A crucial victory against play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday had strengthened Garry Monk’s Leeds United to finish in top six of Championship table and earn a playoff spot prior to their Friday night encounter against Birmingham City at St. Andrews.
Leeds United’s previous away fixture ended all square against Ipswich Town, however, the outcome has been different this time around as Gianfranco Zola’s men suffered a 1-3 home thrashing and the Peacocks close the gap with third-placed Huddersfield Town.
The Best And The Worst Leeds United Players Rated From Their Win Against Birmingham City
Robert Green: 7
The veteran custodian continued his great run of form and pulled off a fine save to deny Che Adams seconds before Chris Wood’s opener. Had a little bit of luck as well when Robert Tesche’s volley from 30 yards beat him only to rattle the crossbar towards the end of the first half.
Although he managed a terrific low save to deny Adams again within 7 minutes into second half, the Englishman could have done little to save Craig Gardner’s left footed curler from 25 yards.
Luke Ayling: 8.5
The right-back, who was less impactful in the previous few outings, was at his best against the Blues as his sublime forward pass was picked up by Chris Wood to lob it into the back of the net.
Kyle Bartley: 8
The centre-back delivered another steady performance; was strong in the air, made a few decent blocks and dealt well with the likes of Craig Gardner, Nsue and Che Adams. His off the line clearance from Adam’s header early in the second half helped his side to retain the lead.
Pontus Jansson: 7
The Swedish centre-back was excellent once again. He has been the most consistent defender for the Whites and hardly put a foot wrong since replacing Liam Cooper to partner Bartley.
Gaetano Berardi: 7
Berardi is now proving his worth and showing why he is preferred over Charlie Taylor by Garry Monk. The left-back focused on his defensive duties and came on top on most occasions over Emilio Nsue.
Eunan O’Kane: 6
O’Kane was decent in his midfield duty as he consistently screened his defence to deny Birmingham’s counter threats. However, he had a quiet second half and was replaced by Kalvin Phillips.
Liam Bridcutt: 7
The skipper brought in the much-needed experience as well as stability in midfield. He controlled the game from midfield and broke down a number of counter movements with his composure and combative approach.
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
The Irishman was fast, quick feet and his down the middle runs often caused trouble for Blues back-line. Had a decent chance in the first half to double the lead, but failed to find the target. Was replaced by Alfonso Pedraza on the wing.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
The Spaniard had an average first half but turned out to be one of Leeds’ stand out performers during the second half. His quick movements and positioning caused serious threats in Birmingham defence. He set up a through for Pedraza who made no mistake to seal the deal for the Peacocks. Was replaced by Kemar Roofe with around 10 minutes remaining.
Souleymane Doukara: 6
The big forward had a better outing. He was disciplined, composed and used his physicality and aerial ability to trouble the Blues. Had a key contribution in Wood’s second of the night as he played a great ball for Phillips who placed it for the New Zealand international.
Chris Wood: 9
The New Zealand international has shown once more why he has been Leeds’ player of the season so far. He scored two goals and could have bagged a hat-trick if he had not failed to capitalise on Ryan Shotton’s mistake in injury time. Wood becomes the highest scorer of Championship season with 22 goals ( 2 ahead of Dwight Gayle) and scored 11 goals in his last 11 Championship outings.
Substitutes
Kalvin Phillips: 7
A surprise move by Garry Monk to replace O’kane. But his strategy worked out well as the youngster set up a sublime ball for Chris Wood who made no mistake to put his team ahead once more.
Alfonso Pedraza: 7
Kemar Roofe: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
