Pascal Struijk wows, Ethan Ampadu stinks: Leeds ratings in Sunderland stunner
Leeds United left it extremely late to secure all three points in a dramatic 2-1 win over Sunderland on Monday.
Daniel Farke’s side were dealt an early blow as Wilson Isidor fired the visitors ahead, with the Whites clearly struggling to deal with the Black Cats in the first half on 17 February.
The goalscorer was involved in a bust-up with Joe Rodon moments before the half-time whistle, picking up a yellow card after a going head-to-head with the Leeds defender.
Eyebrows were raised when Farke decided to bring on Joe Rothwell and Pascal Struijk when chasing the game at Elland Road, though the two combined to score the all-important equaliser, and then the winner.
The former’s sensation ball into the middle of the penalty area was greeted by the head of Struijk, who powered past Anthony Patterson to help avoid defeat at home.
Teaming up again in a last-gasp moment, the duo slammed home the winner with just seconds back on the clock, helping the Whites to leap Sheffield United back to the top of the table.
Ethan Ampadu punished by Wilson Isidor for early mistake
Here’s how Football Insider rated the performance of each Leeds player following their clash with Sunderland.
Illan Meslier – 5
Little the goalkeeper could do to stop Sunderland from scoring. Has received his fair share of criticism over the season but did everything he could to keep his team in the game.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Was containing the Sunderland forwards rather easily until picking up a yellow card in a frustrated challenge on Jobe Bellingman, unable to make his usual attacking impact.
Joe Rodon – 6
Rodon stayed strong in the centre of defence, winning all necessary battles on the ground and in the air, and could do nothing about Sunderland’s only goal.
Ethan Ampadu – 3
Was completely caught out by Isidor for Sunderland’s opening goal, allowing the striker to roll him before he beat Meslier in between the sticks. Rightly hammered for his mistake.
Junior Firpo (Off for Sam Byram 90′) – 6
Created plenty of chances but ended the night with a needless yellow-card challenge on former Leeds man Ian Poveda.
Brenden Aaronson the brightest forward on a dull night for Leeds
Ao Tanaka (Off for Pascal Struijk 71′) – 6
The Japanese international has incredible talent but even he was struggling to compete in the middle of the park, especially after picking up an early yellow card.
Ilia Gruev (Off for Joe Rothwell 71′) – 5
Carried the ball forward well but gave up possession far too many times for a team chasing the lead against the Black Cats.
Dan James – 4
Nowhere near his usual energetic self, taking aim from long range but never really worrying Anthony Patterson between the sticks.
Brenden Aaronson (Off for Mateo Joseph 78′) – 7
Arguably, the brightest of Leeds’ forwards at Elland Road. Won multiple fouls in attacking areas and pushed the team up the field when they needed it most.
Manor Solomon (Off for Largie Ramazani 78′) – 6
The winger has been good enough to potentially earn an early call-back by Tottenham this season but it was a tough evening for him up against Trai Hume.
Rothwell and Struijk team up to save the day at Elland Road
Joel Piroe – 5
The Dutchman really struggle to make an impact, suffering from a lack of service from the forwards around him. It was more good marshalling from the Black Cats than a poor outing from Piroe.
Substitutes
Joe Rothwell (On for Rothwell 71′) – 8
Cracking crosses into the middle of the box finally unlocked the Sunderland defence, combining with Struijk to score the equaliser before eventually netting the winner in dramatic fashion.
Pascal Struijk (On for Tanaka 71′) – 10
A real desire to latch onto Rothwell’s cross, popping up at Elland Road when his team needed it most. Incredible for him to repeat it again with just seconds left on the clock.
Mateo Joseph (On for Aaronson 78′) – N/A
Largie Ramazani (On for Solomon 78′) – N/A
Sam Byran (On for Firpo 90′) – N’A