Leeds United produced the performance and result of their Premier League season so far with a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road, and below are LeedsUnited.News’ player ratings.
Daniel Farke came into the game under huge pressure, with reports claiming Leeds would need to get a result against Chelsea or Liverpool this week to keep Farke in a job. Well, Leeds certainly did that.
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Jaka Bijol opened his account from an Anton Stach corner, before Ao Tanaka smacked a 20-yard drive into the bottom corner before the half-time break. Leeds held on to secure a stunning 3-1 win over Chelsea.
A huge win that takes Leeds out of the relegation zone, and opening up a three-point gap on West Ham who go to Old Trafford to face Man United on Thursday. Three players got 9/10 in our player ratings.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke says if Leeds will enter the January window to replace Dan James after his injury
LeedsUnited.News player ratings in historic win against Chelsea
Lucas Perri – 7
Perri didn’t actually have much to do on the night, with the Brazilian hardly at fault for Pedro Neto’s goal even if it was at his near post. Kicking solid. The wait for a clean sheet goes on.
Jayden Bogle – 7 (Subbed off on 82 mins)
Excellent going forward and key in Leeds’ winner, feeding Ao Tanaka with a neat first-time pass to find the Japan star. But he dived in for Chelsea’s goal, highlighting his weaknesses. Poor mistake.
Joe Rodon – 7
Once again, incredibly consistent and reliable and without fault. Rodon didn’t actually do anything spectacular, but he won his duels and his passing was solid throughout the game.
Jaka Bijol – 9
What a performance from the Slovenian. Opened his account with a bullet of a header at the near post for Leeds’ first, and was the author of a superb recovery run at the end of the first half. He suits a back three.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Solid again, but his positioning might be questioned for Pedro Neto’s goal. Unlucky not to score in the first with the scoreline reading 1-0. Couple of good blocks.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 7
Much like Bogle, Gudmundsson did well on the ball and going forward having come in for James Justin. But once again, Gudmundsson switched off for Chelsea’s goal, ball-watching as Neto halved the deficit. Something that Gudmundsson really needs to improve with Justin waiting in the wings.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
This was one of Ampadu’s best performances in the middle of the park. The Wales star won so many battles, and made so many important blocks that stopped Chelsea’s transition. Brilliant performance, with the knowledge a yellow would cause a suspension.
Ao Tanaka – 9 (subbed off on 67 mins)
It hasn’t been long since Tanaka was upset when he got subbed off against Villa, after being subbed on. But tonight, Tanaka was absolutely exceptional for Leeds and that is even before discussing his goal. Harshly taken on 65, but probably the right tactical move.
Anton Stach – 8
With Sean Longstaff missing, Stach stepped up to take set-pieces and the whip on his corner for Jaka Bijol was brilliant. The German has overcome rib and finger injuries, and looked excellent driving forward from midfield on the ball.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8 (subbed off on 82 mins)
This 3-5-2 system works, but it works even better for the strikers. Calvert-Lewin got his third goal of the season and it will be the easiest goal he ever scores – and he deserved it. Incessant work rate to lead the line for Leeds.
Lukas Nmecha – 9 (subbed off on 67 mins)
Another stunning performance from the Germany international. He is quickly showing he has been a seriously astute bit of business – a mix of everything. Pace, gorgeous first touch, creativity and the ability to hold it up. Incredibly harsh – on him – to see a goal ruled out.
Substitutes:
Ilia Gruev – 6
Having starred at Man City, Gruev came on just after the hour mark and did his job. He kept things simple, mopped up and won a couple of excellent headers. Top positioning.
Noah Okafor – 7
Okafor was thrown on in place of Nmecha up top and was crucial in Leeds seeing the game out. His tackle on Robert Sanchez handed Calvert-Lewin the easiest of goals, but he showed a touch of quality too. Poor effort at an open goal, albeit very difficult.
James Justin – 6
Solid as he came on to provide the defence with some fresh legs.
Joel Piroe – 6
Not particularly involved, but fresh legs up top.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – N/A
Premier League debut for the big man.
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