The player ratings are in following Leeds United’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
The white and yellow half of Wembley was in fine voice prior to kick-off, but the noise failed to light a fire under Daniel Farke’s men. They spent much of the first half camped in their own half, unable to get any sort of grip on the game.
Chelsea’s dominance was rewarded after 23 minutes, when Enzo Fernandez headed home from a Pedro Neto cross.
Farke shuffled the Leeds pack at half-time, introducing trusted lieutenants Joe Rodon and Anton Stach in place of James Justin and Jaka Bijol. The switches put a spring in the Leeds step as Chelsea’s grip loosened, but a breakthrough proved impossible to find.
The defeat brought an end to Leeds’ FA Cup journey and continued their wait for a win at the ‘new’ Wembley, a ground they have lost 1-0 in on three separate occasions.
Dissection can be tough when emotions are running high, but Farke must pore over the afternoon’s events in excruciating detail. There will be lessons to take into the final four games of the club’s Premier League season, with safety not yet secured.
Fans will undoubtedly have contrasting views on individual performances – views they will share long into the week and beyond. Here are the ratings awarded by The Yorkshire Post at Wembley.
9. Gabriel Gudmundsson - 5
The Elland Road faithful have come to expect a lot from the Swede, who has been a shrewd signing and a bargain at £10m. Under the Wembley arch, however, he was all at sea for significant portions of the opening 45 minutes. He looked more settled after the break. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
10. Brenden Aaronson - 5
Put nowhere near enough power on his shot when sent through on goal in the first half. He buzzed around as he always does, but technical quality was in short supply. | Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
11. Noah Okafor - 5
When he won a dangerous free-kick inside the opening 30 seconds, hope of Okafor being in full flow was sparked. It did not quite pan out that way, as the Swiss attacker struggled to exert much influence. He was guilty of picking the wrong option and rushing. He tired quickly in the second half and came off in the 74th minute. | Adam Davy/PA Wire
12. Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 5
Left isolated in an area of the pitch Leeds spent nowhere near enough time in. He provided a lovely pass to set Aaronson up for a glorious opportunity, but it was a fleeting moment of magic. Could have done better with one opportunity in particular, but could only muster a tame header. | Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images