The wasted opportunities at Elland Road haunted Leeds United against the Swans before the international break. A late Wayne Routledge strike handed the Whites their first defeat of the new Championship campaign. They, however, were determined to get back to winning ways against newly-promoted Barnsley at Oakwell and the Sunday early kick-off fixture resulted in a late win for the visitors.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their 2-0 win against Barnsley.
Kiko Casilla: 8.5
Had a busy afternoon between the sticks but he did exceptionally well to deny the likes of Malik Wilks and Jacob Brown. A much deserved clean sheet for the veteran Spaniard.
Stuart Dallas: 8
Continues to impress in a makeshift right-back role. He was composed defensively and made timely overlapping runs to create chances from the flank. Saw his effort being denied by Bradley Collins midway through the second half.
Ben White: 7.5
Mistimed a few passes, but the young centre-half made his presence known with a towering display. He won most of the duels, made some no-nonsense clearances and kept things under control when the hosts were dominating the game.
Liam Cooper: 7
Was in the right place at the right time, but the long balls could have been more accurate. A few of his tackles were rusty, but the overall composure at the back ensured a clean sheet on the road.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7.5
The Macedonian was relentless from the left flank with his tireless runs, crosses and cut insides. Linked up well in the attacking third and tried to create space with his pace, swift skills and footwork.
Kalvin Phillips: 8.5
Delivered yet another stellar performance from his deep-lying midfield role. Not only did he screen the backline but also completed the most passes in the match to carry the ball and convert defence into attacking moves. Was clinical with his tackles and set it up for Nketiah to break the deadlock late in the game.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
Was not at his best despite creating a few chances from the right-hand flank. Failed to test Collins in the Barnsley goal and was unsuccessful with his dribbling attempts on several occasions. Got dispossessed a few time, but tracked back to recover position showcasing his work ethics and commitment on the pitch.
Jamie Shackleton: 7.5
Injected pace and fluidity in the middle of the park as the youngster was handed a start in place of Adam Forshaw. Completed the most number of dribbles in the match (3) and created a few chances in the attacking third for his teammates.
Mateusz Klich: 8
Worked hard in the centre of the pitch to win back possession and distributed it upfront, exhibiting his creative spark. Calmly slotted home from the spot to make it 2-0 before making way for Gaetano Berardi in the closing seconds.
Jack Harrison: 6
Hit the woodwork just before the break. Failed to make any significant impact otherwise and was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Helder Costa.
Patrick Bamford: 6
Had his chances to find the net but was denied by Collins time and again. Had a goal ruled out for offside, failed to keep a couple of efforts on target and was eventually replaced by Eddie Nketiah with twenty minutes remaining.
Substitutes
Helder Costa: 7
Was lively since coming on as his speed, trickery and mazy runs opened up space in the Tykes backline.
Eddie Nketiah: 8.5
Came to the rescue as he fired in late in the game to break the deadlock and drew a foul inside the box moments later to earn a spot-kick. The young Arsenal loanee turned things around and restored the top of the table spot for Leeds United all alone.
Gaetano Berardi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
