Leeds Player Ratings - Leeds 1 - 1 Brentford

Leeds United fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Brentford FC at Elland Road.

The first half was an even affair but Brentford had the better chances. The visitors then took the lead through a Neal Maupay penalty following what can only be described as “a blatant dive” from Ollie Watkins.

This terrible decision was only one of what felt like 50 poor decisions from referee Jeremy Simpson who looked like he had never seen a football match before. Luke Ayling was sent off following two harsh yellow cards, particularly the second one. This, after Moses Odubajo (who was already on a deserved booking) was not given a second yellow card for a foul on Jack Clarke. Bees manager Dean Smith substituted Odubajo immediately because he knew he should have been sent off. That on top of Sergi Canos headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski which went completely unpunished.

Leeds managed to get onto the front foot and grabbed an equaliser with a header from Sweden international Pontus Jansson. On the balance of the football, I think a draw is a fair result. However, the refereeing performance really makes this result feel very harsh on Leeds who, to use a cliche, were against 12 players for long periods.

Time now to look at each player and how they performed. As always you can tell me how wrong I am @mightywhitespod or @ThruItAllLUFC on twitter.

STARTING LINE-UP

Bailey Peacock-Farrell - Made several simple saves and a couple of very good ones. The save low to his right to tip Neal Maupay’s effort round the post was particularly good. His “foul” for the penalty but he doesn’t lose any score because it was, as said above, “a blatant dive”. 7/10

Luke Ayling - Not a good day for Ayling. His passing was not up to the standard you expect from him and getting sent-off, although it was harsh, never helps the rating. Struggled at times against Tom Daley Ollie Watkins and wasn’t able to have the impact in attack he normally would. 4/10

Pontus Jansson - Has been really good for a few matches now. Today, probably his best performance of the season. In the 3-0 home win against Preston he was imperious and today he was every bit as good if not better. Plus, he scored Leeds’ equaliser with a good header to beat keeper Luke Daniels.

Won everything in the air and was great in the tackle. He read the game excellently to make some crucial interceptions when Brentford could have caused some problems. His passing was really good as well. Was already going to win my Man of the Match award before he scored and now just wins it more comfortably. Brilliant performance. 9.5/10

Liam Cooper - Passing was a bit sloppy at times and played Leeds into trouble needlessly on too many occasions including in the build up to the penalty which was, once again, “a blatant dive”. Overshadowed by his CB partner today. 6/10

Stuart Dallas - Playing in a much less natural left-back role and did an ok job of it. A couple of times he got caught a bit out of position. Got kicked up in the air early and following that had a 10 minute period where his defending improved. Offered very little in an attacking sense. 6/10

Kalvin Phillips - Didn’t see the best of Phillips today, one of a few who played “alright”. Some strong tackling in midfield and his passing was ok without being up to the standards set earlier in the season. Only an amazing save from Daniels preventing him getting his first goal of the season from close range. 6.5/10

Jack Harrison - Not able to get on the ball enough, not always his fault as some of his better runs weren’t found in the first half. When he did get on the ball he was unable to beat his man, or to produce anything really creative. Not his best day. 5/10

Mateusz Klich - Found it tough against Romaine Sawyers and particularly Kamohelo Mokotjo (who was really good in the Bees midfield). Conceded a few free-kicks, most of which were not fouls. Got knocked about a bit and lost one of his contact lenses. Battled gamely but not at his best. 5.5/10

Samu Saiz - Had a decent left-foot effort at the end of the first half but this was one of his quietest game for a while. Didn’t show enough while he was on the pitch. Second half he put in more work as he increased his chasing down and won a couple of headers. 5/10

Ezgjan Alioski - When playing on the left-wing, he did fine but no better. Link up with Dallas wasn’t as fluid as it is with Barry Douglas, but did cover Dallas well a couple of times. Then, he moved to left-back during the second half where he was really good. Made 5/6 excellent tackles in key defensive areas and showed good pace to get across when Brentford nearly went clean through on the counter attack. Put some good deliveries into the box and got the assist for Jansson’s goal. If Douglas is still injured for the Blackburn Rovers game after the international break, this was a good argument for Alioski to replace him. 7.5/10

Tyler Roberts - Had to drop deep to get on the ball a lot but did that fairly well. Hold up play was well but he didn’t have the goal threat you would hope to see. 6/10

SUBSTITUTES

Adam Forshaw (for Klich, 63mins) - Passing was accurate without being penetrative. Solid enough but won’t be enough to force his way ahead of Klich. 5.5/10

Jack Clarke (for Dallas, 70mins) - Played right-wing and looked comfortable with senior football. Didn’t give the ball away and produced some neat footwork on a couple of occasions. One good driven cross. Nice to see him finally make a deserved first team debut. Odubajo fouled him twice immediately and should have been booked for both. 6/10

Lewis Baker (for Saiz, 76mins) - Went close with a free-kick which was his first touch. Gave the ball away a bit too much. Similar to Saiz as most things he tried did not come off. 5/10