George Overhill

Sat 13 May 2023 14:24, UK

A dramatic game at Elland Road which swung wildly back and forth saw Leeds United pick up a crucial point with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle.

A scrappy opening saw the Whites take the lead after the first moment of quality as Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford combined down the left and Rodrigo’s header was kept out by Nick Pope, only for Luke Ayling to knock in the rebound.

But the advantage was lost when Bamford’s poor penalty was saved just minutes before Callum Wilson dispatched one at the other end after a foul by Max Wober. He scored another in the second half as Junior Firpo’s game descended into calamity, before Rasmus Kristensen found a late, deflected equaliser and Firpo got himself sent off in the final minutes.

Here, MOT Leeds News rate the Leeds United players out of 10 for their performances against the Magpies.

Joel Robles – 5

Benefits from not being Illan Meslier in terms of not being under scrutiny but doesn’t necessarily look hugely more commanding in the area as he flapped at high balls. Couldn’t do anything about Wilson’s first penalty as it was placed in the corner where Bamford’s needed to be. Got booked and risked being sent off as he tried to unsettle the striker for the second spot kick, which didn’t work.

Junior Firpo – 2

Nightmare. Decent start that rapidly deteriorated after the Whites’ missed penalty. Had burst into the area to win the kick that Bamford missed, then confusingly fell over in his own box just before Wober conceded one at the other end. Almost got himself sent off for a lunge on Bruno Guimaraes after the break, then gave away another penalty himself with a needless handball in mid air. Successfully got his second yellow at the death in a terrible second half.

Max Wober – 5

Way short of his best. So often vital but threw away the Leeds United advantage with a clumsy challenge on Isak to concede a penalty just minutes after Bamford had missed at the other end. Didn’t look comfortable as he gave away another dangerous free kick immediately into the second half.

Rasmus Kristensen – 8 (Man of the Match)

One of his best games for Leeds. Looked far better in the centre of the back four than he has at right-back in recent weeks but suffered from the same problem that he has inflicted on teammates so often, as their performances crumbled around him. Held it together as best he could at the back and then came up with a crucial goal late on.

Luke Ayling – 7

Solid game amid the standard chaos. Something about the stand-in captain and scoring crucial goals. In the right place at the right time to put Leeds United ahead on the rebound early. Not bad defensively and still getting forward late on.

Robin Koch – 6

Reasonable showing. Blasted Joe Willock to the ground early to show his intent in his unfamiliar midfield role and did provide some much-needed presence in the middle at times. Better on the ball than might be expected for a converted centre-back.

Weston McKennie – 7

Not perfect but certainly much improved on some recent performances, perhaps finally benefiting from a three in midfield, as he was in position more than chasing the ball. Showed the sort of ability on the ball that his first few appearances for the club exhibited, as well as his lack of finishing ability. More like what he was supposed to be but lucky not to give away a second penalty before the half with a barge in the back.

Sam Greenwood (off for Forshaw ’46) – 6

Surprise inclusion in the three-man midfield, but didn’t make a huge impact. Nice, neat work on the ball in the build up to to the penalty to spring Firpo into the area though, even if it did prove to be wasted.

Jack Harrison (off for Gnonto ’64) – 6

Plenty of running early. Superb work in the build up to the Leeds United opener, juggling the ball and playing Bamford in down the left. Faded from prominence as the game went on and subbed.

Rodrigo (off for Aaronson ’87) – 6

Good start without much later on. Great header was just kept out by Pope before Ayling put in the rebound in a highly energetic opening from the Spanish forward. Surely should have taken the missed penalty. Less prominent in the second half.

Patrick Bamford (off for Struijk ’90+2) – 6

Also started well before losing his way a bit. Excellent early cross led to the goal, after showing good composure on the left flank. Looked confident and mobile in the opening exchanges, then lost his way with poor penalty that was saved simply by Pope to betray his shaky confidence at the moment.

Substitutes

Adam Forshaw (on for Greenwood ’46) – 7

Scrappy but did some good work breaking up Newcastle moves.

Willy Gnonto (on for Harrison ’64) – 6

Surprisingly left out of the starting XI, and didn’t have a huge amount of time to work his magic.

Brenden Aaronson (on for Rodrigo ’87) – N/A

Pascal Struijk (on for Bamford ’90+2) – N/A

In other Leeds United news, a club has a “Plan A” this summer to sell a player to the Whites.