Leeds United extended their winning run of form to five games with yet another impressive 3-1 win, this time over Derby County. The Whites initially conceded a 54th minute Chris Martin goal before restoring parity minutes later, through Pablo Hernandez. It was followed by Jamie Shackleton in the 75th minute before an own goal from Matthew Clarke sealed all three points.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Derby County
Kiko Casilla 6.5/10
A late save to deny Derby County from scoring a goal was the only highlight of Kiko Casillas’ performance as the Spaniard had a relatively quiet afternoon.
Stuart Dallas 8/10
Stuart Dallas’ started the game as a right-back, offering offensive support and helping out in the build-up. He then operated in a more central role as Marcelo Bielsa opted for a more attacking approach. A constant outlet for the Leeds United side throughout the game.
Ben White 9/10
It was yet another brilliant defensive display from Ben White, whose calming presence, positional awareness and technical prowess prevented Derby County from providing any threat. The Englishman also impressed with his passing, thus significantly easing Leeds United’s transition from defence to midfield.
Gaetano Berardi 6/10
Unfortunate afternoon for Gaetano Berardi, who looked solid with his defending and passing before picking up an injury around the half-hour mark. Was stretchered off and replaced by Daniel Ayling.
Barry Douglas 7/10
Barry Douglas wasn’t the best performers for Leeds United this afternoon. But, the left-back stuck to his task and avoided any errors in defence.
Pascal Struijk 7/10
Pascal Struijk had a few difficulties integrating to the holding midfield in what was his starting debut for the club. The youngster eventually got the hang of it, although he shifted into a defensive role in the second half.
Ian Poveda 7/10
Ian Poveda didn’t really make a lot of impact on the proceedings and may have done a better job in winning the ball just outside the penalty area. But, the young winger often tried to probe Derby County and was always a threat from the wider position despite his lack of end product.
Jamie Shackleton 8.5/10
Shackleton impressed Bielsa in a rare start that saw him manipulate Derby County’s second line of press with some excellent movements and constant pressure. A 75th-minute strike was an ideal way to cap off a brilliant display.
Pablo Hernandez 9.5/10
Hernandez was once again the difference maker for Leeds United this afternoon. The Spaniard, operating in a free-form midfield role, was everywhere. He instigated the build-up play while providing creative inspiration in the final third. Also, he scored the all-important equaliser with a sublime finish. Man of the match performance from the playmaker.
Ezgjan Alioski 7.5/10
Ezgjan Alioski didn’t have the best of games on the left flank, often getting himself isolated. However, his balls into the box, especially during the late stages of the game, were phenomenal as one of them forced Clarke to make a mistake and score the own goal.
Tyler Roberts 7.5/10
Couldn’t make a noticeable impact for most of the game, but more than made up for it with an exquisite through ball to feed Shackleton’s goal in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Luke Ayling 7/10
Replaced Berardi in the first half and settled into the centre-back role efficiently. He notably slipped, allowing Derby County to get an excellent opportunity, but Casilla saved the effort. A responsible display otherwise.
Jack Harrison N/A
Jack Harrison tried to make a quick impact with an attempted shot on goal, after replacing Poveda. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Patrick Bamford
A late replacement for Roberts. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
