Leeds United’s mixed form after the restart continues as they were held by Luton Town 1-1 at Elland Road this evening. The Whites were in control of the game, dominating possession. But, an immediate goal from Harry Cornick in the 50th minute forced the Championship giants to push forward with intensity. While they did secure an equaliser through Stuart Dallas in the 63rd minute, the winner never came.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Luton Town
Illan Meslier 6/10
Illan Meslier had very little to do in between the sticks throughout the evening. He did look nervy with his claims, but it was overall, a quiet evening for the Frenchman aside from the goal, which wasn’t his fault at all.
Luke Ayling 7/10
Luke Ayling enjoyed a decent game. He was reliable with his passing as ever while responded well to Marcelo Bielsa’s instruction of playing as a centre-back in the second half.
Ben White 7.5/10
Ben White was one of the best performers for Leeds United in the first half. His passing was good, and he looked reliable at the back throughout the game. However, he shouldn’t have let Cornick back him up that far and stand off him as it eventually led to the goal.
Liam Cooper N/A
Liam Cooper’s early injury is sure to trouble Bielsa as he was subbed off in the 12th minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Stuart Dallas 7.5/10
Fullbacks are indeed are one of the strongest assets for Leeds United. And it was evident in Stuart Dallas’ performance this evening. The left-back provided offensive support in the first-half. And after the introduction of Ezgjan Alioski during half-time, he made himself a nuisance in the penalty area, notably scoring the all-important equaliser.
Kalvin Phillips 7/10
It was a mixed game for Kalvin Phillips this evening. The midfielder was excellent in terms of his passing and versatility, especially when he dropped deep to support the centre-backs.
However, the Leeds United star was wasteful with his forward balls. Especially in the corners, Phillips struggled to produce enough opportunities.
Helder Costa 7.5/10
Helder Costa looked like a menace whenever he had the ball this evening. The Portuguese attacker was one of the most active players on the pitch, often looking to take on defenders.
That being said, Costa’s final ball was often poor while he missed an absolute sitter late in the game, misplacing a header from an Alioski cross.
Mateusz Klich 6/10
Mateusz Klich didn’t have the best of matches against Luton Town. Although the Pole was crucial in dropping deep and providing additional support to Phillips, he was taken off around the hour-mark.
Tyler Roberts 7/10
Tyler Roberts continued his decent run of form with yet another promising performance. The Welshman was often on the lookout for chances and showcased excellent hold-up play. But, that end product was lacking.
Jack Harrison 8/10
Jack Harrison was one of the best performers for Leeds United this evening. The Manchester City winger operated in a more central role and tried to make things happen in the second half.
Harrison also made a couple of solo runs and also delivered dangerous crosses into the box. He was unlucky with the lack of productivity from his teammates, though.
Patrick Bamford 5/10
It was a frustrating game for Patrick Bamford, whose lack of scoring abilities once again prove detrimental for Leeds United. The ex-Chelsea starlet notably mistimed a run that otherwise could have led to an excellent scoring opportunity.
SUBSTITUTES
Gaetano Berardi 6/10
Replaced Cooper in the 12th minute and offered the necessary support to White. But, he was never a fit for attack-oriented game Leeds United employed against Luton. As a result, he was subbed off after half-time.
Ezgjan Alioski 8/10
Alioski’s introduction, at the expense of Berardi, was simply a masterstroke by Bielsa. The Macedonian international was a menace for the opposing defence, often making dangerous runs from the left flank.
Alioski’s combination play with Harrison also caught the eye while the winger, initially operating as a left-back, created numerous scoring opportunities himself.
Pablo Hernandez 5/10
Hernandez came on for Klich around the hour-mark. But, he failed to replicate his performance against Luton Town, putting in a host of mistimed or misplaced passes. Ineffective, to say the least.
Jamie Shackleton N/A
A late replacement for Dallas, who sustained a hamstring injury.
