Leeds United took on Norwich City at Elland Road, and the home side suffered a disappointing defeat as Norwich emerged victorious from the contest. That took the Canaries on the top of the table, and the Whites’ slump in form continues.
The game had an impressive tempo, and any of the neutrals watching would have enjoyed it. Leeds United conceded two sloppy goals in the first half as it was their doing that allowed the away team to score. The Whites enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession but never really managed to carve out a clear cut opportunity.
One has to credit Daniel Farke’s defenders and his tactics as they were spot on on the day. Vrancic added his second, late in the second half to dash any hopes of a Leeds comeback and the better team won the game in the end. Bamford added a consolation to give the home side something to cheer about.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared on a frustrating night at Elland Road.
Kiko Casilla 5
Couldn’t have done much for the goals he conceded. His short passes often got his defenders into trouble. Maybe he needs to realise he isn’t playing with the likes of Varane or Ramos at the back.
Liam Cooper 5.5
Didn’t do too much wrong at the back and can’t be blamed for any of the goals.
Pontus Jansson 4.5
Conceded a cheap foul in a dangerous area when Cooper was there covering at the back and Vrancic converted from the resultant free kick. Had some sloppy moments in possession and it was a disappointing performance from the Swede overall.
Luke Ayling 5.5
Was slightly at fault for the second goal. Did a decent job overall as he worked tirelessly throughout the game. However, Bielsa would want more quality from him on the ball.
Ezgjan Alioski 5
Was found wanting while defending and almost gave Norwich the chance to add another goal in the second half. Tried hard offensively but couldn’t produce much quality on the ball. Played the first half as a fullback and then turned out as a winger in the second.
Adam Forshaw 5
It was his mistake which allowed Norwich to score the second goal as the midfielder was sloppy in possession. Had some bright moments defensively but wasn’t able to affect the game much while on the ball.
Mateusz Klich 5
Worked hard and took some decent long-range attempts. However, the Polish midfielder faded as the game went on.
Tyler Roberts 5.5
Played in an attacking midfield role and looked sharp in the beginning as his movement and link up play was smart. However, like many of his team-mates, he struggled as the game went on and was substituted around the hour mark.
Jack Harrison 4.5
The usual story from the Manchester City loanee. Wasn’t effective much and was substituted at half time.
Pablo Hernandez 3.5
One of the major reasons for United not clicking in the final third was the poor display of Hernandez. Gave away some stray passes and was subbed off at half time.
Kemar Roofe 4.5
Worked hard but it wasn’t his day. Cut a frustrating figure and tried to earn some cheap free kicks and penalties which didn’t go down well with the Norwich defenders.
Substitutes
Barry Douglas 4
Extremely poor with his decision making after he came on and gave away some needless fouls.
Jack Clarke 6
Went past his man with ease on a few occasions but United failed to get him on the ball regularly in the second half.
Patrick Bamford 6.5
Scored a consolation and looked threatening after coming on.
