Leeds United, despite early promises under former boss Thomas Christiansen, failed miserably in later weeks and are now pretty much done this season with a mere mid-table finish on the cards. Paul Heckingbottom, the newly appointed gaffer, is finding it hard to field a fixed set of players due to injuries and suspensions that have troubled the Peacocks all season and had little hope to create a miracle in Villa Park tonight against an in-form Aston Villa side. They were supposed to be soundly beaten by the Villans but the outcome, however, proved to be a narrow 1-0 defeat instead as the Peacocks failed to grab an equalizer due to lack of sharpness in their attacking third.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their narrow defeat against Aston Villa.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 7.5
The young custodian was spot on in early minutes and pulled off some crucial saves to keep his side in the game. He, however, could have done little to deny Lewis Grabban who headed in at the back post from Jack Grealish’s cross. Made some decent saves in the second half as well.
Stuart Dallas: 6.5
The Northern Irishman is being forced to play in a make-shift right-back due to significant absentees. He was alert to deal with the crosses and tried his best to contain Jonathan Kodjia who often looked menacing from the left-hand flank.
Matthew Pennington: 6
The Everton loanee struggled aerially to deal with the crosses and set-pieces and despite his best effort, Pennington had a tough night against a relentless attacking force. He, however, stepped up his game in the second half and made an outstanding challenge to deny Scott Hogan from doubling the lead in closing minutes.
Paudie O’Connor: 6.5
The youngster had a decent occasion in central defence and although he could have done better while positioning at times, the Irishman must have brought a sigh of relief to the fans for the promises he has shown so far in limited game-time.
Tom Pearce: 6.5
The academy prodigy was handed a start due to multiple injury absentees and suspension. He had a tough occasion to deal with someone of Robert Snodgrass stature, but the youngster tried his best to contain the veteran and did not let him cause enough menace in the backline. Tried to contribute upfront in the second half in search of an equalizer as he whipped in some crosses from the left.
Ronaldo Vieira: 6.5
The young midfielder could not hold the ball for long due to an immense pressure in midfield, hence, struggled to stride forward and constitute counter-attacking movements.
Kalvin Phillips: 6
Phillips too had a quiet occasion as he failed to build the game up in the middle of the park and mostly had to defend deep to deal with Villa’s pressure. Had a better second-half and one of his efforts sailed just over the crossbar.
Ezgjan Alioski: 6
Made some purposeful runs and troubled Neil Taylor down the right-hand flank, but failed to create anything noteworthy as he lacked enough support around him. Was replaced by Jay-Roy Grot just over an hour mark.
Kemar Roofe: 5.5
Tried to use the width of the pitch, whipped in crosses, played some one-twos but could not stage a comeback for his side. Was replaced by Pierre-Michel Lasogga late in the game.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
Tried to test the Villa custodian with long-range efforts as he lacked support and was not allowed space from a rigid Villa backline.
Caleb Ekuban: 4.5
The young forward disappoints once again as he only had a few touches which, however, was not good enough to trouble the hosts’ defensive line. Was replaced at half-time by Samuel Saiz.
Substitutes
Samuel Saiz: 6
Made some positive impact with fast movements, link up play and swift touches. But lack of creativity upfront hindered the visitors from creating any impact on Villa goal.
Jay-Roy Grot: 5
Was brought in place of Alioski. Tried to use his physicality and forward runs to terrorize the Villa backline, but the hosts stood form and dealt with the pressure.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 5
Came in place of Roofe. Failed to make any impact due to the lack of opportunities up front.
