Leeds United looked a transfigured side last year under Garry Monk who almost earned them a playoff spot defying all odds. The Whites, however, failed to keep hold of the Englishman who stepped down to take charge of Middlesbrough and the appointment of former APOEL boss Thomas Christiansen surprised many. But their away trip to Macron Stadium proved to be a five-goal thriller as the Peacocks defeat newly promoted Bolton Wanderers by 3-2.
Below are the Leeds United players rated from their thumping triumph.
Felix Wiedwald: 6
The German custodian replaced veteran Robert Green between the sticks and impressed in this outing. Although he conceded twice in his official debut for his new club, the former Werder Bremen keeper looked confident and commendable when required.
Luke Ayling: 7
The right-back kept on making forward runs and linking up with Kemar Roofe down the right flank. Whipped in crosses for Wood, that often caused troubles in Bolton defence.
Matthew Pennington: 7.5
The Everton loanee enjoyed an imposing debut. He was in the right place at the right time and blocked and intercepted a number of key attempts of their opponents.
Made his aerial presence known in front of Adam Le Fondre and Gary Madine. But the youngster’s debut came to an abrupt ending as he was forced to leave the pitch with an injury and was replaced by Conor Shaughnessy who conceded a penalty minutes after coming on.
Liam Cooper: 7
The former Scottish youth international led his backline with his passing, blocking and intercepting skills. Looked nervy from set-pieces at times.
Gaetano Berardi: 5.5
Most of Bolton’s attacks were generated from his side and he struggled against Josh Vela. Suffered a shoulder injury around the half an hour mark and was stretchered off the field. Former Newcastle United star Vurnon Anita came as his replacement.
Eunan O’Kane: 6.5
The former Bournemouth midfielder was combative and impressed in a destructive midfield role. But he lacked involvement in attacks.
Kalvin Phillips: 8.5
A big week for the Leeds United youngster who signed a new contract extension and scored a brace this evening to help his side secure an edgy win. His first goal came in around the seventh-minute mark when his first-time right footed strike from a Pablo Hernandez corner ended up at the back of the net. He netted again in the closing minutes of the first half tapping in Chris Wood’s pinpoint delivery from close range.
Kemar Roofe: 7
The agile wingman kept troubling the Bolton back-line with his dribbling and crossing skills. His cross was headed back by Alioski across goal and Chris Wood headed the ball home to double the lead during the first half. Should have done better defensively as he left Gary Madine unmarked while he pulled one back for the Trotters in the first half.
Pablo Hernandez: 7.5
The Spaniard assisted Leeds’ first goal and was also involved in their third of the evening as his pass found Chris Wood who set it for Phillips to slot away for his second. His sublime strike hit the woodwork right after Bolton pulled one back midway in the second half.
Ezgjan Alioski: 7
The Macedonian winger impressed in his debut for the Championship outfit and headed back across the goal from Kemar Roofe’s cross to set it up for Wood who made no mistake to double the lead in first half. Skied a few efforts, but was imposing with his pace, dribbling and footwork. Was replaced by Hadi Sacko towards the end.
Chris Wood: 8
The New Zealander goal-machine is carrying on from where he left off last season and marked his name in the scoresheet yet again with a header to double the lead in first half.
Substitutes
Vurnon Anita: 7
The versatile Dutchman came in place of injured Berardi and started at the left-back slot in his Leeds’ debut. He settled in quickly and delivered a steady outing to protect the lead.
Conor Shaughnessy: 4
Came in as a replacement for injured Pennington but the rookie had a disastrous inception as he conceded a penalty for pulling Gary Madine’s shirt in the penalty area. Adam Le Fondre converted the spot-kick and restored a one-goal deficit midway in the second half.
Hadi Sacko: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
