Leeds United clinched a crucial 1-0 victory against Stoke City at home, further elevating their aspirations for promotion. Dan James’ deflected goal in the first half proved decisive as Daniel Farke’s team secured a vital three points.
With 76 points from 10 remaining games, the Whites are intensely focused on a swift return to the Premier League this season. Amidst the victory, MOT Leeds News has evaluated each player’s performance in the thrilling encounter:
Illan Meslier earned an 8 for his remarkable saves that preserved Leeds’ lead, especially crucial towards the end of the match. Conor Roberts, showcasing a solid performance, received an 8 for his impressive display since joining in January.
Joe Rodon, with a rating of 7, delivered a decent performance at the heart of defense, playing a pivotal role in maintaining a clean sheet. Ethan Ampadu, although scoring a 6, maintained his consistency despite not reaching his peak performance levels.
Sam Byram scored an 8 for his composed performance against Stoke’s threats, particularly handling the pace of winger Million Manhoef effectively. However, Glen Kamara received a 5 due to signs of fatigue, impacting his midfield presence and control.
The standout of the match was Ilia Gruev, garnering a remarkable 9 as the Man of the Match. The 23-year-old exuded composure and efficiency in midfield, instrumental in driving Leeds’ attacks and transitions.
Dan James also received a 9 for his crucial goal and impactful performance that troubled Stoke’s defense with his speed and strength. Despite their contributions, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Patrick Bamford earned 5s for varying levels of inconsistency and performance dips.
In the substitutions, Junior Firpo, Joel Piroe, Archie Gray, Wilfried Gnonto, and Mateo Joseph recorded ratings between 5 and 6 for their contributions off the bench during the match. This victory underscores Leeds United’s determined push for promotion, with standout performances and crucial goals propelling them closer to their Premier League return.
