Leeds United player ratings v Middlesbrough – 3/10 makes just 15 passes
Leeds United climbed back into the automatic promotion spots with their 4-3 victory against Middlesbrough on Monday night (22 April).
An end-to-end affair saw the travelling Whites come out on top at the Riverside Stadium with two goals from Crysencio Summerville and close-range Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto strikes cancelling out Emmanuel Latte Lath’s brace and Isaiah Jones’ seventh-minute opener.
Daniel Farke’s side returned to winning ways after their recent three-game stretch saw them pick up just one point, but their final two games of the season remain crucial.
Football Insider has analysed the Leeds starting line-up’s performances against Boro.
Illan Meslier [3]
Conceded three goals and his positioning should be called into question for Middlesbrough’s first and third strikes. Managed two saves but just one successful long ball out of 15 attempted. He was very lucky his frontline was in form. Weak.
Junior Firpo [7]
His challenge for Middlesbrough’s opener should have been stopped by the former Barcelona man, but he more than made up for it for the rest of the game. His pinpoint delivery for Bamford’s goal in the 18th minute was perhaps the pass of the game and he was the Leeds backline’s most attacking threat, having made two key passes. Solid.
Ethan Ampadu [3]
Was made to look foolish for Lath’s 30th-minute equaliser and was caught ball-watching for Boro’s opener. Leeds fans will forgive him for a rare poor display and he still managed five clearances and one key pass, but one to forget for Ampadu.
Joe Rodon [6]
While his attempted tackle on Jones for the opener left a lot to be desired, the Welshman was much the better between Farke’s centre-backs. Made seven clearances, blocked two Boro shots and his 90 per cent pass accuracy proved vital in keeping the pressure off Meslier’s net. Solid, but still shipped three goals.
Sam Byram [6]
Was unable to get on the ball as much as he’d hoped having made just 16 successful passes, but his defensive contributions were impressive. Four clearances, four tackles and six successful ground duels proved important in limiting Boro’s attack down the right.
Ilia Gruev [5]
Had few chances to make an impact as Boro’s attack went through the wide areas and not the centre. Had only 34 touches which is poor for a central midfielder, but had a 100 per cent ground duel success rate and won three tackles. Mixed.
Archie Gray [3]
Far from the youngster’s best performance, was well nullified by Boro’s Finn Azaz, and completed just 15 passes – far below his typical standards. Made a few decent-looking runs forward and managed four tackles, but his typical excellence was left back in Leeds.
Georginio Rutter [4]
He lost the ball too easily which led to Boro’s equaliser, but managed to win the crucial penalty and tried to have an impact on the game. However, 11 successful ground duels and two successful dribbles did little to make up for losing possession 15 times and managing just seven passes.
Crysencio Summerville [9]
Undoubtedly the starman at the Riverside Stadium. Took his penalty with precision and his outstanding curling shot for Leeds’ fourth was the pick of the bunch. Grabbed an assist for Gnonto’s goal too, but even Leeds fans will admit it was offside. Regardless, Summerville was the difference-maker in a win that could prove vital in their return to the Premier League. Sensational.
Wilfried Gnonto [8]
Took his goal very well and proved a threat up and down the right-hand side. Despite making only 14 passes, he used them to great effect having created one big chance and one key pass. Won 11 ground duels and five tackles too. Quality.
Patrick Bamford [7]
Missed a huge chance in the opening 45 to put the game to bed early for the Whites, but his return to the starting line-up proved fruitful. His finish for Leeds’ second was well-taken and his hold-up play was needed to allow his pacier attacking partners time to get into good positions.
In other news, Leeds United likely to accept £30million offer for star man.
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