Leed United travelled to John Smith’s Stadium to take on Huddersfield in a Yorkshire derby, and they emerged with a 2-0 victory which continued their winning juggernaut.
The home team started well, and they pressurised Leeds with their energy and intensity. Kiko Casilla was called into action, and he made a great save. Leeds United soon took control of the game, and they started enjoying the bulk of the possession. Mateusz Klich went closest for the Whites in the first half as he hit the post through a smart corner routine.
Alioski got the opener as he scored through a thunderous strike from the edge of the box in the 50th minute. Huddersfield tested Casilla, and the Spanish goalkeeper had to make a few crucial saves. Pablo Hernadez made it 2-0 via a header on the 78th minute, and Leeds United secured their sixth win in a row.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared in today’s win over Huddersfield United.
Kiko Casilla 9
The game could have been entirely different if the Whites had conceded during the early pressure from the home side. Casilla made some incredible saves and kept his side in the game before United got control back. Composed with his feet as usual. Bailed his team out again in the second half as well.
Gaetano Berardi 5
Huddersfield clearly had a plan to target him aerially, and Berardi was often no match for them. Was also guilty of giving some free kicks which could have been avoided. An improved display in the second half after he looked shaky in the first.
Ben White 5.5
Was troubled early on by Bacuna and he was beaten by him quite easily on one occasion. Misplaced a few passes as well. But settled down as the game moved on. Found it tough to adjust to the new position early on.
Luke Ayling 8
Cleared one goal off the line from Grant’s attempt. Made a few crucial blocks and interceptions and was always at the right place to sniff out the danger. Was the saving grace in defence when most were struggling.
Stuart Dallas 5.5
Struggled to get into the game and misplaced quite a few passes. Returned to his right-back spot but didn’t have the best of games.
Ezgjan Alioski 8
Linked up play well from the left with Harrison. Saw plenty of the ball and played with his usual tenacity. Scored a stunner from the edge of the box.
Mateusz Klich 6
One of his attempts in the first half hit the post. Wasn’t able to influence the play much in attacking areas and was often doing the nitty-gritty job. Nothing too special from the midfielder overall.
Jack Harrison 6.5
His assist for the second goal was pinpoint. Kept the opposition defenders occupied by carrying the ball forward. However, lacked cutting edge on a few occasions.
Pablo Hernandez 6.5
Started the game slow and wasn’t able to influence the game much in the first half. Much better in the second 45 and scored the second goal with a good header.
Helder Costa 6
Had one half-chance in the first half where he tried to swivel and take a shot which he skied. Made a few probing runs but still lacks composure to pick out the right pass in the final third.
Patrick Bamford 6
Had to feed off scraps in the first half. Got involved more in the second half and linked up play well. Never got any clear cut chances.
Substitutes
Barry Douglas N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Eddie Nketiah 6
Looked sharp after coming and injected a bit of pace into the side.
Oliver Casey N/A
Made his debut in the last five minutes.
