Leeds United’s disastrous Championship run resulted in the dismissal of Thomas Christiansen who was succeeded by ex-Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom ahead of their last weekend clash against Sheffield United. Things, however, did not alter much as the Whites suffered another disappointing defeat on the road to new boys Sheffield United but avoided further misery following a stellar second-half display against Bristol City as they came back from two goals behind and clinched a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their comeback draw against the Robins.
Felix Wiedwald: 5
Did well to deny Ryan Kent but conceded two early goals that once again exposed the Peacocks’ defensive vulnerability. He made a howler in Bristol’s opener and was lucky not to end up on the losing side following a late comeback from his teammates.
Vurnon Anita: 6
Started in the makeshift right-back role in place of injured Luke Ayling and suspended Gaetano Berardi. Played some decent passes at times but mostly concentrated on his defensive work and struggled against dynamic Ryan Kent. Did well late in the game when the hosts were piling pressure upfront and looking for a winner in closing minutes.
Matthew Pennington: 5.5
Was nowhere when the Robins scored in early minutes as Famara Diedhiou was unmarked and earned his side a cosy lead. Improved his game in the second half but the Everton loanee yet to convince with his performance in the central defensive role.
Pontus Jansson: 6
Jansson’s has not performed up to his standards of late and struggled time and again to deal with Hordur Magnusson’s long throws which played a crucial role in both of Bristol’s first-half goals. He, too, uplifted his display in the second half and did well to clean a number of set-pieces in closing minutes.
Laurens De Bock: 6.5
Was rusty at times while tackling but did well down the left-hand flank and delivered one steady and balanced display throughout the game.
Stuart Dallas: 6
Dallas forced Frank Fielding to make an early stop but could not offer much offensively otherwise. Was taken off and replaced by Hadi Sacko in the second half.
Adam Forshaw: 7
Struggled early in the game but settled in quickly and helped his side to keep in the game by winning back possession, holding the ball, stretching the play and decent passing traits. Made a stunning run towards the end and almost found a late winner but his strike, however, went just off the target.
Eunan O’Kane: 5.5
Was not at his best in the middle of the park. Lost duels, was dispossessed a couple of times before being replaced by Kalvin Phillips midway in the second-half.
Pablo Hernandez: 8.5
The veteran Spaniard scripted a comeback for his side by providing both the assists – first one came off a lovely cross and the second goal resulted from his corner which was slid in at the back post by substitute Kemar Roofe. His cross almost earned his side a late winner if Lasogga’s header had not hit the bar.
Caleb Ekuban: 5
Had a disappointing afternoon where he made only a few touches that did not help his side much. Tried to create space and do layoffs using his body, but eventually ended up losing duels and being dispossessed. Was replaced by Kemar Roofe in the second-half who grabbed a late equalizer for the hosts.
Substitutes
Hadi Sacko: 6.5
Was impressive with his footwork, troubled the depleted Bristol backline with tricky runs towards the end.
Kemar Roofe: 7
Rescued the hosts from another shambolic defeat by sliding home from Hernandez’s corner which eventually ended the game all square at Elland Road.
Kalvin Phillips: 6.5
Was a massive influence with his speed, runs and link up play in closing minutes.
