Leeds United lost 1-0 to fellow promotion contenders West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Friday (29 December).
The Whites were trying to bounce back after Tuesday’s (26 December) 2-1 loss to Preston North End, but Grady Diangana’s 37th-minute strike put them behind.
With the game goalless, Leeds had a goal disallowed and a penalty claim turned down, but they were unable to salvage a point on another disastrous night for Daniel Farke.
Using metrics from WhoScored and Sofascore, MOT Leeds graded the performance of each Leeds player.
Karl Darlow- 5
Due to the suspension of Illan Meslier, he was given his first league start. Could not prevent Diangana’s crucial strike after the midfielder’s original effort was stopped, with it proving to be only one of two chances on target for the hosts.
Djed Spence- 5
In the first half, he saved a shot on the line and had a few promising moments when allowed to move forward, laying on one vital pass. Farke, on the other hand, yanked him off quite early in the second half, which was pretty damning.
Joe Rodon- 5
Defended effectively for the duration of the game, with no player recording more clearances (six), but will be dismayed by the ease with which West Brom cut open the Leeds defence for Diangana’s goal. Also, with a second chance, you may have done better.
Liam Cooper- 5
Brought back into the lineup due to Pascal Struijk’s injury absence and, like Rodon, performed admirably overall. Blocked more shots than anybody else (three), but may have been better positioned to cut out the pass that led to Albion’s game-winning goal.
Sam Byram- 4
In the first half, he had the ball in the net but was called offside. Was on the ball frequently in defence, but couldn’t get much going offensively and was taken off with a third of the game remaining.
Ethan Ampadu- 5
Another Leeds player who was only okay at best. In a game where Leeds was chasing a goal for the whole of the game, he did not record any interceptions. His job became obsolete in the second part, which is why he was removed.
Ilia Gruev- 5
Given a rare start and contributed to the team’s possession, with very few of his passes failing to find their intended target. One of those passes got Rutter through, but his teammate didn’t take advantage of it. He was clearly off the pace at times, as evidenced by his yellow card for dragging down Jayson Molumby.
Wilfried Gnonto- 3
This is the start Gnonto has been waiting for, but he squandered his opportunity. The wide player was unlucky not to win a penalty for his team, but he struggled with all three of his attempts, including a dreadful attempt seconds before being dragged off an hour in.
Joel Piroe- 4
This was one of those games where Piroe had no say in the outcome. In his defence, he made two more critical passes than any other Leeds player, but all three of his own attempts were blocked. That’s not good enough.
Summerville, Crysencio – 4
Too many of his shots were either blocked or erroneous, and his first touch also failed him down on several occasions. Was responsible for a bad clearance in the first half that placed his team in trouble, and just did not contribute enough to help his team create a breakthrough at the opposite end.
Georginio Rutter- 4
He’s been fantastic for the majority of the season, but on days like these, he’s frustrating to watch. In a game in which Leeds was chasing a goal for more than 45 minutes, he did not fire a single shot. The only saving grace was the rare excellent pass.
Subs
Jaidon Anthony (60′ sub for Djed Spence) – 5
Despite being brought on as a substitute, he provided more than any other Leeds attacker, but lacked that telling quality when it truly mattered.
Daniel James (60′ sub for Sam Byram) – 5
It was about time he had a break, but it backfired since Leeds didn’t get going without him. Had an early impression with some exciting moments, but quickly reverted to type on a dismal day for Leeds.
Patrick Bamford (60′ sub for Wilfried Gnonto) – 4
In more over 30 minutes on the pitch, he only had seven touches of the ball. If this was Bamford’s audition for a starting spot, he failed miserably.
Junior Firpo (90′ sub for Ethan Ampadu) – N/A
Mateo Joseph (replacing Crysencio Summerville in the 90s) – N/A
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