Full Time: Leeds United 3-3 Norwich City
Leeds United saw their EFL Championship playoff hopes crash and burn, despite producing a heroic comeback against Norwich City at the Elland Road to salvage a 3-3 draw after being three goals down.
It was a must win game for the Whites, with their playoff chances hanging by the thread, but it was Norwich who took the lead through Steven Naismith in the 28th minute. Things would get worse soon for Garry Monk’s men as Nelson Oliveira would double the Canaries’ lead six minutes later. The 25-year old then made it three on the stroke of half-time, before Chris Wood pulled one back for Leeds as half-time came.
Leeds continued their resurgence after the break as defender Kyle Bartley reduced the deficit just to one goal with a close range finish in the 49th minute. And in the 78th minute, they drew level from a Pablo Hernandez free kick. But they could not complete the turnaround and steal the three points as the game finished level on 3-3.
With sixth-placed Fulham holding out for a 1-1 draw against Brentford in their game on the afternoon, Leeds are left three points off the Cottagers and with just one game left to play they will not be able to get into the playoff position owing to Fulham’s better goal difference.
Here is how the Leeds players fared on the day:
Leeds United Player Ratings
Rob Green – 7/10
There was not much he could do about the three Norwich goals, but kept Leeds in the game with several crucial stops throughout.
Luke Ayling – 6/10
Read the danger well and dealt with the threat decently, despite his team conceding three. Could not offer a great deal going forward. Taken off with Leeds chasing the game.
Kyle Bartley – 6/10
A mixed outing for the Swansea loanee. Looked shaky in the opening period, with a few misplaced passes. Improved in the second half and his close range tap in brought back the belief at the Elland road.
Pontus Jansson – 5/10
Extremely poor in the first period as Norwich’s pace upfront seemed to have him in all sorts of troubles. Booked for a reckless challenge.
Gaetano Berardi – 6/10
Another shaky starter for Leeds, the 28-year old improved in the second half as he drove forward with purpose, while making few key interventions at the back.
Ronaldo Vieira – 6/10
Took time to get going, but once he was in the zone in the second period, the difference was there for everyone to see.
Eunan O’Kane – 8/10
Was a marked improvement on Liam Bridcutt and Kalvin Phillips. Strong in tackle, used the ball well and was always on the lookout to play through balls behind the Norwich defence. Instigator of most of the attacks for Leeds. Hard to understand why he has been on the sidelines for so long.
Kemar Roofe – 6/10
Had a subdued first half, but grew into the game in the second period much like the entire Leeds team. Linked up well with his fellow attackers, almost found the back of the net.
Pablo Hernandez – 7/10
A strong performance from the Spaniard and it was long overdue. Excellent distribution, always a threat in the attacking third and brought Leeds back on level terms with a stunning free-kick.
Stuart Dallas – 5/10
A decent cross for Chris Wood to open the scoring, but had little impact thereafter. His end product continues to be a concern.
Chris Wood – 6/10
Volleyed home on the stroke of half-time to keep Leeds in the contest. Had few opportunities before or after the goal.
Substitutes
Souleymane Doukara – 6/10
Replaced Dallas just after the hour mark. Looked to threaten but could not get the winner.
Alfonso Pedraza Sag – 5/10
Came on for Luke Ayling in the 72nd minute. A few poor decisions in good positions.
Kalvin Phillips – NA
Replaced O’Kane for the last eight minutes.
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