Leeds United returned to the summit of the Championship table with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Luton Town. Here are our player ratings.
Illan Meslier – 6
Was a little hesitant off his line for the chance that led to Pascal Struijk’s acrobatic clearance off the line but then did much better in a similar scenario late on.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Didn’t have as much joy as Sam Byram on the other side in the first half but played a few nice passes from right-back and dealt pretty well with what Victor Moses threw at him. Superb assist for Dan James.
Joe Rodon – 7
Some of Rodon’s passes between the lines and into midfield were excellent, something which he has improved a lot on from last season. Good in the air against a physical Luton partnership, too.
Pascal Struijk – 7
An incredible goal-line clearance in the first half kept Leeds’ lead at 1-0 and it was his header that forced Thomas Kaminski to parry the ball into Joel Piroe’s path for the second.
Sam Byram – 7
Probably his best game of the season in terms of his understanding with the man in front of him Manor Solomon. His volley was a thing of beauty to open the scoring.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Not a lot more needs to be said about Tanaka as these sort of performances are just becoming the norm for him. Lovely range of passing, and always on hand to snuff out danger.
Joe Rothwell – 8
Much better than against Swansea as Rothwell was able to get on the ball considerably more. Some of his long passes were excellent, and his corner was right on the money for Piroe’s goal.
Wilfried Gnonto – 7
Brought back into the side and looked good again if not at the level of some of those around him. Was allowed to drift inside a lot which seemed to benefit his performance.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Wasted a couple of good positions in the first half but two things you certainly can’t criticise him for are his work rate and determination to constantly keep showing for the ball.
Manor Solomon – 7
Crazy what a couple of goals can do for a players’ confidence. Solomon looked extremely sharp throughout and his ability to go either down the line or inside was too much for his marker. Faded a tad.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke needs to soften stance and let ‘magic’ player seal January Leeds United transfer exit
Joel Piroe – 8
Daniel Farke kept faith with Piroe after a quiet performance at Swansea and his faith was rewarded. One of his best games in terms of link-up play, and his goal came at an important time.
Subs
Max Wober – 6
Brought on for Sam Byram to help Leeds see out the game.
Mateo Joseph – n/a
Didn’t get much ball after coming on.
Dan James – 7
Came on and scored within a matter of minutes to put the game to bed for Leeds with a lovely chip.
Largie Ramazani – n/a
Looked sharp in the handful of minutes he got, great to have him back.
Josuha Guilavogui – n/a
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
