Leeds United were going strong in the race for grabbing an automatic promotion place until their shambolic home defeat against ten-man Wigan Athletic despite having an early lead and a man advantage. The Whites had to keep on trying, but their Easter Monday clash against Brentford proved to be yet another disaster at Griffin Park. They failed to grab their chances and suffered a 2-0 defeat jeopardising their season goals even more.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their dismal defeat against Brentford.
Kiko Casilla: 5
The custodian conceded twice this evening which he could have done little to deal with to be honest. Made some routine saves otherwise but failed to prevent his side from losing the tie.
Luke Ayling: 4.5
Disappointed once again as he did not offer enough support high up the pitch. Also struggled defensively against Sergi Canos’ attacking flair from the flank.
Pontus Jansson: 6
Made some crucial blocks early on but the Neal Maupay strike on the stroke of half-time changed the course of the game completely. Was replaced by Jack Clarke moments after Canos’ goal.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
The skipper returned to action after a brief injury layoff but failed to guide them back to winning ways despite his best efforts to motivate the Whites with a towering defensive display.
Ezgjan Alioski: NA
Has settled in well in a makeshift left-back role recently. But the Macedonian’s evening had a premature ending as he was forced to leave the pitch very early on with an injury. Versatile Stuart Dallas replaced him down the left-hand side of Leeds United’s backline.
Adam Forshaw: 5.5
Started in the hole replacing Kalvin Phillips. Had a lively start with link-up play and combative displays but faded off with time and struggled against the Bees’ counter attacks.
Pablo Hernandez: 5
His set-pieces were disappointing this evening as he failed to create enough in the attacking third. Tried to combine with the fellow attackers but lacked enough innovation upfront.
Tyler Roberts: 5
Was full of enthusiasm early on with some lively runs, swift footwork and smart dribbling. But his finishing let him down once more, and the youngster was taken off early in the second half.
Mateusz Klich: 5.5
Showcased good work ethics, and created a few chances. However, he lacked the accuracy while shooting or making goal-bound attempts.
Jack Harrison: 5
Offered little down the left flank except a few runs using his pace. Was well contained by Brentford defence and never looked threatening enough in and around the box.
Patrick Bamford: 4
Wasted opportunities and his decision making cost Leeds United the game. His touches should have been better, and a lack of work-rate signified why the centre-forward does not fit in Bielsa’s system.
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas: 6
Tried to create chances with overlapping runs and combine with Harrison down the wide areas.
Kemar Roofe: 4.5
Was brought in replacing Roberts but failed to make any noteworthy contribution despite having enough minutes to alter the scoreline.
Jack Clarke: 6
Made Luke Daniels work in the Brentford goal moments after being introduced to rescue the Whites. Deserves to start in the remaining fixtures.
