New boys Rotherham United travelled to Elland Road this afternoon to lock horns with high-flying Leeds United in this season’s first Yorkshire derby. The Whites had an incredible start to the season under the iconic Marcelo Bielsa with back to back thumping wins over promotion favourites Stoke City and Derby County. Although they struggled in the first half, El Loco’s men came back strongly after the break and eventually secured a 2-0 win over their city rivals.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in another comprehensive win in Championship new season.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 8.5
Was lucky to survive a first-half scare when Jon Taylor’s thumping effort hit the woodwork, but the youngster was steady otherwise, made some decent stops and impressed everyone with his decision making. Thoroughly earned his clean sheet with an action-packed display between the sticks.
Luke Ayling: 8
The right-back kept on making overlapping runs and whipping in crosses. He, however, broke the deadlock minutes into the second half when his header from close range just inched over the line.
Gaetano Berardi: 7
Stumbled midway through the first half in dealing with Cooper’s back pass but the custodian Peacock-Farrell did exceptionally well to keep out Ryan Williams’ effort to avoid embarrassment. The defender, however, was solid otherwise as he kept composure at the back and helped his side deal with the visitors’ threats, particularly in the second half.
Liam Cooper: 7.5
Continued his impressive run in the heart of Whites backline as he kept on winning duels and made some crucial clearances to fend off threats from the opponents.
Barry Douglas: 7.5
The summer signing from promoted Wolves has restored stability in the left-back slot with a balanced defensive work rate along with attacking contributions.
Kalvin Phillips: 7.5
Lost the ball dangerously once in the first half. However, the young Englishman was excellent once more while marshalling the backline. He also found Kemar Roofe down the left as the forward scored.
Mateusz Klich: 7
Could not find the net like his two previous league encounters but registered a steady display in the middle of the park by creating moves from a slightly deeper midfield role. Was replaced by Pontus Jansson in closing seconds.
Samuel Saiz: 7
Yet another tireless effort from the Spaniard who often disorganised the opponents’ set-up with his down the middle runs, dribbles and flashy footwork. Was replaced by Lewis Baker late in the game amidst a standing ovation at Elland Road.
Pablo Hernandez: 7.5
The veteran Spaniard kept on using the flanks to whip in crosses and linked up excellently with fellow attackers to create goal-bound chances.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7
The Macedonian speedster, similarly, operated from the other flank, beat past opponents with his pace and kept on crossing inside the box to find fellow attackers.
Kemar Roofe: 8
Missed a few opportunities but scored sensationally in the second half to double the lead and ensured another win to continue the streak.
Substitutes
Lewis Baker: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Patrick Bamford: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Pontus Jansson: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
