Both Norwich City and Sheffield United won their respective games this weekend to put Leeds United down to third in the Championship standings ahead of their afternoon tie against Bristol City. The Whites scripted a stunning 4-0 win last week over West Brom but have struggled to grind out results away from home. The contest at the Ashton Gate, therefore, was far more competitive and the Robins, fighting to grab a playoff place finish, tried their level best to overcome an early setback when they conceded within ten minutes into the game.
Leeds, however, delivered a towering display and secured all three points after defending a one-goal lead with a headstrong performance.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their narrow win against Bristol City.
Kiko Casilla: 7
Had a nervy occasion late in the first half. Was commanding otherwise and did not encounter much trouble en route to grabbing yet another clean sheet.
Luke Ayling: 9
Was outstanding throughout against his ex-employers. Assisted Bamford for the solitary goal of the game and kept on threatening the hosts with his overlapping runs, crosses and long balls from the right flank. Focused more on his defensive duties later on and succeeded in defending the narrow lead to seal a victory.
Pontus Jansson: 8
His towering presence saved Leeds from conceding late in the first half. Was spot on with his tackles, blocks and interceptions. Lost a few duels but managed to deal with the physicality of Famara Diedhiou and movement of Jamie Paterson.
Liam Cooper: 8
The skipper became only the 12th player to wear the captain’s armband 100 times and marked the occasion with a calm and composed defensive display while protecting a narrow lead. Was in the right place at the right time while winning duels and made a number of no-nonsense clearances to ease the pressure off his teammates.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8.5
Once again left his mark while starting as a left fullback. Played a massive part in Bamford’s goal with a pinpoint cross-field delivery for Ayling. Kept on whipping in crosses one after another and was switched to his usual left wing role late in the game following the inclusion of Barry Douglas.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
Was impressive once again in a destructive role as the youngster kept on making tackles and challenges to win the possession back. Was dispossessed once but managed to recover on time and his work ethics made the job easier for Leeds backline.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
Played his part in many build-ups, also combined well with Ayling down the right wing. Was shifted to a central role around the hour mark following the introduction of Stuart Dallas in place of Patrick Bamford.
Tyler Roberts: 7.5
Created a few chances while operating from a deeper role but his finishing should have been better on a couple of occasions. His smart moves, tricky runs and swift skills troubled the Robins backline, and the youngster was shifted to a ‘number 9’ role later on following the exit of Bamford.
Mateusz Klich: 7
Tried to dictate the flow from a central role and disorganise the Bristol backline with defence-splitting through balls. Was combative and physical even though he lacked enough involvement high up the pitch. Made his way for Gaetano Berardi late in the match.
Jack Harrison: 7
Was lively down the left flank and kept the opponents on their toes with his directness, cut insides and quick movements. Had a couple of chances but failed to test Max O’Leary in Bristol goal. Was replaced by Barry Douglas late in the game.
Patrick Bamford: 7.5
His flying form continued when he found the net within ten minutes into the game. Was hurt in the process but came back after a brief treatment on the sidelines. Got replaced by Stuart Dallas minutes before the hour mark but his early goal proved to be the difference between these two sides.
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
Operated from the right flank and mostly focused on defending deep to protect the one-goal lead.
Barry Douglas: 6.5
Added more strength at the back and used his experience to disrupt the opponents’ attacking flair.
Gaetano Berardi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
