Leeds United Player Ratings vs Preston North End
Leeds United strolled to their biggest and most comfortable win of the season so far on boxing day, thrashing Preston North End right at Deepdale by 4 goals to 1.
The hosts were down by 2 goals within 23 minutes, with Roofe and Sacko putting Leeds in front. Vermijl pulled one back 4 minutes later with a 20-yard screamer, but it wasn’t long before Doukara restored the Peacocks 2-goal cushion with an impeccable solo strike heading into the break.
Beckford’s red card killed off any chance for Preston North End to make any type of come back, and they tried to keep the scoreline respectable until Hernández added one more for the visitors 2 more minutes to the end of regular time.
Here is a look at how Garry Monk’s charges fared as they secured their 14th Championship win of the season.
Green
The veteran made crucial saves to deny the hosts and proved why he is the undeniable number 1 for the job.
Could do nothing to stop the stunning strike from going in, though and missed a chance to keep a clean sheet.
Rating: 8/10
Berardi
With Taylor out injured, the Switzerland international was given the nod to start at left-back and put in an impressive job.
He showed no sign of match rustiness and was defensively capable while he also made few attacking contributions.
Rating: 7/10
Jansson
Put in another solid performance at the back and wasn’t rough in handling his business this time around, going all 90 without a booking.
Helped out early on in the 2nd half when the hosts put Leeds under much pressure which threatened to crack the defence.
Rating: 8/10
Bartley
Found Makienok a tricky customer and couldn’t quiet contain the Preston forward, putting the defence under pressure anytime both faced off.
Rating: 6/10
Ayling
Robinson looked bound to make light work of the full-back on the evening following his inability to effectively contain him in the first attempt.
But that later changed as the Preston forward didn’t find it easy afterwards with Ayling putting in his usually brilliant displays.
Rating: 8/10
Roofe
In a man-of-the-match performance, the midfielder scored his 2nd goal of the campaign, assisted 2 others and continually proved too much for the hosts’ defence to contain.
Rating: 9/10
Dallas
Had his freekick result in the opener and always used his energy to cause all sorts of trouble even though he really didn’t produce the most impressive of performances.
Rating: 6/10
Bridcutt
Started only his 5th game of the season and appeared lacking match fitness at first, but eventually grew into the game and put in an impressive performance in deep midfield.
Rating: 7/10
Phillips
Played well without his regular partner Ronaldo Vieira in the middle of the park, and though the pressure from the hosts was underwhelming for some periods, he got out unscathed at the end.
Rating: 7/10
Sacko
Scored a very brilliant finish to put Leeds ahead with the 2nd goal of the game, while he was also impressive all day, constituting a nuisance to Preston’s defence with his pace.
Rating: 8/10
Doukara
Looking more and more at home in leading the attack than being on the flanks and repaid Monk’s faith by scoring a brilliant solo effort.
Rating: 8/10
SUBSTITUTES
Hernández
Returned to action from the bench and put the result beyond doubt with a strike.
Rating: 8/10
Wood
Had a hand in the 4th goal as he came on to get some needed match fitness.
Rating: N/A
Antonsson
Yet another late sub.
Rating: N/A