Leeds United maintain their excellent run of form by securing an emphatic 5-0 win over Stoke City. After a frustrating a start to the game, where the opposition was willing to invite pressure and defence, a late first-half goal from Mateusz Klich made a huge difference. After the restart, goals from Helder Costa, Liam Cooper, Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford added more gloss to the scoreline, with the Whites having now scored eight goals in two matches.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Stoke City
Illan Meslier 6/10
A very quiet evening for Illan Meslier as Stoke City struggled to provide any threat on goal whatsoever. In fact, the Potters ended the game with zero shots on target.
Luke Ayling 9/10
A fantastic performance from Luke Ayling, who was not only reliable in defence, but also incisive with his offensive runs and forward passes. He provided a few sumptuous through balls in behind the backline, one of which led to the final goal from Bamford. An impressive all-round display.
Ben White 8/10
Ben White was once again dominant in his defensive game. He barely allowed the likes of Sam Vokes and Lee Gregory to offer any kind of threat in the defensive half and also looked comfortable with his passing.
Liam Cooper 8.5/10
A captain’s display from Liam Cooper, who led the team by example. He was solid at the back, minimising the threat provided by the opposing attack. But, it was his incredibly accurate finish in the 55th minute that caught the eye of the onlookers.
Stuart Dallas 7.5/10
Stuart Dallas returned to the pitch with a bang, providing a productive performance. His forays down the left flank were influential behind Leeds United’s sheer dominance in the game. Eventually got replaced by Barry Douglas.
Kalvin Phillips 8/10
A neat performance from Kalvin Phillips, whose tip-top passing, smart movements and intelligent use of position helped him orchestrate things in the middle third of the pitch.
Jack Harrison 8/10
Jack Harrison may not have been productive today. But, his tactically astute nature, combined with incisive runs down the left flank caused constant menace for the Stoke City backline.
Mateusz Klich 8/10
Yet another hard-working effort from Mateusz Klich, whose endless stamina, aggression and tenacious nature were symbolic of Leeds United’s performance this evening. Converted the late first-half penalty that led to the all-important opener.
Tyler Roberts 6/10
It was a frustrating first half for Tyler Roberts as Stoke City employed a deep line of defence. The Welshman failed to breach the opposition backline and was hooked off at half time.
Helder Costa 9.5/10
One of the best performers this afternoon, Helder Costa, made a huge difference, after initially making a slow start to the game. The Portuguese attacker was absolutely unstoppable in the second half, notably scoring the second goal and providing the assist for the fourth goal. He also won the penalty that led to the goal in the first half.
Patrick Bamford 8.5/10
Back to his best, Bamford looks quite comfortable leading the line for Leeds United in recent weeks. The ex-Chelsea starlet once again showcased intelligent use of pace, and his hard work was capped off by a brilliant finish at the end to score the fifth goal for the Whites.
SUBSTITUTES
Pablo Hernandez 10/10
Came on at half-time at the expense of Roberts and made all the difference. The Spaniard threaded a bunch of key passes throughout the second half, which obliterated Stoke City’s defensive shape. His movement leading to an assist for Cooper was simply incredible, but the Spaniard also got rewarded with a goal of his own. A man of the match display from the veteran.
Barry Douglas 7/10
Replaced the tiring Dallas in the 75th minute and provided offensive support on the left flank. He looked sharp right from the off.
Ezgjan Alioski N/A
Ezgjan Alioski was useful on the left flank when he came on, building a solid combination with Douglas to cause problems to the Stoke City backline.
Jamie Shackleton N/A
Replacing Klich in the 79th minute, Jamie Shackleton almost parked himself in the number ten slot.
Gaetano Berardi N/A
A late replacement for captain Cooper, who did make a few important clearances.
