Four back to back wins brought Leeds United back in the driver’s seat towards securing a long-awaited Premier League return. Yet the fear of falling apart must be there among the Elland Road faithful having squandered the opportunity last season in the final weeks. The Whites hosted Huddersfield Town this afternoon in a West Yorkshire derby and eventually grabbed a 2-0 win (similar to December’s reverse tie at The John Smith’s Stadium) to secure a league double over their city rivals.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their win against the Terriers.
Leeds United Players Rated In Commanding Win Vs Huddersfield Town
Illan Meslier: 7.5
Clinched back to back clean-sheets since replacing the suspended Kiko Casilla between the sticks. Did exceptionally well to deny Trevoh Chalobah midway through the first half. However, got lucky when he spilt Emile Smith Rowe’s strike on goal but was saved by Berardi’s clearance just over the hour mark.
Luke Ayling: 9
Continues his scintillating form as the right fullback fired in with a thunderous volley after picking up Jack Harrison’s cross minutes into the game. Was lively with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides using the width of the pitch down the right-hand flank.
Gaetano Berardi: 8
Stepped in once again in deep defence and delivered a towering display alongside Liam Cooper. Stayed focused and concentrated, and played the ball out from the back to instigate attacking threat. Was also tidy with his tackles, blocks and interceptions to frustrate the visitors.
Liam Cooper: 8
Won the majority of duels and was in the right place at the right time throughout to contain the likes of Frazer Campbell, Karlan Grant and substitute Steve Mounie for the final half-hour of the game.
Stuart Dallas: 7
The Northern Irishman was spot on once more while featuring as a left fullback. Balanced his game between attack and defence. Not only did he whip in crosses but also made some timely tackles and recoveries to keep Chris Willock quiet.
Ben White: 7.5
Was deployed in a makeshift defensive midfield role in the absence of Kalvin Phillips. White took time to settle in but improved his game significantly by the middle of the first half. Also played a key role in Bamford’s goal when his header was denied by Jonas Lossl spectacularly before falling favourably into the path of the Whites’ number 9.
Helder Costa: 6
Struggled from the flank as he kept on losing duels and lacked composure as well as creativity in the attacking third. Got dispossessed twice, but failed to make an impact barring a few ambitious runs.
Pablo Hernandez: 7.5
The Spaniard enjoyed his 150th appearance in Leeds United’s colours with yet another commanding display from the centre of the pitch. Played his part in Bamford’s goal with a venomous free-kick, and also created some big chances with his exquisite footwork, vision and game-reading attributes.
Mateusz Klich: 7.5
Worked tirelessly in midfield and never allowed Huddersfield to settle in or dominate the midfield game. Often switched the game down the wide and combined well with his teammates to open up space high up the pitch. Made way for Jamie Shackleton late in the game.
Jack Harrison: 8.5
Was productive right from the beginning as he set it up perfectly for Ayling before the latter fired in from an outrageous volley. Hit the woodwork once, got denied by Lossl, but kept on creating opportunities from the left-hand flank. Received massive plaudits while making way for Ezgjan Alioski for the final few minutes of the match.
Patrick Bamford: 7
Ended his goal drought with a perfect poacher’s finish. Did not have many touches but was menacing inside the box with his runs and positioning. Was replaced by Tyler Roberts late in the game.
Leeds United Substitutes
Tyler Roberts: 6
Had a lively few minutes even though he failed to replicate his Hull masterclass.
Jamie Shackleton: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ezgjan Alioski: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
