Leeds United faced off against Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier tonight hoping to grind out a positive result on the road and book a place in the next round of the EFL Cup. Both sides fought tooth and nail in the first 45 minutes but struggled to be decisive in the attacking third of the pitch.
It was a similar story in the second half as the Whites failed to take any of their goal-scoring chances as the contest finished 0-0 after the full-time whistle. Leeds ended up winning the penalty shootout by a 6-5 scoreline which ensured their spot in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Let’s take a look at how each Leeds United player fared during the match against the Cottagers.
GK: Illan Meslier – 7.5/10
Meslier made a handful of solid stops during the game to keep his clean sheet intact. He ended up making a good save in the shootout which won the game for the Whites.
RB: Stuart Dallas – 7/10
He kept a good defensive shape inside his half and made some decent chances for his teammates to score. However, Dallas won’t be pleased after missing his penalty in the shootout.
CB: Charlie Cresswell – 8/10
Cresswell was a rock at the back as he won plenty of aerial duels during the game and did enough work defensively to secure a clean sheet.
CB: Kalvin Phillips – 7/10
The English talent cleared the danger when needed while acting as a makeshift centre-back. He deserves a pat on the back for scoring his penalty.
LB: Junior Firpo – 7/10
The Spaniard didn’t put a foot wrong at the back and converted his penalty successfully in the shootout.
CM: Jamie Shackleton – 7/10
He worked hard to help his teammates out on the defensive end of the field. Shackleton passed the ball well and was even strong in the air.
CM: Mateusz Klich – 6/10
He struggled to get a foothold in the game and got replaced in the 68th minute.
RM: Crysencio Summerville – 6.5/10
Summerville caught the eye at times with his running and creativity but never got a sniff at goal.
CAM: Rodrigo – 6.5/10
The Spaniard was always willing to have a strike at goal but failed to convert any of his chances to find the back of the net. However, he did score his penalty in the shootout.
LM: Daniel James – 6.5/10
The former Manchester United playmaker had some lively moments in the game but didn’t take a shot attempt during the 90 minutes. Still, he converted his penalty to help Leeds emerge victorious at the English capital.
ST: Tyler Roberts – 6/10
Roberts had a few attempts at goal but never looked like he had a goal in him. He got substituted in the 54th minute.
Substitutes:
CM: Adam Forshaw – 6/10
The Liverpool-born talent added some energy to Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield but missed his penalty in the shootout.
ST: Joe Gelhardt – 6.5/10
He showed nerves of steel to step up and convert his penalty.
CM: Stuart McKinstry – 6.5/10
McKinstry scored his penalty in the shootout.
