Match Report and Player Ratings: Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 0 Leeds United

Leeds United played out a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday in today’s early kick off in the Sky Bet Championship.

After a very lacklustre first half from both teams the tie looked like it could go either way going into the break with very little chances being created. The game took its time to come to life, especially in the first half with both sides struggling to get going.

Wednesday applied the early pressure forcing Kiko Casilla into making a couple of really good saves. Leeds had a great shout for a penalty in the 19th minute when Ben White was pulled back by Atdhe Nuhiu in the box but somehow the ref saw nothing in it.

Leeds came very close to breaking the deadlock just before half time, Jack Harrison played an exquisite outside of the boot ball into the box for Patrick Bamford. The number nine saw his cushioned header impressively turned wide by Kieran Westwood in the Wednesday goal meaning both sides went into the break level.

Eddie Nketiah replaced Bamford for the second half and looked very dangerous for the Whites in the second half. However, it was Wednesday who nearly took the lead 5 minutes after the break when Steven Fletcher saw his left footed first time curler rocket off of the crossbar.

Wednesday applied some pressure on the Whites when they endured a good spell of possession around the hour mark, but the Owls could not find the net. Leeds also then took some momentum in the closing stages with Eddie Nketiah causing some serious problems for the Sheffield defence and Ezgjan Alioski hitting the post, but were unable to make it count meaning the 0-0 scoreline was probably deserved for both parties.

PLAYER RATINGS

Kiko Casilla - 9

The Spaniard was the best player for the Whites today. Some brilliant saves from the former Real Madrid man kept United in the game during spells of Wednesday pressure.

Luke Ayling - 6

Another 90 minutes in the tank for Ayling after missing the start of the season through injury, not much to talk about regarding him today, didn’t do much wrong, didn’t do anything spectacular either.

Ben White - 9

The Brighton loanee was outstanding today for Leeds United and deservedly picked up the Sky Bet man of the match award. Won most of his individual battles and looked to play out every time he had the ball, well played Ben!

Gaetano Berardi - 6

A clean sheet for the make-shift centre back today, moved to right back at one point during the game showing his versatility once again, proving to be a valuable squad member this season, with Cooper fit again we may say his playing time cut down soon.

Gjanni Alioski - 5

There’s no doubting that Alioski gives 100% every week and really cares about the club. Although he got up and down the left hand side very well today, I just feel his composure on the ball and passing accuracy was rather poor today. However he still played his part in a back four that kept a clean sheet.

Kalvin Phillips - 6

Wasn’t the best of Kalvin today but also wasn’t the worst. Broke play up well in some instances today but failed to make any real impact on the game, some poor deliveries from set-pieces too but we’ll let him off because its Kalvin at the end of the day.

Mateusz Klich - 5

Didn't really get into the game today, was wasteful in the final third sometimes when chances could have been created, wasn’t necessarily bad but didn’t really contribute much

Stuart Dallas - 7

Mr Reliable himself of course put in a good shift for the side. For me has been one of if not Leeds’ best player since the play-off’s last season and has not put a foot wrong all season. Like Berardi, Stuart is a versatile player for the squad and has played in various positions for the team already this season. Was solid on and off the ball today, one of the better performers.

Helder Costa - 6

It certainly feels we are yet to see the Costa that tore this league apart for Wolves a few years ago but it feels like with more games and minutes he will get there. Was clear to see today that he can get up and down that wing and make things happen but it didn't come off every time today, was knocked off the ball rather easily today but he will get there i’m sure.

Jack Harrison - 7

Although some of his decision making was sometimes questionable today I felt like Jack really tried to make things happen on that left flank. Seems to be growing in confidence every week and could prove to be an important figure this season. And he gets a 7 for that trivela cross for Bamford in the first half.

Patrick Bamford - 6

To the naked eye it looked as if Bamford did next to nothing in the first half however Leeds’ lack of control in the early stages of the second half showed what he brings to the side. Today was not one of his best performances I must say, however he was extremely unlucky that his header before the break did not find the net. Took a knock to the ankle today and was subbed at the break.

Eddie Nketiah - 8

Eddie is surely in line for a start now. He must be getting frustrated now as he continues to perform when coming on and today was no different. Although Leeds seemed more in control with Bamford on, Nketiah causes defenders so many problems with his raw pace and low centre of gravity, felt he gave Leeds an attacking edge when he came on today.

Liam Cooper - N/A

Only played the final 15 minutes but very good to see the skipper back fit and on the pitch.