Mateo Joseph impresses, Brenden Aaronson struggles – Leeds United player ratings v Hull City
Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe scored important goals as Leeds United secured a 2-0 victory against Hull City on Saturday (31 August).
The two sides were stuck in a 0-0 stalemate for the opening 45 minutes, with the 20-year-old forward finally finding the breakthrough after the hour mark and Piroe cementing the win as an impact substitute.
Despite two disappointing opening draws against Portsmouth and West Brom, Daniel Farke’s men have now won back-to-back games against Sheffield Wednesday and the Tigers.
MOT Leeds News ranked each player out of 10.
Illan Meslier – 7
Kept his focus well in between the sticks, making the necessary saves when Hull broke away. Beginning to bring calmness to the backline with his accurate passing and good decision-making.
Jayden Bogle (Off for Sam Byram 82′) – 6
Squandered an early chance in the first half to open the scoring but linked up well with Gnonto and Aaronson, getting forward from right-back at the right moments.
Joe Rodon – 6
Picked up a yellow card for a challenge on Marvin Mehlem, yet to live up to the defender Elland Road got used to last season.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Had an assist chalked off due to Gnonto being majorly offside but reacted well in both penalty areas, winning his duels on the ground and in the air, maintaining accuracy in his passing and keeping the back door shut from goals.
Junior Firpo – 7
Just as attacking as Bogle on the opposite flank, bombing down the left-hand side and supporting Solomon in attack. Grabbed an assist to round off the win at Elland Road.
Ilia Gruev (Off for Joe Rothwell 85′) – 7
Has properly settled into life at Elland Road after growing into the starting XI last season. Partnership with Ampadu has blossomed in the middle of the park.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Struggled somewhat in the opening 45 minutes against Hull but grew into the match, helping to keep a much-needed clean sheet as the Whites eye Premier League promotion.
Wilfried Gnonto (Off for Largie Ramazani 74′) – 7
Has taken on the role of Farke’s main attacking threat, with Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter both departing this summer, showing an incredible amount of talent. Has even more to show.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Very quiet after his first couple of appearances. Had chances to score but efforts were tame from inside the penalty area. Probably should have been hooked but Farke felt others needed to be changed instead.
Manor Solomon (Off for Joel Piroe 74′) – 8
An incredible introduction to life in Yorkshire, grabbing the assist for Joseph’s opener. Farke has a very talented winger on his hands this season, though it is a shame that the deal is only a loan.
Mateo Joseph (Off for Ao Tanaka 86′) – 9
Farke’s trust in the young striker is paying off, grabbing a goal and two assists in his opening matches of the 2024/25 campaign. Such good instinct to beat the defender to the near post and steer home the first goal.
Substitutions
Joel Piroe (On for Solomon 74′) – 7
Great impact substitute, coming on to score the second and secure all three points at Elland Road.
Largie Ramazani (On for Gnonto 74′) – N/A
Sam Byram (On for Bogle 82′) – N/A
Joe Rothwell (On for Gruev 85′) – N/A
Ao Tanaka (On for Joseph 86′) – N/A
In other Leeds United news, one new signing impressed Daniel Farke in last training session before Hull City clash.
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