Leeds United welcomed Sheffield United at Elland Road earlier today as they looked to secure all three points at home. The Whites settled into the game well and took the lead in the 12th minute courtesy of Jack Harrison’s goal. However, Ben Osborn equalized for the Blades in the first-half stoppage time which meant that both sides went into the half-time break all level on the scoreline.
The home side got themselves ahead in the 49th minute when Phil Jagielka scored an unfortunate own goal. That goal was enough for Marcelo Bielsa’s men in the end as the contest finished 2-1 in favour of the West Yorkshire outfit.
Let’s take a look at how each Leeds player fared during the match against the Blades.
GK: Illan Meslier – 6/10
The Whites goalie was hardly tested during the game and won’t be happy for failing to keep a clean sheet.
RB: Luke Ayling – 7/10
Ayling timed his tackles well and won the ball back on a number of occasions throughout the 90 minutes. He also had a couple of lively moments in the opposition half.
CB: Diego Llorente – 6.5/10
The Spanish defender dealt with mostly everything that came his way on the defensive end of the field. However, conceding a goal so late in the first half will disappoint him.
CB: Liam Cooper – 7/10
The Scottish centre-back was a rock inside his half and won several important aerial duels for his team. He did enough work defensively to restrict the Blades to just one goal.
LB: Ezgjan Alioski – 6.5/10
Alioski had quite a few shots at goal and created one good chance during his time on the pitch.
CDM: Kalvin Phillips – 7/10
Phillips disrupted the opposition’s flow in the game and earned possession back a few times in midfield.
RM: Raphinha – 8.5/10
The Brazilian winger tracked back to help his teammates out when needed and was at his absolute best going forward. He made multiple driving runs with the ball and created several key opportunities in the final third. Raphinha ended the game with a well-deserved assist to his name.
CM: Stuart Dallas – 7/10
The English talent was always willing to have a go at goal and gave a good account of himself in the opponent’s half.
CM: Tyler Roberts – 6.5/10
He had his moments in the attacking third but was not clinical enough to get himself a goal.
LM: Jack Harrison – 7.5/10
Harrison gave his team the lead early in the first half and was quite bright whenever he got on the ball.
ST: Patrick Bamford – 6.5/10
The Leeds centre-forward caused all sorts of problems for the Blades defenders with his excellent link-up play but was substituted after the hour mark.
Substitutes:
ST: Rodrigo – 6.5/10
He had a good chance to score but couldn’t take it. Rodrigo finished the game with a yellow card to his name.
CM: Mateusz Klich – 6/10
Klich added some energy to the Whites midfield.
CB: Robin Koch – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact.
