Leeds United slipped down from top of the Championship table following two back to back defeats prior to the international break and Thomas Christiansen’s men were determined to bring their derailed campaign back on track this afternoon against Reading FC at Elland Road. Reading FC missed out a Premier League promotion under Japp Stam the last term when they suffered a defeat in tie-breakers during play-off final against Huddersfield Town.
Stam, however, has failed to inspire his boys to fight for a promotion this season who were struggling lower down the league table ahead of their trip to West Yorkshire. A crucial outing for both the outfits, however, ended dramatically when former Leeds United winger Moduo Barrow scored a late goal for the Royals. Pablo Hernandez missed a spot-kick in added minutes and the game ended in a massive victory for the visitors.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their disappointing defeat against Reading.
Andy Lonergan: 6.5
The veteran custodian was preferred over Felix Wiedwald, pulled off a few decent stops, impressed with his outings but could not save his side from suffering a defeat as he could have done little to deny Modou Barrow from scoring a late goal against his former employers.
Luke Ayling: 6
The right fullback made some forward runs, whipped in few crosses but lacked combination alongside Kemar Roofe.
Pontus Jansson: 6.5
Defender well in most occasions, impressed with his tackling and passing but lost a few duels against Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Cooper was dispossessed once but did well with his tackles, blocks, and clearances. Unlucky to concede towards the end.
Gaetano Berardi: 6
Berardi was troubled by Aluko as the agile Reading wingman kept on dribbling past the Leeds defence and creating opportunities to break the deadlock. Did not offer much from attacking perspectives either. Was replaced by Stuard Dallas in closing minutes.
Eunan O’Kane: 7
O’Kane looked purposeful with his passing and holding game. Tried to deliver some ambitious passes upfront for the attackers.
Kalvin Phillips: 6
Phillips tried to test the Royals custodian with his shooting which lacked accuracy. It was an afternoon to forget for the youngster.
Kemar Roofe: 5.5
Roofe could not create enough chances in attack and failed to replicate his form of this campaign. Was taken off to be replaced by Hadi Sacko in the second half.
Samuel Saiz: 6.5
His passes were not accurate as those usually are yet he did well to earn a spot-kick in closing seconds which Pablo Hernandez failed to convert and snatch a point from the game. Saiz impressed with his dribbling once more but was dispossessed a few times as well.
Pablo Hernandez: 6
The veteran Spaniard tried to link up with Lasogga from the left-hand flank and whipped in a few crosses. Unfortunately, he missed an injury time spot-kick and could not snatch a point for his side.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 5
Lasogga looked quiet this evening as he did not offer much in front of goal. Needs to improve his positioning.
Substitutes
Hadi Sacko: 5.5
Came in place of Roofe. Made some purposeful runs but failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Jay-Roy Root: 6
Looked lively and could have scored with his first touch from Saiz’s square pass, but Bacuna came to rescue with a brilliant tackle.
Stuart Dallas: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
