Brenden Aaronson awful, Manor Solomon incredible – Leeds ratings v Preston
Daniel Farke’s side claimed an important three points as Leeds United beat Preston North End in a 2-1 thriller at Elland Road.
Chris Wilder was dealt an incredible blow as Sheffield United lost to Plymouth Argyle, and with the promotion race heating up at the top of the Championship table, the atmosphere was buzzing.
Manor Solomon got the party started early, only for Kaine Kesler-Hayden answering back just two minutes later. Jayden Bogle then retook the lead after 13 minutes, setting the game up for a tense ending.
The Whites just about held on for all three points, taking an important step towards promotion out of the Championship and back to the Premier League.
Jayden Bogle seals important Leeds United victory
Karl Darlow – 7
Made some very smart saves, with Illan Meslier back on the Leeds bench yet again, and was serenaded by the Elland Road faithful following another important display in between the sticks.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Netted his sixth goal of the league campaign, which could be one that helps Leeds to seal promotion back to the Premier League. Enough said.
Joe Rodon – 7
Apart from Kesler-Hayden’s early goal, it was a fine display from the entire defence, and Rodon probably should have seen his name on the scoresheet, firing wide despite being three yards out.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Similar to his international partner, Ampadu was very meticulous in his passing, won his ground duels, and led his team by example, as a captain should.
Junior Firpo (Off for Isaac Schmidt 80′) – 5
Not Firpo’s best performance in recent weeks. Barely created any chances, really struggled to get involved in the final third, and was a bit too weak when defending his own goal.
Ilia Gruev grabs the assist for Manor Solomon’s screamer
Ao Tanaka – 4
One of the Japan international’s sloppiest games in recent weeks. Had a few passes go wrong, he missed a few tackles, and failed to make an impact in the final third. Unusual.
Ilia Gruev – 7
Capped off his performance with a deserved assist, albeit just giving the ball to Solomon before his wonder-strike from outside the box.
Wilfried Gnonto – 5
His pace helped Leeds break on the counterattack, especially as Preston searched for an equaliser, but his inaccuracy often saw the attack slow down, or Preston were able to win back possession.
Brenden Aaronson (Off for Patrick Bamford 80′) – 3
Struggled yet again. With his teammates shining around him, the American stuck out like a sore thumb. While he created a handful of chances, he failed to notch an assist and lost far too many duels.
Manor Solomon could bring Premier League football to Elland Road
Manor Solomon (Off for Sam Byram 90+5′) – 9 – Man of the Match
Simply sensational. Opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort from outside the penalty area before then turning provider for Bogle’s goal just nine minutes later.
Joel Piroe – 8
Incredibly unlucky. Now, without a goal in eight appearances, but tried everything to hit the back of the net, being denied on more than one occasion, or just being a couple of inches away from the finish.
Substitutes
Isaac Schmidt (On for Firpo 80′) – N/A
Patrick Bamford (On for Aaronson 80′) – 6
A bright cameo from the striker, who caused plenty of chaos for the tired defenders.
Sam Byram (On for Solomon 90+5′) – N/A