Leeds United got back to winning ways in style on Saturday by defeating Cardiff City 7-0.
The match was a far cry from Leeds United’s dull 0-0 draw with Burnley on Monday as they went ahead against Cardiff City with just five minutes on the clock.
Dan James, who was key throughout, rounded the goalkeeper but unselfishly teed up Brenden Aaronson to score. Daniel Farke’s side are making a habit of scoring early at Elland Road, which helps settle the home crowd down.
The welsh winger grabbed his second assist shortly afterwards when Manor Solomon tapped home his cross.
If James had his shooting boots on he might have had a goal himself by half time but he finally got on the score sheet when he turned in an inviting cross in the box.
Leeds smelt blood and went for the kill, with Joel Piroe scoring a penalty and Willy Gnonto getting the pick of the bunch from distance.
Mateo Joseph then got in on the act late on with a tap-in but the scoring wasn’t finished until deep into added time when Piroe got his second to complete a resounding win that ensures Leeds remain top of the Championship table.
Here’s how the players rated.
Illan Meslier – 7
Literally didn’t have a single thing to do in the first half but was forced into a fine stop to prevent a screamer in the second. That was about it, though, as he didn’t even have crosses to catch.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Alert to any of Cardiff’s danger, with his recovery pace a real asset, and was again a willing runner up and down the flank.
Joe Rodon – 8
Confident in bringing the ball out of defence and kept Cardiff’s attack at bay with apparent ease.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Another solid display from the captain who needed one given Pascal Struijk returned on the bench to challenge for his place in defence.
Junior Firpo – 8
A first start in the league since early December and his energy brought much more of a threat to the left side than Sam Byram, exemplified when he set up the third goal and sixth goal with great crosses into the box. Missed two good chances to score himself.
Joe Rothwell – 8
Back in the side after being dropped on Monday and showed why that a mistake with a maestro like performance in the middle of the park, with good, forward passing helping Leeds dominate. His set piece delivery was on point, too.
Ao Tanaka – 7
A bit sloppy on the ball at times, with one heavy touch nearly playing Leeds into trouble, but battled well in a crowded midfield and used the ball efficiently.
Dan James – 9
Took him just three minutes to get a shot away rather than 88 as it did at Turf Moor. He was a danger from the off and throughout, with his pace frightening the Cardiff back-line. Just two minutes later he rounded the goalkeeper and teed up Aaronson to score when his opening closed.
He grabbed another assist when his cross was turned in by Solomon and, after spooning a few shots wide, got on the score sheet himself just after the break. James was involved again when he was upended to win a penalty.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Great positioning to support James so was on hand to stroke the ball into an empty net for the simplest goal he’ll ever score. Yet, wasn’t involved in much else compared to his fellow forwards.
Manor Solomon – 8
The winger made up for his quiet performance on Monday by doubling Leeds’ lead in the 13th minute by tapping in at the back-post after a fine move. Cardiff could not deal with his languid movement at points, with both wingers running them ragged.
Joel Piroe – 10
Joel Piroe has been criticised for not being involved in build-up play enough, especially when he’s not scoring, but it was his excellent through ball that unleashed James on the goalkeeper to score the first goal.
The striker was also crucial to the build-up for the second, with another threaded pass for James creating the chance, and it was his saved shot that led to the penalty. He got the goal his impressive performance deserved from the resulting spot kick. He got his second with a fine finish to cap off a great display.
Substitutes
Willy Gnonto – 8
Got on the scoresheet mere moments after coming on off the bench with a fantastic finish from outside the box after a solo run.
Sam Byram – 6
Nothing silly as he helped Leeds ease to full time.
Mateo Joseph – 7
Didn’t get much of the ball but took his chance to score when it presented itself.
Largie Ramazani – 6
Lively and came within a whisker of scoring.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Returned to action with 12 minutes remaining in a welcome sight. Looked sharp adn steady.
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