Leeds United got their domestic campaign back on track after the international break as they went on to secure a 2-0 win against Bristol City. Both the goals came in the second half, and United had to work somewhat for it to bag the three points in this game. Usual suspects, Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez, were on the scoresheet and the Whites made Bristol City pay when they went down to 10 men in the second half.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared at Elland Road.
William Huffer 7
The young Englishman got his chance in goal and made his debut. Did a fairly decent job as his handling was excellent and made some good clearances coming off his line. Was hardly tested by Bristol City forwards as the Whites dominated the game especially when they were a man up on the pitch.
Stuart Dallas 6.5
A much better performance from the makeshift right back as he did his defensive duties diligently. However, the quality of the opponents wasn’t too great, and he still needs to improve on certain aspects.
Aapo Halme 6
The debutant wasn’t tested much given the Whites enjoyed a good amount of possession. Kept it simple with his passing and looked calm on the ball. Was substituted later when Bielsa brought in Samuel Saiz as a more attacking option.
Liam Cooper 7
The captain organised the defence well with a very makeshift backline. Hardly put a foot wrong in the game and was a calming influence at the back which ensured a clean sheet.
Barry Douglas 7
Was at his usual best as he was a constant menace while going forward. Was tight at the back and tracked back well when required. Came close to scoring a spectacular goal from long range.
Kalvin Phillips 7.5
Was defensively strong and broke up quite a few attacks when Bristol were looking to build up. Was always keen to get on the ball in deep areas and distributed well and kept things ticking in midfield.
Mateusz Klich 6
Started off slow and wasn’t able to provide the creativeness from the midfield for the most parts of the game. Got better in the second half especially when the Whites were a man up.
Adam Forshaw 6.5
Was always looking to drive the ball forward in the first half. After Saiz came on, played in a more subdued and conservative role and kept the ball moving.
Ezgjan Alioski 5.5
Linked up play well in the first half on a few occasions and created some good chances. However, often he squandered opportunities to pick a right pass in the final third.
Pablo Hernandez 7.5
The most threatening player in the attacking third. Was involved in both the goals and scored an excellent header to secure the game in the last few minutes.
Kemar Roofe 7
Often dropped deep to get on the ball as Bristol City were defending in numbers and United’s midfield wasn’t able to crack them open. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he was at the right place to flick Hernandez’s effort in goal.
Substitutes
Samuel Saiz 7
Looked hungry when he came on and is surely improving after getting dropped. Assisted the second goal with a brilliant ball to Hernandez.
Jack Harrison 5
Brought in a fresh pair of legs but was extremely indecisive in the final third, often making the wrong call or taking too much time on the ball.
Lewis Baker N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
