Leeds United finally ended a run of three games without a win by narrowly edging Everton aside with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park thanks to Raphinha’s strike – and Alan Shearer has picked two Leeds players in his Team of the Week on the Premier League’s official site.
Leeds created numerous chances against Carlo Ancelotti’s side and should have been two or three goals to the good – before Raphinha lashed home a brilliant strike from 20 yards. Illan Meslier, meanwhile, was solid at the back – producing a stunning save to deny Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure in the first half.
The win was Leeds’ first in their last four matches – having drawn against Arsenal and losing 4-1 to both Crystal Palace and Leicester City. Not only was it an excellent performance and a good win, it was a much-needed one given it pushed the Whites into 12th place. A loss would have seen Leeds sit in 15th place.
Picking his Team of the Week, Shearer included two Leeds players in his side – ignoring the displays of Jack Harrison, Stuart Dallas, Robin Koch, Meslier and Liam Cooper. He included Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips – the latter of whom seemed to enjoy one of his best performances in a Leeds shirt under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate.
On Raphinha, Shearer told the Premier League’s official website: “Scored the winner and was unlucky to see a great header brilliantly saved,” before commenting on Phillips: “A complete man-of-the-match performance, with his range of passing a standout feature.”
Raphinha has certainly boosted his chances of starting ahead of Saturday evening’s clash against Chelsea – even more improved when Helder Costa came onto the field of play but failed to score from three yards out when given a golden chance.
Leeds are next in action against Chelsea and are expected to be without Pablo Hernandez, Adam Forshaw, Gaetano Berardi and Jamie Shackleton. There are doubts surrounding the fitness of Jack Harrison but the club are yet to release any updates – while Diego Llorente is now said to be available.
