Marcelo Bielsa wanted to win last night, make no mistake about that. Some have been suggesting that it’s the best thing to be out of the cup but Bielsa clearly didn’t see it in that way. It was a chance for fringe players to impress and in all honesty none did, if anything it served a reminder at how well the players in the first-team are playing.
Player Ratings
Jamal Blackman – 5 – If the defence and goalkeeper look shaky in possession it can filter through the team and that didn’t help the situation last night. Blackman looked very uncomfortable to begin with. Nothing he could have done about either goal.
Stuart Dallas – 5 – hasn’t played since a late appearance from the bench on opening day but he struggled massively last night. Countless times he found room and delivered poor crosses. His game was summed up when he caught the ball before it went out of play.
Conor Shaughnessy – 4 – His game was written after about one minute when he gave away the penalty. Yes the player played for it but Shaughnessy let him. He didn’t cover himself in glory for the second but not the only one. Subbed at half-time.
Pontus Jansson – 7 – Played very well in reality. Louis Moult is a handful and Jansson did well when they came up against each other. Could do nothing about either goal.
Tom Pearce – 5 – I didn’t think anyone who had come into the side had a good game and although Pearce probably put the best crosses in they still never found their target. Was beaten easily at times.
Kalvin Phillips – 7 – The best player in a Leeds shirt along with Pontus Jansson. His confidence summed up when he chested and shouldered a ball over a Preston player, before controlling and making the pass. Played centre-back second half.
Jamie Shackleton – 5 – Had a tough night against a more physical central midfield. Perhaps the reason Bielsa sees him as a full-back. Subbed at the break. Will learn from that.
Lewis Baker – 5 – On the receiving end of arguably the worst tackle I’ve seen at Elland Road in a few years, and after that he didn’t really get on the ball enough. When he did he didn’t create, and drifted through the game.
Jack Harrison – 5 – I was really looking forward to seeing the winger but he simply didn’t impress. One nice moment in the first-half as he fired wide after showing good feet but needs to offer more of an outlet.
Tyler Roberts – 5 – Actually started well and got on the ball but much like the last cup game he drifted out and ended up being subbed after a failed flick which didn’t go down very well. So much potential.
Patrick Bamford – 5 – A tough night and that wasn’t just down to him. He did look lively at times and if given any glimpse of a chance he probably would have scored. Shooting from range as good as he got.
Subs
Samu Saiz – 6 – He didn’t have a great game but he tried and tried. He got on the ball and looked, but nobody was really helping him out.
Mateusz Klich – 6 – Couldn’t really make an impact and ran around offering for the ball but a bit like Saiz he was left frustrated by a lack of options.
Gjanni Alioski – 5 – Really poor when he came on, but the game was long gone.
