Despite a promising campaign under Garry Monk, Leeds United bottled it in the climax and the resurgence of Fulham left them with no option but to win against Norwich City this afternoon at Elland Road to keep fighting for a top six finish and qualify for the playoffs. However, their efforts went in vain in spite of staging a late comeback and finish it 3-3 after conceding three early goals in first half. Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Brentford secures a place in top six for the Cottagers and Leeds are out of playoff race with one game remaining.
Below are the Leeds players rated from the fixture.
Rob Green: 6.5
The veteran custodian enjoyed an impressive campaign between the sticks for the Peacocks and showed his class once again despite conceding thrice in the first half. He denied Nelson Oliveira from scoring a hat-trick and pulled off a few majestic stops to keep his side in the game.
Luke Ayling: 5
Started the game brightly with forward runs and whipped in a few crosses for marksman Chris Wood. But he struggled defensively and should have done better against Josh Murphy and Jonny Howson. Was replaced by Alfonso Pedraza in the second half.
Kyle Bartley: 5.5
Looked nervy in the first half and made a few costly defensive errors. However, the Swansea loanee was solid in the second half and scored from a corner that raised hopes for his side to stage a late comeback.
Pontus Jansson: 5.5
Struggled to contain Alex Pritchard and Nelson Oliveira. Made a few crucial blocks and assisted Bartley to score the second of the afternoon for his side.
Gaetano Berardi: 5.5
Often troubled by Ivo Pinto and Steven Naismith down the left-hand flank. Had a better second half as he made a few decent forward runs and linked up well with Stuart Dallas and later Souleymane Doukara.
Ronaldo Vieira: 6
The youngster looked solid in the middle of the park as he did well to switch the game in both flanks and helped his side to use the width of the pitch. Could have done better to deal with Norwich’s counter attacks.
Eunan O’Kane: 6
O’Kane did well in a combative role and tried to keep the midfield fluid with his tireless runs. Was out of position a few times before being replaced by Kalvin Phillips towards the end.
Kemar Roofe: 6.5
The winger kept the Norwich back-line on toes with his dribbles, runs and pace. Whipped in a few decent crosses for Chris Wood.
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
The Northern Irishman looked impressive from the left-hand flank and whipped in a perfect cross for Chris Wood who netted from close range to initiate a comeback seconds before the half-time whistle. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Souleymane Doukara.
Pablo Hernandez: 8
Worked tirelessly throughout the game. Linked up well with fellow attackers and equalised with an outstanding free-kick from 20 yards to raise hopes for the hosts to grab a late winner.
Chris Wood: 7
Championship’s top scorer marked his name in the scoresheet yet again with a headed goal from close range seconds before the completion of the first half. Came close on a few other occasions as well but failed to find a winner.
Substitutes
Souleymane Doukara: 6
Offered physicality upfront from set-pieces and whipped in a few decent crosses for marksman Woods.
Alfonso Pedraza: 5
Came in place of Ayling. Tried to break the defence with his runs and one-twos, but failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Kalvin Phillips: 5.5
Came late in place of Eunan O’Kane. Tried to hold the ball in midfield and place it in the flanks for the wingers.
