Dan James stinks, Manor Solomon electric – Leeds player ratings v Millwall
Daniel Farke will be buzzing as Leeds United leapt back to the top of the Championship table with a 2-0 win over Millwall on Wednesday.
Manor Solomon was integral as the Whites raced into an early lead, with Jake Cooper sending an own goal past Lukas Jensen after just three minutes on 12 March.
Illan Meslier, who has been heavily criticised by Leeds fans this season, was given very little to do at Elland Road, only reacting when called upon to push a deflected cross away from goal.
That intervention looked to be key as Ao Tanaka took the opportunity to seal all three points for the home side, firing home a beautiful strike into the top corner following a cross from Junior Firpo.
Putting the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Sunday 9 March, Leeds moved back to the top of the Championship table, moving two points clear of Sheffield Wednesday once again.
Joe Rodon leads by example in Leeds victory
Illan Meslier – 7
Given absolutely nothing to do for much of the game, switching on when being called upon, and batting an attempted cross over his crossbar to avoid embarrassment.
Jayden Bogle (Off for Sam Byram 86′) – 4
A rather sloppy performance from the former Sheffield United man, giving away possession far too often and losing battles on the right flank.
Joe Rodon – 8
Not only was Rodon resolute in defence, giving Meslier absolutely nothing to do, but he also made charges forward and threatened Millwall’s backline, finding key passes between the lines.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Helped form a brilliant centre-back partnership as Leeds got back to winning ways. Was almost faultless with the ball at his feet but was not so confident in the air.
Junior Firpo – 7
While he was not strong enough in the tackle, Firpo, who is out of contract at Leeds this summer, won the ball back in high areas and caused issues for Millwall’s defence, adding to his assist counter for the season and now recording nine.
| Leeds | Millwall |
| 61% possession | 39% possession |
| 0.83xG | 0.2xG |
| 18 shots | 4 shots |
| 4 corners | 3 corners |
| 0 goalkeeper saves | 1 goalkeeper save |
Ao Tanaka shines in midfield masterclass at Elland Road
Ao Tanaka – 8
Wow. He really is the man. Finished off a fine display in midfield with a sensational strike five minutes from time, scoring for the second time in four matches, adding to his header against the Blades.
Joe Rothwell (Off for Ilia Gruev 87′) – 7
Although he was unable to add any more assists to his record this season, he was integral to Leeds’ midfield shape-up and deserved all the praise, only to be outshone by Tanaka.
Dan James (Off for Largie Ramazani 90+1′) – 2
An awful night at Elland Road for the Welshman, who is experiencing an unusual dip in form after winning the Player of the Month award for February.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Aaronson has been hounded by Leeds fans in recent weeks but it was his best performance in weeks, getting across the pitch with ease and pushing for a second goal.
Manor Solomon keeps Millwall defenders on strings
Manor Solomon (Off for Wilfried Gnonto 87′) – 9 – Man of the Match
Forced the opener after just three minutes, having his goal taken away by a Jake Cooper own goal, and also hitting the crossbar while constantly threatening at Elland Road.
Joel Piroe (Off for Mateo Joseph 90+1′) – 6
Unlucky to have his goal ruled out for offside, with the decision extremely close. Continued to cause trouble for Millwall’s centre-backs. A real handful, but is he Premier League quality? Really?
Substitutes
Sam Byram (On for Bogle 86′) – N/A
Ilia Gruev (On for Rothwell 87′) – N/A
Wilfried Gnonto (On for Solomon 87′) – N/A
Mateo Joseph (On for Piroe 90+1′) – N/A
Largie Ramazani (On for James 90+1′) – N/A