Leeds United vs Leicester City kicked off on Friday evening, and the two teams engaged in an enthralling battle at Elland Road. The hosts came back from a goal behind to complete an astonishing 3-1 comeback.
Leeds United vs Leicester City: A battle to remember
A battle between the top two in the Championship was always going to be heated, and the clubs didn’t disappoint. Leicester City started the game on top, dominating possession. As Leicester looked to penetrate the Leeds defense, the home side settled into a mid-block. However, the visitors managed to take a couple of shots and forcefully win a corner. It was Dewsbury-Hall on corner duty whose perfect cross into the box helped Patson Daka relay the ball to Wout Faes at the far post to score an easy header. The Foxes took the lead in the 15th minute and settled down, looking comfortable out of possession.
Post the goal, a captivating open game ensued with both clubs creating a plethora of chances on the counter. Despite creating so many chances, both clubs struggled to finish their chances and the goal drought continued till the 80th minute. After a string of good passes, Leeds ventured into Leicester’s box where a loose ball fell perfectly at Connor Roberts’ feet who booted it in with perfection to equalize. Boosted by the goal, Leeds continued to push and a 83rd minute shot from Archie Gray hit Wout Faes and deflected into goal for Leeds to take the lead. The Foxes attempted to push forward to find a late equalizer, but ended up losing the ball on the cusp of their box, forcing them to give Leeds a freekick. Daniel James took a wonderful freekick which deflected off Patrick Bamford into goal to seal a thumping 3-1 victory for Leeds.
On that note, let’s take at the player ratings for Leeds United vs Leicester City.
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Leeds United vs Leicester City Player Ratings:
Leeds United Player Ratings:
Illan Meslier (GK): 7.5/10
Meslier made some crucial saves to keep Leeds in the game. Illan made 7 saves, with two saves denying Leicester in advantageous position.
Archie Gray: 7/10
The right-back had a good night in defense and scored the goal to help Leeds secure the lead. He made 2 crucial tackles.
Joe Rodon: 6/10
The center-back had a forgettable night in defense as he was dribbled past a couple of times. Joe also earned himself a yellow card for a poor challenge.
Ethan Ampadu: 6.75/10
Captain Ampadu showed his mettle by making a crucial tackle against Leicester. Ethan completed 96 passes with a completion rate of 91.4%.
Junior Firpo: 6.25/10
The ex-Barcelona man had a silent outing as he failed to impact the game whatsoever. Junior was subbed off in the 73rd minute after completing 17 passes.
Ilia Gruev: 7.25/10
Ilia was key to Leeds’ domination of possession. The youngster played one key pass while completing 83 passes. He also won three ground duels.
Glen Kamara: 7/10
Glen Kamara complemented his partner Ilia Gruev well in a double pivot. He won five ground duels and won two fouls for the club.
Wilfried Gnoto: 6.75/10
Gnoto played two key passes but struggled to make an impact in the second half. He came off for Daniel James who assisted the last goal.
Georginio Rutter: 7.75/10:
Rutter had a wonderful outing for Leeds. Georginio played 4 key passes last night and earned an assist.
Crysencio Summerville: 6.5/10
Crysencio looked to create chances for Leeds but lost possession often. He completed 23 passes with an impressive completion of 95.8%.
Joël Piroe: 6.5/10
Piroe had some good moments but was ultimately subbed for starman Patrick Bamford.
Leeds United Substitutes:
Daniel James: 7/10
Daniel James came on for Gnoto and bagged an assist from a freekick. A good cameo for Welshman.
Patrick Bamford: 8/10
Bamford has had a rough campaign, with injuries bothering him all season. It was refreshing to see him score, even if he didn’t know much about it as the ball deflected in. He put in a shift and won 4/4 ground duels as well.
Connor Roberts: 7.5/10
Connor’s movement into the box enabled him to avail himself of the loose ball and score. An eventful cameo for sure.
Jaidon Anthony: –
Came on in injury time and didn’t have time to impact the game.
Leicester City Player Ratings:
Mads Hermansen (GK): 5.5/10
Mads didn’t have a great night in goal and made only one save. Critics have also claimed that he could’ve done better on the third goal Leeds scored.
Hamza Choudhury: 6/10
Hamza was invisible almost all game and didn’t influence the game a lot.
Wout Faes: 7.5/10
Leicester’s prized possession in defense was solid at the back and earned himself another goal.
Jannik Vestergaard: 6/10
Struggled to control the ball and distribute it well.
James Justin: 6.7/10
Justin played a key pass and made some important interceptions.
Ricardo Pereira: 7.5/10
Ricardo was once again impressive in the midfield and created some big chances for Leicester.
Harry Winks: 7/10
The ex-Tottenham player enabled his team to push forward fast with some through balls.
Stephy Mavididi: 6/10
Was invisible for most of the proceedings before being subbed off. Stephy also missed a big chance to score.
Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall: 8/10
Kiernan was the creative hub of Leicester and played 5 key passes. He even created a big chance.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku: 6/10
Much like Stephy, he was invisible for most of the proceedings.
Patson Daka: 7/10
Struggled to beat defenders, but grabbed the assist on Wout’s goal.
Leicester City Substitutes:
Thomas Cannon: 6/10
Came off the bench in the 78th minute and didn’t make a real impact on the game. Thomas completed 6 passes.
Kasey McAteer: 6.5
Kasey came on for Stephy, but didn’t receive the ball a lot to make an impact.
Next up after Leeds United vs Leicester City:
Leeds cut the difference between the two teams to six points and will take on Chelsea in the FA Cup midweek. Meanwhile, Leicester will look to return to winning ways against Bournemouth in the FA Cup midweek.
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