Leeds United came within one point of Southampton with a 1-0 Championship victory over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday, January 24.
Daniel Farke’s side won all three points thanks to Patrick Bamford’s outstanding first-half header, bringing the Whites within two points of the automatic promotion positions and 15 points ahead of seventh-placed Hull City.
Norwich didn’t make it easy for Leeds, and on another day, they may have found a leveller, but the Whites defended admirably after taking the lead, extending their winning streak to five games in all competitions.
MOT Leeds News has rated the players out of ten.
Ilan Meslier – 5
As he did against Preston, he appeared shaky when the away team drifted balls into the penalty area and flapped at a couple of crosses that should have been easily caught. In the second half, a sloppy pass almost returned possession to the opposing team. He made the necessary saves throughout the game, but he still appears to be capable of throwing the ball into his net at any time.
Archie Gray – 7
Once again, he was put on the right side of the defence and completed all of his duties as usual at Elland Road. Did turn his back on a chance late in the first half that could have cost the Whites if Norwich had scored. The visiting team did able to find a lot of space behind the teenager in the second half as they attempted to come back into the contest. Hopefully, the late knock was not too severe.
Joe Rodon – 8.
The Tottenham loanee was as effective as ever, making numerous important interceptions to prevent Norwich’s direct attacks. No player made more tackles than the Welshman, who is swiftly emerging as one of the Whites’ most crucial players.
Maintaining his fitness and availability could define the rest of Leeds’ season, as he continues to improve.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Ampadu may have been playing out of position again, but he made an important defensive intervention to clear a cross late in the first half before mistiming a header that gave Gabriel Sara a clear goal-scoring opportunity. More than steps into Pascal Struijk’s boots on the ball, he exhibited a wonderful range of passing to ignite the Whites’ efforts.
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