Full Time: Leeds United 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leeds United were dealt a huge blow to their playoff hopes as Nouha Dicko’s first-half strike gave Wolverhampton Wanderers a shock 1-0 win at Elland Road on Monday afternoon.
It was a scrappy affair for most parts of the first-time until Wolves broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through Dicko, who did well to keep his cool and hit a low shot past Rob Green after being sent through on goal.
Leeds had a huge penalty shout denied in the 52nd minute after Chris Wood’s cross appeared to have hit the hand of a Wolves’ player, but the referee turned it down. A Few minutes later, Pontus Jansson headed over the bar from a corner kick.
Substitute Souleymane Doukara almost brought his team level with a header, seconds after coming on, but was denied by a fine save from Andy Lonergan in the Wolves’ goal. Kemar Roofe came close with a looping header in the dying moments of the game, only to see his effort cleared off the line as Wolves held on to 3 points.
The result sees Leeds drop out of the play-off places, into 7th position, with Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Fulham all winning their fixtures. With just 3 more games left to play, Garry Monk’s men will have to be on top of their game if they are to stand a chance for the playoffs.
Here is how the Leeds players fared on the day:
Leeds United Player Ratings
Rob Green – 7/10
Did well to keep the scoreline at 0-0 for the first 38 minutes. The save he made after Jansson and Berardi messed up, stood out. Not a lot he could do about the goal that was conceded though.
Luke Ayling – 6/10
Probably the best of the back four on the day, which isn’t saying much. His usual attacking forays were missing though.
Kyle Bartley – 6/10
Did his fair share of work in defence and posed a threat in the opposition box from set-pieces as well.
Pontus Jansson – 5/10
One of his most underwhelming displays this season. Made an error in the lead up to the goal and did not really look assured at the back. Missed a couple of opportunities from set-piece deliveries.
Gaetano Berardi – 4/10
Made so many errors throughout the duration of his stay on the pitch. Was beaten pretty easily. Was one of his worst games.
Liam Bridcutt – 5/10
Lost possession on a few occasions and did not show the willingness to be the first to the ball, which was something Wolves did brilliantly. Was rightly hauled off. His place in the line-up is hardly being justified.
Kalvin Phillips – 5/10
His distribution was never up to the mark in the game and as a result, he struggled to get Leeds going in the attacking half. Some serious revamp in the midfield needed for the next game.
Kemar Roofe – 6/10
Looked threatening sporadically and almost managed to nick in the equalizer at the death. Can’t fault him for his efforts.
Pablo Hernandez – 5/10
Not his usual solid self. But was not helped by the struggles of the midfielders behind him. Tried to get on the ball on every possible occasion, but to not much avail.
Alfonso Pedraza Sag – 5/10
Threatened in patches, but could not open up a resolute Wolves rearguard. Probably his poorest display since arriving in January.
Chris Wood – 5/10
Wasn’t given the chances to feed off from. Ran after high balls one after another, but could not have any impact.
Substitutes
Hadi Sacko – 5/10
Replaced Bridcutt in the 56th minute. The end product was poor. Was dealt with by the Wolves defence easily.
Charlie Taylor – 6/10
Came on for Berardi in the 63rd minute. Asked some questions of the Wolves defence on the left.
Souleymane Doukara – 5/10
Came on in the 72nd minute for Pedraza. Almost equalized with his first touch but was denied by the Wolves goalkeeper. But that was all from him.