Leeds United player ratings as fighting spirit counts for nothing at the death
Leeds United fought hard but ultimately came away with a fourth straight defeat from their trip to Manchester City.
There were, though, lots of creditable performances from the defeated team.
Lucas Perri – was he fouled for the second goal or too weak, as the officials decided? Made some decent saves 7
Jayden Bogle – dealing with Jeremy Doku is rarely easy, but he did it well 7
Joe Rodon – another who played a big part defensively, as Leeds were always going to have to 7
Pascal Struijk – made a big goalline stop and generally threw himself in the line of fire 8
James Justin – full debutant made one big block but he was unable to cut out the first goal 6
Ao Tanaka – a tired pass to give over possession for the winner just as Brenden Aaronson was stood ready to replace him 6
Ethan Ampadu – has not been at his best lately but did a very good job here 7
Ilia Gruev – quietly worked away 6
Daniel James – involved in the one counter-attack of note Leeds had in the first half 6
Lukas Nmecha – saw a decent penalty well saved but had the wit to put in the rebound 7
Willy Gnonto – exposed by City's tactic of having Matheus Nunes hug the touchline, never more than for the opening goal 5
Substitutes:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (for Gnonto, HT) – changed the whole feel of the game when he came on to partner Nmecha 8
Jaka Bijol (for James, HT) – did a good job in the centre of a back three 6
Gabriel Gudmundsson (for Justin, 69) – dropped so Justin could make his first start but did not let himself down when he came on 6
Noah Okafor (for Nmecha, 81) – no real opportunity to impact the game 6
Brenden Aaronson (for Tanaka, 90+1) – N/A
Not used: Piroe, Meslier, Harrison, Byram.