Graham Smyth’s Leeds United player ratings v Oxford United as ‘colossal’ star scores 9/10, four 8s but one 5
Leeds United took a huge step towards sealing promotion with a 1-0 win at Oxford United – but how did we rate the performances?
Leeds dominated from outset – albeit after a good early Karl Darlow save – and Daniel Farke’s Whites finally went ahead in the 33rd minute through Manor Solomon.
A superb defence splitting pass from Joe Rodon played in Jayden Bogle who himself delivered a perfect right-flank cross for Solomon who slammed home an easy finish at the far post.
Despite a host of other chances, Solomon’s strike proved the only goal of the game, Ao Tanaka coming the closest to bagging a second when his superb low strike was tipped on to the post.
One goal, though, proved enough for a massive three points. Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from a huge victory for Daniel Farke’s Whites.
1. Karl Darlow
7 – Steady again. One smart save in the first half, a couple of punches. Dallied on one clearance but got away with it.
2. Jayden Bogle
8 – Dangerous when he got down the right. Provided yet another assist. Drove them forward well in the second half to take play where they wanted it.
3. Joe Rodon
9 – Shaded his partner thanks to that pass in the build-up to the goal, so many big headers and that storming second half run down the right. Colossal.
4. Ethan Ampadu
8 – Rock solid. Defended well, used the ball sensibly and was physical when he needed to be.
5. Junior Firpo
7 – Got into good positions. Created a couple of dangerous moments but not that big of magic he wanted.
6. Ao Tanaka
8 – Dealt with the ball well. Moved it forward smartly in the first half into the channel a few times. Came so close to a goal late on.
7. Ilia Gruev
7 – Wasn’t always able to see the forward pass or find it but retained possession. Did play a few good passes. Covered ground. Got stuck in.
8. Manor Solomon
8 – In exactly the right place to score his goal. Was dangerous when he got the chance and proved difficult for Oxford to contain.
9. Willy Gnonto
5 – Just couldn’t get going. Leeds’ threat was carried more by the opposite flank and Bogle on the right. One shot from distance that wasn’t a mile away.
10. Brenden Aaronson
7 – Should have scored a goal but once Leeds were ahead he used his body well to keep possession or win free-kicks. Popped up in some good positions.
11. Joel Piroe
7 – Some of his passing brought dangerous moments. Played Aaronson into a one-v-one in the first half and put Firpo in. Second half he faded.
12. Dan James (sub)
6 – Not at his best coming back from injury and the aerial nature of Oxford’s attacks towards the end meant it all bypassed him a little.
13. Patrick Bamford (sub)
7 – Added a nuisance factor up top. A couple of nice touches. Won an important free-kick deep in stoppage time.
14. Isaac Schmidt (sub)
N/A – A couple of nice moments, including a clever, quick pass forward that put Leeds on the attack. Did enough to put off his man with a late header.
15. Joshua Guilavogui (sub)
N/A – One heart-in-mouth moment when he wrestled with an attacker. Came on to help defend the aerial bombardment.
16. Dean Whitestone (referee)
7 – Didn’t make himself noteworthy or particularly noticeable. Oxford United weren’t happy with him towards the end but it was a sensible enough performance.
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