I don’t want this to become a regular thing in these ratings pieces but we should have come away with all 3 points last night and but for a deflected shot in the 89th minute, we would have done.
An excellent performance in the first half saw us head into half-time with a 1-0 lead at Elland Road and every single one of the lads over the 90 minutes can hold their heads high, they all grafted, worked for each other and the shirt. It was a pleasure to watch.
Here’s how we rated the players in the game…
Declan Rudd
Dec had another good game in the sticks and I think it’s safe to say that he kept us in it at times in the game. He made a very good save in the second half.
He’s certainly improved in the last few months and long may it continue. Just sign the contract, Declan!
Rating – 8
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Tom Clarke
Since the skipper has come back from injury he’s been superb. I have to admit that when I saw the line-up and Bauer was missing, I did have a bit of a moment at the thought of Clarke and Hunts facing up against Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford.
However, credit where it’s due, especially to Clarkey, he kept Harrison at arm’s length most of the night.
Rating – 7
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Paul Huntington
Last night he kept up his largely impressive recent form and the manager will have a decision to make should Bauer be available for Sunday’s home game against Reading.
Rating – 7
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Ben Davies
Back in the side after returning from injury, Davies showed just how much of a star player he is for us. Hopefully, in the second half of the season, he can continue the fine form he has shown since Alex Neil came to the club and help us to achieve something great come May.
Rating – 7
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Andrew Hughes
Another player whom, for me, since coming back into the side has shown us just what we’ve been missing and he did pretty well on that lefthand side up against Helder Costa.
I hope he stays in against Reading, he’s not played too much football this season due to his injury and his aerial prowess is a bonus. He won 7 aerial duels in the game against Leeds, the most of any player on the pitch.
Rating – 7
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Ben Pearson
As in the game against Cardiff, Pearo was brilliant again last night. As many people have been saying on social media, his ball through to Tom Barkhuizen in the build-up to the opening goal was superb.
He did pick up his 7th yellow of the season last night and the amnesty for 10 bookings is some time in the new year so let’s hope he can keep himself from getting too many more.
Rating – 7
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Alan Browne
A superb performance from Browney last night and his celebration for the goal was equally as enjoyable.
He’s gotten some stick from sections of our fans on social media this season but last night he looked back to his best that we were so accustomed to seeing from him last season and his fine left-footed finish capped off arguably the best counter-attacking goal in the Championship so far this season (granted, I’ve not seen any others so I’m happy to be shown better).
Rating – 8
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Tom Barkhuizen
Barky was, along with a few others, was one of the shining lights in our attack. His pace and directness in our high pressing game caused Leeds numerous issues and his touch into Alan Browne for the goal was brilliant.
Rating – 7
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Brad Potts
I have seen Pottsy getting slated in almost every corner of the internet that North End fans dwell and I believe he’s come in for some very unfair criticism. Recently he’s not been great at times but it’s worth remembering he missed the majority of pre-season with an injury and though he should be back to full match fitness now, in my opinion, you have to bear that in mind.
However, whenever he is deployed in the number 10 position, it’s because he’s given a job to do and that is to lead our high press from the front. For anyone who watched the game on Sky Sports, they had graphics on the screen showing our team’s average position on the pitch and Potts was the furthest forward of our XI, further forward than David Nugent, our striker.
Potts leads us from the front with his energy and endless running. There was a number of times that Leeds’ back four were caught out in the first half from our high press and Potts was a huge part of that. I think people need to open their eyes a bit more to Brad’s game and not be so top-level when looking at what he contributes to the team.
Is he the same player as the one who played last season? No, but that’s not because he “can’t be bothered” or whatever else has been thrown at him, it’s because he’s under instruction from the manager for how to play.
Rating – 7
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Sean Maguire
Much like Barky, Seanie was full of running all night and was often our outlet high up the pitch and getting us out of our half and away from pressure, especially in the second half.
He was still a bit rash with his shooting in the game but he’s clearly desperate for a goal and I’ve no doubt it will come.
Rating – 7
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David Nugent
Nuge was, as the rest of the front line, full of running all night. His average position, according to the aforementioned graphics on Sky Sports during the game, was moreover to the left side of our attack and he did okay.
However, up against Ben White and Luke Ayling, he did struggle at times. One thing you can never question is his commitment though and yes, it’s still good to see him back in Lilywhite.
Rating – 7
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Substitutes
First up, I have seen Ryan Ledson get pelters from one person in particular online and it’s laughable. He’s been here 18-months or so now but when he’s playing behind arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league, what’s he supposed to do to get in ahead of him?
I thought Ledson did okay when he came on and was very unlucky in the deflected shot going in off him.
As for Josh Harrop and Jayden Stockley, they were introduced too late to really be able to have any kind of effect on the game. It’s odd that Neil keeps making his changes so late on in games but I guess that’s up to Neil and what he sees.
Finally, there are two things… If you haven’t yet listened to part 1 of From the Finney Meets… Graham Alexander then get to it, part 2 is available tomorrow. You can listen to it by hitting the play button below.
Second, we recently did a written piece of content for Sky Sports detailing our Team of the Decade. Hit this link to give it a read and let us know what you think on our Twitter.
