Following a sensational win against Sunderland at Stadium of Light last Saturday, Thomas Christiansen’s Leeds United travelled to the City Ground this evening to encounter Nottingham Forest, an outfit that has emerged as promotion favourites under new gaffer Mark Warburton following a scintillating start to the new campaign with 3 wins in 4 league outings.
Leeds have won twice and drawn twice and a victory tonight would have taken them ahead of the hosts. The fixture, however, proved to be a cakewalk for the visitors as they continued their great run of form and sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory – their third successive win away from home.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from this fixture.
Felix Wiedwald: 7
The German custodian was impressive once again as he denied Matt Mills and Danny Osborn in quick succession.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Most concentrated on his defensive duties. Was outstanding with his passing, accurate long balls as well as tackles, blocks, and clearances. Also made a few forward runs occasionally to link up with Alioski, Saiz, and Roofe.
Pontus Jansson: 7.5
Was accurate with his tackling and interceptions. Did not allow Forest to dominate the back-line.
Liam Cooper: 8
Cooper impressed with his positioning and aerial ability. His header across the goal was finished into the back of the net by Roofe to earn his side a first-half lead.
Vurnon Anita: 7
Anita, once again, had a decent outing in a makeshift left-back role as he helped his defence to keep control of the game and did not allow the opponents to explore the left-hand side of Leeds’ defence.
Kalvin Phillips: 8
Worked tirelessly in the middle of the park. Did exceptionally well to win back possession that eventually led to Alioski doubling the lead in the closing minutes.
Eunan O’Kane: 8
Was calm and composed, screened his defence masterly and impressed with his passing, vision, tackling and intercepting skills.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8.5
The Macedonian has been a shrewd piece of business by Christiansen. He kept on troubling the Forest defence with his runs, dribbling, link up play and shooting ability. Was rewarded for his hard work as he slotted home from outside of the box to score his maiden goal for the Peacocks.
Samuel Saiz: 7
Saiz has been in great scoring form for Leeds United and tried to extend his scoring run with a few ambitious efforts. He might not have found the back of the net, but his link up play, passing and dribbling skills won loads of applause.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
The veteran Spaniard played a few decent one-twos with Roofe and Saiz. Also whipped in a few crosses before being taken off to be replaced by debutant Jay-Roy Grot.
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Roofe, who scored a hat-trick in Leeds’ midweek League Cup victory against Newport County, continued his great scoring run and drew the first blood midway of the first half. Was taken off with 15 minutes remaining and was replaced by Stuart Dallas.
Substitutes
Jay-Roy Grot: 6.5
The Dutch teenager offered his great physicality and showed glimpses of class and quality on his debut.
Stuart Dallas: 6
Looked promising coming off the bench. Had a couple of chances, his efforts, however, were off-target.
Ronaldo Vieira: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
