Leeds United travelled to Hillsborough to take on their derby rivals Sheffield Wednesday. The game ended 1-1 on the night, but Marcelo Bielsa’s men gave everything on the pitch and probably deserved a win. It was just one of those days where the ball didn’t seem to fall in the right place for United players in the final third. They were also guilty of squandering some decent opportunities.
United dominated proceedings in the first half, and Barry Douglas should have scored from a free header. The Owls were however in the contest as they kept on nicking balls in midfield in dangerous areas. Adam Reach scored an absolute world-class goal to break the deadlock against the run of play, and the Whites went in at half-time trailing by a goal to nil.
Bielsa’s men started off strongly in the second half with Mateusz Klich equalising early. The game ebbed and flew from box to box with United coming in with waves of attacks and Sheffield trying to hit them on the counter. However, Josh Luhukay’s men held on and defended with everything to come up with a hard-earned point.
Here is how the Whites players fared in the Yorkshire derby.
Bailey Peacock Farrell 6
Had some nervy moments here and there in the first half. Couldn’t have done much for the goal he conceded. Got down well to save Reach’s shot in the dying moments of the game to keep the match level.
Luke Ayling 6.5
A tireless performance from the right-back as he bombed forward at every opportunity. Made some mistakes in picking out some passes but overall a decent performance.
Liam Cooper 6
Was strong at the back and read the game well to keep out dangerous situations. Could have scored the winner late from a corner when he skyed a free header. Was slightly loose with his distribution.
Pontus Jansson 6
Again a solid performance at the back from the Swede but like his partner, struggled at times with the distribution when the Owls players pressed high up the pitch.
Barry Douglas 6.5
Bielsa can expect him to perform at the same level every game and that is what Douglas provided. Was always a threat while going forward and should have scored in the first half from a free header.
Kalvin Phillips 6
Bielsa trusted in the young midfielder once again, and he came up with a decent performance. Defensively he was good and also got in the box to support his attackers. Made some sloppy passes while building up from the back but overall an assured performance.
Mateusz Klich 8
Man of the match performance from the Polish midfielder as he brought United back into the game with his brilliant goal from outside the box. Controlled the game in the second half and played little combinations well with his attacking partners. Helped his team out defensively as well.
Samuel Saiz 6
The Spaniard hustled a lot around the pitch, but it’s time for him to come up with some end product. Got better as the game progressed.
Jack Harrison 6
Can’t fault him for not trying but needs more composure in the final third to pick out that perfect pass or shot on goal.
Ezgjan Alioski 5
Alioski has been blowing more cold than hot off late as he missed some good scoring opportunities. Was caught offside early in the game and was found wanting defensively. Needs to improve his crossing.
Tyler Roberts 6.5
The striker was everywhere as he dropped down often to help his side defensively. Ran well between the channels and was always a good option for the midfielders to link up play. All he needs to do is add some goals in his game, and he could be a promising forward for the Whites.
Substitutes
Adam Forshaw N/A
Didn’t affect the game much.
