Brilliant Pearce, Poor Saiz – The best and the worst rated Leeds United players vs Barnsley

Full Time: Leeds United 2-1 Barnsley

Leeds United registered just their third win of the calendar year when they defeated Barnsley 2-1 at the Elland Road earlier in the day. 

The Whites were up and running quite early in the game as youngster Tom Pearce put his team ahead with a precise finish after a driving run through the midfield in the 17th minute. However, the Tykes were back on level terms 20 minutes later, when Paudie O’Connor turned the ball into his own net.

Leeds were back ahead just five minutes into the second period when Ezgjan Alioski buried home after being played in by Kemar Roofe. Barnsley had a goal ruled out for offside soon after and went on to miss a great chance later, as Paul Heckingbottom’s held on to their lead to take away all three points. 

Leeds United Player Ratings

Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 7/10

Made two brilliant saves to deny Tom Bradshaw and Connor Mahoney in the first period. Didn’t have much to do in terms of saves after the break but showed good command in the box.

Matthew Pennington – 6/10

Starting out of position at right-back, the on-loan Everton defender did a steady job for most parts of the game. However, he did not offer a lot going forward.

Pontus Jansson – 6.5/10

Missed his header in the lead up to the opening goal for Barnsley. Apart from that, he was very solid at the back, winning challenges in the air and on the ground.

Paudie O’Connor – 6/10

Unlucky to have diverted the ball into his own net when attempting a clearance. Did most things right from then on. Continues to impress.

Tom Pearce – 7.5/10

Brilliant driving run before finishing off with a great finish from outside the box to open the scoring for the Whites. Solid defensively and did not put a foot wrong all game.  

Kalvin Phillips – 7/10

Showed great energy and aggression in the middle of the park, harrying his opponents at every moment. An assured display from the Englishman.

Ronaldo Vieira – 6/10

Wasn’t all gung-ho like is midfield partner but made sure that he kept things tight in the middle of the park.

Pablo Hernandez – 6/10

Captaining the team on the day, the Spanish playmaker wasn’t as effective as he usually is in the attacking third. Set-piece delivery was on point though and played a few nice passes but could have done more.  

Samu Saiz – 5.5/10

A frustrating game for the former Huesca man. Did not have too much impact in the final third and wasn’t much of a help to his team with his defensive duties either.  

Ezgjan Alioski – 7/10

Missed a chance to score in the first period but made amends after the break, hitting home from Roofe’s pass. Worked hard on the wings.

Kemar Roofe – 7/10

May not have threatened the Tykes’ goalkeeper but did his job at the top. Sharp movement in and around the box, worked hard and set Alioski up for the winning goal with a fine assist.

Substitutes

Caleb Ekuban – N/A

Replaced Alioski in the 71st minute. Made little impact.  

Adam Forshaw – N/A

On for Saiz with 6 minutes left to be played.