Following Newcastle United’s draw against Birmingham City, Chris Hughton’s Brighton and Hove Albion got another opportunity to go on top of the Championship table ahead of their away trip to Elland Road against Leeds United who are enjoying a productive campaign under Gary Monk and comfortably placed in top six in order to achieve a promotion via play-offs. However, the crucial outing ended in a 2-0 victory for the Peacocks as the Seagulls failed to grab the opportunity to go on top yet again.
Leeds United Players Rated And Slated In Their Massive Win Against Brighton & Hove Albion
Robert Green: 9
The veteran Englishman did well to deal with Brighton’s crosses and also pulled off an excellent save to deny Sam Baldock’s back heel that deflected off Bartley. Skalak’s low drive from the edge of the box was well saved by the custodian. Pulled off another spectacular save towards the end to block Murray’s fierce drive. Was good in the air, tipped over a few of Seagull’s effort and cleared threats from set-pieces. Thoroughly earned his clean-sheet.
Gaetano Berardi: 7.5
Berardi started in an unusual right fullback role due to the absence of suspended Luke Ayling. Despite initial stumbles, he settled down quickly and kept on helping him defence when required. Made some decent overlap runs, whipped in few crosses and long balls for Chris Wood.
Kyle Bartley: 7
Bartley kept on posing threat from the Peacock’s corners and free-kicks. However, Green spectacularly denied Baldock’s deflected effort that could have been an own goal of the Swansea loanee.
Liam Cooper: 7.5
Returned in the starting eleven replacing Pontus Jansson and did well to clear Brighton’s crosses and pulled off stunning blocks as well as interceptions to deny the likes of Murray and Baldock.
Charlie Taylor: 8
Made it to the squad after a long absence with an Achilles injury and marked his return with an assist for Chris Wood when his cross was headed home by the New Zealand international.
Liam Bridcutt: 7
The skipper did well in a combative role and never let Brighton take full control of the game from midfield.
Ronaldo Vieira: 7.5
The youngster ran tirelessly and kept Leeds’ midfield mobile and the attackers busy with his passes and through balls. Overdid in a few occasions, however, had one of his matured outings this evening.
Hadi Sacko: 6.5
The agile winger kept the Brighton back-line on toes with his cut-ins, directness and dribbling. But his crosses and deliveries lacked end product as he failed to find any of his teammates in most cases. Was replaced by Stuart Dallas towards the end.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
The former Swansea man did well to link up with fellow attackers and played some smart one-twos to create space in Brighton defence. Was subbed off towards the closing minutes.
Alfonso Pedraza: 6
The Spaniard cut in quite a few times from the left-hand flank. Did well to build-up number of Leeds’ attacks. Was subbed off with 15 minutes remaining.
Chris Wood: 9
The New Zealand international proved yet again why he is the top scorer of Championship. He uplifted his side once more bagging a brace – one from an amazing looping header, another from the spot-kick towards the end. Missed on a few occasions that should have been converted considering his class and quality inside the box.
Substitutes
Souleymane Doukara: 7
Monk’s masterstroke worked perfectly as he brought in big man Doukara when Brighton were sniffing for an equaliser. He troubled Seagull’s defence with his physicality and earned a penalty after coming on which was converted by Wood to seal the deal for the home side.
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
Was a late inclusion in place of Sacko who linked well with Berardi in the right-hand flank.
Eunan O’Kane: NA
Came too late to warrant a rating.
