Joe Rodon immense, Willy Gnonto missing – Leeds United player ratings v Newcastle
Daniel Farke’s attack was ultimately the letdown as Leeds United played out a goalless draw against Newcastle United.
Neither side had many clear-cut chances at Elland Road, being forced to split the points on Saturday, 30 August, which leaves the Whites 10th in the Premier League table after three matches.
Having netted just one goal – the controversial Leeds winner against Everton, thanks to James Tarkowski, on the opening day of the campaign – even with the addition of Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
The Magpies, on the other hand, remain with Alexander Isak, who could be nearing a move to Liverpool, and could finish the weekend just three spots above the relegation zone.
Leeds United with another clean sheet
Lucas Perri – 7
Not forced into action too many times, but when called upon, he was ready to claim high balls and make saves.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Not the full-back’s brightest display, seemingly struggling to attack as much as last season due to the Premier League talent running down his flank.
Joe Rodon – 8 – Man of the Match
Remained strong as a rock at the back, winning fouls, ground duels, and headers, all while keeping accuracy with his passes up the field.
Pascal Struijk – 7
While aerial battles are his bread and butter, Struijk hardly had to break a sweat, proving that he does have what it takes to make it in the top division.
Gabriel Gudmundsson (Off for Justin 80′) – 7
Created chances, won tackles, stayed vigilant, and was a huge miss when having to be replaced due to injury.
Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu’s positions filled at Elland Road
Ilia Gruev – 6
With both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka missing, the Bulgarian was left with big shoes to fill in the middle of the park, but he handled the pressure well.
Sean Longstaff – 7
Put a great shift in at Elland Road against his old team. He crunched into tackles and made his presence known on the pitch.
Anton Stach – 6
Forever marauding forward with the ball at his feet. Never looked out of energy, and is never afraid to try his luck from distance.
Dan James (Off for Aaronson 60′) – 5
Quite a difficult game for the Welshman, with few chances to burst in behind and use his pace. Stayed positive until being hooked, but it could be a long season for the winger.
Willy Gnonto (Off for Harrison 60′) – 3
Having picked up a yellow card in the first half, it was only a matter of time before he was replaced. He struggled to get into the game, rightly being hooked.
Daniel Farke’s substitutes struggle to make a major impact
Lukas Nmecha (Off for Calvert-Lewin 70′) – 5
Kept being a nuisance for the Newcastle defence. Tried to get on the end of final balls, but was just slightly too slow to react.
Substitutes
Brenden Aaronson (On for James 60′) – 6
Battled hard after coming on. Could be given a start against Fulham.
Jack Harrison (On for Gnonto 60′) – 5
Tried a couple of times to push Leeds up the field, but he usually lost the ball in the process. Difficult game to make a big impact, frustratingly.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (On for Nmecha 70′) – 7
Probably came the closest for the Whites in terms of a goal. Made some good runs.
James Justin (On for Gudmundsson 80′) – 4
Barely saw the ball after replacing Gudmundsson.