Leeds United travelled to the Madejski Stadium, and they played out a hard-fought game against Reading where they eventually came out one-nil winners through a late goal from Jack Harrison.
Neither of the sides really managed to show their ascendency in the first quarter as the game was devoid of much quality. Leeds United started to get more into the game around the 20th minute as they started dominating the proceedings. However, it was Reading who looked threatening just before half time as Casilla was called into action to make a decent save.
Bamford had a great chance to score early on in the second half. Dallas then managed to hit the post just after the hour mark as he let one fly from the edge of the box. The Whites’ persistence paid off late in the game as they scored on the counter in the 87th minute. Costa’s cross took a slight deflection, and it landed perfectly on Harrison’s head who had made a good run in the box to give Leeds United the crucial three points.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared on the night.
Kiko Casilla 7
Made an excellent save from Meite’s header in the first half. Did his job well at the back and put in an assured display to earn a clean sheet.
Liam Cooper 7.5
Battled hard as he won his fair share of his duels. Was strong and assertive and did a fine job in the air as well.
Ben White 8
Carried the ball forward with confidence and put in another dominating display at the back.
Luke Ayling 6.5
Did a decent job defensively and held his own at the back. Helped in attack as well on a few occasions even though he was playing in the back three. Unspectacular but a steady performance.
Kalvin Phillips 5
Ovie Ejaria troubled him a fair bit with his tricky runs. Had a tough game defensively. Could have been better with his set-piece deliveries as well.
Mateusz Klich 6
Another midfielder who was troubled by Ejaria. Swift also gave him a run around from time to time. Made some incisive passes in the second half which opened up Reading. Misplaced a few passes as well but did a decent job on the ball at least.
Stuart Dallas 6
Misplaced some passes in the first half. Got involved in the attack and helped in some of United’s best football in the second 45.
Jack Harrison 6
Was wasteful in the final third as he had a tough game up until the point he scored from a point-blank range through a header. Persevered throughout the 90 minutes.
Tyler Roberts 4
Wasn’t able to get into the game much and had to go off through an injury in the first half.
Pablo Hernandez 5
Was lost for most parts of the game as he lacked his usual cutting edge and incisive passing. Shouldn’t have started in this tie as he looked a bit leggy after he played at the weekend as well.
Patrick Bamford 5
Had two very presentable opportunities which he should have taken. Still needs more of that killer instinct to finish off moves.
Substitutes
Helder Costa 6
Got an assist to his name albeit the cross that took a little deflection. Replaced Roberts and did a decent job overall. However, he still needs improvement in the final third with his decision making.
Ezgjan Alioski 6
Played a part in the build-up of the goal as he galloped forward quickly.
Jamie Shackleton N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
