Leeds United continued their impressive run of form in the EFL Championship, as they defeated Birmingham City 2-0 at the Elland Road on Tuesday night.
The Whites found the initial breakthrough 17 minutes into the game, when Pierre-Michel Lasogga had a shot saved by David Stockdale, only for Samu Saiz to bury the rebound into the net. With Leeds hanging on to a slender lead, substitute Stuart Dallas made sure they got the three points with a goal in the added time.
The win sees Thomas Christiansen’s side jump to the top of the league table and the manager will be pleased with the result. Here’s how the players fared on the night;
Leeds United Player Ratings
Felix Wiedwald – 6/10
Another clean sheet for the German stopper – his sixth on the trot in the Championship. Distribution wasn’t up to the mark always.
Luke Ayling – 7/10
Made a great goal-line clearance on the verge of half-time. Not his usual effervescent display, but still an assured presence.
Pontus Jansson – 8/10
A poor pass early on almost cost his team, but improved as the game progressed and put in another extremely solid shift in the heart of the defence.
Liam Cooper – 7/10
The captain put on a combative display alongside the giant Swede, but became an injury casualty and had to be taken off in the second period.
Vurnon Anita – 6.5/10
Started out at left-back, but finished the game as a right-back. Looked fairly solid on both sides of the defence, while not offering a great deal going forward.
Eunan O’Kane – 8/10
Continued his impressive run of form in the midfield with another vital display. There were a couple of shaky moments, but held things together well.
Kalvin Phillips – 7/10
A bit jaded from playing two games in the space of three days, but still gave it his all, without really impacting things a great deal.
Ezgjan Alioski – 6/10
Given the nod ahead of Kemar Roofe, the Macedonian did not have the best of the days in attack. There were glimpses of brilliance here and there, but lacked the edge he is capable of.
Samu Saiz – 8.5/10
Opened the scoring from a rebound and could have easily had a second one. He’s turning out to be a great piece of business.
Pablo Hernandez – 6/10
Another who was seemingly tired after Saturday’s game, the Spaniard wasn’t as effective as he was against Burton Albion.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga – 7.5/10
May not have scored, but played an important role in both the goals for Leeds. It was his fierce strike that fell for Saiz to score, and the German led the counter-attack leading to the second.
Substitutes
Kemar Roofe – 6/10
Replaced Alioski at the hour mark. Couldn’t really get going.
Gaetano Berardi – 6/10
Replaced the captain Cooper to make his return from injury. Solid and disciplined at left-back.
Stuart Dallas – 7/10
On for Hernandez for the final 10 minutes. Scored the all-important second goal to kill the game off.