Leeds United lost 4-2 to Nottingham Forest in a dramatic tie at the City Ground. The pressure was definitely on Aitor Karanka’s men as they have been winless for close to a month, but they managed to pick themselves up and inflicted a second defeat in a row to Leeds United.
The Whites did well to claw themselves back into the game when they went a goal as well as a man down. But a late surge from the Tricky Trees and some poor defending from the Whites ensured all three points for the home team.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared on the day.
Bailey Peacock Farrell 5
His distribution was a bit all over the place. Was slightly indecisive for the third goal as he decided to come out to claim a corner but stopped midway in his tracks. Can’t be blamed much for the other goals.
Pontus Jansson 5
Daryl Murphy got the better of him in the end as he scored the third goal. The Sweden international impressed in parts but always looked vulnerable especially after the red card to Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips 4
Was again found wanting in defence and Bielsa would be better off playing Phillips in midfield (easier said than done). Made a poor challenge around the end of the first half and it was always an uphill task from there onwards for his teammates as they went down to 10 men.
Barry Douglas 5
Was average at best and didn’t manage to produce any major troubling moments from the left. Has struggled in the last few games.
Luke Ayling 6
Did exceedingly well up the pitch for the most parts but lost a bit of steam as the game went on and made some tired passes.
Adam Forshaw 4
His poor backpass allowed Forest to take the lead early on and after that United were on the back foot for the most parts. Filled in as a centre back after the departure of Phillips and was found wanting in a new position.
Mateusz Klich 5
Another average performance from the midfielder who has lost some steam in the last few games. With the squad so thin, Bielsa can’t really make a change. Hopefully, he would soon return to his best.
Pablo Hernandez 6
Kept things moving in midfield and tried to influence the play. However, with United going a man down, they were always susceptible to a counter, and that probably affected Henrnadez slightly later on in the game.
Jack Harrison 4
Can just repeat the ratings we published here at The 4th Official from the last three games for Harrison here. Got substituted again after the first half. During the period he was on the pitch, didn’t provide any major attacking outlet. Maybe he has a certain clause in his loan contract to make a certain number of starts, but that’s just a wild guess from us.
Ezgjan Alioski 6
Finished well to give the Whites the lead but it all went in vain in the end. Worked hard and looked sharp but as the game went on, looked a bit jaded in the end.
Kemar Roofe 5.5
Looked energetic and made some excellent runs all across the attacking third. However, squandered two very scoreable chances in the end.
Substitutes
Jack Clarke 7
Made a major impact as he came on in the second half and scored the first goal by finishing well. Came close to scoring again with a brilliant curling effort. Don’t really know what he needs to do more to start.
Tyler Roberts N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
