‘Sign Bartley Please’ – Twitter Reacts To Leeds’ Win Over Bolton+Player Ratings

Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Leeds United – Player Ratings And Twitter Reaction

Leeds United got off to a winning start in their EFL Championship 2017/18 campaign, under new boss Thomas Christiansen, when they defeated newly promoted Bolton Wanderers 3-2 at the Macron Stadium on Sunday.

Leeds got off to a great start, with midfielder Kalvin Phillips giving his team the lead as early as the 7th minute, netting from a Pablo Hernandez corner. The lead was doubled by last season’s top-scorer Chris Wood on the half-hour mark, with a strong header. But, Bolton came back into the game through Gary Medine’s header in the 40th minute, but the Whites’ two-goal advantage was doubled soon after, as Phillips grabbed his second of the day.

Striker Adam Le Fondre made it 3-2 in the second half, from the penalty spot, after substitute Conor Shaughnessy had fouled Medine inside the box. Hernandez was denied by the crossbar soon after, and the home side turned on the pressure in search for an equaliser. However, Leeds held on to their slender lead to take three points home from the game. 

Here’s how the Leeds players fared on the evening; 

Leeds United Player Ratings

Felix Wiedwald – 5.5/10

Not nearly good enough from the summer signing. Looked unconvincing during set-piece situations and was caught under the ball for Medine’s goal. 

Luke Ayling – 7/10

The full-back continued to prove his worth at both ends of the pitch, providing a great outlet going forward and remaining solid in defence.

Matthew Pennington – 7/10

Looked shaky once or twice under pressure from Medine, but it was a largely composed display from the youngster. Picked up an injury just a little after the hour mark and hobbled off the field.

Liam Cooper – 8/10

A captain’s display at the heart of the defence by Cooper. Was aggressive and alert, did not hesitate to put his body on the line. Very impressive. 

Gaetano Berardi – NA

Stretchered off in the 38th minute.

Eunan O’Kane – 8/10

The ideal foil for Phillips in the middle of the park, helping Leeds assert themselves in the areas. Continued his strong pre-season form and dictated the play well. 

Kalvin Phillips – 9/10

Hero of the day for Leeds, the academy product scored two very well taken goals in the first-half – one more than his tally last season. It was easily one of his best displays for the club. 

Kemar Roofe – 7.5/10

The former Oxford United man looked really sharp going forward and caused a few troubles for the home team. Provided the cross for Leeds’ second goal. 

Pablo Hernandez – 7/10

The 30-year old had a good game, grabbing the assist for the opener with a good corner. Hit the woodwork from 20 yards out in the second period.

Ezgjan Alioski – 7/10

Easily has to be the most exciting summer signing for the Leeds’ fans. Looked a threat all the time in the attacking third. Set up Wood for the second with a flick-on. He should have had done better from five yards out in the first-half though.  

Chris Wood – 7.5/10

Doubled the lead with a headed effort in the first-half and grabbed the assist for Phillips’ second of the evening.  

Substitutes

Vurnon Anita – 6/10

Replaced the injured Berardi. Was decent and steady enough for a right-footed player to be playing at left-back. 

Conor Shaughnessy – 5/10

Came on for the injured Pennington in the second half. Gave away the penalty as soon as he came on to the pitch.

Hadi Sacko – NA

Came on to replace Alioski for the last five minutes.

Twitter Reactions To The Result