Leeds United defeated Derby County for the second time in December after emerging from Pride Park as narrow 1-0 winners.
Leeds started off the brighter of the two sides and dominated proceedings, even if Derby looked threatening on the odd counter without getting any chances on target.
A feisty first-half ended goalless after Mateo Joseph and Brenden Aaronson squandered great chances and Derby remained resolute long into the second 45.
Daniel Farke had rotated his attack to keep his players fresh amid a busy period but he was forced to turn to the bench and that’s when Leeds finally found the break through.
Substitutes Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe combined to tee up Aaronson for the winner with just over 10 minutes remaining. Leeds held out for the slim win and moved back, if briefly, to the top of the Championship.
Here’s how the players rated.
Illan Meslier – 7
Literally didn’t have a save to make in the first half but was on hand to claw a dangerous header away when the home side finally got an effort on target.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Used his pace to great effect in both directions, especially as he repeatedly carried Leeds up the pitch with his forays forwards. He covered across the pitch as Derby burst forward done the left as well.
Joe Rodon – 8
Towering at the back with some important headed clearances. Ensured Leeds never really looked like conceding.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Crucial defending as Derby broke in the first half and just as solid and strong as his centre-back partner throughout. Made one brave block and was always so cool under pressure.
Sam Byram – 5
Sam Byram has been playing well of late but he showed his age here. He was the weak link at the back as he struggled against pace of Derby’s counters and should have been booked for a late lunge in the first half. Him being right-footed also stifled Leeds when they looked to switch the play and stretch a deep defence.
Steadied in the second half, though, and was involved in the opening goal with a nice pass.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Battled hard defensively and continues to look sharp on his return to the starting XI but some ponderous forward passing at times.
Ao Tanaka – 4
Perhaps Ao Tanaka’s worst game in a Leeds shirt. He was uncharacteristically sloppy and cautious on the ball and didn’t assert himself in midfield. Breaking up the partnership with Joe Rothwell might not have been the smartest move.
Largie Ramazani – 5
Positive on the ball as he always look to take on his full-backs and created some dangerous chances but when the chances fell to him it was as if his boots were made of cotton candy as he couldn’t get any real contact.
Brenden Aaronson – 7.5
Aaronson continues to be frustrating as he does brilliant work so well and is then wasteful in dangerous positions. Lofted chances and overhit passes overshadow tidy interplay, regardless of how exciting he can be on the ball.
Yet, he was still Leeds’ most threatening forward and when it mattered most he finally found the back of the net with a beautiful finish to a move he helped create.
Willy Gnonto – 5
Should have had an assist within six minutes when he fizzed the ball into Joseph and was a continuous threat on both flanks but wasn’t clinical enough.
Mateo Joseph – 5
Missed great chances in the opening minutes of both halves, which would have made it a much more comfortable evening. Good hold up play and movement but there’s a reason he’s usually behind Piroe in the pecking order.
Substitutes
Manor Solomon – 8
Made an immediate impact with a fantastic pass to put the ball on a plate for James and was then pivotal to Aaronson’s goal with his passing and movement. Surely established himself as first choice on the left now after this game-clinching cameo.
Joel Piroe – 7
Didn’t see much of the ball in the box but made it count when he did by cushioning it into the path of Aaronson to score.
Dan James – 6
Such a predictably poor finish when put through on goal moments after coming on, even after making such a good first touch. His pace added needed urgency.
Patrick Bamford – 6
Looked lively.
Josuha Guilavogui – 5
Helped see the game out in added time.
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