Despite leading the Championship standings, Leeds United have been quite underwhelming of late. They, meanwhile, grabbed an edgy win against Hull City this midweek and had a glorious opportunity to strengthen the hold defeating Brentford at Elland Road. The Bees, on the other hand, were fighting for a place in the playoffs but struggled to grab a win in recent games. They, however, almost clinched one this afternoon when Neal Maupay’s spot-kick earned them a lead in the second half. But the potential winner was dramatically cancelled out by Pontus Jansson in the closing minutes as the Whites recovered a point from yet another disappointing weekend.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 7
The youngster made some crucial stops to deny Neal Maupay in the first half but conceded a penalty around an hour mark which looked harsh. There was minimal contact, and Ollie Watkins made the most of it. In-form Maupay made no mistake to earn the visitors a surprise lead.
Luke Ayling: 5
Was not the best of his outings as the fullback kept on misplacing his passes, losing possession and inviting trouble from the wing. His tackles were well-timed, but some clumsy fouls led to a marching order in closing minutes.
Pontus Jansson: 8
Made his presence known with physical and aerial supremacy. Kept on winning duels and impressed with his intercepting and game-reading traits. Saved Leeds from yet another humiliation as he headed home Alioski’s free-kick in dying minutes to salvage a point at Elland Road.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
The skipper struggled against Neal Maupay early in the game but improved his display with time and pulled off some crucial blocks, clearances and interceptions to keep the Whites in contention throughout the match.
Stuart Dallas: 6
The versatile Northern Irishman featured as a makeshift left-back in place of injured Barry Douglas but found it difficult against Sergi Canos who kept on troubling Dallas with pace, mazy runs and quick movements. Was replaced by 17-year-old Jack Clarke who made his senior debut under challenging circumstances.
Kalvin Phillips: 7.5
Was criticized for his underperformance in past outings but proved to be standout this afternoon with relentless on and off the ball movements. Was unlucky not to find the back of the net when Bees custodian Luke Daniels sensationally turned Phillips close-range shot onto the post before gathering the rebound.
Jack Harrison: 6
Whipped in a few crosses and created a few chances but failed to trouble the visitors from the wing. Lacked support from Ayling who rarely made an impact while making forward runs.
Mateusz Klich: 6.5
Failed to retain the spark of his early outings and came up with an unconvincing performance yet again. Worked hard in midfield but lacked the composure needed to create goal bound opportunities. Was replaced by Adam Forshaw seconds after Maupay’s goal.
Samuel Saiz: 6
The Spaniard, known for his strong dribbling skills, failed with his attempts and scuffed his efforts towards the end of the first-half. Was replaced by Lewis Baker at around the 76th-minute mark.
Ezgjan Alioski: 8.5
Was a constant threat from the left as he kept crossing in as well as creating chances with strong set-piece attributes. The Brentford backline struggled to contain his swift runs, one-twos and cut insides. Won a free-kick in closing minutes and found Jansson inside the box who made no mistake to make it 1-1.
Tyler Roberts: 6
The teenager tried his level best to make an impact similar to the Hull outing where he secured all three points with the solitary goal of the game. He, however, looked a bit worn out this afternoon as he kept on losing possession and struggled with his execution in front of goal.
Substitutes
Adam Forshaw: 6.5
Came on in place of Klich and helped Leeds keep things stable and under control in the middle of the park.
Jack Clarke: 7
An encouraging debut for the 17-year-old who looked fearless and purposeful while having the ball in his feet.
Lewis Baker: 6.5
Came in place of Saiz and came close on a couple of occasions to finding the target.
