Leeds United have picked up a vital three points in the Championship title race by defeating Millwall 2-0.
The pressure was on for Leeds United to get back to winning ways, even if draws for Burnley and Sheffield United on Tuesday did give them a bit more leeway
Yet, Daniel Farke’s side had dropped down to second ahead of facing Millwall and needed a big result after the shock defeat to Portsmouth at the weekend.
There was an immediate response as Leeds took the lead after just three minutes when Manor Solomon’s cross was diverted in by the goalkeeper.
However, the rapid start did not bring with it a confident performance, as the Whites still looked nervy, sloppy and tired.
Though not electrifying, Leeds were at least completely comfortable – with Millwall not getting a shot on target – and they doubled their lead with five minutes left when Ao Tanaka found the top corner.
Here’s how the players rated in an important win if not a great showing.
Illan Meslier – 6
Had absolutely nothing to do for 72 minutes but was alert to the danger when an awkward cross came his way and nearly sneaked in at the near post. Didn’t face a shot on target.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Made some darting runs forward that nearly cut Millwall in half but the passer couldn’t quite find him. An easy night’s work on the right as he was rarely tested but crucially avoided a yellow card that would see him suspended.
Joe Rodon – 7
Dependable at the back especially when Millwall started throwing some crosses into the box late on.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Proactive in stepping out of the defensive line to put in strong challenges on the rare occasions Millwall got forward. A welcome return to steadiness.
Junior Firpo – 7
Like the rest of his fellow defenders, Junior Firpo had very little to do all match. He didn’t see much of the ball going forward, either, but was clinical when he did to pick out Tanaka for the second.
Joe Rothwell – 7
Back in the starting XI and showed within three minutes why he should stay there ahead of Ilia Gruev. He’s much more positive on the ball and his forward run created the first goal.
Joe Rothwell was everywhere across the pitch and was great at winning the ball back, operating in tight spaces and often looking to get the ball up the field to put Leeds in threatening positions.
Ao Tanaka – 8
A slow start with a couple of weak challenges but managed to grow into the game and display the sort of form that made fans fall in love with him this season. Even before he secured the points with a fine finish, he was very good on the ball as he dictated the tempo with efficient passing and ensured Leeds dominated.
Dan James – 5
Worried Millwall with his bursts of pace and flashes of skill, but poor execution with the final ball and wasted several good opportunities. Worked hard as ever but epitomised a Leeds team that has lost its cutting edge in recent weeks.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
The American’s best performance for a while but that speaks to how poor he has been rather than how good this display was. There were some nice flicks – like for the disallowed goal – and he got into good positions but didn’t do much with them.
Mauricio Pochettino controversially left Aaronson out of his USA squad for the international break but he has been proven right by another lacklustre display.
Manor Solomon – 7
Was Leeds’ most dangerous player on Sunday and was immediately back involved as he set up the opening own goal, even if the Millwall goalkeeper helped him by turning it over the line.
Though he was kept quiet after his influential start, he still managed to create some chances out of nothing, like hitting the cross bar, and looked the most likely to score for most of the match.
Joel Piroe – 5
Involved in the opener and a bit more lively but still not offering enough in open play. Unfortunate to see a brilliant goal disallowed for an off-side on Aaronson in the build-up.
Substitutes
Sam Byram, Willy Gnonto, Ilia Gruev, Mateo Joseph and Largie Ramazani all came on with just a couple of minutes remaining and didn’t have time to make an impact.
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