Leeds United ride on their luck to secure a much-needed 1-0 win over Burnley at Elland Road this afternoon. The Whites were the better team throughout the game’s initial stages and found the opener in the fifth minute through a Patrick Bamford spot-kick. However, the penalty was rather controversial and was followed by an equally controversial decision when the referee disallowed Ashley Barnes’ goal moments later.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Burnley
Illan Meslier 6/10
Illan Meslier was very lucky in the first half as the referee disallowed Ashley Barnes’ goal. Looked extremely unconvincing with his claims and punches, especially from set-pieces. Made a couple of good saves to redeem himself to an extent.
Stuart Dallas 7.5/10
Stuart Dallas offered adequate defensive support and solidity in the Leeds United backline. He also moved forward whenever it was necessary, in what was an impressive display from the fullback.
Luke Ayling 8.5/10
Luke Ayling provided the delightful long ball that led to Bamford’s penalty during the early stages of the game. In addition, the Englishman was a rock at the back for the hosts, helping them seal a deserved clean sheet.
Pascal Struijk 7.5/10
Pascal Struijk had a relatively easy evening during the first 45 minutes of the game. Had a little problem in dealing with the Burnley pressure after the restart but handled himself well.
Ezgjan Aliosk 7/10
Ezgjan Alioski wasn’t as impressive as Dallas on the opposite flank. However, the left-back wasn’t particularly bad defensively and overall did a good job of remaining solid.
Kalvin Phillips 8/10
Kalvin Phillips was given a more defensive role by Marcelo Bielsa this afternoon. In fact, the Englishman operated almost as a centre-back, offering additional defensive body for Leeds United. While it did prevent him from influencing the game, the midfielder’s ability to read the game was essential in retaining the clean sheet.
Mateusz Klich 7/10
With Phillips playing as an auxiliary centre-back, Mateusz Klich had to feature in the deepest midfield role. It prevented him from unleashing his usual qualities in the first line of press.
Raphinha 8/10
Always a joy to watch on the right flank, Raphinha ripped apart the Burnley defence with his trickery and dynamism in the first half. His influence did fade after the restart, but it was a phenomenal performance nonetheless from the Brazilian.
Rodrigo Moreno 7.5/10
Rodrigo got into good positions in the final third, providing some key passes. However, there was a lack of quality in his end product – something he should improve upon.
Jack Harrison 7/10
Jack Harrison wasn’t influential as Raphinha on the opposite flank. The on-loan Man City winger also looked a bit lost during the second half but continued to provide the work-rate. It was ultimately a much better performance compared to the last game.
Patrick Bamford 7/10
Patrick Bamford made the run and won the penalty that led to the first opener, which he himself converted rather calmly. Put in a good shift in the number nine role but barely had an opportunity to make an impact in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Pablo Hernandez 7/10
Pablo Hernandez replaced Rodrigo around the hour-mark. Covered a lot of area in midfield and forced Nick Pope to make a brilliant save.
Jamie Shackleton 6/10
Jamie Shackleton shifted into the right flank after coming on for Klich midway through the second half. Didn’t have too many opportunities to march forward with the ball.
Ian Poveda 6.5/10
Looked lively but his influence was minimised thanks to Burnley’s continued pressure throughout the second half.
