Leeds United have climbed up the league ladder following back to back wins against Burnley and West Ham United. Players have recovered from Covid and their Elland Road tie this afternoon against Newcastle United had all the ingredients of an engaging contest. The end-to-end battle was heading for a stalemate, but a stupendous free-kick from Jonjo Shelvey earned the visitors three massive points in their survival race.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United.
Illan Meslier: 6
Has not been his best game despite making some crucial saves. Looked nervy at times under no real pressure, however, could have done little to stop Shelvey’s stellar free-kick which proved to be decisive in this highly-engaging encounter.
Luke Ayling: 7
Was lively down the right-hand flank with his overlapping runs and trackbacks. But his crosses lacked accuracy all throughout the outing. Did well overall to contain Allan Saint-Maximin.
Diego Llorente: 7.5
Was mostly spot on with his tackles. Won the majority of duels and his timely recoveries helped them from being exposed against Newcastle’s swift counter-attacking threats. Unfortunately, the foul he committed led to Shelvey’s decisive free-kick during the final quarter of the game.
Pascal Struijk: 6
Was rusty at times with his challenges. Lost the ball under pressure on one occasion and was not always superior while contesting for the ball. Could have done better with his positioning and movements in the defensive third.
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
The versatile Northern Irishman featured as the left fullback. Worked hard as always, linked up well with Harrison down the wide, also concentrated on his duties at the back with interceptions, recoveries and tackles. Should have offered more in terms of attacking contribution.
Robin Koch: 6
Featured from the ‘hole’ in between the backline and the ‘midfield four’. The role suits Kalvin Phillips the most and the German defender tried his best to deliver amid the Englishman’s injury absence.
Raphinha: 6.5
Hit an effort wide. Looked menacing at times with his tricky runs, footwork and swift skills. But the Brazilian’s decision making and end product let him down this afternoon.
Mateusz Klich: 6
Tried to dominate the midfield game with his passing and link-up play. Had a couple of attempts off target and was eventually taken off late in the game due to his lack of creative spark in the attacking third.
Rodrigo: 6
Forced Martin Dubravka to make a save, but the Spaniard failed to pose a constant threat. His late runs inside the box were not effective, also the passing game high up the pitch lacked accuracy.
Jack Harrison: 6.5
The hattrick hero against West Ham had a quiet afternoon from the left-hand flank. Although his tackles were inch-perfect while winning the ball back, the dribbles he made down the wide were handled well by Kieran Trippier. Whipped in a few crosses that could not trouble the Magpies at all.
Daniel James: 5.5
Spearheaded the attack with Patrick Bamford still sidelined with an injury. The Welshman had an early opportunity that was denied by Dubravka. Had a few more chances to make the difference, but his lack of poaching instinct let Marcelo Bielsa down time and again. Was replaced by Tyler Roberts with around 20 minutes remaining.
Leeds United Substitutes Vs Newcastle United
Tyler Roberts: 5.5
Hardly had any impact since replacing Daniel James high up the pitch.
Joe Gelhardt: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
