Leeds United: 1/10 Patrick Bamford stinks off the bench, 8/10 shines – Player ratings v Blackburn
Leeds United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn at Elland Road thanks to a devastating goal from Sammie Szmodics which has seen their title challenge continue to derail.
Leeds dominated the first half although they lacked the cutting edge to take the lead as Blackburn wasted time and delayed play at every opportunity in an attempt to frustrate their opponents.
After half-time, that domination continued for Leeds, but it was an effort from Szmodics that made the difference and saw the first home defeat at Elland Road this season, as well as making it back-to-back home games without a goal.
Leeds United player ratings v Blackburn
MOT Leeds News has rated each Leeds player out of 10 below…
Illan Meslier – 5
Had remarkably little to do for the majority of the game thanks to Leeds’ dominance in possession, but while the goal cannot be pinned on him, he conceded from just the second shot on target he faced all game.
Connor Roberts – 7
A solid defensive performance where he also looked positive going forward was cut short in an attempt to increase the attacking pressure on the opponents, but not before he impressed with his display.
Joe Rodon – 5
Dealt well with most that came his way while also impressive with his confidence at playing out from the back. However, he struggled to get the better of his man in the air, which could have caused more issues on another day and ultimately oversaw a defeat.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Was tasked with progressing the play from the back for Leeds as he often stepped forward in possession to find the midfield. On top of his impressive distribution, it was also a solid defensive performance.
Junior Firpo – 6
Another solid performance at left-back despite not pulling up any trees. Leeds’ dominance allowed him to sit further forward which suited his game but no real difference was made in the final third.
Archie Gray – 6
Contributed largely to Leeds’ control of the game alongside his midfield partner as he was able to keep the ball moving nicely as well as providing some progressive passing to keep the intense attacking pressure alive.
Ilia Gruev – 7
Much like Gray, Gruev was comfortable as ever in possession to keep things ticking and while he may have lacked the penetrative passing or cutting edge to change the game, despite an overall impressive performance.
Georginio Rutter – 5
An uncharacteristically quiet game for the Frenchman saw him struggle to make the difference in the final third despite some tricky dribbles and attempts to create chances by himself. Was not helped by the performance of his striker.
Wilfried Gnonto – 8
Probably Leeds’ best player on the day. He provided a constant threat down the right-hand side with his pace and willingness to keep on running while also creating several opportunities for his teammates which they failed to take. On another day, he could have had several assists.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Similar to his opposite winger, Summerville’s creativity shone again despite struggling to make anything concrete happen in the final third. Perhaps lacked that killer ball to make the difference on the day but an impressive display nonetheless.
Joel Piroe – 3
Despite Leeds’ attacking dominance in the game, Piroe was rarely seen, particularly in more advanced positions despite playing as the main striker until Patrick Bamford came on. Stepped up slightly when he was moved deeper but still struggled.
He posed little threat to the Blackburn goal and, despite some strong link-up play, failed to make the necessary difference.
Subs
Patrick Bamford – 1
A pathetic display from the striker off the bench. Was brought on to help the cause going forward but missed every chance that fell to him and, if anything, made the team worse.
Sam Byram – 5
Daniel James – 6
Matteo Joseph – 5
Jaidon Anthony – N/A
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay hinted at a potential fire sale at Elland Road.
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