Leeds United’s terrible form continued as they threw away the three points and drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Saturday.
The pressure was on Leeds United after Sheffield United claimed top spot in the Championship table on Friday night, pressure they wilted to despite getting off to the best start.
Daniel Farke’s took the lead with just 40 seconds on the clock when Brenden Aaronson tackled the ball into the back of the net.
However, what promised to be a fun afternoon and the return to form Leeds needed proved to be completely different.
Swansea were not deterred and took the game to the hosts, pressuring them into constant mistakes and Illan Meslier had to save a penalty to ensure the Whites kept their lead.
Leeds came out firing after the break and were much more dangerous on the ball but couldn’t take their chances before Meslier went from hero to zero and made yet another mistake for Harry Darling to score.
Things weren’t looking good as the clock ticked down and just as Elland Road grew sullen, substitute Willy Gnonto pounced to put Leeds ahead but it wasn’t enough as the Swans levelled in the 96th minute.
Here’s how the players rated.
Illan Meslier –
A performance that completely summed up Meslier.
He saved a penalty in the first half – the first for a Leeds goalkeeper since 2018 – and made several good saves throughout the game. Yet, he always has that costly error in him and it reared its ugly head once again when he dropped the ball for Darling to score. He was then beaten at his near post for the late leveller.
All his good work was wiped out instantly and he’s very lucky it didn’t prove costly.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Forward well from the off as it was his cross into the box that led to the opener, but it wasn’t his best game. Swansea got joy down his flank and there were some awkward miscommunications with Dan James.
Joe Rodon – 5
Joe Rodon was far from his best after shining for Wales in the international break. He gave away the penalty with a foolish barge into Lewis O’Brien when the forward wasn’t even heading towards goal.
Strong in the challenge but repeatedly played Leeds into trouble with poor distribution.
Pascal Struiijk – 6
Dominant in the air and made some crucial interjections in the box but, like his partner, was poor on the ball.
Sam Byram – 5
In for Junior Firpo, who only returned from international duty late this week, and the drop-off in quality remained obvious as he struggled in the first half.
However, like the team, he got better after the break, making some good challenges and going close to scoring.
Joe Rothwell – 5
Had a slow start as he struggled against Swansea’s relentless press that didn’t give him any breathing space on the ball, with Leeds’ midfield repeatedly overrun. Started to grow into things in the second half, though, with some nice switches of play and slaloming runs.
Ethan Ampadu – 4
Returned to midfield but didn’t do much to sure things up as he and Rothwell got overwhelmed. Cleaned up a few messes but booked for a scything challenge. A rusty display and taken off before the hour.
Dan James – 6
Leeds’ biggest threat by a distance, especially in the second half when he repeatedly got on the ball and took on his marker before getting the ball in the box. Unfortunately, nothing quite paid off and he was a bit wasteful with his shooting.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
On hand to tackle the ball in after Piroe made a mess of the early chance and worked really hard with his pressing. However, it was still an underwhelming display in the attacking midfield position, with poor control ensuring he created little and often got dispossessed.
Manor Solomon – 3
An anonymous performance. One of the few times he got on the ball, he tried doing a trick instead of something effective, which optimised his game. Manor Solomon’s form has plummeted in recent weeks.
Joel Piroe – 3
Joel Piroe’s inability to hold the ball up meant Leeds were constantly under pressure and struggled to get out of their half. Fortunate Aaronson was on hand to score after he had made a mess of the chance.
Didn’t find the back of the net when presented with another great opportunity in the second half, either, with Swansea levelling short after. Just not clinical enough. Again.
Substitutes
Ao Tanaka – 3
Leeds fans cheered as he got ready to come but he didn’t help get control of the game and his wayward back pass eventually led to the set piece Swansea scored from and was then skipped past for the late goal.
Junior Firpo – 6
Stuck his foot in.
Largie Ramazani – 5
Lively.
Mateo Joseph – 4
Couldn’t win the ball as Swansea levelled.
Willy Gnonto – 8
Scored the winner with his first touch of the ball with a brilliant strike!
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