Leeds United once again faced disappointment in their titanic clash against Middlesbrough, which the latter won by 3-0. Patrick Bamford scored the first hattrick of his career to tame Paul Heckingbottom’s side and lead them to another defeat, literally shutting the door for a revival and decimating their dreams of heading back to the top flight.
The embarrassing run stretches for the newly appointed manager, with the Whites losing 3 of their last 6 matches while winning only one and drawing two. That leaves them at the 11th position in the league table, raking up only 49 points so far this season.
While none of the players from the Elland Road club showed leadership skills to take up the responsibility and bring back glory to their outfit, the Middlesbrough players were quick to capitalise on that. Adama Traore and Patrick Bamford looked in ominous touch up front, while captain Ben Gibson and Daniel Ayala made sure that nothing got past them in the backline, making it a much-desired win for their new manager Tony Pulis.
Here is how the Leeds United players are rated as per their display.
Felix Weidwald- 4/10
Looked completely out of sorts throughout the whole length of the match, making it easier for Bamford to find the back of the net respectively on the 31st, 36th and 68th minutes to complete his first career hattrick.
Gaetano Berardi- 5/10
Found it extremely difficult to deal with the lightning fast pace of Adama Traore throughout the contest.
Pontus Jansson- 5/10
Was ineffective in keeping the opposition forwards quite, which resulted in his side to face an embarrassing defeat.
Liam Cooper- 4/10
Was nowhere near his best form and was no match for the skills and guile of Bamford, leaving the gate open for him to capitalise. Picked up a yellow card as well.
Vurnon Anita- 6/10
Tried his level best to make a mark on the game but was let down by his teammates. Was yellow carded in the process.
Eunan O’Kane- 6/10
Initially looked good in the middle of the pitch but faltered as the match progressed. Was eventually substituted in the 69th minute.
Kalvin Phillips- 5/10
Looked completely out of sorts while vying against the opposition midfielders and had to be taken off at the halftime mark.
Ezgjan Alioski- 5/10
Another player substituted at the halftime, given his dismal display in the first 45 minutes.
Samu Saiz- 6/10
Tried to get his side out of trouble but it proved futile for the Whites. Got involved in an unnecessary altercation with the opposition players at the end of the match.
Stuart Dallas- 6/10
Looked out of sorts from the word go. However, looked a bit lively in the later parts of the match but to no avail.
Pierre Michel-Lassoga- 5/10
The German international has been one of the better players in this gloomy season for Leeds United. However, tonight was evidently not his night.
Substitutes
Ronaldo Vieira- 4/10
Came on at the 45th minute but failed to affect the outcome of the match.
Adam Forshaw- 5/10
Put up a disappointing display, to say the least.
Caleb Ekuban- 6/10
Made a few good runs but clearly not good enough to turn the match towards his side.
