Middlesbrough’s trip to Elland Road was not supposed to be a stroll in the park and the visitors were expecting a hostile atmosphere as their gaffer Garry Monk surprisingly stepped down as the Leeds boss this summer and opted to join Boro, rejecting a new contract offer.
Leeds were on a dreadful losing streak that pushed them down to the 10th spot in the league table ahead of the international break, whereas their Sunday afternoon counterparts have gathered momentum in recent weeks with consecutive wins and were looking to continue the upsurge against the struggling home side in order to make a Premier League return following last season’s relegation.
The outcome, however, proved to be the other way around, as the home side clinched an edgy 2-1 win and ended the visitors’ three-game winning streak.
Below are the Middlesbrough players rated in their defeat against Leeds United.
Darren Randolph: 5
Leeds had only two shots on target and Randolph conceded on both occasions. Lacked accuracy in his distribution too.
Connor Roberts: 6
The loanee from Swansea City had a tough game against veteran Pablo Hernandez, the ex-Swansea attacker, who scored one and assisted the other in Leeds’ much-needed win against his former gaffer who brought him to Elland Road last season.
Daniel Ayala: 6.5
Won a number of duels, offered physicality and earned a dubious spot-kick for his side, which was converted by Assombalonga. Did well to contain Roofe but Leeds’ wing-play troubled the Boro backline throughout the game. Skied his header from a Middlesbrough corner in closing seconds and wasted the opportunity to find a late equalizer.
Ben Gibson: 6
A trip to forget for the Englishman who struggled defensively against the likes of Saiz and Alioski. Lost duels and also left space inside the box in order to cover the struggling George Friend in the left-back slot.
George Friend: 5
Alioski kept the left fullback on his toes with his pace, tricky runs, and one-twos up front. Was taken off to be replaced by Adama Traore in the second half.
Jonathan Howson: 6.5
The former Norwich City midfielder impressed with his passing skills but struggled against the link-up play between Kalvin Phillips and Samuel Saiz who were carrying the ball from deep and orchestrating the game from the middle of the park.
Grant Leadbitter: 6
Was combative but struggled to carry the ball forward despite breaking down a few Leeds moves in midfield. Was taken off in the second half and was replaced by forward Ashley Fletcher.
Marcus Tavernier: 6
The youngster tried hard to use the flank but could not offer much up front. Skied a couple of efforts before being taken off to be replaced by Marvin Johnson.
Martin Braithwaite: 7
The Danish international looked purposeful in a ‘number 10’ role. Worked hard to win back possession, created a few chances and saw his strike being cleared off the line by a combined effort from Ayling and the post.
Stewart Downing: 6.5
Tested Leeds custodian Lonergan early in the game. Was quiet otherwise as Gaetano Berardi, the Leeds left-back did not allow the veteran to create chances using the width of the pitch.
Britt Assombalonga: 6.5
Scored from the controversial spot-kick but did not offer much otherwise. Both Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper dealt well with his physicality.
Substitutes
Marvin Johnson: 6
Made some purposeful runs and created chances for the attackers. However, lacked accuracy in the final third.
Adama Traore: 5
Tried to use his pace and power to break down a resilient Leeds backline. Failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Ashley Fletcher: 5
The youngster was introduced to add attacking flair up front but could not serve the purpose for Garry Monk after coming on in place of Leadbitter.
