Leeds United’s winning streak hit a massive setback on Saturday afternoon when they were humbled by struggling Birmingham city via a late winner. However, the Peacocks are still in contention for a playoff spot and were confident of a convincing win over Nottingham Forest on new year’s eve at Elland Road. Forest have been on a rough patch and recently sacked their gaffer Mark Warburton ahead of the Leeds trip. It was going to be a long afternoon for the visitors against Thomas Christiansen’s men who were thriving to be back to winning ways.
The game, however, proved to be a futile draw as the hosts failed to grab a winner despite being superior throughout.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their scoreless draw against Nottingham Forest.
Felix Wiedwald: 7
The German custodian made a few decent stops including a 25-yard strike from Ben Osborn that got deflected but saved by him. Was not much busy otherwise. Had a relatively easier clean-sheet.
Luke Ayling: 6
Started the game with great spirit down the right-hand flank but an early injury forced him to leave the pitch to be replaced by Vurnon Anita.
Pontus Jansson: 8
Defended well and didn’t allow the visitors to trouble enough in Leeds’ backline. Looked menacing from set-pieces and came close to find the back of the net on a few occasions.
Liam Cooper: 8
Made a stunning sliding tackle to deny Ben Brereton in early minutes who was through on goal. Maintained his composure in deep defence and earned a clean-sheet for his side.
Gaetano Berardi: 7.5
Berardi performed his defensive responsibilities and made occasional runs up front and whipped in a few crosses inside the box.
Kalvin Phillips: 6.5
Philipps Was not as influential as he has been so far this season and struggled to build the game in the middle of the park.
Eunan O’Kane: 6
Tried to hold possession in midfield and distribute it from a deeper role, but could not find the stability in midfield against former Leeds skipper Liam Briductt who had a fine game for Nottingham Forest.
Ezgjan Alioski: 5.5
Made some ambitious runs, won free-kicks but could not create anything spectacular from the right-wing. Was taken off at half-time due to a suspected injury and replaced by Lasogga.
Samuel Saiz: 5.5
Saiz played some smart one-twos and linked up well with fellow attackers, but failed to orchestrate moves from behind and break down resilient Forest defence with his key passed forward.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
His set-pieces often caused trouble in the visitors’ backline but couldn’t find the winner for his side.
Kemar Roofe: 6
Missed a few opportunities, was denied by Jordan Smith a few times and was unlucky to hit the woodwork in the second-half. Was replaced by Hadi Sacko late in the game.
Substitutes
Vurnon Anita: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on his defensive work in a makeshift right-back role.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 5
His off-form continues as he once again fails to find the back of the net.
Hadi Sacko: 6
Looked promising, whipped in some ambitious crosses but failed to alter the scoreline.
