Leeds United restarted their 2019/20 Championship campaign in the worst possible fashion, slumping to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Cardiff City. A couple of individual defensive errors from the Leeds players allowed a resilient Cardiff side to score two goals through Junior Hoilett and Robert Glatzel, with the defeat enabling West Brom to take the lead at the top of the level.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Cardiff City
Illan Meslier 4/10
Illan Meslier had very little to do for the most of the game as Leeds United dominated possession. However, the Frenchman failed to keep out either of the two shots on target from Cardiff City, both resulting in goals.
Luke Ayling 6/10
Luke Ayling had a promising start to the game, moving up and down the pitch and providing offensive support to Helder Costa. But, he was replaced by Egzjan Alioski as coach Marcelo Bielsa opted for a more attacking approach.
Ben White 5/10
It wasn’t the best of days of Ben White, who struggled to impose his authority in the defensive department. The centre-back failed to cope with the physical presence of Hoilett and should have done a lot better job in the backline.
Liam Cooper 4/10
Liam Cooper was having an average afternoon, showing decent composure on the ball and distributing possession from the back. However, it was his poorly attempted pass that led to the second goal, effectively sealing all three points for Cardiff City.
Stuart Dallas 6.5/10
Stuart Dallas impressed the onlookers with his forays down the final third. He was always willing to provide dangerous crosses to the forwards that often caused problems for the opposition. His versatility also came in handy as he shifted into a right-back role following the arrival of Alioski.
Kalvin Phillips 5/10
Kalvin Phillips’ disastrous vertical pass gave Cardiff City just the opportunity they had needed to open the scoring, giving the team an incentive only to hold and contain the Leeds United attack.
Aside from the pass, however, the holding midfielder performed better as time wore on, creating a few chances during the final phase of the game.
Helder Costa 6/10
Helder Costa looked like a menace whenever he had the ball. The Portuguese star was willing to take on defenders and provide crosses into the box, but the end product was lacking.
Mateusz Klich 4/10
Mateusz Klich looked rusty in this fixture, especially in the final phase of the game. The Pole made a few rash tackles, clearly showing his frustration.
Tyler Roberts 7/10
Tyler Roberts was by far the most promising performer for Leeds United this afternoon. The Welshman was always looking to make something happen with his intelligent movements. His vision, work-ethic and aggression also caused havoc for the Cardiff City backline.
Jack Harrison 6.5/10
Jack Harrison was hugely involved in the proceedings throughout the game. However, the on-loan star failed to provide the end product that was needed.
Patrick Bamford 4/10
It was a horrible afternoon for Patrick Bamford, who had very little space and time on the ball. He also failed to provide any sort of reliability in front of goal and the absence of a more robust striker was clearly evident.
SUBSTITUTES
Egzjan Alioski 5/10
Replaced Ayling around the hour mark to add more impetus going forward, but barely made any impact on the proceedings.
Ian Poveda 6/10
Ian Poveda tried to probe the Cardiff City backline with his quick footwork, but it wasn’t enough to make any difference.
Robbie Gotts N/A
A late replacement for the ineffective Klich.
