Leeds United, the league leaders, have been in the news over the past week following the ‘Spygate’ controversy. But they were back in action this afternoon against Stoke City which, however, turned out to be a complete catastrophe. They went down to ten men with Pontus Jansson receiving marching orders in the second half and suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at the bet365 Stadium.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their disappointing defeat against Stoke City.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 6.5
The youngster might lose his place soon to newly recruited Kiko Casilla but pulled off some quality saves to keep the Whites in contention for quite a long time. Conceded twice which he could have done little to deal with to be honest.
Luke Ayling: 6
Made some ambitious runs from the right flank to combine with Clarke high up the pitch. Struggled defensively at times against Sam Clucas and Oghenekaro Etebo. Was left frustrated by Jack Butland in the Potters’ goal who made a stunning stop in the closing minutes to deny his header.
Pontus Jansson: 5.5
Was unlucky to receive a second yellow which led to his dismissal. But the big centre-back struggled against the physicality of Benik Afobe as he lost many duels while on the pitch.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Was strong at the back. Defended well to deal with the hosts’ relentless attacking threats but failed to secure a result for his side from this away game.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7.5
The Macedonian featured as a left-back and kept on whipping in crosses using the width of the pitch. Looked purposeful with his movements and found a consolation goal in the closing seconds of the game.
Adam Forshaw: 6
Had plenty of touches and passes while operating in the hole in between their midfield and ‘back four’. Was spot on with his tackles and won many duels. However, got dispossessed twice which should have been avoided.
Mateusz Klich: 5
Struggled to keep up his form and was at fault for Clucas’ goal which eventually broke the deadlock minutes into the second half. Created a couple of decent moves which, however, led to nothing due to a lack of creativity upfront. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by teenager Jordan Stevens.
Pablo Hernandez: 6
Kept on dictating the game from a central role but lacked the impact he usually offers with his imagination and creative attributes.
Jack Clarke: 6
The youngster started brightly with lively runs, crosses and cut insides. But he faded off with time and looked worn out completely while chasing the game.
Jack Harrison: 5
Harrison had yet another disappointing afternoon of football where he offered little in the attacking third. Was taken off around the hour mark and got replaced by Tyler Roberts.
Kemar Roofe: 5.5
Did not see the ball much and failed to test Butland in goal. Dropped deeper at times to help his teammates create chances, but was unable to alter the outcome.
Substitutes
Tyler Roberts: 6
Had a positive impact since his introduction and was certainly an upgrade to Harrison’s below-par performance.
Jordan Stevens: 5.5
The youngster had some decent touches but failed to create anything spectacular to secure a result.
