After losing three games on a trot, Championship outfit, Leeds United returned to their winning ways as they secured a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at the Elland Road on Sunday. Pablo Hernandez opened the score sheet and the lead was doubled by Ezgjan Alioski in the second half.
Boro did try to stage a comeback and were awarded a penalty late in the game. Britt Assombalonga belted it beyond Andy Lonergan’s left, which added further spice to the fixture. However, the Whites were able to maintain their one-goal lead and eventually bagged all three points.
With the victory, the Yorkshire-based club have climbed up to the 7th spot in the league table with 26 points to their name after 17 games.
Here are three takeaways from Leeds United’s win over Garry Monk’s troops:
Alioski’s Brilliant Performance: He Was On Fire!
Summer signing, Ezgjan Alioski, did suffer from inconsistency and a sporadic patch of performances. But on Sunday, he was right on the money from the very beginning. The Macedonian caused havoc down the right-hand side and kept questioning George Friend time and again.
Besides, Alioski showed a lot of intent going forward, although he lost possession on a few occasions. He seemingly appeared to be hungry to showcase his calibre in a big game, wherein a lot was at stake, and rightfully deserved to find the back of the net, doubling the lead for his side.
Central Defenders Stepped Up: Jansson and Cooper looked uber-confident
Prior to the international break, Pontus Jansson’s form was questioned, for he failed to live up to the yardstick he had set up for himself last season. However, against the Smoggies, the centre-back hardly put a foot wrong and imposed himself as a resilient figure at the back.
Alongside him, Liam Cooper also thrived, as the two combined well together and made life look a bit easier for the Peacocks. They kept Britt Assombalonga in check and didn’t allow him to link up with his teammates, thus sucking the life out of Middlesbrough’s attack most of the times throughout the match.
Berardi Looked Uncomfortable: Needs to rectify his errors
At the left-back position, Gaetano Berardi failed to convince as he lacked any sort of pace or zeal to put on something spectacular. He looked uncomfortable with the ball and couldn’t push his side forward down the left.
Moreover, his case worsened after the introduction of Adama Traore. To maintain his place in the starting line-up under Thomas Christiansen, Berardi has to sharpen himself further and up the ante from here.
