Leeds United are through to the FA Cup fourth round after narrowly defeating neighbours Harrogate Town 1-0 thanks to Largie Ramazani’s winning goal.
After years of playing each other in traditional pre-season friendlies, local rivals Leeds United and Harrogate Town finally faced off in a competitive setting on Saturday evening in the FA Cup.
Daniel Farke took the opportunity to rest several of his most important players but it was still a strong starting XI that lined up against the League Two outfit.
Yet, though they controlled all the ball, Leeds found it difficult to break down a stubborn defence in a goalless first half, with Mateo Joseph coming closest as he hit the post.
Things didn’t get much better after the break as a sloppy Leeds invited pressure before Manor Solomon hit back by hitting the crossbar.
However, the opener finally arrived and it was Solomon who created it when his cross was headed in by Largie Ramazani.
Harrogate continued to threaten but Leeds held on to crawl over the line into the fourth round.
Here’s how the players rated.
Karl Darlow – 8
Had next to nothing to do in the first half but was forced to be alert after the break, catching dangerous crosses, getting low to make saves and coming quick off his line to smother out chances.
Given Illan Meslier’s struggles, Karl Darlow might have earned himself a league start.
Isaac Schmidt – 7
Coming in for his first start since signing for Leeds in the summer, Isaac Schmidt looked impressive at right-back. In the dominant first 45, he was a constant threat going forward in an unexpected way.
Instead of just bombing down the flank repeatedly, Schmidt exploited space in the inside channel which saw him get into dangerous positions to get balls into the box and he linked up nicely with Gnonto.
He then went on to make some vital interceptions and blocks as Leeds came under pressure in the second half. With Leeds’ injury troubles at full-back, Schmidt could be a useful option.
Josuha Guilavogui – 6
Also coming in for a first start was Josuha Guilavogui, though at centre-back rather than his typical midfield position. The veteran was very composed on the ball and saw a lot of it as he controlled a lot of the tempo but was caught out, either for pace or mistiming headers, on a couple of occasions.
He was lucky not to give away a penalty, too.
Pascal Stuijk – 7
A late challenge in the opening minutes hinted at a bit of nerves but he quickly calmed and was as solid as ever. Made a crucial challenge early in the second half to deny Harrogate.
Sam Byram – 5
A quiet game from the full-back who didn’t seem to get on the ball in attacking areas as much as he could have done given Leeds’ dominance and his flank was very open early in the second half.
Ethan Ampadu – 5
The captain made a couple of strong and well-timed challenges to snuff out potential breaks but was sloppy on the ball and unadventurous with his distribution, leading to some stagnant play from Leeds.
Joe Rothwell – 5
Likewise, Joe Rothwell was unable to get on the ball and make things happen, with even his set piece delivery being uncharacteristically off-kilter. His passing radar was well off its usual accuracy.
Largie Ramazani – 8
Leeds’ best and most threatening player. Ramazani was always looking to make things happen with his deft touches, intricate interplay and eagerness to get shots away.
He had Leeds’ first two shots on target and launched a lightning-quick counterattack that should have led to the opener. It was inevitable that he would score the opener, though a header was unexpected.
Willy Gnonto – 4
Willy Gnonto was lively and pacey to start, delivering one excellent ball that no one obliged to meet, but grew sloppy as the game ticked on with overhit crosses and dribbles that went nowhere. Some nice flicks but there was little of substance in his display. A player of his talent should be doing more.
Manor Solomon – 7.5
Was languid on the ball and constantly moved across the attacking third in the search of openings with incisive dribbling and creative movement. He finally found one just before the hour as he crafted himself some space and lofted the ball in for Ramazani to nod in. Hit the bar himself as well.
Mateo Joseph – 5
Came closest to scoring in the first half when he hit the post but was wasteful with his other chances. Good hold-up play but some poor decision-making let him down, especially a pass to James in a late counter.
Substitutes
Joe Rodon – 6
Helped see out the victory.
Ao Tanaka – 6
Classy on the ball.
Dan James – 6
Maybe could have done better with his chance but Joseph’s poor pass didn’t help.
Junior Firpo – 6
Returned from injury with about 14 minutes remaining and immediately got involved in the action.
Ilia Gruev – N/A
Made his long-awaited return after not playing since early October in the final minute.
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