Leeds United’s season has hit a turmoil in recent weeks when they are failing to grind out results anymore and were without a win in past six outings ( L4 D2) ahead of hosting their promotion rivals Cardiff City at Elland Road. The Peacocks were dropped to the 10th place of the Championship table with 4 points off the playoff spot and the Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen was hoping for a reaction to be back in the ‘top six’ contention but things went from bad to worse following three first-half goals from the Bluebirds, some decisions from the match official that went against the hosts, Pontus Jansson’s serious-looking injury and Gaetano Berardi’s sent off.
The game eventually ended 4-1 in favour of the visitors and the defeat has now jeopardized Christiansen’s job furthermore and the gaffer might face a dismissal now following a series of dismal outcomes.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their disastrous defeat against Cardiff City.
Felix Wiedwald: 5
Made a couple of stops but looked nervy at times between the sticks and ended up conceding four times this afternoon.
Gaetano Berardi: 4
Berardi started as the right-back but was switched to a central defensive role following Pontus Jansson’s injury. The outing, however, proved to be a nightmare for the Swiss professional who received two first-half bookings thus a marching order in closing minutes before the break.
Matthew Pennington: 6
Struggled aerially, but the Everton loanee was solid otherwise as he did well under immense pressure particularly after being down to ten men late in the first-half. Made crucial blocks, clearances, and interceptions along with impressive physical presence as well as passing traits.
Pontus Jansson: 5
Leeds’ defensive pillar had an abrupt ending to his game when he was stretchered off the field within 30 minutes into the game and was replaced by Stuart Dallas. Jansson made a few clearances but was struggling to clear Cardiff’s long balls, set-pieces and crossing game.
Laurens De Bock: 5.5
The newly recruited left-back is still adjusting to life in new surroundings and struggled defensively on many occasions against Callum Paterson. Didn’t offer much going forward and tried to maintain his defensive composure
Adam Forshaw: 6.5
Had a decent game in the middle of the park as the new signing from Middlesbrough fought hard to keep his side in the game despite being down to ten men. A promising outing for Forshaw whose vast experience at Championship might help the Peacocks in the longer run.
Ronaldo Vieira: 5
The youngster had a quiet afternoon with misplaced passes and mistimed tackles. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Jay-Roy Grot.
Ezgjan Alioski: 6.5
Came close to find the back of the net from a rebound but was stunningly denied by Cardiff custodian Neil Etheridge. His runs and cut insides were troubling the Bluebirds at times but it was of no use as the hosts suffered another disappointing defeat.
Kemar Roofe: 5.5
Roofe tried to link up with Lasogga from behind and despite but mostly remained contained by Cardiff backline.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
The veteran Spaniard was trying his level best to create chances and bring the hosts back in the contention. His crosses were menacing at times and also dribbled past the defence on quite a few occasions.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 6
Lasogga’s header struck the woodwork from point-blank range and was denied by Etheridge despite having a decent hit from 30 yards out. Was isolated in the second half and got replaced by Hadi Sacko.
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas: 6
Played in a makeshift right-back role since replacing Jansson in the first-half and his cross was turned into his own net by Cardiff’s Sol Bamba to hand the home side a glimmer of hope in the second-half.
Hadi Sacko: 5
Came in place of Lasogga. Failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Jay-Roy Grot: N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
