Leeds United player ratings vs Luton Town with 6/10 the pick of the bunch as 2/10 star lets his teammates down

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Leeds United have thrown away yet more points in the Championship title race after drawing 1-1 with Luton Town on Saturday.

The pressure had grown even more intense on Leeds United following last week’s draw with Swansea City and they wilted under it once again.

Daniel Farke’s side started the match brightly but found themselves behind when Luton sprung a quick counter, ending with Isaiah Jones tapping in at the far post.

Leeds were struggling to create anything of note but Dan James dragged them back level with a magnificent finish from outside the box.

The Whites failed to build on it, though, and were second best to a combative Luton in the second half. It finished one apiece with Leeds hardly looking like scoring.

Now Leeds have dropped to third in the table and Sheffield United have the chance to stretch their lead even further.

Here’s how the players rated.

Karl Darlow – 6

Made some confident catches and was quick off his line to gather attempted through balls, with his commanding stature seeming to inspire confidence back in the defence. Nothing he could do about the opener.

After not having a save to make in the first half, he got down well to make a vital one just after the break.

Jayden Bogle – 5

Struggled at times with the pace and physicality of Luton’s left flank, especially with Elijah Adebayo, whom he seemingly gave up chasing as he helped make the goal.

Was booked for a wild kick.

Joe Rodon – 5

Dribbled past easily on a couple of occasions and had a tough afternoon against Luton’s strong forwards, but made some important clearances.

Pascal Struijk – 6

Tidied up a few messes by hounding forwards in the hunt for the ball and was solid throughout.

Junior Firpo – 4

Back in the starting XI but missing his usual quality. Not only did Junior Firpo not even notice Jones as he scored unopposed, but he gave away silly fouls and was sloppy in possession.

Ao Tanaka – 5

Some nice forward passing but still a level below his best form this season. Should have cleared the danger before Luton charged forward to score but was battered aside by Adebayo. Worked hard against a tough side but with little quality.

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Solid in the middle of the park with some full-bloodied tackles but nothing adventurous on the ball as Leeds struggled for spark in central positions.

Dan James – 6

Had done nothing but squander a good early chance before he picked the ball up outside the area and fired it home on his weaker foot. A stunning goal.

Not a constant threat but delivered a fantastic cross for Solomon, who failed to convert.

Willy Gnonto – 3

Leeds fans finally got their wish with Willy Gnonto starting but the Italian didn’t live up to the billing as he hardly touched the ball. The one thing of note he did on it was lose possession for Luton to flood forward and score.

Completely smothered out in a crowded middle of the pitch and hooked just after the hour.

Manor Solomon – 5

Looked much livelier from the start with a great cross two minutes in, which James should have done better with. That continued throughout the first 45 as ge was Leeds’ most consistent threat, though that doesn’t say much, with good deliveries and nice throughballs.

Faded in the second half and missed a golden opportunity in the 81st minute.

Joel Piroe – 2

Yet another anonymous display. If Leeds had any better options, he wouldn’t be starting. Finally taken off in the 78th minute after doing next to nothing.

Substitutes

Patrick Bamford – 6

Made his long-awaited return from injury and looked sharp as he threw himself straight back into the action. Offered more threat than Piroe had all game with some smart runs.

Brenden Aaronson – 4

Buzzed about to little effect.

Max Wober, Isaac Schmidt, Sam Byram – N/A

All three came on late and had little time to make an impact.