Despite their injury woes, Leeds United have been in electrifying form in recent weeks and have emerged as the prime promotion contenders under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage. They, however, had a sterner test this afternoon at Villa Park against Aston Villa and were in deep trouble when they conceded twice in early minutes. But the Whites scripted a huge turn around after the break, and an injury-time strike from Kemar Roofe ensured all three points restoring the top of the table spot ahead of Norwich City.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their excellent 3-2 win over Aston Villa.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 6
Conceded twice early on in the game which he could have done little to stop. Made some routine saves otherwise and was commanding while making outings.
Luke Ayling: 6.5
Returned to action after an injury layoff. Looked slightly off-paced initially but settled down quickly and made some ambitious moves while chasing the game.
Pontus Jansson: 8
Although the team conceded twice, the big centre-back was excellent for the remainder of the game and also threatened from set-pieces at the other end of the pitch. Headed home from a Pablo Hernandez corner to find an equaliser just over the hour mark.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
Was deployed once again as a makeshift centre-back. Won a few key duels, had plenty of touches and also build up moves from the deep with his dribbling and passing traits.
Leif Davis: 7
The teenager was a late inclusion in place of Barry Douglas who missed the tie through sickness. Did well on his debut with timely overlapping runs, crosses and also defensive clearances. Was taken off to be replaced by Jamie Shackleton late in the game.
Adam Forshaw: 6
Should have done a lot better considering his experience and quality. Featured in the hole in between the backline and midfield four but was clumsy with his tackles and got dispossessed dangerously by Jonathan Kodjia which could have cost the Whites big.
Jack Harrison: 5
The young Manchester City loanee was highly disappointing and never managed to get involved into the action despite being down by two goals. Was replaced by the teenager Jack Clarke at halftime.
Pablo Hernandez: 8.5
The veteran Spaniard once again instigated a win with two assists in the second half. He not only set up Clarke for his beautiful solo goal but also whipped in a perfect delivery from the corner which was converted by Jansson.
Mateusz Klich: 7
Had a couple of efforts denied by Ørjan Håskjold Nyland in the Villa goal. He was combative as well as destructive in the middle of the park against the likes of Conor Hourihane and John McGinn.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7.5
A much better display from the Macedonian as he kept on posing threats from the wide. Contributed to Roofe’s winner as his cross deflected off Elmohamady and fell favourably into the path of Roofe who made no mistake in finding the net.
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Was isolated initially but had a spirited display in the second half and found a dramatic winner in the dying seconds to ensure yet another stupendous victory for the Whites.
Substitutes
Jack Clarke: 8
The talented teenager exhibited his mastery with an outrageous solo goal from the left and brought back Leeds in the game to instigate a comeback.
Jamie Shackleton: 6
Came in place of Davis to provide more strength at the back in the closing minutes of the match.
