Leeds United, despite several significant injury absentees, reacted sharply against Preston North End on Tuesday night to get back to winning ways and were favourites to stretch the gap at the top of the Championship standings against struggling Birmingham City this weekend. But the Saturday afternoon tie at Elland Road turned out to be a complete catastrophe for the Whites, who were stunned in front of their own fans and suffered a disastrous 2-1 defeat, that ended their unbeaten league run most shockingly.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their dismal defeat against Birmingham City.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 5.5
The young custodian had an afternoon to forget as he was humbled twice by Che Adams early in the first half. Blues didn’t pose much threat after that but defended the lead successfully to secure a surprise win.
Luke Ayling: 5
Made forward runs down the right flank to whip in crosses and cut inside the box, but failed to create anything worth mentioning. Struggled defensively against Adams, Jacques Maghoma and Kristian Pederson.
Pontus Jansson: 6.5
The Swedish centre-back had a decent outing which, however, was ruined by two first-half goals from the visitors. He was spot on with his tackles, won numerous duels and also showed aerial supremacy. His efforts, however, went in vain as the game resulted in a disappointing defeat for the Yorkshire giants.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Cooper, too, performed his duties quite well with timely blocks, clearances and interceptions but had to swallow a defeat for being too casual in early minutes of the game.
Barry Douglas: 5
Was having a great run since completing his summer switch from Wolves. The Scotsman, however, had an underwhelming show considering his standards and found it hard against Lukas Jutkiewicz, who showed his strength to hold the ball and create space for his teammates to strike on the counter. Was replaced by teenager Ryan Edmondson midway through the second half.
Kalvin Phillips: 5
Had an unimpressive start and was dominated by the visitors, who forced him to make clumsy challenges that resulted in fouls. Was replaced by Stuart Dallas just over the half-hour mark not before conceding twice already in the game.
Jack Harrison: 5.5
His late goal kept the Whites unbeaten streak intact against Millwall, but the young Manchester City loanee hardly made an impact down the right flank as he was dispossessed quite often and lacked accuracy with his final ball.
Mateusz Klich: 5
Redefined himself under Bielsa from the start of the campaign, but the Polish international made little impact this afternoon. Misplaced his passes pretty often and was eventually replaced by Adam Forshaw around the hour mark.
Samuel Saiz: 7.5
The Spaniard had a much better outing compared to the previous occasions as he worked tirelessly to create chances from in and around the box. His efforts were blocked down by a resilient Birmingham backline. Assisted Alioski late in the game to help his side back in the tie.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8
Kept on working tirelessly down the left flank with frequent crosses and one-twos with Roberts and Saiz. Handed the fans a late hope of a resurgence; however, that did not alter anything following a stubborn defensive display from the visitors.
Tyler Roberts: 6
The 19-year-old is now Leeds’ preferred ‘number 9’ due to the injury woes of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford. The youngster scored a brace against the Lilywhites in midweek but failed to replicate the same this afternoon despite his high work ethics throughout the game.
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas: 7.5
Made a positive impact since coming on for Phillips. Created some chances and looked purposeful with his crosses through balls and box-to-box movements. Could have earned his side an equaliser with a late strike but was denied spectacularly by Lee Camp in Birmingham goal.
Adam Forshaw: 6
Came in place Klich but could not change the fate of the game.
Ryan Edmondson: 6
Desperate Bielsa fielded 17-year-old academy prodigy replacing Douglas in search of goals.
