Leeds United are leading the race to secure a top-flight promotion but, at the same time, the fans should be concerned about a series of injury setbacks. The Whites, meanwhile, returned to action this afternoon to kickstart their FA Cup campaign at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers following back to back league defeats against Hull City and Nottingham Forest. Marcelo Bielsa, the Elland Road boss, made a few changes in the matchday squad to keep his men fit and fresh for the upcoming Championship outings. However, Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat after an exciting 90 minutes of football.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their disappointing defeat against QPR.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell: 7
The youngster made an array of crucial saves to keep the visitors in the game for quite a long time. Could have done little to stop Aramide Oteh’s spot-kick though as he committed on the left side while the forward hit it down the middle. Denied Jake Bidwell spectacularly, but the defender climbed the highest to nod home seconds later and restore the lead with 15 minutes remaining.
Luke Ayling: 6
Did not have enough runs forward as he mostly concentrated on his work at the back due to lack of enough senior experience from his fellow defenders.
Jamie Shackleton: 6
Looked a bit rusty while tackling and should have done better defensively while dealing with set-pieces. He was decent otherwise, and he blocked many moves and made some crucial clearances.
Aapo Halme: 6.5
The Norwegian capitalised on Matt Ingram’s mistake in QPR goal and slotted home from close range to level the scoreline. Once again impressed with his sense of positioning and physicality inside the box. Was taken off at half-time with a suspected injury blow as Tom Pearce, the other academy prodigy, replaced him at the back.
Leif Davis: 5.5
The youngster must feel disappointed as he conceded a spot-kick which looked like a dive from Bidwell following minimal contact. Had a balanced outing barring this one occasion and got replaced by Clarke Oduor in the closing minutes in search of a late equaliser.
Adam Forshaw: 6.5
Was handed the captain’s armband and the midfield general did his best to marshall a rookie defensive line. Tried to build up moves from the deep but failed to offer enough threat upfront amid pressure from the R’s in the middle of the park. Slotted into the back four for the final moments of the game to incorporate Oduor high up the pitch.
Lewis Baker: 6.5
His free-kick resulted in a howler from Ingram who failed to grab it properly. The ball fell favourably into the path of Halme who made no mistake in finding an equaliser. Tried to orchestrate moves from a central role and also switched it down the flanks to help out the likes of Alioski, Clarke and Harrison.
Jack Clarke: 6
The teenager impressed with his runs and swift skills but failed to beat Ingram in QPR goal. Played a few decent one-twos with Roberts upfront but lacked finishing which cost Leeds the game.
Ezgjan Alioski: 6.5
Was influential down the left flank as he whipped in crosses, made cut insides and created chances inside the box for Roberts and Harrison.
Jack Harrison: 6
Had a better outing and came close to finding the net seconds after Bidwell’s goal. But the young Man City loanee was denied by Ingram and thus failed to prevent their third successive defeat in all competitions.
Tyler Roberts: 6.5
The youngster was unlucky in the early minutes as his effort hit the woodwork. Came close to scoring on a number of occasions but was denied by Ingram and also failed to direct his shots on target at times.
Substitutes
Tom Pearce: 5
Came in place of Halme but made way for Temenuzhkov minutes after Bidwell’s winner.
Kun Temenuzhkov: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Clarke Oduor: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
