Leeds United enjoyed a flying start to their Championship season knocking down Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Marcelo Bielsa’s men squandered the promotion dreams towards the closure of the previous term but are touted to be one of the prime contenders this term to secure a top-flight return.
They hosted Nottingham Forest this afternoon at Elland Road and the gaffer named an unchanged lineup from their victory over the Robins. But the wasted opportunities cost them severely as the Whites failed to keep hold of their lead and had to swallow a 1-1 draw despite being far better than their opponents all throughout.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest.
Kiko Casilla: 6
The custodian could have done little to deny Lewis Grabban’s goal following a scramble inside the six-yard box. The hosts were disorganised while defending the corner and paid the price of distraction.
Stuart Dallas: 7
Featured as a makeshift right-back once again in the absence of injured Luke Ayling. Was impressive with overlapping runs and should have been rewarded a spot-kick after being fouled inside the box by Jack Robinson.
Ben White: 6.5
The youngster was having a comfortable afternoon until the chaotic defending that led to Grabban’s equaliser. It was a collective failure, and the Seagulls’ loanee must learn from it to avoid the same in the future.
Liam Cooper: 6
The skipper, too, was expecting a comfortable three points but settled for a draw following yet another defensive howler. The vulnerability at the back shattered their promotion hopes last season and the gaffer must fix it at the earliest before falling apart once more.
Barry Douglas: 7.5
Douglas was relentless with his runs, crosses, link-up play and attacking flair. Although those crosses could have been more accurate, the Scotsman was effective from the left flank while creating chances.
Kalvin Phillips: 7.5
Featured in the hole in between the backline and ‘midfield four’. Made some key tackles, recovered the ball time and again and did well against the pace and power of Alfa Semedo in the middle of the park.
Adam Forshaw: 6.5
Kept the ball rolling in midfield but lost most of the duels and got dispossessed once. Made some quick recoveries but lacked the creative spark in the advanced areas.
Mateusz Klich: 7.5
A mistake from Forest allowed Leeds to break the deadlock and Klich did exceptionally well to find Pablo Hernandez who made no mistake in firing it in. Was taken off to be replaced by Helder Costa with 10 minutes remaining in regulation time.
Pablo Hernandez: 8.5
Still going strong in his mid-thirties as the Spaniard delivered yet another stellar performance with a smart finish. Created ample opportunities and his vision, creativity and class deserve massive plaudits irrespective of the outcome.
Jack Harrison: 6
Started the game on the left flank but failed to make any noteworthy contribution except a few cut insides and swift one-twos. Made his way for Ezgjan Alioski around the 73rd-minute mark.
Patrick Bamford: 5
Had his chances to find the net but wasted those opportunities which proved costly for the Whites.
Substitutes
Ezgjan Alioski: 6
Made some promising runs from the wide but failed to alter the scoreline in the dying minutes.
Helder Costa: 6.5
Dribbled past the Forest backline late in the game and had a shout for a penalty after being pushed down by Robinson inside the box. But the officials waved it off, and the game finished all square at Elland Road.
