Leeds United’s defeat to Wigan Atheltic has once again thrown open the chase for the second spot in the Championship table. The Whites succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Elland Road, and Sheffield United won their encounter against Nottingham Forest which saw them move to the second spot based on goal difference.
The Whites played with a man advantage for more than 70 minutes of the game as Kipre handled the ball on the line and was shown the red. Pablo Hernandez missed the resultant penalty kick as he only managed to hit the post. Patrick Bamford opened the scoring just after that as he controlled the ball well and scored from 12 yards out to give Leeds United a lead. Wigan equalised against the run of play just before half time. It was tough to make out how the Whites didn’t go in with the lead at half time as Wigan hardly played a part in the game.
Things turned from bad to worse for Leeds United as they failed to deal with a cross and Gavin Massey headed home for his second goal. The Whites ended with 36 attempts on goal with 10 on target and 77 per cent of possession. However, the most essential stat read 2-1 in favour of the Latics.
Here is how Bielsa’s men fared on the day.
Kiko Casilla 4.5
Had a nervy game as there was a break in communication between him and the defence early on. Could have done better for both the goals.
Gaetano Berardi 4
Had a tough time in defence as Gavin Massey created a lot of trouble whenever he got the ball in the attacking third.
Pontus Jansson 4
It was surprising to see the Swede defender struggle to cope up with Leon Clarke on the physical front. Gavin Massey’s pace also troubled him throughout the game.
Luke Ayling 6
Had an average game overall but everyone around him was so poor that it made him look good on the day.
Ezgjan Alioski 3
The Macedonian was extremely poor in the final third with his deliveries. Defensively he didn’t exude any confidence. His touches were so bad that at one time Harrison was not passing the ball to him and instead trying to do everything himself.
Kalvin Phillips 6
Was substituted at half time even though he looked alright for the first 45.
Mateusz Klich 5
Nothing too incisive with his passing. Came close to scoring as one of his efforts was inches wide but apart from that, nothing much to talk about on the day.
Tyler Roberts 5
Came close to scoring but the attempt was cleared off the line. Struggled to find the right pass in the attacking third.
Pablo Hernandez 5
Failed to convert from the spot which might haunt him. Misplaced a few passes but still produced enough moments through which his side should have scored.
Jack Harrison 4.5
Struggled to put in decent crosses from the left. Never threatened much throughout the game.
Patrick Bamford 6
Took his goal well to give his side the lead. Combined well with his team-mates but faded as the game went on.
Substitutes
Adam Forshaw 6
Played in a deeper role in the second half. Was brought on to keep Massey under control. Did a decent job overall on the defensive front.
Kemar Roofe 5
Provided energy on the pitch after he came on but failed to create an influential moment.
Jack Clarke 5.5
Tried to take on defenders but wasn’t able to cut open the opposition defence.
