Leeds United played out a dull 0-0 draw with Burnley on Monday night but will be happy with a point away at their title rivals.
Leeds United probably had the better of a cagey first half and got into more dangerous positions, but both goalkeepers remained untested at the break.
That remained the case deep into a very boring second half, with both teams looking more scared to lose the match than driven to win it. There wasn’t even a shot on target until Dan James stung the palms of James Trafford in the 88th minute.
Daniel Farke will be the happier of the managers as the point ensures his side sit alone at the top of the Championship table and keep a three-point advantage over Burnley but it’s not a game that will last long in the memory.
Here’s how the players rated.
Illan Meslier – 6
Off his line quick to deal with potential danger in an otherwise uneventful first 45. Had even less to do in the second half but had fans’ hearts in mouths when he misjudged an incoming free-kick and left his goal open, thankfully the ball went out.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Leeds’ most dangerous player in the game – which doesn’t speak well of the forwards – with his relentless marching up the flanks ensuring Leeds repeatedly got in behind and rattled Burnley’s resolute defence. Got into several good positions but was snuffed out.
Kept Lyle Foster, who was more concerned with tracking the full-back, remarkably quiet.
Joe Rodon – 7
Stood firm to any Burnley forays into the box, with forward Foster not even getting a single touch on the ball in the area. It’s hard to tell if Burnley proved so unthreatening because they were well-marshalled or because they weren’t very good but the result is the same and Joe Rodon certainly played his part.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Two wayward passes that played Leeds into trouble in the opening four minutes threatened to derail Ethan Ampadu’s performance but he regained his composure to put in a solid display. Unfairly penalised for one great tackle.
Sam Byram – 6
Burnley’s rare fortune in attacking areas tended to come down Sam Byram’s flank, with the full-back out-matched for pace, but he held his own and picked his moments to get get forward. Might have won a penalty when he got an elbow in the ribs in the box.
Ilia Gruev – 6
Ilia Gruev was given his first start since returning from injury in the massive game and while it was a risk that didn’t backfire, it didn’t really work, either. He grafted hard and contributed to Leeds’ solid base with good defensive work but didn’t do much on the ball in a quiet display.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Another very good performance in midfield. Ao Tanaka battled hard for every ball and did his level best to push Leeds forward when he had it, either with determined carrying or positive passing. Also helped to restrict Burnley to very few chances.
Dan James – 6.5
Linked well with Bogle once again but didn’t assert himself much on the game. James made the good ball to Byram that could have led to a penalty and got the only shot on target but otherwise didn’t create much, though he did liven up in the final minutes.
His most important contribution was cynically scything down CJ Egan-Riley as he broke up the field.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Wasteful on the ball with loose dribbling and slack passing. The type of performance that shows why Leeds are interested in bringing in another playmaker in January. In a game that cried out for a spark, he didn’t bring it.
Manor Solomon – 6
A tireless runner on the left, constantly stretching the Burnley defence and advancing behind the line. Sadly little end product to reward his hard work.
Joel Piroe – 4
A blunt spear head. Joel Piroe’s first touch was poor, his positioning in the box lacked anticipation and he did little to trouble Burnley’s centre-backs. Hooked in the 70th and it should have been sooner.
Substitutes
Mateo Joseph – 5
Offered nothing upon his introduction.
Largie Ramazani – 6
Got into a couple of dangerous positions but couldn’t change the game.
Josuha Guilavogui – N/A
Came on in added time.
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