Leeds United travelled to Pride Park to lock horns with Derby County in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals. They are going to play the home leg with a 1-0 advantage as Roofe scored the winner in the 55th minute.
The first half was devoid of quality for the most parts as both the teams failed to create any clear cut opportunities. Leeds United dominated possession and had some half chances to score but nothing significant was created by the Whites’ attackers.
The second half was evenly matched but the away side opened the scoring as Jack Harrison put in a delightful cross down the left which was tucked away smartly by Kemar Roofe. Lampard brought in some changes and his side pushed on in the final half hour. Leeds United got away with a contentious call as the referee called for a penalty for the Rams but the linesman ruled it the other way round and Jack Harrison got away with it. Bielsa’s men went on to hold their lead and they will now have a slender advantage going into the second leg.
Here is how the away side fared at Pride Park.
Kiko Casilla 6
Claimed some regulation crosses. Derby County hardly tested him throughout the game.
Gaetano Berardi 7
The Whites faithful might have been nervous about the Swiss defender starting in such a big game but Berardi kept David Nugent in his pocket for the most parts. Read the situation well and filled in well for Jansson.
Liam Cooper 7
Held his own against the opposition. Kept the backline organised and nothing really went past him.
Stuart Dallas 7
Came close to scoring in the first half with a brilliant long-range effort. Worked hard defensively and produced some good moments in the attacking third. Kept the dangerous Harry Wilson in check.
Luke Ayling 7
Tom Lawrence wasn’t allowed much freedom by the Leeds defender. Worked hard and always provided an attacking outlet down the right.
Kalvin Phillips 6.5
Put in some sloppy crosses and set-piece deliveries. Had some shooting opportunities as well which he miskicked. Did his defensive job well and kept the ball moving.
Adam Forshaw 5
Had to be substituted early around the 20th-minute mark due to injury. Was ineffective in the final third until then.
Mateusz Klich 7
Worked extremely hard and had some bright moments in the final third. Got tired as the game went by but was effective in linking up play.
Pablo Hernandez 6
Leeds United’s player of the season didn’t have much impact as he misplaced quite a few passes. Played some incisive balls but wasn’t consistent enough.
Jack Harrison 8
Leeds United have often failed to create that telling moment in the final third and no player has been more guilty of that than Harrison in the past. However, he saved his best delivery for this game as he swept in a delightful low cross which bent perfectly into Kemar Roofe’s path. Worked hard apart from that.
Kemar Roofe 8
Looked sharp with his movement as he troubled the Derby defence. Finished the goal well. The Whites would be glad to see Roofe getting back in form at this point of the season.
Substitutes
Jamie Shackleton 7
Filled in for Forshaw and never really looked out of place. Almost produced a delightful assist in the second half. Definitely makes a case for starting the second leg even if Forshaw recovers.
Jack Clarke N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Notable mention: Eddie Smart- 10
Made the brave call of ruling out the penalty to Derby County which was awarded by the referee. Definitely a hero in Yorkshire today.
