5

Ampadu did his usual work in front of the Leeds defence, breaking up play and allowing very little to get past him. He didn’t offer too much going forward, though.

Glen Kamara – 5

Despite being calm and composed in possession – recording a 96 per pass accuracy – the midfielder won just one of his five duels across the half.

Dan James – 7

It was a superb ball into the box for the opening goal from the winger, laying it on a plate for Bamford to head home. He slotted home his goal expertly to make it 2-0.

Georginio Rutter – 5

It was a reasonably quiet half for the forward as he dropped into a slightly deeper role to allow Bamford to lead the line. Had a couple of nice touches.

Crysencio Summerville – 5

Summerville had a decent effort saved by John Ruddy, but would have wanted to be more involved across the half. His 100 per pass accuracy across the half was very impressive, though.

Patrick Bamford – 7

After struggling to get involved in the game too much, Bamford rose highest to head home and score his first goal of the campaign. He will be delighted.

Subs

Junior Firpo (on for Byram ’17) – 6

The defender had a good half an hour after coming on for Byram. He set up James with an excellent pullback on the stroke of half-time.

In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke has shared how long he expects Struijk to be out.