Brilliant Saiz, Poor Alioski : The best and the worst rated Leeds United Players against Nottingham Forest

Final Score: Leeds United 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Leeds United were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest in their first game of 2018, at the Elland Road on Monday.

The Whites had a number of great opportunities to find the back of the net, with the likes of Pontus Jansson, Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez all coming close, but the winning goal eluded the home team. Leeds remain 5th in the EFL Championship table, with 43 points in 26 games after the draw, 16 points below Derby County, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot.

Here’s how Thomas Christiansen’s men fared on the day:

Leeds United Player Ratings

Felix Wiedwald – 7/10

Made two good stops to deny Ben Osborn and Matty Cash in the second period. Showed good confidence and command in the box.  

Luke Ayling – N/A

Replaced halfway through the first-half with an injury.  

Pontus Jansson – 7/10

Once again solid at the back, keeping Ben Brereton quiet for most of the game. Had a couple of great chances to score but was denied. Booked harshly.

Liam Cooper – 6/10

Assured and reliable alongside Jansson. Did most things right but was dragged out of position at times in the second period.  

Gaetano Berardi – 7/10

Started on the left-hand side of the defence but moved to right-back after Ayling’s injury. Defended solidly and put in a few crunching tackles that pleased the home support.

Kalvin Phillips – 6/10

Wasn’t all that involved in the first-half but became more effective after the break. However, his defensive side of the game still needs a lot of improvement.

Eunan O’Kane – 6/10

Returning to the starting XI, the Irishman was a fairly steady presence in the middle of the park. His distribution and use of possession at times were a bit frustrating.

Gjanni Alioski – 4/10

Poor outing for the Macedonian. Struggled to get past his man and wasted possession more often than not, leading to a half-time subbing off.

Samu Saiz – 8/10

Pulled the strings brilliantly for the home side, creating a number of opportunities for his teammates. As has been the case in most games, was the best player on the pitch.

Pablo Hernandez – 7/10

Another player, apart from Saiz, who looked like making things happen. Used the ball intelligently, and had a great chance to score the winner but was denied.

Kemar Roofe – 5/10

Missed three great opportunities to seal the game for his side. Moved to the right flank after the break, where he did show some spark but largely ineffective.

Substitutes

Vurnon Anita – 5/10

Replaced the injured Ayling in the 26th minute and slotted in at left-back. Suspect defensively.  

Pierre-Michel Lasogga – 6/10

On for Alioski at half-time. Showed purpose and willingness at the top of the attack but was often isolated. As a result, had to drop deep at times. 

Hadi Sacko – N/A

On for Roofe for the last ten minutes. Added a spark and almost set up the winning goal for Leeds.