Leeds United were one of the promotion favourites following a stupendous inception of the new campaign but lost their way in later weeks and are now struggling to get back into ‘top six’ in order to clinch a playoff spot. Their Saturday afternoon clash at Loftus Road was a crucial one as a win would have helped them to build some momentum following a dismal 4-1 defeat over Championship leaders Wolves a few weeks back.
The Peacocks clinched a 2-0 win over Barnsley following that disastrous outcome and their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on last Saturday helped Thomas Christiansen to find the feet prior to their contest against a struggling Queens Park Rangers side. The game, however, proved to be a late thriller as the visitors clinched a 3-1 win banking on a Kemar Roofe hat-trick.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their dramatic win against QPR.
Felix Wiedwald: 5
Wiedwald has been restored in Leeds goal replacing Andy Lonergan since their 4-1 defeat to Wolves and the German custodian made a howler in closing minutes as he misjudged Paweł Wszołek forward ball which bounced over him and went into the goal. But he showed massive reaction seconds later by denying Idrissa Sylla to score an equalizer.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Ayling pulled off a massive challenge to deny Matt Smith from scoring an early goal for the hosts. Mostly concentrated on his defensive duties during the first-half but started contributing to attack later on and delivered a balanced display against the Hoops.
Pontus Jansson: 7.5
Dealt well with QPR’s crossing game and did not allow Matt Smith to dominate in the air. Impressed with his positioning, blocks and intercepting skills.
Liam Cooper: 7
Cooper too showed aerial dominance and made some vital clearances and blocks to hold the lead for his side.
Gaetano Berardi: 6.5
Had a nervy inception but settled in with time and mostly concentrated on his defensive work rather than going forward.
Ronaldo Vieira: 7.5
A solid display by the youngster in the middle of the park as he impressed with his passing skills, won a number of duels, made some crucial interceptions and clearances and didn’t allow the hosts to dominate the game from midfield. Was replaced by Matthew Pennington towards the end.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
Phillips was not as much instrumental in Leeds attack as his previous outings but helped his side to win the midfield battle with his combative approach.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8
Was excellent yet again as his runs and crosses were often creating trouble for QPR backline. His sublime cross was converted majestically by Kemar Roofe who broke the deadlock in the second half and scored his first of a sensational hat-trick. Was replaced by Eunan O’Kane in the second-half.
Samuel Saiz: 8.5
Was impressive in an attacking midfield role as he combined well with Roofe, Alioski, and Cibicki on many occasions. Was excellent with his footwork and also assisted Roofe to score his hat-trick and seal the deal for his side in closing seconds.
Kemar Roofe: 10
Started the game on the flanks but was shifted to play as the main striker following Ekuban’s early substitution due to injury concern. And the player single-handedly clinched a win for his side by scoring a second-half hat-trick and showed why he is crucial for Leeds’ promotion challenge.
Caleb Ekuban: 5
Ekuban started the game brightly with his movements but was forced to leave the pitch early due to injury and was replaced by Paweł Cibicki.
Substitutes
