Sam Byram awful, stunning Manor Solomon bags title – Leeds ratings v Plymouth Argyle
Manor Solomon stole the spotlight to win the Championship title for Leeds United in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Plymouth Argyle.
The Whites’ chances of lifting the league title took a monumental blow at Home Park on Saturday, 3 May, as Mustapha Bundu forced Sam Byram into an own goal during the first half.
Willy Gnonto got the travelling fans bouncing, netting just 8 minutes after the half-time break, only for Solomon to break Plymouth hearts in the first minute of added time to seal all three points.
Burnley, who were also fighting for the top spot, managed a 3-1 win over Millwall, but it was not enough to pip Daniel Farke, who was taunted by Plymouth fans, and his side to the title.
Joe Rodon and Sam Byram tormented at Home Park
Karl Darlow – 5
A couple of shaky moments for the Welshman, but with Illan Meslier no better for Leeds, there was little else he could have done to keep his side in the game.
Jayden Bogle (Off for Joseph 90′)- 7
Created a multitude of chances at Home Park, though his defensive work left something to be desired as Bundu tormented him for much of the 90 minutes.
Joe Rodon – 4
Totally at fault for Plymouth’s opener, allowing the attacker right past him, who then fired his effort off the post and onto Byram.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Continued to set the standards at the back as Leeds’ well-established captain, remaining calm under pressure and winning all necessary duels against Plymouth.
Sam Byram (Off for Wober 69′) – 2
Horror show. Between the own goal and missing a gilt-edged chance to win all three points, it was an awful afternoon for the full-back in the absence of the injured Junior Firpo.
Ao Tanaka (Off for Bamford 79′) – 7
An incredible fighter in the middle of the park. Could see he was in pain towards the end of the game, but he kept battling until being substituted for another attacker, with the teams drawing at the time.
Willy Gnonto regains his attacking spark at vital moment
Ilia Gruev – 7
Much like his midfielder partner, it was a very sensible performance from Gruev. Won his battles, got the ball forward to the attackers, and created a couple of chances to cause chaos.
Willy Gnonto – 8
Significant impact. Despite a tough first half for the winger, he bounced back with a goal and an assist to help Leeds seal the Championship title and celebrate promotion in style.
Brenden Aaronson (Off for Ramazani 79′) – 4
Squandered far too many chances over the crossbar in what was a vital match for Leeds. Will struggle to get into the team once the Whites are in the Premier League.
Solomon steals the show as Leeds United lift Championship title
Manor Solomon – 10 – Player of the Match
Absolutely brilliant. Continued to run at Plymouth’s defence for the entire 90 minutes, with his efforts finally paying off with a dramatic winner in added time to lift the league trophy.
Joel Piroe – 5
Created a couple of chances, and probably should have scored. In the right areas, but could not provide the finishing touch.
Substitutes
Max Wober (On for Byram 69′) – 6
Added some much-needed stability at the back as Leeds attacked in the closing stages.
Patrick Bamford (On for Tanaka 79′) – 4
Pretty poor impact substitute when Leeds were desperate for a goal.
Largie Ramazani (On for Aaronson 79′) – 5
Got a little more involved than Bamford, but did little to create chances and barely got on the ball.
Mateo Joseph (On for Bogle 90′) – N/A