Leeds United hosted Ipswich Town at Elland Road, and it was an essential game for the Whites after they dropped points in the last game against Blackburn Rovers. The points table shows the gap between the two sides and the difference in quality on the pitch was also visible as Bielsa’s men dominated the game and ran out 2-0 winners on the night.
Kemar Roofe scored his first goal after coming back from an injury by slotting the ball in through a header from close range in the first half. As long as it was 1-0, the game could have turned out to be a nervy one but Liam Cooper’s second just added a bit of comfort in the game and United are back on track on the promotion race by securing full three points.
Bailey Peacock Farrell 6
Hardly had anything to do barring a straightforward stop he made from close range. Distributed the ball well.
Liam Cooper 8
Scored his third goal of the season as he continues to be a massive threat during set pieces. Distributed the ball well and had hardly anything to do defensively.
Luke Ayling 7
Was a welcome addition to the squad and started in the right wing-back position. Was outstanding in that role as he was enjoying a free run but had to drop back in the back three after Berardi’s injury.
Ezgjan Alioski 6
Alioski’s finishing has been under question, but his link-up play is decent. Was pushed forward later on in the game and could have turned the scoreline into a more emphatic one.
Gaetano Berardi 6
The defender went off around the half-hour mark, and the Whites would hope that it’s more of a precautionary move. Distributed the ball well and was hardly tested defensively for the time he was on the pitch.
Kalvin Phillips 7.5
The midfielder slotted in between the two centre-halves and his distribution from the deep positions was fantastic. Ipswich hardly pressed him, and he had a free night in hitting diagonals from deep areas.
Mateusz Klich 7.5
Bossed the midfield areas with his linkup play and the Polish midfielder enjoyed a good night as he stringed passes and controlled the game.
Samuel Saiz 6
Had some bright sparks here and there but often frustrated while going forward. Playing with Hernandez does seem to bring the best out of him but still needs to pick his game up.
Pablo Hernandez 9
Was a big miss in the past month and showed what his quality could do in the final third. Grabbed two assists by picking out pinpoint crosses. The Spaniard was deceptive and smart, and the Ipswich defenders didn’t have an answer to his mastery.
Jack Harrison 6
Bielsa thrust him into action straightaway after he came back from an injury. Didn’t do anything spectacular or made too many glaring errors.
Kemar Roofe 7
Scored a proper striker’s goal as he gave his marker a miss by making a movement at the last minute. Worked hard and had a decent game overall.
Substitutes
Adam Forshaw 7
Got more than half an hour of the game as he replaced Saiz and made a case for himself to start over Saiz in the future games. Was lively and energetic and looked threatening.
Stuart Dallas 6
Dallas’ versatility again proved decisive as Bielsa pushed him into the game after Berardi’s injury. Did a fine job after coming out early.
Tom Pearce 6.5
Came around the hour mark and looked assured. Bielsa should trust him more and give him a run into the team.
