Leeds United have sensationally shaken off the confusion of last season and turned into title favourites under the iconic Marcelo Bielsa. Although their unbeaten run was threatened this midweek by Swansea City, a late equaliser from Pablo Hernandez led them to a 2-2 draw on the road, and the Whites are now back to winning ways as they claimed a comprehensive 3-0 win against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their dominating victory versus the Canaries.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 7
Bielsa has relied upon the youngster as club’s ‘number 1’ and the 21-year-old Northern Irishman remained mostly untested this afternoon, unlike the Swans game. He, however, was calm and composed to deal with crosses and pulled off a smart stop in closing seconds to protect the clean sheet.
Luke Ayling: 8
Returned to his usual right-back role and kept on making forward runs to combine with the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski. Also dealt with the pressure well defensively to contain pacy Onel Hernandez and delivered a balanced display down the right-hand flank.
Pontus Jansson: 7.5
Recovered from his injury and returned to action due to the injury absence of Liam Cooper. The Swedish international made his presence known in Leeds backline with some crucial blocks and clearances and also won a few tackles and duels to ensure a clean sheet.
Gaetano Berardi: 7
Berardi, too, had a decent afternoon of football as the hosts failed to cause enough trouble in the Whites deep defence. The Swiss international, however, did not lose his concentration and performed his defensive duties whenever needed.
Barry Douglas: 8.5
Has been a real influence on the left-hand side of Leeds ‘back four’ since completing a summer switch from Wolves. He not only maintained his defensive duties but also combined well with Alioski while making forward runs. Played his part in both of their second and third goals of the afternoon, particularly the final one where he picked up Hernandez who exhibited an exquisite finish to seal another stunning win away from home.
Kalvin Phillips: 8
Was taken off early in the game against the Swans after failing to impress the gaffer. The homegrown prodigy, however, was once again handed a start in his deep defensive role and kept on breaking down Norwich’s moves by chasing the ball, snatching it and making tackles. He also enjoyed a decent passing game while distributing it down the flanks to utilise the width of the pitch and showed strong desire to keep the scoreline intact by pulling off a terrific block late in the added minutes.
Pablo Hernandez: 9
The veteran Spaniard showed once again why he is the nucleus of El Loco’s Leeds. He contributed in their opener, threatened from set-pieces, found the right ball inside the box and scored majestically to make it 3-0 midway in the second half. Looked fatigued late in the game and was replaced by young Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison.
Mateusz Klich: 8
Klich was not in the plan of both Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom last season but has emerged as a first-team regular under the veteran Argentine. He once again found the back of the net this afternoon by slotting home the rebound following a decent save by Tim Krul to deny Alioski’s header and broke the deadlock at around 21st-minute mark in favour of the visitors.
Samuel Saiz: 7
Saw his efforts denied by the opponents’ defenders as well as the goalkeeper but kept on creating chances with his stunning dribbling traits, down the middle runs and swift movements. Received a standing ovation from the away fans while leaving the pitch to be replaced by Lewis Baker in closing minutes.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8.5
Played his part in the Leeds first goal and found the back of the net minutes later with an exquisite finish. He, too, was taken off prematurely at Liberty Stadium but delivered a much-improved display this afternoon. The Macedonian kept on troubling the Norwich backline with his pace, tricky runs, crosses and movements in and around the box and created plenty of chances for his fellow attackers from the left flank.
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Has been in blistering form as the Leeds ‘number 9’, however, did not found the back of the net this afternoon. Had limited touches but kept on making runs and linked up beautifully on many occasions to create space inside the box. Assisted Alioski with his swift touch to double the lead and was replaced by Patrick Bamford late in the second half.
Substitutes
Patrick Bamford: 6
Tried out his luck on a couple of occasions, showed how desperate he was to leave a mark in limited game time.
Jack Harrison: 6
Linked up well in a few late counter-attacking movements.
Lewis Baker: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
