At half-time yesterday you could have been forgiven for thinking a draw would be a dream result. At full-time Christmas was in full swing in Leeds, a remarkable comeback in a quite remarkable game. Leeds take the three points in a very tough fixture and will sit on the top of the table at Christmas.
Player Ratings
Baily Peacock-Farrell – 7 – Had a bit of a strange game. Didn’t fully commit a couple of times but pretty steady.
Luke Ayling – 8 – Back into the side and in games like that you need characters. I wrote before the game about how important a personality he is at the club and you could see that yesterday. Full of passion and a very good performance given the circumstances.
Pontus Jansson – 9 – Jansson has a thing about scoring against Aston Villa but none were as important as that yesterday. What a header from the centre-back who had a very good game. We won’t come up against better attacking teams than Villa.
Kalvin Phillips – 8 – In terms of players growing this season he is head and shoulders above the rest. A moment close to the start of the game where he held off Kodjia and didn’t dive in showed his understanding and maturity in a position that was alien to him just five months ago.
Leif Davis – 8- Thrown into the mix for a debut that he wouldn’t have been expecting. Didn’t let himself down and showed he can whip a ball in with that left foot. Up against Kodjia and wasn’t scared to get tight, even if it was a little too tight at times.
Adam Forshaw – 8 – His form has been a bit up and down but we are seeing moments of what he’s all about. Little give and go’s all over the pitch, a wise head and now starting to pay back what was a big fee for him at the time.
Mateusz Klich – 8 – In terms of work rate there aren’t many in this league who will cover the ground that the Polish midfielder does. Although he wasn’t dominating the game yesterday he certainly wasn’t outplayed. A key cog in this Leeds Unites setup
Gjanni Alioski – 8 – I get a bit of stick for my ratings on Alioksi but I stand by my opinion that he has much more to offer than he has this season, yesterday I thought he was brilliant. Not only did he work hard which he often does but he was an outlet and a constant threat. Much more direct and looked a threat, that’s what I personally like to see in a winger.
Jack Harrison – 5 – There is little doubt there is a player in there but we aren’t seeing it. Struggled to make an impact yesterday and is lacking the sharpness. Hopefully he can kick on in the second half of the season.
Pablo Hernandez – 9 – Two more assists and boy did we need him yesterday. The cross for the Jansson corner was immense and in his current form we just need to get him on the ball every time we can.
Kemar Roofe – 9 – We have seen glimpses of his class before this season but Marcelo Bielsa has helped transform him into one of the best strikers outside of the Premier League. His finish for the winner yesterday wasn’t easy, what a moment.
Subs
Jack Clarke – 9 – There are players who can make an impact in a game then there is Jack Clarke. For me the biggest young talent outside of the Premier League at the moment, he’s that good. Changed the game yesterday, and what a goal it was.
Jamie Shackleton – 6 – Added some energy when he came on. Could maybe start on Boxing Day if Douglas isn’t back.
