Leeds United’s dismal run of form continues to haunt them as the Peacocks succumbed to another loss against Preston North End in the Championship. It is even more heart-breaking as they lose the match from an advantageous position after taking a lead early in the first half.
It spells even more trouble for the Championship outfit amidst their gruesome struggle to make a place in the top six, which currently looks like a lost cause. Leeds started their campaign this term in emphatic fashion but were unable to keep their winning form intact as the season moved on and succumbed to a number of defeats, which resulted in the sacking of their manager Thomas Christensen.
Things, however, don’t tend to take a positive turn under the reign of their present manager Paul Heckingbottom. It is pretty obvious now that they will have to chalk out the plans for a better outing in the next term, with a place in the playoffs being their main priority.
Kemar Roofe struck in the 13th minute of the match to give the lead to the Peacocks, who go down by one position in the league table to 14th. However, in the second half, Paul Gallagher converted from the spot to bring Preston to level terms in the 49th minute and then in the 52nd minute, Sean Maguire made sure of another disappointing night for the Elland Road club faithful. Alan Browne added to their dismay in the 82nd minute as he scored the third goal for the Lilywhites en route to a convincing win at Deepdale.
Here are the ratings for the Leeds United players.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 6/10
Though it was not entirely his fault in case of the goals, he looked nowhere near his good form in the last few outings.
Stuart Dallas: 5/10
Was caught out of position on several occasions and was evidently uncomfortable playing at the right back.
Pontus Jansson: 6/10
An off night for the reliable centre back. Looked good on occasions.
Paudie O’Connor: 5/10
Could have done better to safeguard the backline. Received a yellow card for a foul on Declan Rudd.
Vurnon Anita: 4/10
Looked clueless in the left back position. Gave away the penalty that was possibly the turning point of the match.
Jay-Roy Grot: 5/10
Never looked comfortable while on the ball. Misplaced too many passes.
Kalvin Phillips: 7/10
Had a much better outing than his teammates. His passing was accurate as he linked up well with the forwards and got the ball into the final third.
Ronaldo Vieira: 6/10
A decent first half led to an awful second half for the midfielder.
Pablo Hernandez: 7/10
Was by far the best player for the Peacocks. Could have done well with the number of chances he had but was denied by Rudd.
Kemar Roofe: 6/10
Handed the lead to Leeds with a well-timed finish. Was a livewire in the first half but the same can’t be said about him in the second half.
Caleb Ekuban: 6/10
Cool and composed in the first half, sloppy in the second.
Substitutes
Ezgjan Alioski (68′): NA
Samuel Saiz (68′) – 6/10
Should have done better with his finishing after getting past the opposition players. Posed threat but was ineffective.
