It was a riveting contest at Elland Road as Leeds United scripted a memorable 3-2 win against Blackburn Rovers in their Boxing Day bout. The Whites went up by one goal, courtesy of an error by Derrick Williams. However, Blackburn came back strongly and gave Marcelo Bielsa’s side a run for their money in the second half with Charlie Mulgrew scoring twice to help his team take a 2-1 lead against the hosts. Eventually, it was Kemar Roofe who saved the day for Leeds, scoring twice in the stoppage time as they salvaged three crucial points from a hard-fought contest in their own backyard.
Here is how Leeds United players were rated from their win against Blackburn Rovers.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 6
Made some good saves but conceded a crucial goal to hand Mulgrew his second of the match.
Luke Ayling: 6
Was caught on the wrong foot a few times but came back well in the second half.
Kalvin Philips: 5
Was not a convincing performance from the makeshift centre-back. Could have done better to stop Mulgrew from levelling the score.
Pontus Janssen: 6
Did well to keep the opposition attackers under check. Lacked a bit of composure in the second half.
Barry Douglas: 5
Not a good day as Adam Armstrong got the better of him on several occasions. Picked up a yellow card as well.
Adam Forshaw: 8
Held the midfield together with his brilliant ball control and possessional play. His composure and presence of mind proved too much for the opposition on the day.
Ezgjan Alioski: 6
Good performance from the midfielder as he made a few deceiving runs into the danger area. Lacked the finishing though.
Mateusz Klich: 6
Kept the pressure on the opposition defenders in the first half but lost the composure in the second.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
Good fighting performance from the attacking midfielder as he constantly kept the ball in the danger area. Assisted Roofe to seal the match for the Whites.
Jack Harrison: 6
Gave the Blackburn defenders a few early scares but was ineffective for the large part of the match.
Kemar Roofe: 9
Outstanding performance from the Englishman as he turned the tide in favour of the Whites with his two goals in the stoppage time. Looked lethal throughout the match and his pressing techniques bore fruit in the dying minutes of the game.
Substitutes
Jack Clarke: 6
The youngster was given a run in place of Harrison, and he proved to be a good substitute. Made some good passes and showed classy footwork to open up spaces.
Jamie Shackleton: 5
Did well in whatever time he got on the pitch.
