Leeds Player Ratings: Leeds 0 - 1 Sheff Utd

Leeds United and Sheffield United both put in below par performances, but the Blades were able to come out with a 1-0 win at Elland Road.

A second half Chris Basham goal was enough for the win and to take automatic promotion out of the hands of Leeds, who will now have to rely on results from elsewhere.

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 - Not at fault for the goal but it was the only shot on target. A bit reckless with the challenge at Billy Sharp’s feet but to be honest I lay more blame at the two defensive errors that preceded it. 5/10

Luke Ayling - Solid performance with nothing major to say. Had a couple of sloppy moments early on but then improved his passing and linked well with Pablo Hernandez and Mateusz Klich at times. 6/10

Pontus Jansson - Interesting day at the office for the Sweden international. Was in a real battle all day with Billy Sharp and took one in the face from him (in walks Sterling Archer: “Phrasing”). Also on the wrong end of a reckless George Baldock tackle which could well have been a red card. Solid in the air and didn’t have many tackles to make. Then picked up a knee injury, hobbled up front and went close from a Jack Clarke cross. Took the shirt and gloves from Casilla after the red card but wasn’t tested. 7/10

Liam Cooper - Has had a great season but has to take the fall for today unfortunately. A few too many poor passes but most of his defensive work was good for the first 70mins. Then, gets between Sharp and the ball and has nullified any danger before getting the ball caught under his feet and allowing Sharp to steal in and set up Basham for an easy finish. After that slices a clearance up in the air and behind him under no pressure which, combined with Kalvin Phillips’ error, lead to Casilla’s red card. 4/10

Ezgjan Alioski - His usual self with his seemingly endless energy down the left. Solid defensive work before being moved forward to the left wing in the second half. Put in some good crosses including one headed just wide by Tyler Roberts. Drew the ire of the crowd for taking a terrible corner in the final minute. 6/10

Kalvin Phillips - That John Fleck and Oliver Norwood had fairly quiet games is a testament to his control of the game. Made a lot of very good tackles. However, gave away a sloppy ball in the first half that lead to great break for Sheff Utd. Dealt with Liam Cooper’s sliced clearance really badly and left Kiko Casilla completely in the lurch so has to take his share of the blame for the Red Card. 6.5/10

Mateusz Klich - Set up Leeds’ best two chances for Jack Harrison and Tyler Roberts respectively. A really solid performance but not spectacular. 6.5/10

Pablo Hernandez - Leeds most creative outlet and tried his best to take control of the match. There was a few too many occasions when his pass was overhit or he couldn’t quite find his target. Leeds man of the match for me but no-one had a really good game. 7.5/10

Tyler Roberts - Was unlucky to hit the post with a rasping effort in the second half. Showed some really nice touches and his movement was good. Drifted out of the game at times though. 6.5/10

Jack Harrison - Missed Leeds’ best chance by putting a volley over the bar when he really should have scored. Didn’t do much else after that and it was not surprising that he was first player removed. 5/10

Patrick Bamford - His play dropping off the front was good and he held his own when it came to aerial balls. Had a tough battle as a lone striker against 3 centre-backs. Had one decent chance that was well blocked but didn’t provide enough of a goal threat. 6/10

SUBSTITUTES

Barry Douglas (for Jack Harrison, 57mins) - Got forward quite well and his passing was good. Ignored a few chances to put in a cross which was surprising. 6/10

Stuart Dallas (for Ayling, 77mins) - Brought on to be a more attacking option from right-back and did ok but can’t help but feel the pace of Jamie Shackleton could have had more of an impact. 6/10

Jack Clarke (for Klich, 77mins) - Didn’t have as much of an impact as he can, but still had an impact. Set up a great chance for a one-legged Pontus Jansson and Sheff Utd’s defenders immediately looked terrified of his pace and trickery. Great to have him back in the first team, could be crucial to the end of season run-in. 6.5/10