Back to back wins before the international break relieved the Leeds players as well as supporters in their attempt to claim a long-pending Premier League return after years of anguish, agony and pain. The Whites were hopeful of maintaining the streak this afternoon against struggling Luton Town. Still, their winless run in three away league matches against the Hatters was a worrying stat prior to the fixture.
Although it was not at all a comfortable outing for the visitors, Matty Pearson’s own goal late in the game sealed the deal for Leeds who scripted their first win at Kenilworth Road since the 1991-92 top-flight title-winning campaign.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their 2-1 win against Luton Town.
Kiko Casilla: 7.5
Could have done little to stop James Collins who headed home from Isaiah Brown’s cross. The latter kept on haunting his former club with his creativity, but the veteran Spaniard was alert between the sticks and made some decisive saves to avoid further damage. Maintained a great passing accuracy while distributing the ball out from the back.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Was purposeful with his crosses, timely overlapping runs and link-up play down the right-hand flank. Was spot on with his tackles, won several duels and exhibited his intercepting ability to help out the backline.
Ben White: 8
Has been a revelation in Leeds defence as the youngster not only found Bamford with a spectacular through ball during the first goal of the game but also excelled defensively with an all-round display. Made some crucial recoveries, interceptions and completed the most number of passes (91) in the match.
Gaetano Berardi: 6
His tackles were clumsy at times, and the Swiss centre-half was targetted by the Luton players while making attacking moves. Should have done a lot better in stopping the build-up which led to Collins’ goal. Was taken off minutes later due to an injury. Skipper Liam Cooper was brought in the heart of the backline.
Stuart Dallas: 7.5
The versatile Northern Ireland international settled in well in a makeshift left-back role. Tried his luck from a distance and worked hard down the flank in both attacking as well as the defensive third.
Kalvin Phillips: 7.5
Had an effort on target but mostly confined his game in screening the backline and carrying the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas. Kept on whipping in crosses, winning 50-50 balls in the middle of the park and making top-notch tackles to break down the opponents’ moves.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
Returned to the starting line up and injected the creativity that Leeds lacked from the wing. Had his attempts denied by James Shea in Luton goal and had plenty of touches while creating chances despite being dispossessed on a couple of occasions.
Tyler Roberts: 6.5
Tested the keeper twice but struggled to retain possession and find the right pass high up the pitch. His swift turns and runs were troublesome for the hosts, but the Wales international was running out of ideas after the break and eventually made way for Jack Clarke midway through the second half.
Mateusz Klich: 7.5
Kept on shooting on target and in spite of losing a few duels, the Leeds midfield general worked tirelessly to dominate the midfield game. Linked up well in the attacking third, and also dropped a bit deeper at times to deny the Luton attackers.
Jack Harrison: 6
Had an underwhelming outing from the left flank and offered little except a few darting runs. Was replaced by Helder Costa around the hour mark.
Patrick Bamford: 8
Looked more lively compared to his previous games and menacing whenever he had the ball on his feet. Scored the Whites’ first goal and played his part in the second as well forcing Pearson to put it into the back of his own net.
Substitutes
Liam Cooper: 7
Settled in quickly and did well to partner White in central defence. His experience did the trick while staging attacks out from the back.
Helder Costa: 6.5
Had a decent cameo from the flank as he created a few decent opportunities minutes into his introduction.
Jack Clarke: 6.5
Has been deployed rarely by Bielsa but his footwork, skills and intelligent runs helped the Whites to put further pressure on the Hatters in the final quarter of the match.
