Leeds United played out a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening and here’s how the players rated.
After a difficult week, Leeds United put in a strong first-half display and competed well against the most physical team in the Premier League in Newcastle United.
Daniel Farke’s side got into dangerous positions but lacked quality in the final third to make their early control count.
The attritional game continued in the same manner in the second 45, with neither side forging any clear-cut chances in a slog of a match.
A game that won’t last long in the memory ended goalless, but it’s a good point for Leeds and here’s how the players rated.
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Lucas Perri – 6
Not tested much but made a strong save from Jacob Murphy at the start of the second half and his coolness in goal radiates through the team.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Faced off with a fantastic player in Tino Livramento but managed to keep him at bay while being good going forward himself, especially in the first half. Seemed to be involved in all of Leeds’ early attacks but was subdued after the break.
Pascal Struijk – 6
After most Leeds fans expected him to lose his place after the summer signings, Pascal Struijk has proven he is capable at Premier League level so far and has done nothing to lose his place yet. A resolute display.
Joe Rodon – 6
Neither centre-back had to go up against much with William Osula leading the Newcastle line but Joe Rodon was as solid as ever at the back.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 7
Immediately looks at home in the Premier League and Leeds’ second-best player. Was up against talented players in Jacob Murphy, Anthony Elanga and Kieran Trippier, but kept them all quiet in a solid display.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s performance will be remembered for his crucial block from Osula’s goalbound shot but his overall play was great, especially when he got the chance to break forward on the ball.
Went off with a knock late on in a very worrying sight.
Sean Longstaff – 8
Leeds’ best player by some distance, bringing some much-needed steel to the middle of the park. The energetic Sean Longstaff threw himself into challenges and repeatedly got the better of his former teammate Bruno Guimaraes, which is no easy feat.
Was composed on the ball in moving it on, with it not being his fault that there weren’t more adventurous passers alongside him in the middle.
Ilia Gruev – 7
Looked a bit ropey early on when he was easily bypassed as Newcastle surged forward but he grew into the game, being proactive in winning back loose balls and sending a couple of good passes forward.
Anton Stach – 6
Tasked with being Leeds’ more advanced midfielder, Anton Stach just didn’t offer enough on the ball for Leeds to assert themselves at the attacking end of the field. The forwards were isolated from the midfield and he wasn’t able to bridge the gap. Worked well defensively, though.
Dan James – 5
His pace always causes worry for defenders but he offered very little in the attacking third to cause them any true concern. Worked hard but counted for little.
Lukas Nmecha – 4
Battled well against Newcastle’s burly back-line and offered more of a presence than Joel Piroe would have done, but the quality on the ball was lacking.
Lukas Nmecha’s first half was particularly frustrating, as it felt like he could hardly get the ball from under his feet and when he did, the ball usually bounced out of play instead of to a teammate.
Willy Gnonto – 6.5
Leeds’ biggest threat in the opening 45 and was the only forward who looked like he’d be able to create anything. Sadly, he didn’t manage to, but it seemed a bizarre decision to take him off before the hour.
Substitutes
Jack Harrison – 5
Industrious on the left and lofted a couple of threatening passes goalwards, but nothing came of them. Squandered a great chance to deliver a good cross in added time.
Brenden Aaronson – 4
Ponderous on the ball and offered absolutely nothing out wide, which clearly isn’t a position that suits his skills.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5
Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on under pressure after his underwhelming debut and his first touch immediately let him down. Did make a nuisance of himself, though, and had Leeds’ best chance late on but was denied by Nick Pope.
James Justin – 6
On for Gudmundsson for his debut and looked sharp at left-back.
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