Despite a slow start in their attempt to script an immediate Premier League return, Leeds United scripted a statement win this afternoon against Millwall. The Den has been the hunting ground of the Lions for years, but the Whites hunted them down by grabbing a comprehensive 3-0 victory thanks to Joel Piroe’s brace and a late strike from Georginio Rutter.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their win against Millwall.
Illan Meslier: 7.5
A strong display from the Frenchman who made a few critical saves en route to clinching a second successive clean sheet after last gameweek’s stalemate against Sheffield Wednesday.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Effective down the right with his marauding runs, crosses and passes into the final third. Made some key tackles in the defensive half to nullify Millwall’s attacking threats.
Joe Rodon: 8
A solid performance from the centre-half who shook off a head injury late into the first half and exhibited his supremacy in the air against the likes of Allan Campbell and Kevin Nisbet.
Pascal Struijk: 7.5
Was in the right place at the right time while partnering with Rodon in the heart of the backline. Dominated the duels as well as made no-nonsense clearances throughout the encounter.
Sam Byram: 7.5
Returned to the starting XI recovering from an injury woe and replaced Jamie Shackleton down the left-hand side of Farke’s ‘back four’. Kept on making marauding runs and whipping in crosses using the width of the pitch. His profound experience and game-reading attributes helped him balance his game between defence and attack.
Archie Gray: 7.5
The teenager retained his starting status ahead of Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev. His off-the-ball work rate, liveliness and combative trait allowed him to excel as the double pivot alongside Ampadu. Made way for Gruev minutes before the final whistle.
Ethan Ampadu: 8
Marshalled the backline with his timely tackles, blocks, challenges and recoveries. Did extremely well to retain possession under pressure and spread the game wide with his vision and range of passing.
Crysencio Summerville: 7
Lost the majority of duels and was unsuccessful with his dribbling attempts. Yet he linked up well with Piroe and Rutter before making way for Daniel James midway through the second half.
Joe Piroe: 8.5
Leeds have spent millions on the former Swansea City attacker who is gradually proving his worth both as a ‘number 10’ and a second striker. He fired in twice at The Den depicting his exquisite poaching skills in and around the box. Made way for Glen Kamara late in the contest.
Wilfried Gnonto: 7.5
The quick feet Azzurri international drew fouls time and again while running down the left-hand flank. Kept on causing menace in the Millwall defence with his swift runs, one-twos and finesse. Was replaced by Jaidon Anthony midway through the second half.
Georgino Rutter: 8
A sharp show from the French ‘number 9’ who not only set it up for Piroe early into the game but also found the back of the net to make it 3-0 with 10 minutes remaining of the regulation time. Was taken off for Joe Gelhardt minutes before the full-time whistle.
Leeds United Subs vs Millwall
Jaidon Anthony: 6.5
A decent cameo from the Bournemouth loanee who added freshness on the flank.
Daniel James: 7.5
Made an instant impact by assisting Piroe for his second of the afternoon.
Glen Kamara: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ilia Gruev: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Joe Gelhardt: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
