2025 got off to a frustrating start for Leeds United who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, in a quite eventful game at Elland Road.
Leeds United kickstarted 2025 with a challenging game at Elland Road against a Blackburn Rovers side who’ve surprised everyone this season.
John Eustace’s side started the day in 5th place of the Championship table compared to Leeds in 1st, after Daniel Farke’s side beat Derby County 1-0 their last outing.
And Leeds were frustrated by the visitors in the first 45. Neither goalkeeper was tested even once, with the game getting quite scrappy in the midfield at one point.
The second half was even more scrappy. Leeds pushed and pushed but couldn’t find a way through a very stubborn Blackburn side, as the home crowd really start to got on top of the players.
But a Pascal Struijk penalty in the 87th minute gave Leeds that breakthrough they pushed so hard for. Though Blackburn replied minutes later, with Danny Batth pushing the ball home after a corner wasn’t cleared.
Leeds United player ratings vs Blackburn Rovers
Illan Meslier – 6/10
Virtually nothing to do in the first half or the second half. Made no mistake when on the few occasions he was called into action, although he couldn’t do much about the goal.
Sam Byram – 5/10
Not a lot of Blackburn’s play in the first half came down Sam Byram’s flank, but the 31-year-old still managed to have a poor game. He was frustrating going forward and received some criticism online for his performance. Off at the break.
Pascal Struijk – 6.5/10
Didn’t have too much aerial battling to do in the first 45. Moved the ball along when needed though, and it was largely the same case in the second half. Took his penalty very well, though.
Joe Rodon – 7/10
Some very tidy passing in the first half, even got himself forward on a couple of occasions. Overall very confident when on the ball and put in some good defensive actions too. A solid display for Rodon.
Jayden Bogle – 5.5/10
Not his usual attacking self in the first half. Couldn’t pick out those killer passes either in a quite frustrating first half for Bogle. Off shortly after half-time with what looked like a hamstring injury.
Joe Rothwell – 6.5/10
Started really bright. Looked like the man who’d dictate the game but as it for scrappy, Rothwell lost his foothold on the game. Was one of Leeds’ better players on the whole before his 70th minute withdrawal.
Ao Tanaka – 7/10
Some really good defensive work in the first half. Tidy in possession for the most part and kept on running, popping up in some key positions throughout the game. Not as effective going forward but a decent display nonetheless.
Manor Solomon – 7.5/10
Looked up for the fight early on. Had some nice movement but kept on slipping on that far side of the pitch. Still, he was arguably Leeds’ best player in the first half. Looked frustrated when he was brought off after 70 minutes.
Brenden Aaronson – 7/10
Took a whack to the face early on and that looked to have an impact in the American. A few neat passes in the first half but nothing extraordinary. Made a nice chance for himself in the second half and kept play ticking over with some good passes forward.
Dan James – 6/10
A definite threat in the first half. Blackburn looked frightened by his pace whenever he got on the move. In behind a couple times but nothing came of it. Overall though, a lack of quality and end product from the Welshman.
Joel Piroe – 5.5/10
Barely saw the ball in the first half. Put himself about but it would’ve been a frustrating first half for the Dutchman. Blackburn sat very deep and it just wasn’t a game where Piroe could really get involved.
Max Wober – 6/10
His natural left foot brings more balance to the left side. Wober though seemed to get a bit too far forward at times, pushing Solomon back when he the Spurs man should’ve been the one further forward. Couple of sloppy moments in possession but came close with a nice effort in injury time.
Ethan Ampadu – 5.5/10
Didn’t look as commanding as he usually does, although he was playing in an lesser-known right-back positions and in a tough game against Rovers.
Patrick Bamford (5.5/10), Mateo Joseph (5.5/10), Wilfried Gnonto (6/10).
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