Leeds United have defeated Norwich City in a comfortable 2-0 victory to remain top of the Championship.
It couldn’t have been a better start for Leeds United as a sweeping move up the field ended with Manor Solomon sticking in the opener with just 30 seconds on the clock.
A goal fest appeared to be in the offing but the first half transpired to be a boring affair after the quick-fire goal. Daniel Farke’s side created a couple of good chances but didn’t really press the issue and allowed Norwich City to fight back.
The whistle brought a welcome relief to the mundanity but Leeds returned for the second half hungry to add to their lead. They did just that when scorer and provider swapped roles as Solomon crossed for Dan James to volley home.
With Sheffield United winning on Tuesday and Burnley 5-0 up at half-time, it was crucial Leeds kept hold of their lead and they did so to remain top of the Championship table.
Here’s how the players rated.
Illan Meslier – 6
Did not have a single save to make and it’s hard to remember him even touching the ball outside of throwing it out to start the move for the opener.
Jayden Bogle – 8
A fantastic display from the right-back. It was his positivity from in the opening seconds that directly led to the opener with his fancy one-two with Aaronson. He continued to get forward all game and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.
Joe Rodon – 8
Another quietly assured display from a player who is becoming absolutely pivotal to Leeds. He has been the bedrock of the defence and Leeds hardly conceded a touch in their own box, let alone a shot, as a result.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Continues to fill in well for the injured Pascal Struijk. Battled hard against the Norwich forwards and threw his weight about. Shows he’s doing a very good job if Struijk isn’t being missed.
Sam Byram – 6
Took a booking to end a Norwich counter with a tug on a shirt but otherwise wasn’t challenged too often and had a quiet game. Taken off in the 55th minute to avoid the risk of a second booking.
Joe Rothwell – 6
Looked to drive forward on the ball and passed it well, thoughhHe and Tanaka were passed through a bit easily at times in the first 45. Booked for diving in the box.
Ao Tanaka – 6
Though good on the ball, he was uncharacteristically sloppy with his tackling. Not only was he passed around quite easily but he went in late on a few occasions and was fortunate not to pick up a second booking for a wild challenge. It was no surprise when he was hooked moments later in just the 55th minute.
There was some top notch distribution, though, with his lofted ball to Bogle the highlight.
Dan James – 9
It usually takes James getting into at least a couple of dangerous positions with the ball before he finally makes it count but he needed no such warming up this time. His clinical ball across the box was inch perfect for Solomon to tap home.
He was a danger throughout the match, with the majority of Leeds’ attacks coming down his right flank and he added a goal to his assist with a great finish on the volley.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Lively and inventive in the pockets, with some one-touch passing and jinking runs bringing the spark of creativity to the attack. It was his defence splitting pass that let James in behind to set up the opener.
Won the ball back in dangerous positions a couple of times but perhaps should have done even better in the press given how sloppy Norwich were being on the ball at the back.
Manor Solomon – 8
Made a smart run across the face of goal to be in the best position possible to slot in the opening goal.
Was a bit quiet for a spell afterwards with Leeds rarely going down his flank until he finally got the ball in a dangerous position and returned the favour to James by sending it his way to score.
Joel Piroe – 6
Some nice link-up play in the first half but only got a couple of sights at goal and didn’t take them. Booked for a cynical foul to stop a counter.
Substitutes
Ilia Gruev – 6
Tidy in possession as he gets more minutes under his belt.
Junior Firpo – 7
Immediately showed why he’s a better option than Byram when fully fit by getting forward and playing a crucial part in the second goal.
Willy Gnonto – 5
Tried to get on the ball and make stuff happen but nothing came off.
Largie Ramazani – 6
Forced Gunn into a stretching save with a great, curling effort.
Josuha Guilavogui – N/A
Customary late cameo to see out the win.
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