Leeds United travelled to the Deepdale Stadium to take on Preston North End to build momentum after their narrow win over Birmingham City at the weekend. However, it was a Deja Vu kind of performance from the Whites as they only managed a 1-1 draw after dominating proceedings.
The Whites failed to test Declan Rudd much in the first half as the tie was evenly balanced. United weren’t able to control the midfield like they usually do and the likes of Klich, Phillips and Dallas had to be involved in a proper tussle against the Lilywhites. United had a few half chances, especially Bamford, but he failed to take them.
The Whites faithful once again saw their team concede with the opposition’s first attempt on goal as Barkhuizen gave the home side a lead. United pushed on, and they found the equaliser through Nketiah who came off the bench to score again as he slotted home a header. The game got a bit frantic in the end, and either team could have nicked it, but both sides had to be satisfied with one point in the end.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared on the night.
Kiko Casilla 6
Wasn’t tested much as Preston had just two shots on goal. Played some neat passes under pressure and looked solid with his distribution.
Ben White 7.5
Another steady performance from the summer arrival as he read the game to perfection and kept the Preston attackers under check. Was a calming influence like always.
Gaetano Berardi 7.5
Played with a lot of commitment and made some crucial blocks and interceptions. Did a fine job at the back
Luke Ayling 7
Carried the ball forward well and got in some decent positions in the attacking third. Formed a good partnership with Costa.
Ezgjan Alioski 6
Provided his usual tenacity but once again lacking composure in the final third to pick the right pass. Was caught out of position defensively on occasions.
Kalvin Phillips 6
Had an impressive battle with Browne and Phillips often came out triumphant. Did his defensive duties well but wasn’t able to influence much in terms of build-up play and moving forward.
Mateusz Klich 6
Made a few smart moves and provided some moments of creative spark. Worked hard like always. An okayish night overall for the Polish midfielder.
Stuart Dallas 5.5
The Whites struggled to control the midfield like they usually do, and Dallas will have to take some blame for that. Not a natural in the middle and it was showing as he wasn’t able to link up play effectively.
Helder Costa 5.5
Another mellow performance from the summer arrival. Had a few good runs but nothing was significantly threatening or eye-catching.
Jack Harrison 6.5
Got in some threatening positions and provided his usual work rate. Carried the ball well and made some influential moves in the final third. Can still improve but he did alright today.
Patrick Bamford 4
The goal drought continues as Bamford failed to take any of the major chances he got. Infuriating part is he often was unable to test the goalkeeper. A typical Bamford performance as he stretched the play but lacked the killer instinct.
Substitutes
Eddie Nketiah 7
Once again the saviour off the bench as he scored a header to give his side a point.
Tyler Roberts 6
Provided the energy after coming on and tried to make things happen. Not enough time to be really effective.
