Leeds United are out of the Papa John’s Trophy after failing to beat Crewe in 90 minutes in their final group game on Tuesday.
The Whites were the better side throughout the tie with Harry Christy having little to do in the visitors’ goal. But when the crucial moment came, they were unable to find the back of the net themselves. And that may explain why four of their five penalties were missed in the subsequent shootout.
But there were some excellent performances on show. And with that, here are tonight’s player ratings from the game…
Harry Christy – 6
Christy was given very little to do. When he did get the ball, he was often looking for where Klich was to give him the pass ball quickly.
Cody Drameh – 7
Incredibly busy during the first-half, exploiting the space as Sonny Perkins went narrow. Some of his touches were superb, and he linked up well with Klich. But his final ball left plenty to be desired.
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Kris Moore – 6
Solid showing from Moore. Leeds’ defence was hardly tested. And he did his job with minimal fuss before coming off.
Leo Hjelde – 7
Really encouraging return to the side after his spell on the sidelines. He looked like a first-team player dropping down into the younger ranks.
Junior Firpo – 7
Firpo did nothing wrong. But we only saw glimpses of his quality as Leeds prioritised the right flank. He linked with up well with Willy Gnonto and did make some attempts to break into the final third. Really good, goal-saving header in stoppage-time. He did however, take an awful penalty in the shootout.
Mateusz Klich – 8
Best player on the pitch in the first-half – and he did not seem to get out of second gear. Every move seemed to start with Klich getting on the ball and picking out a pass.
Darko Gyabi – 7
Gyabi seemed determined to score from distance on Tuesday. The midfielder hit the bar with a brilliant effort from the corner of the box. His later attempts were not as impressive.
Sonny Perkins – 6
Four games without a goal almost feels like a crisis given the start Perkins made to life at Leeds. He was not able to score against Crewe. But some glorious touches and one audacious nutmeg allowed him to burst into the box.
Joe Gelhardt – 6
Perhaps the quietest of the front four who started the game. It cannot have been easy for Gelhardt of late. But his fortunes will turn around soon enough. Did improve after the break before being substituted.
Wilfried Gnonto – 7
There would have excitement about seeing Gnonto following his Premier League debut at the weekend. Another impressive showing from the Italy international. He has such a lovely ability to glide past players.
Mateo Joseph – 6
With so much attacking quality around him, Joseph potentially found it difficult to really get into the game, particularly in the first-half. He has a brilliant opportunity to knock on the first-team door while Patrick Bamford is struggling for form.
Substitutes
Morten Spencer – 6
Like Moore, Spencer did not have a lot to do at the heart of the defence.
Charlie Allen – 7
Nearly scored, and was extremely lively after coming on for Gnonto.
Joe Snowdon – 8
Brilliant cameo. Immediately brought energy to the side and produced some superb touches.