Leeds Player Ratings: Derby 1 - 3 Leeds

Nice to have a Leeds match where you know, no matter what happens, Leeds have succeeded.

Leeds United were comfortably the better side and came away with a 3-1 win against Derby County at Pride Park. A game where Marcelo Bielsa uncharacteristically made seven changes.

Leeds bossed the first half with no reward, before falling behind early in the second half to a deflected Chris Martin goal. However, Leeds equalised soon after through former Spain international Pablo Hernandez. Then, Jamie Shackleton gave Leeds the lead with his first goal in senior football before a Matt Clarke own-goal sealed Leeds 27th win of the season.

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 - He should not be playing as I have made clear. For the purposes of this though, I will stick to on the pitch. Had a mix-up with Ayling when he first came on the pitch that could have easily been an own-goal rather than a corner. Some good distribution, but a few too many kicks straight into touch. No chance on the goal due to the deflection. 6/10

Stuart Dallas - Not a standout but was good throughout. 6.5/10

Ben White - Classy throughout. The exact sort of performance you expect from him. 7/10

Gaetano Berardi - Made an excellent tackle on Tom Lawrence early. Had a bad landing where it looked like he rolled his ankle, went off on a stretcher. Hopefully not too serious. 6/10

Barry Douglas - Some good crosses which were a bit unlucky. Got into good positions and was good on the ball. No issues defensively. 6.5/10

Pascal Struijk - Looked good in the “Phillips Role”. Was impressed with his reading of the game, particularly when to come further up the pitch to make an option. Comfortable in possession and had a decent effort from distance in the first half. Less action in the second half but good again. Really impressive. 7.5/10

Ian Poveda - Played an excellent early through ball to put Tyler Roberts through on goal. Liveliest player on the pitch for the first 20 minutes. Had a goal disallowed just before half-time, looked a long way offside but it was a good finish. Got beaten to a ball he should have won in the build up to the opener for Derby. Good lofted pass to find Hernandez on the edge of the box for Leeds’ goal to make it 1-1. A good first start. 7.5/10

Jamie Shackleton - Great energy and pressing and had a couple of shots blocked. Great run in behind and finish to put Leeds 2-1 ahead. Has been unlucky not to play more so I am pleased he took the opportunity. 7.5/10

Pablo Hernandez - A couple of really dangerous early crosses. Involved in most of Leeds good play. Final 10 minutes of the first half he was spraying the ball around the pitch to set Leeds on attacks effortlessly. Great finish to make it 1-1, steered the bouncing ball into the corner excellently. As always, class personified, one late error to gift a chance which was a shock. 8/10

Ezgjan Alioski - Great energy down the left side and did some good defensive work. Fantastic cross for Matt Clarke’s own goal to make it 3-1. 6.5/10

Tyler Roberts - Had an early shot over, before having a better chance saved by Kelle Roos. Also had one dragged wide, and shot too close to Roos on a one-on-one chance. Some really good moments but without the finishing touch. Some of his decision making wasn’t great, but he did play an excellent through ball to set up Shackleton for Leeds’ second goal. 6.5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Luke Ayling (for Berardi, 33mins) - Immediate mix-up with Casilla but luckily he put it over the bar rather than in his own net. Untroubled after that and stepped out with the ball well despite a couple of errant passes.

Jack Harrison (for Poveda, 77mins) - Not on long enough to score. N/A

Patrick Bamford (for Roberts, 81mins) - Not on long enough to score. N/A