Dan Carter

Wed 24 January 2024 21:46, UK

Leeds United moved within one point of Southampton with a 1-0 Championship win over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday 24 January.

Daniel Farke’s side claimed all three points thanks to Patrick Bamford’s exceptional first-half header, with the win taking the Whites within two points of the automatic promotion places and 15 points clear of seventh-placed Hull City.

Norwich didn’t make it easy for Leeds and on another day, they would have managed to find a leveller, but the Whites managed to defend well having taken the lead to extend their winning run to five matches in all competitions.

MOT Leeds News have rated the players out of 10;

Ilan Meslier – 5

Like he did against Preston, looked incredibly shaky when the away side floated balls into the penalty area and flapped at a couple of crosses that should have been caught easily. Nearly gifted possession back to the away side with a wayward pass in the second half. He made the save that he had to in the match but still looks like he could throw the ball into his net at any given time.

Archie Gray – 7

Once again deployed on the right of the defence and did everything that was required of him as he always does at Elland Road. Did turn his back on a chance late in the first half that could well have seen the Whites punished had Norwich found the net. The away side did manage to find a lot of space behind the teenager in the second half as they looked to get back into the game. Hopefully, the late knock wasn’t too bad.

Joe Rodon – 8

The Tottenham loanee was effective as ever making several crucial interventions to stop Norwich’s direct breaks. No player made more tackles than the Welshman who is quickly becoming one of the Whites’ most important players. Keeping him fit and available could well define the remainder of Leeds’ campaign as he just keeps getting better and better.

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Ampadu may well have been playing out of position again, but he made one crucial defensive intervention to clear a cross late in the first half but mistimed a header moments later to Gabriel Sara a clear goal-scoring chance. More than steps into Pascal Struijk’s boots on the ball as he demonstrated a fantastic range of passing to kickstart the Whites’ attacks.

Junior Firpo – 9

Kept the incredibly tricky Jonathan Rowe quiet at Elland Road. Managed two huge blocks after 35 minutes to deny Norwich from harming the Whites on the counter-attack. Broke up play with relative ease and showed his quality on the ball, but did produce one reckless challenge in the second half. A magnificent challenge late in the game to deny Adam Idah an almost certain goal. When he is fit and available, there are few better full-backs in the Championship at the moment.

Ilia Gruev – 7

After a slow start to his Leeds United career, Ilia Gruev is showing why Farke was so keen to bring the midfielder to Elland Road this summer. The Bulgarian international was at the heart of a lot of the Whites’ moves going forward and broke up play well out of possession.

Glen Kamara – 6

The Finnish international went about his business well in the middle of the park and got through plenty of work as most Leeds supporters would have come to expect. Kamara’s performances are never likely to steal the show, but the 28-year-old has become a crucial cog in Farke’s side at Elland Road.

Dan James – 7

Another assist for the Welshman to take his total goal involvements for the season to take his tally to 17 goal involvements in 27 matches. As always the 26-year-old was a livewire on the right wing and carried an immense threat. Hopefully, the goal that forced him off at halftime won’t be anything too serious.

Crysencio Summerville – 6

While the Dutchman was far from poor on Wednesday night, he didn’t manage to quite match the level of performance that has made him such a threat so far this season. Managed to occupy several good positions and had a number of attempts on Angus Gunn’s goal but was unable to ever really test the Norwich keeper. Deserved an assist for an excellent cut-back to Bamford.

Georginio Rutter – 8

Rutter was once again lively just behind Bamford and demonstrated his excellent ball-carrying ability, even if didn’t manage to contribute in the final third. Battled away and was often the force propelling the Whites up the field in another incredibly entertaining performance. The 21-year-old deserved a goal for his all-action performance and was incredibly unfortunate to come away from Elland Road empty-handed. If he plays like that week in and week out the goals will come.

Patrick Bamford – 7

The goal-scoring run continues and what an excellent header it was from the Whites’ number nine. After a quiet afternoon against Preston North End, Bamford was back with a bang on Wednesday night and showed why Farke kept him in the starting XI for Leeds United with some excellent link-up play outside of the penalty area. Did fade as the game went on and missed a number of good chances late in the contest.

Substitutes:

Jaidon Anthony – 6

Replaced James at halftime and was incredibly bright from the right flank and managed to create several half chances quickly after coming on. Saw an effort deflected over the bar when he took too long to aim for goal when he really should have scored.

Sam Byram – N/A

Liam Cooper – N/A

Mateo Joseph – N/A

In other Leeds United news, Farke may well have sent the 49ers a new January transfer ultimatum this month

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