Leeds United bounced back to winning ways in a dominant performance, if not scoreline, against QPR on Saturday.
After slipping to a disappointing defeat to Millwall in midweek, it was crucial Leeds United picked up three points at Elland Road and they did so without much trouble.
Daniel Farke’s side were in complete control for 90 minutes against a defensive QPR and took the lead through Jayden Bogle’s scruffy effort in the 19th minute.
They continued to control the game, with the visitors not managing to get a single shot on target, and eventually doubled their lead through Joel Piroe deep into added time.
Here’s how the players rated in the 2-0 win.
Illan Meslier – 6
Had absolutely nothing to do until he caught a cross in the 92nd minute.
Jayden Bogle – 9
Got the scoring going and was a threat throughout, Bogle was the player of the match. With QPR sitting deep, the right-back had the whole flank to advance into and he was repeatedly picking up good positions, beating defenders and setting up chances.
Whenever Leeds threatened the goal, Bogle seemed to be nearby.
His well-taken if messy strike in a crowded penalty box was crucial given how much QPR were sitting back, it could have turned into an irrational and frustrating game if they didn’t score fairly early.
Joe Rodon – 6
Had little work to do but did play a couple of really nice, incisive passes through the middle of the field to get Leeds into attacking areas. Cleaned up loose balls well.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Though he was rarely troubled, it was still a very good performance from Pascal Struijk, who brought the ball forward from the back confidently and kick-started several attacks.
Sam Byram – 7
Sam Byram came back in the side after Junior Firpo’s late suspension and Leeds don’t need to be too worried that they’ll be without the Dominican for the next two games.
Like the rest of the defence, Byram wasn’t tested often but he got down the left flank well. He would have had an assist if he held his run a second longer and wasn’t off-side, made some good passes and was unlucky to see a header after a lung-busting run go just wide.
Joe Rothwell – 8
Showed his speed and skill on the dribble when he went around the outside and delivered the ball into the box in the build-up of the goal.
Joe Rothwell dictated the tempo of the game well with good, accurate passing and wasn’t scared to advance through the lines to drive his side forward.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Not to be outdone, Rothwell’s midfield partner Ao Tanaka hit a sensational cross-field ball for Byram’s header and also moved the ball nicely. His tireless tackling wasn’t needed as much given QPR’s lack of possession, though.
Willy Gnonto – 5
A quiet game when he wasn’t quite at his sharpest. There were flashes of brilliance, like a quick one-two and some nice skill, but often he got the final ball wrong after getting into a good position.
Brenden Aaronson – 8
A fine performance from the American. He sparked Leeds into life when his thunderous shot left the crossbar shaking and he was at the heart of their good attacking play.
It was his sensational through-ball that led to the disallowed goal and he was at the heart of Leeds’ good moments.
Manor Solomon – 5
Wasteful on the ball at times as he looked to do too much on a rare start but remained positive, delivering a couple of dangerous crosses.
Was unlucky to see his first Leeds goal disallowed.
Mateo Joseph – 5
In for Joel Piroe but didn’t take the opportunity with both hands as he provided a minimal presence at the spearhead of attack. It was little surprise when Piroe finally replaced him.
Substitutes
Joel Piroe – 7
Introduced in the 71st minute and nearly scored shortly afterwards if not for a heroic block, meaning he did more than Joseph within three minutes of coming on.
His well-taken goal in the final minutes will surely see him return to the starting XI after the international break.
Dan James – 6
Came on with Piroe and injected some needed pace to the attack.
Josuha Guilavogui – 6
Helped see the win out with some nice tackling and passing.
Isaac Schmidt – 6.5
Looked bright in his brief cameo and did well in the lead up to the second goal.
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