A thrilling contest between a promotion hopeful and a playoff-chasing side, Derby County and Leeds United, ended 2-2 at Pride Park Stadium.
A thrilling contest saw the Rams salvage a point through a late goal from Kasey Palmer and it was the Peacocks who lost out on a win since Boxing Day.
It was Leeds who broke the deadlock through Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s headed in effort from close range in the 34th minute.
But it was Andreas Weimann who came back with the equalizer just seconds before the half-time whistle.The Austrian drilled in a shot towards the centre of the goal and cancelled out United’s lead.
Paul Heckingbottom quickly answered back by making three well-timed substitutions. Ezgjan Alioski got on for Pablo Hernandez and scored 2 minutes later through another header inside the box from the fast break.
But the lead never looked solid as Bradley Johnson kept missing chances and eventually Gary Rowett’s men found the back of the net in the 92nd minute. Kasey Palmer slammed the ball into the top corner Curtis Davis’ corner and the stadium erupted.
The referee blew the final whistle and both sides shared the spoils with a lot of positives to take back for Leeds fans. They were well deserved of a point and Heckingbottom did a good job managing his side. It was only a lack of communication at the backline which ended up costing them the three points.
The nature of the last-gasp leveller will give the Rams encouragement but Cardiff City’s win at Ipswich leaves them five points off the second automatic promotion spot.
Leeds head coach Paul Heckingbottom made four changes to his team following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City. Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi returned after suspension, with Ronaldo Vieira and Kemar Roofe also recalled.
Here is how the Leeds United players were rated.
Felix Wiedwald – 6/10
He was pretty much helpless for both the goals conceded and was left to fend for himself for the majority of the game. Still managed to make a few key saves and a definite improvement from last weekend’s shambolic display.
Gaetano Berardi – 5/10
Could not really match up to Derby’s attacks and was caught out of possession on a few occasions.
Pontus Jansson – 6/10
He was solid at the back and read the opposition attacks early. Won the majority of the aerial duels.
Liam Cooper – 5/10
Horrible clearance effort helped Derby get the equaliser. Was otherwise decent.
Laurens De Bock – 4/10
Very poor on the ball and equally bad off it. Could barely a pass tonight.
Adam Forshaw – 7/10
Could not get an assist to his name but the 26-year-old still bossed the midfield with a cool and calm head.
Romario Vieira – 5/10
Not his best day at work as the holding midfielder struggled to make a mark.
Stuart Dallas – 8/10
His work ethic and tenacity are laudable on both ends of the pitch. Earned himself an assist through a cross to Lasogga.
Kemar Roofe – 5/10
Should have done better with the limited touches he got.
Pablo Hernandez – 5/10
Was he even in the game?
Pierre-Michel Lasogga – 8/10
A strong physical presence, Lasogga did not let up when Derby had the ball and got himself the goal. Better.
Substitutes:
Samuel Saiz – 7/10
Came on to completely change the face of the Leeds attack. He linked up with everybody and threatened whenever he had the ball on his feet.
Kalvin Phillips – 6/10
A fresh bout of energy helped United fight back offensively.
Ezgjan Alioski – 6/10
Did the exact thing he was brought on to do – get a goal.
