Joe Rothwell excellent, Joel Piroe flops – Leeds United player ratings vs Derby
Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship with a 2-0 victory over Derby County at Elland Road.
It was the defenders who did the damage for Daniel Farle’s side in that victory over the Rams on Saturday afternoon (7 December).
Joe Rodon headed in from a corner with 39 minutes on the clock to put the hosts ahead, before Max Wober doubled the advantage just before half-time.
That proved to be enough to secure the three points that put the Whites back on track in the Championship promotion race after defeat at Blackburn last time out.
Here’s how Football Insider rated the performances of the Leeds United starting lineup and substitutes against Derby County.
Illan Meslier – 5
Rarely troubled when Derby came forward, hard to remember him having a meaningful save to make. Distribution at times left something to be desired.
Junior Firpo (off for Wober, ’21) – 5
After a tough afternoon at Blackburn last weekend, being forced off early due to injury having been unable to make much of an impact early on is not what the left-back would have wanted.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Was got at a few times by the Derby forwards early on but generally coped with that threat well. Things would only get even easier for him as the day went on.
Joe Rodon and Max Wober do the damage for Leeds United
Joe Rodon – 7
Missed a big chance with a free-header from a corner 25 minutes in. Made up for that by powering the next one into the bottom corner for his first goal for Leeds. Comfortable defensively as well.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Looked to get forward at times early on but didn’t always make something happen. As with the rest of his defence, rarely looked trouble by the Rams when they looked to get forward.
Joe Rothwell (off for Guilavogui, ’85) – 9 Player of the Match
His delivery from corners was outstanding. It created one goal and should have led to another. Equally tenacious in winning possession in midfield from open play and pushing Leeds on that way too.
Ao Tanaka – 8
After the frustration of giving the penalty away last weekend that proved cosly at Blackburn, was much improved this time around. Covered plenty of ground and brought a good save from Zetterstrom.
Manor Solomon (off for Gnonto, ’68) – 6
Brought into the starting XI in place of Wilfried Gnonto. Looked lively out wide but lacked a final ball at times, and flashed one good opening off-target.
Daniel Farke goes top of the Championship
Brenden Aaronson (off for Joseph, ’68) – 6
A frustrating game for the attacker, though he did manage to bring a good save from Zetterstrom on the turn just inside the area, otherwise struggled to create too many opportunities.
Dan James (off for Ramazani, ’85) – 7
A decent performance from the Welshman out wide, where he put plenty of pressure on the likes of Craig Forsyth and Eiran Cashin with his pace and intent.
Joel Piroe – 5
Not his day in front of goal. Only really saw one opening which was brilliantly tipped round the post by Zetterstrom. Otherwise couldn’t make a great deal happen.
Substitutes:
Max Wober (on for Firpo, ’21) – 8
Came on for the injured Firpo to a somewhat unnatural left-back position. Produced a brilliant run and finish to make it 2-0 just before the break and was steady in defence.
Mateo Joseph (on for Aaronson, ’68) – 6
Brought on for the final quarter of the match, but didn’t see too many openings in attack as Leeds saw the game out.
Wilfred Gnonto (on for Solomon, ’68) – 6
Dropped to the bench to avoid the risk of suspension with one game to go until the cut-off point. Still came off the bench with just over 20 minutes to go with Leeds in cruise control.
Joshua Guilavogui (on for Rothwell, ’85) – 5
Had an easy few minutes on the pitch at the end as the game petered out after replacing the excellent Rothwell.
Largie Ramazani (on for James, ’85) – 6
Showed a bit of intent late on after coming off the bench for the final moments but the urgency had gone from the game at that point.
In other news, Leeds are in talks to sign players from Man City and Brighton in Jaunary.
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