In terms of two teams out on the pitch trying to play football it won’t get much better than today. Both managed to cancel each other out but neither lost their way or their style and only a horrific display from the referee marred what was a very intriguing encounter.
Player Ratings
Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 6 – Didn’t have loads to do but was at the heart of the controversial penalty. Initially from where I stand I thought it looked a penalty, but on reflection it clearly wasn’t. Cooper didn’t help him out a few times today, that being one of them.
Luke Ayling – 5 – The sending off kind of summed up his game today. If the ref had been consistent he wouldn’t have been the first player to have been sent off but as it panned out he was more than happy to dish out a second yellow. Very poor on the ball. The break will probably do him good. A rare off day.
Pontus Jansson – 9 – T72MOM – For me he is currently in the best form of his Leeds career to date. The last month he’s been immense and it’s becoming clear his head is very much in it. Loves playing for Marcelo Bielsa and came up with the header at the end.
Liam Cooper – 5 – Cost us the goal in reality, gave the ball away in a ridiculous area and he on the ball he wasn’t great overall anyway. Defended well but when he gave Peacock-Farrell a look for not coming for a ball he should have cleared it was extremely frustrating to see.
Stuart Dallas – 7 – Had a good game at left-back and made sure there weren’t many issues down his side. Alioksi worked hard for him as well and it was as steady a performance as you’ll see from a right-winger playing at left-back.
Kalvin Phillips – 8 – I thought Phillips was very good given the opposition midfielders. Got around them and won his duals but we do leave gaps in that area and Brentford did look to expose them.
Mateusz Klich – 7 – Was the player in the first half who actually looked like making something happen. Maybe taking him off wasn’t the best move, but we ended up getting the result.
Jack Harrison – 6 – In and out of the game but I thought the Brentford left-back had the beating of him for most of the game. Once Clarke came on he was tested much more.
Gjanni Alioski – 8 – I have been one of his biggest critics this season and I think the questions from many fans has been fair. Today he showed he’s better with less pressure of being a creator by playing further back, something that does seem obvious. Put in some crucial tackles all over the pitch and a great cross for the goal, then almost the winner. Much better. (wing-back?)
Samu Saiz – 5 – Completely worked out of the game by the Brentford midfield from the start. Tried to get on it but couldn’t. Unless he’s on the ball he becomes a passenger. Tried his best.
Tyler Roberts – 5 – Not a great day for the striker but he needs help. Barely got a sniff in front of goal and when he dropped and beat his man there wasn’t anyone in advance of him.
Subs
Adam Forshaw – 6 – No point in playing around the fact that he isn’t a player who will score goals when you need them but he maybe got us ticking over a but more from deep areas.
Jack Clarke – 7 – Straight away he showed Jack Harrison how to beat the left-back. First touch brought a booking and not long after he should have been sent off as he caught Clarke again. Very good debut for someone so young.
Lewis Baker – 7 – A very different player to Saiz because Baker is a passer, Saiz is a creator by wriggling and turning. He found pockets and made an impact. Close with a free-kick then even closer with a header. A positive impression.
