You could be forgiven for having no finger nails left after the end to that game. Millwall, who had struggled to create chances for most of the match could have scored four in the same attack, and Leeds, who had looked pretty solid, were flinging bodies to stop a second goal. Leeds should have been in front but didn’t take chances, but eventually the goal came.
Player Ratings
Baily Peacock-Farrell – 7 – Could do nothing about the goal and was decent in most of his business today. Wasn’t bullied at all by a powerful Millwall team and had to deal with countless long throws and balls into the box.
Luke Ayling – 7 – Was used as a wing-back today as Kalvin Phillips dropped into the middle of a back three. Did well, and how he didn’t score we’ll never know. Some save to keep it at 1-0.
Pontus Jansson – 8 – Millwall launched balls into the box time and time again and eventually scored one. Apart from that Jansson was very good. A stat worth noting. Jansson alone made 17 clearances.
Kalvin Phillips – 7 – Another who played well in the main. It was a scrap with Millwall but I didn’t think the side were bullied at all. Phillips was playing in a back three, or five depending on how you look at it.
Liam Cooper – 7 – A decent game and certainly stood up to the challenge of Steve Morison and Lee Gregory. I was left frustrated that he was drawn into the mid games before the game but he came through unscathed. Certainly had a good game.
Barry Douglas – 7 – Another who stood up to the physical side of the game very well. Got forward and helped support the attacking play but in Alioski’s performance he was on his own down the left.
Mateusz Klich – 5 – I am a huge fan of Klich but that role didn’t really suit him today. He was in there to protect the defence but that isn’t what he’s best at. Saiz was effectively the other central midfielder and he isn’t exactly going to drop in much.
Samu Saiz – 7 – Although his decision making was off at times some of his play was wonderful. He worked so hard given he only had Klich in the middle behind him, and he got us up the pitch so many times. Some of his dribbling was mesmerising.
Jack Harrison – 7 – Was a constant threat when he got on the ball but never really picked the right cross out. Eventually when it really mattered he came up with a lovely touch and finish to grab a point. Starting to settle in.
Gjanni Alioski – 4 – I said before the game this was the fixture in which he hid last season. He didn’t perform and today was a chance to right the wrongs of that. Maybe not. Has to improve for Tuesday.
Tyler Roberts – 5 – A big ask today and although his movement was quality he should have got a couple of goals. Just off the pace and no wonder given his situation. Give him time to re-adjust.
Subs
Lewis Baker – 5
Stuart Dallas – 5
Adam Forshaw – 5
