A midweek victory over Bristol City eased the pressure off Leeds United boss Garry Monk who had a slump in their chase for promotion following two back to back defeats against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City.
The Peacocks, placed fifth in the Championship table, were eyeing for a momentum in their weekend trip to Portman Road to encounter Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town who are heading for another mid-table finish. But it ended all square as Leeds midfielder Stuart Dallas cancelled out Freddie Sears’ opener late in the first half.
Below are Leeds individual player ratings.
Robert Green: 7
The veteran custodian was tidy; punched, collected and tipped over a few efforts when Ipswich were in full control and pushing to double their lead during the first half and late into the second half. However, he could have done little to deny Freddie Sears opener. The Englishman was as well when he was beaten by David McGoldrick whose lofted effort struck the bar. He pulled off a fine save to deny the Republic of Ireland international with 13 minutes remaining.
Luke Ayling: 6.5
The right-back took a defensive approach early into the game unalike his nature. But he started making overlapping runs and kept on going forward after conceding early. Whipped in a few decent crosses as well and helped Leeds use the width of the pitch.
Kyle Bartley: 5
The centre-back was clumsy in tackles and clearances. He failed to contain Sears and McGoldrick repeatedly that caused troubles for the Peacocks.
Pontus Jansson: 6.5
The Swedish centre-back made a few crucial blocks and interceptions to deny the likes of Sears and McGoldrick who were real threats throughout the game in front of goal.
Gaetano Berardi: 5
The Swiss international was not at his best and uncomfortable to deal with Ipswich’s crosses. McGoldrick failed to capitalize on his mistake around 70th minute mark. The scoreline would have been different otherwise.
Eunan O’Kane: 6.5
O’Kane was decent in his midfield duty as he consistently kept on helping his defense to deny Ipswich’s threats.
Ronaldo Vieira: 5.5
The highly rated teenager was composed, combative and denied a few counter attacking movements. However, he failed to construct attacks from midfield and was replaced by skipper Liam Bridcutt at halftime.
Stuart Dallas: 7
The midfielder had an impressive outing with his pace, dribbling, crosses and long runs. He was well positioned at the back-post and guided the ball beyond Bartosz Bialkowski to draw an equalizer.
Pablo Hernandez: 6
The decorated winger looked fatigued and was largely unnoticed throughout the game. Linked well to constitute a few constructive movements.
Hadi Sacko: 7.5
The agile winger was Leeds’ best performer this afternoon and kept the Blues defense on toes with his pace, dribbling and threatening crosses. He was a massive influence and played pivotal role in Leeds’ equalizer. He was worn out in second half before being replaced by Modou Barrow with 15 minutes remaining.
Chris Wood: 6
The New Zealand international has been Leeds’ player of the season so far who has already netted more than 20 times this term. His vital touch in Sacko’s cross led Dallas finish from close range. He was well contained by Ipswich defense otherwise.
Substitutes
Liam Bridcutt: 6.5
The skipper brought in much needed experience as well as stability in midfield.
Modou Barrow: 6
Barrow in place of Sacko was a like-for-like change with similar intention of creative and dynamic movements with pace, power and trickery. He certainly improved Leeds’ attacking intent with a few direct runs but failed to produce anything spectacular.
Souleymane Doukara: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
