Dan James outstanding as Pascal Struijk has surprise nightmare – Leeds United player ratings vs Middlesbrough
Leeds United were sparkling in attack but oddly slack at the back in a wild 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
A wild first few minutes saw Boro go ahead with a near-post shot from Emmanuel Latte Lath in the third, but the Whites were ahead just four minutes later after first Dan James and then Crysencio Summerville headed home.
Joel Piroe added a third from the spot, after Matt Clarke had felled Georginio Rutter with his first contribution off the bench, before Latte Lath nodded his second in from a corner just before the break as the defence failed to match the attack all afternoon.
The action became scrappier and less frenetic after the break as Anfernee Dijksteel was shown a second yellow just after the hour for a foul on star man Dan James, and the Whites held on to win.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the Leeds United players out of 10 for their performances at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier – 6
Poor start but responded reasonably well. It was a disappointing attempted save to let the fast opener in at his near post but came out well to smother another chance from Latte Lath midway through the half and couldn’t do much with the striker’s looping header.
Archie Gray – 7
Probably the pick of the defenders thanks to great work higher up the pitch down the right supporting the attack, and some of the calmer work at the backl. Arguably cut inside too easily by Latte Lath for the opener, although quickly made amends with the assist for Summerville. Looked good on the ball if slightly suspect defensive like a lot of players on the day.
Joe Rodon – 5
Not his commanding best as part of uncharacteristically slack performance at the back. Allowed the Boro scorer to run off him easily for another first-half chance blocked by Meslier. Did make one crucial last-ditch block to preserve the lead as the ball cannoned back off the Whites post.
Pascal Struijk – 3
Surprisingly poor as the defence threatened to undercut the attacking work. All over the place compared to the composed figure he has been in general this year. Miscommunication between the captain and Rodon left Latte Lathe totally unmarked for a glaring miss minutes before he did score his second and seemed to be constantly chasing after the ball at the back as shape disintegrated and the chaos of recent seasons returned.
Sam Byram – 6
Excellent going forward but far more questionable defensively. Nice work in the build-up for James’ equaliser down the left as part of a strong attacking display but left too much space down his flank on occasion and was beaten in the air for Latte Lathe’s second.
Glen Kamara – 6
Muted display compared to the fireworks that were going off all around him without really doing much wrong. Grew into the game after the half and was needed to calm things down in possession a number of times.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Imperious in the centre in the first half. Pulled the strings throughout the first period after the early set back, exhibiting his range of passing to create a number of chances. Nowhere near as good in the second period but still a strong display overall.
Crysencio Summerville (off for Anthony ’93) – 8
Reacted the fastest to the deflection on Gray’s cross to nod the Whites ahead in a wild opening and looked threatening down the left with Byram on numerous occasions in the first 45. Quieter as the game became more attritional after the break.
Joel Piroe (off for Gruev ’93) – 7
Decent if unspectacular but made no mistake with an expert strike from the spot. Had fired the first warning shot over the Boro bar early but was soon overshadowed by his attacking teammates as the Whites took control. Responded to step up and dispatch an unstoppable penalty and joined up possession pretty well.
Dan James (off for Gnonto ’82) – 9 (Man of the Match)
Great game as the pick of a sparkling attacking unit. Rose highest to head Leeds United level immediately in the opening minutes to continue his excellent form. Repeatedly threatened off the right-hand side both on the ball and running into space. Middlesbrough clearly decided he was the danger man as he was repeatedly clattered by fouls in the second half, including for the red card.
Georginio Rutter (off for Bamford ’82) – 7
True to form he was crucial in linking attacking moves and closing down the visiting back line but his finishing was badly lacking on chances of his own. Fouled for Piroe’s penalty but probably should had added at least two to the scoreline.
Substitutions
Willy Gnonto (on for James ’82) – 6
Decent cameo but little time to have anything like the attacking impact his teammates had produced.
Patrick Bamford (on for Rutter ’82) – 7
Excellent towering header that threatened to relieve the pressure that his built up during his scoring drought but was parried by the keeper.
Ilia Gruev (on for Piroe ’93) – N/A
Jaidon Anthony (on for Summerville ’93) – N/A
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims that one key Whites player is in the dark about his own future as Luke Ayling reaches the beginning of the end.