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Leeds United piled the misery on Middlesbrough’s fanbase and their manager Jonathan Woodgate with a 4-0 win at Elland Road.
WHAT. A. GAME.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 30, 2019
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Helder Costa, along with two for Poland international Mateusz Klich, gave Marcelo Bielsa’s men an incredibly comfortable win and returned Leeds to the top of Championship table.
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
Kiko Casilla - Had very little to do in terms of saves - biggest one was a low save from a freekick which was well held. Distributed the ball well and his turn on Ashley Fletcher was brilliant. 7/10
Luke Ayling - Played on the right of a back three, although based on the first 10 minutes he could have been a winger as he had two good early efforts on goal. Good in possession all game and tackled well. Performance level started high and was maintained. 8.5/10
Luke Ayling made 20 more touches (72) and twice as many interceptions (4) as any player involved at Elland Road in the first half (72).
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) November 30, 2019
Top Billing. #LUFC
Ben White - His usual self in defence where he was completely untroubled in defence. Moved into the Phillips role for the last 10 minutes and looked comfortable. Likely to start in that role against Huddersfield Town next weekend with Kalvin Phillips suspended and Adam Forshaw injured. 7.5/10
83 - Phillips off, Berardi on.
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) November 30, 2019
Ben White moving forward into defensive midfield. Presumably to become accustomed to a role he'll take on at Huddersfield.
4-0
Liam Cooper - Every bit as comfortable as White, passing was perhaps a touch better with some excellent passes into midfield. 8/10
Stuart Dallas - Got through a lot of work but didn’t stand out as much as some others. Seemed to start on the right but move over to an auxiliary left-wing-back role at times when Leeds were in possession. Another who could be an option to replace Phillips just because he seems to be able to play everywhere. Showed one moment of real quality to play Bamford in behind for a chance in the second half. 7.5/10
Kalvin Phillips - Another good game but he did pick up a yellow card for a rash challenge - he will now miss the derby with Huddersfield. Got the assist for the fourth goal but that has much more to do with the finish than the pass. 7.5/10
Phillips suspended agaisnt Huddersfield which could be costly he's crucial to how we play, big boots to fill who evere comes in !! #lufc
— Burny (@Aaronburnside) November 30, 2019
Mateusz Klich - This will have done the world of good. Worked hard and played well in his usual manner before his goal on the stroke of half-time ended the match as a contest. His second goal (Leeds fourth) was an absolute wonder goal and has a real shot of being Leeds goal of the season. Played the pass to Costa for his goal, but won’t officially get an assist as Boro players touched the ball as Costa got through the defence. 9/10
Mateusz Klich vs. Middlesbrough:
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) November 30, 2019
87 touches
48/62 successful passes
28/38 final third passes (most)
6 recoveries
3 shots
3 tackles won
2 shots on-target
2 times fouled
2 goals ⚽⚽
1 interception
Klich scored more goals today (2) than his previous 18 Championship matches. pic.twitter.com/NJrWbIPJbV
Helder Costa - Played on the right and had a go at beating his man but for an hour he wasn’t the most effective of Leeds options. Then, got on the scoresheet with an excellent finish. Hopefully the goal gives him confidence going forward. 7.5/10
Goooaaaaal get the f**k in #lufc 3-0 #boro #mot ... pic.twitter.com/0r5AdVjeeO
— Raymond Lunn (@giptonian) November 30, 2019
Pablo Hernandez - Not as his sparkling best but was very involved in his more central role. Picked up an assist for the first goal and also made a fair few tackles. 7.5/10
Jack Harrison - Unbelievably good first 10 minutes where he was able to attack well and produce good end product. Kept running at his man all game and played his part in the first two goals. Unlucky to have an excellent half-volley saved in the second half. 8/10
Patrick Bamford - Denied a couple of times by good saves but got his goal early. Doesn’t officially get the assist for the second goal but it was his cross that deflected to Klich. Lead the line well in addition to the end product. 8.5/10
Another goal and MOTM for... pic.twitter.com/c5nMpdLcXm
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 30, 2019
SUBSTITUTES
Ezgjan Alioski (for Costa, 76mins) - Game was over by the time the subs were made. N/A
Eddie Nketiah (for Bamford, 79mins) - Good to see him back on the pitch following his injury. N/A
4-0 up... and on comes Eddie! pic.twitter.com/GuLGk6u4XM
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 30, 2019
Gaetano Berardi (for Phillips, 83mins) - If Ben White moves into the Phillips role, he will probably start against Huddersfield. 10 minute test run went fine. N/A