Leeds United cruised past Coventry City to move five points clear at the top of the Championship thanks to quickfire first-half goals from Joel Piroe and Jayden Bogle in the Midlands.
Here is how Leeds United News rated Daniel Farke’s players.
Illan Meslier – 8
Barely involved until his stunning reaction save denied Ellis Simms the chance to half the deficit just after half-time. A reminder, amid all the recent criticism, of his shot-stopping talents. Also tipped a Bobby Thomas header onto the bar in the dying embers.
One excellent throw led to a speedy Leeds counter.
Jayden Bogle – 8
A fourth goal of the season from the division’s stand-out right back, and it was all his own work. A barnstorming run from almost on the half-way line, Bogle then breezed past one defender with a brilliant nutmeg before tapping home via some calamitous goalkeeping from Oliver Dovin.
Has such a good understanding with Dan James on the right. Trent Alexander-Arnold-esque pass also set up Largie Ramazani but the substitute failed to finish.
Daniel Farke called Jayden Bogle ‘outstanding’ recently, and this was a continuation of that form.
Joe Rodon – 7
Solid. Marshalled the dangerous Simms well and made some surging runs into midfield.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Very confident playing out from the back. Ampadu played arguably the pass of the night when his long crossfield ball set James away.
Did well up against Simms for the most part, until the striker got free to test Meslier.
Junior Firpo – 6
After Junior Firpo provided three assists in the 7-0 hammering of Cardiff, the left-back did not exert the same influence going forward here. Still, part of a defence recording a 19th clean sheet of the season.
Unlucky to have a late goal disallowed..
Ilya Gruev – 8
A big impact at both ends of the pitch.
Gruev forced the turnover which led to the opening goal. The Bulgarian battler was key to Leeds’ domination in the first half with his aggression and high-pressing.
Showed a more forward-thinking side when one defence-splitting pass carved open the Coventry defence.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Not as influential as Gruev, perhaps, but still played a major role in Leeds’ strangulation of their hosts. Between them, the two midfielders won nine tackles.
Dan James – 6
A frustrating night.
Dan James was scintilating against Cardiff last time out, but wasteful in Coventry. He tried and failed to chip Dovin in the first half and was also unable to pick out Solomon at the far post when Leeds had three players baring down on the home goal.
Still, a few bursts of his explosive pace and some lovely combinations with Bogle even if the end-product was lacking.
Brenden Aaronson – 6
As ever, found pockets of space between the lines, albeit without creating too much. Could not believe he was denied a penalty after a clumsy tackle in the box. Aaronson also overhit a pass into James’ feet as Leeds pushed for a third.
Manor Solomon – 8
Excellent.
Strutted around the pitch like Eden Hazard at times, such was the ease in which he weaved through the Cardiff defence. It was Solomon’s first time flick which set up Piroe’s opener. The Dutchman would have had a first Leeds hat-trick, meanwhile, had he taken the two other chances laid on by his irrepressible teammate.
Solomon seems quicker across the ground now than a few months ago too.
Joel Piroe – 7
A funny night for the striker. Took his goal really well in the 17th minute, sorting out his feet quickly before finishing cooly. Piroe fired high over the bar just before half-time, however, and missed a gilt-edge chance to double his tally when clipping straight at the Coventry keeper.
Substitutes
Largie Ramazani – 6
Lively but really should have scored when set up by Bogle.
Mateo Joseph – 5
Introduced to add physicality up top.
Willy Gnonto – 5
Deemed to be offside as Firpo saw an effort chalked off.
Pascal Struijk – N/A
Defender made his return from injury in stoppage time.
Joshua Guilavogui – N/A
Brought on to help see things out.
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