A spirited Leeds United side halted Aston Villa’s unbeaten league run under Steve Bruce with a 2-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday. The win, Leeds’ fifth in seven home games, underlines their title credentials this season. After a rather slow start to the game, chances were few and far in a rather dull first half. Kemar Roofe connected a header off a perfect cross from Souleymane Doukara to bring a packed Elland Road back to life, before Chris Wood rounded off the win with a tap-in late on to seal the points.
Here’s an assessment of how each Leeds United player rated:
Rob Green – 7/10
The veteran goalkeeper, who sat out of Leeds’ mid-week clash against Liverpool, had a fairly routine showing but was up to the task whenever called upon. Gifted Villa with a big chance after a miscommunication with his own left-back Charlie Taylor, but a stellar reaction save more than made up for the blemish.
Luke Ayling – 7/10
Another solid game from the Leeds’ right-back. Frustrated Jonathan Kodjia the whole time and thwarted any meaningful Villa attacks down the right.
Kyle Bartley – 7/10
A stuttered start for the 25-year old, but an assured performance from the central defender to guarantee a clean sheet. Stood out with some important tackles and headers to keep out the threat of Rudy Gestede.
Pontus Jansson – 6/10
The Swedish central defender had missed out on the game mid-week due to an illness and understandably seemed a bit rusty. An important block from Gary Gardner was a telling contribution to an assuring clean sheet.
Charlie Taylor – 6/10
After impressing on the big stage at Anfield, it was another fine showing for the Leeds’ left-back who is on the scouting list of several Premier League clubs. Was a constant menace for Alan Hutton down the flank with his forward runs, while shouldering his defensive responsibilities well.
Kalvin Phillips – 6/10
Created some problems for Villa with his set-pieces, but struggled for momentum in midfield alongside Ronaldo Vieira. Fought hard till the end, but unable to provide much-attacking influence from open play.
Ronaldo Vieira – 7/10
Just like his midfield compatriot Kalvin Phillips, Ronaldo Vieira struggled for rhythm in a difficult first hour. But the youngster kept his head down with a more confident finish to the game and helped preserve an invaluable clean sheet.
Hadi Sacko – 7/10
Just like at Anfield a few days back, Hadi Sacko’s touch let him down far too often. Burst into life once the first goal went in and was a constant threat down the right. Made a stunning run for Leeds’ second and was unlucky not to claim the goal himself.
Kemar Roofe – 8/10
#Pray4Roofe worked! After having a spectacular curler hit the post at Anfield, Roofe took to twitter requesting to freed from his goal scoring curse, and boy did it happen. Made some excellent attacking runs throughout and found himself to be in a perfect position to head home the opener.
Souleymane Doukara – 8/10
Undoubtedly the best player on the pitch in an otherwise forgettable first half of football. It was another brilliant showing from the Senegalese, justifying the manager’s decision to reward him with a string of starts. His cross to set up Roofe’s opener was absolute perfection.
Chris Wood – 7/10
Chris Wood was largely an anonymous figure on the pitch across the 90 minutes, but just like any good striker popped up at the right place in stoppage time to convert a tap-in and seal the win.
Substitutes:
Stuart Dallas (on for Doukara 73′) – 6/10
Came on for an impressive Doukara and continued the job from where the Senegalese had left off. Made some good surging runs in the final quarter to help his side avoid the temptation to sit on the lead.
Alex Mowatt (on for Roofe 79′) – 6/10
Another player brought on to avoid Leeds sitting back. His substitution provided an infusion of energy among tired legs. Stalled Villa’s search for an equaliser and momentum shift right in their tracks with some relentless pressing.