Leeds United, one of the prime promotion contenders this term, travelled to Hillsborough this afternoon to lock horns with Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls, managed by former Whites boss Garry Monk, had the opportunity to climb up the ladder and grab the leading spot whereas Marcelo Bielsa’s men, second in the Championship standings, were keen on building up momentum following an array of mixed outcomes.
Both the teams had a similar objective of winning the tie, but they failed to break the deadlock and settled for a scoreless stalemate in Saturday’s early kickoff contest.
Below are the Leeds players rated in their 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday.
Kiko Casilla: 8.5
Did exceptionally well between the sticks to deny several long-range attempts. Was lucky not to concede when Steven Fletcher’s effort hit the woodwork. However, his long balls and distribution could have been better while forming attacks. Remained busy right until the final whistle and earned a clean sheet that he thoroughly deserved for his mastery in goal.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Did not allow Kadeem Harris to trouble much from the wide areas. Won most of the duels, made timely overlapping runs and impressed with his passing and link-up play with Helder Costa.
Ben White: 7.5
Made a decisive block to deny Adam Reach who could have opened the account for Wednesday in the early minutes of the match. Was spot on with his tackles, made some crucial recoveries and did well against the experienced attacking pair of Steven Fletcher and Atdhe Nuhiu.
Gaetano Berardi: 6.5
Maintained the accuracy while passing and distributing the ball. Looked troubled at times while going for duels, particularly in the air against a 6 ft 5 in Nuhiu.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7
Was mostly confined to defensive duties to contain the likes of Liam Palmer and Reach. Could have earned his side a massive three points, but his header hit the woodwork in the closing minutes of the match.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
Screened the backline and carried the ball forward to operate in the advanced areas. Had a couple of attempts from distance which, however, were off target. Was rusty while tackling and had a tough time while dominating the midfield game against Barry Bannan and Joey Pelupessy.
Stuart Dallas: 7
The versatile Northern Irishman was not as impressive as the previous outings yet delivered a stable display in the centre of the pitch. Worked hard to regain possession and keep the ball moving all over the field.
Mateusz Klich: 6.5
The Polish professional had a combative display with crucial blocks, tackles and duels. Did not offer much in the attacking third as the hosts were disciplined and resilient in the defensive half.
Helder Costa: 5.5
Kept on losing possession and failed to convert the chances he created from the wide areas. With Pablo Hernandez closing in on regaining match fitness, Costa might see himself dropped among the substitutes once again. Made way for Liam Cooper late in the game.
Jack Harrison: 7.5
Had a decent outing as he was troubling the Owls from the left flank with his dribbling attempts, long balls and cut insides. Created a couple of golden opportunities, one of which was cleared off the line by Morgan Fox.
Patrick Bamford: 5.5
The off-form continues for the Englishman as he did not offer much barring one occasion when his header from Harrison’s cross was parried away spectacularly by Kieren Westwood. Was taken off at the half time to be replaced by Eddie Nketiah.
Substitutes
Eddie Nketiah: 6
Was lively with his runs, positioning and off the ball movements but failed to alter the scoreline.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Was brought in to avoid a late heartbreak when Monk’s men were pushing for the winner.
