Leeds United’s flying start of 2017-18 Championship campaign hit a new low when they suffered three consecutive defeats and lost their top of the table spot. The Peacocks boss Thomas Christiansen was hoping for a reaction from his boys ahead of their trip to Bristol to encounter impressive Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The game, despite loads of pessimism, proved to be a cakewalk for the Whites who grabbed a comfortable 3-0 defeat against the Robins and secured a much-needed victory in order to bring their derailed campaign back on track.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their emphatic win against Bristol City.
Andy Lonergan: 6.5
Once again started in goal, pulled off a couple of routine stops but struggled with his distribution and aerial dominance at times. Nevertheless, the veteran custodian managed to bag a clean-sheet.
Luke Ayling: 7
Struggled with his passing and his long balls lacked accuracy, but the fullback worked hard down the right-hand flank, made some forward runs as well as defensive contributions with tackles, block, and interceptions.
Matthew Pennington: 7.5
Pennington, the Everton Loanee, was preferred over Pontus Jansson and performed splendidly in the heart of Leeds backline. Won a number of duels and made some crucial clearances to avoid any unforeseen trouble.
Liam Cooper: 8
A solid defensive display by Liam Cooper as he impressed with his positioning, aerial presence, marking, clearances and intercepting ability. His all-around defensive ability helped his side to clinch a clean-sheet.
Gaetano Berardi: 5
An evening to forget for the Swiss left-back. Although his side secured a 3-0 win, Berardi had a quiet outing as he did not offer much in attack and should have done a lot better defensively as well. Was shown a Red Card towards the end of the game with 10 minutes remaining.
Ronaldo Vieira: 7
The youngster was dispossessed a few times but pulled off a few crucial blocks, interceptions and clearances that helped Leeds to hold their lead intact and secure a convincing victory.
Eunan O’Kane: 7.5
O’Kane was neat in the middle of the park. Broke down several Bristol moves with crucial interceptions. Worked hard to win back possession and screened his defence whenever required.
Kalvin Phillips: 8
Another excellent outing for the youngster as he kept on threatening the Robins’ backline with his passes and also assisted Lasogga to score Leeds’ third of the evening with a thumping header.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7
Looked purposeful with his runs and link-up play down the right-hand flank and contributed in Leeds’ and Samuel Saiz’s second of the evening. Was taken off midway of the second-half to be replaced by Hadi Sacko.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 8.5
Lasogga forced Frank Fielding to make a few decent stops, missed a few opportunities and threatened Bristol backline from the very start of the game. He assisted Saiz’s early opener and also scored with a thumping header after picking up a great delivery of Phillips. Was replaced by Jay-Roy Root in closing minutes.
Samuel Saiz: 9
A man of the match display by the Spaniard who scored a brace within first 15 minutes of the game and helped his side creating continual attacking threats. Was taken off and replaced by Vurnon Anita late into the game.
Substitutes
Hadi Sacko: 6
Came in place of Alioski. Did not make any noteworthy contribution.
Vurnon Anita: NA
Came in place of Saiz. Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jay-Roy Grot: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
