Leeds United stormed past joint-bottom Oxford United at Elland Road with a 4-0 win keeping Daniel Farke‘s side on the coattails of Sheffield United in the Championship table.
Here are our player ratings.
Ilan Meslier – 5
Had very little to do against an Oxford side who did not muster a shot on target. Meslier did flap at a long throw late in the first-half, however, to hand the visitors one of their few chances.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Arguably his best performance as a Leeds player. The right-back has now scored three goals in each of the last five seasons, combining beautifully with Dan James and Brenden Aaronson before fizzing home the strike which put Leeds in cruise control just after half-time.
Bogle defended aggressively at the other end too. His energy and intensity in both thirds is key for Daniel Farke.
Joe Rodon – 6
Like Meslier, not a lot was asked of Rodon. He did help Leeds maintain possession while some nice passes into midfield, though, and made one typically brave header to clear a dangerous cross in the first-half.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Began steadily on his first start since September but really grew into things the more dominant Leeds became. It was Ampadu who won the ball back in the build up to Manor Solomon’s goal and he threatened a rare goal of his own when driving into the box late on.
One errant pass at the death, which Bogle cleared up.
Sam Byram – 8
One of Leeds’ biggest creative threats on the afternoon. Byram nearly forced an own goal with the score at 1-0 and then came close to assisting James with a similarly overlapping run.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Passing was imperious at times. Tanaka mops up so many loose balls and his ability to fire balls between the lines is so important against a team who, like Oxford, set up to defend in a deep block.
Joe Rothwell – 7
Flew out of the blocks. Rothwell played one supreme through ball to set James away early on and then fired an eye-catching volley just wide of target. The midfielder faded as an attacking force as the game grew on but – like Tanaka – his composure on the ball ensured Leeds would dominate 69 per cent of the possession.
Dan James – 8
A constant menace throughout. James scored his third goal in his last four Elland Road appearances as he tapped home early on. The Welsh wizard regularly popped up inside the six-yard box looking for tap ins, while forcing Oxford goalkeeper Daniel Cummings into one excellent save with a fine curling effort with his weaker left foot.
Also played a role in Bogle’s goal with some nice combination work.
Brenden Aaronson – 9
Much-maligned amongst sections of the Leeds support a few months back, the all-action American will blossom into something of a cult hero if he continues to produce performances like this. Aaronson’s goal was the highlight – a cool finish one-v-one – but his ability to drift between the lines and link the play made him Leeds’ greatest weapon against a defensive-minded Oxford outfit.
Aaronson also assisted Bogle with a lovely reverse pass.
Manor Solomon – 9
A typical performance really from the winger. Some things came off – others didn’t – but Solomon’s willingness to keep on trucking ensured that the goal he scored in the 73rd minute was very much deserved.
It was Solomon who set up James’ early opener with a weaving run and then picked out Aaronson to slide home. His relationship with Byram seems to be growing all the time too, while his work rate off the ball was excellent.
Two assists and a goal.
Joel Piroe – 6
Very quiet during the first hour or so, barely seeing any of the ball as Oxford restricted the space. Piroe came alive when he assisted Aaronson but, for the most part, he was largely anonymous.
Substitutes
Largie Ramazani – 6
Very lively, and maybe should have scored twice. Ramazani sliced one volley wide and then headed straight at Cummings from close range.
Isaac Schmidt – 5
Always looked to join the attacks. One nice pass down the wing to play in Ramazani.
Mateo Joseph – 6
A completely different option to Joel Piroe. Led the line with typical aggression.
Willy Gnonto – 6
A couple of probing passes in and around the penalty area, setting up James to fire straight at the Oxford glovesman.
Joshua Guilavogui – 5
His experience helped shore things up.
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