Things are falling apart for Leeds United once again despite being favourites to clinch a direct promotion following last year’s downhill. They lost to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend at Elland Road and the test this afternoon at Loftus Road against QPR turned out to be yet another nightmare for the Whites.
Nahki Wells’ controversial first-half strike proved to be the difference as the visitors failed to stage a comeback when Patrick Bamford wasted a glorious opportunity from the spot around the hour mark.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their dreadful defeat against Queens Park Rangers.
Kiko Casilla: 6.5
Did well to deny Ebere Eze and Luke Amos early on, however, could have done little to stop Wells who handled the ball twice before finding the net. Tried to build the game up from the deep with his passing and distribution traits.
Luke Ayling: 6
Created a couple of chances with his marauding forward runs and crosses from the right flank. Linked up well with Costa down the wide, also covered the space behind him and performed his defensive duties after a nervy start.
Ben White: 6
Was not at his best despite making some timely tackles, interceptions and recoveries. Got dispossessed once, lost a few duels and lacked accuracy with his long balls out from the back.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Struggled physically against Wells but used his experience to deal with the pressure on most occasions. The Bermudian’s winner has been a controversial one, and the centre-half looked devasted after the game for obvious reasons.
Stuart Dallas: 5.5
The versatile Northern Irishman started as a left fullback ahead of Ezgjan Alioski. Had an effort off-target, got dispossessed once dangerously and received a booking late in the first half for fouling Bright Osayi-Samuel. Was taken off to be replaced by the Macedonian at the break.
Kalvin Phillips: 5.5
Was denied by Liam Kelly once, also created a couple of chances while advancing forward from his deep-lying role. Lost his temperament later on and received his marching orders in the closing minutes following a horrendous tackle on Geoff Cameron.
Helder Costa: 5
Had a couple of attempts from the right flank but failed to leave an impact barring a few ambitious runs, cut insides and one-twos. The highly-rated Portuguese disappoints once more.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
Was industrious in the middle of the park, hit the woodwork and kept on creating chances for the frontline while operating from a central role. Could not turn things around despite his best efforts.
Mateusz Klich: 6.5
An underwhelming show from the Polish midfielder even though he worked hard to keep control of the midfield game. Made way for Jordan Stevens in the closing minutes of the fixture.
Jack Harrison: 5.5
His efforts were off-target, including one big opportunity which should have been converted. Made some impressive moves using the width of the pitch but his finishing, once again, was thoroughly disappointing.
Patrick Bamford: 6
Was wasteful while leading the line. Earned a spot-kick but was denied by Kelly spectacularly. Linked up well with his teammates but failed to turn things around for the famous Whites.
Leeds United Substitutes
Ezgjan Alioski: 6.5
Had a lively impact initially but ran out of ideas late in the match.
Jordan Stevens: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
