Leeds Player Ratings: Leeds United 3 - 0 Southampton.

Leeds United produced an excellent second half performance to run out 3-0 winners against Southampton at Elland Road.

The Saints had the better of the first half. Southampton had a penalty given, before it was correctly overturned by VAR and Che Adams thought he had scored late in the first half but the free-kick was taken before the whistle was blown. Leeds also had a couple of good chances, but they weren’t taken by Tyler Roberts and Raphinha respectively.

Leeds took the lead early in the second half. Patrick Bamford’s run was found brilliantly by Roberts and Bamford finished well across Alex McCarthy. Leeds then had a couple of good chances to extend the lead through Bamford and Diego Llorente.

Leeds did make it two with a great break. Pablo Hernandez and Stuart Dallas combined to find Helder Costa. Costa picked out a good pass to return it to Dallas, who finished very well with his left-foot. Costa was again involved in Leeds 3rd goal, winning the free-kick which Raphinha put past Alex McCarthy to make it 3-0.

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 LINEUP

Illan Meslier - Good save from Bertrand when he went through. Another good one at his near post to deny Stuart Armstrong. Distributed the ball well overall. 7.5/10

Diego Llorente - Had a pen given against him before it was overturned, was never a foul. Had a great chance to score himself on the hour mark but was denied by a good save. Incisive pass into Roberts was important in the build up to the first goal. Defended well and got through the game. 7.5/10

Pascal Struijk - Lost Vestergaard at an early set-piece and lucky that he headed the ball wide. Much better after that early error. 7/10

Liam Cooper - Got beaten very easily by Tella for a great chance but much like Struijk, only had the one error. Played a few good long passes which lead to chances as well. 7.5/10

Luke Ayling - Defended well overall despite some struggles against the impressive Tella. Showed good energy, especially in his defensive work where he had to chase infield a lot. 7/10

Mateusz Klich - Seemed to be second best in his midfield battle before going off with an injury. Has been struggling for fitness for a while. 5/10

Tyler Roberts - Had Leeds’ first good chance but his finish was poor and well off target. Excellent pass to set up Bamford for the opening goal. Put another good chance just wide soon after Leeds went 1-0 up. Sometimes allowed his man to get away from him but did well overall. 7/10

Stuart Dallas - Fantastic pass to put Raphinha through on goal and would have been worth the assist had Raphinha taken the chance. Set up another great chance for Bamford. Got on the scoresheet himself with an excellent finish to make it 2-0. Won his tackles well and was good on the ball. 8/10

Raphinha - Started on the left. Created Leeds first good chance for Roberts soon after moving to the right. Played two shocking passes in four seconds to lose it twice leading to the penalty decision that was overturned. Took far too long after going clean through on goal and was tackled by Romeu. Set up another chance for Roberts soon after the opening goal. Scored a good free-kick to make it 3-0. Moved back to the left for the second half, and absolutely destroyed Jan Bednarek. First half wasn’t his best but he was still a threat - second half was outstanding. 8.5/10

Patrick Bamford - Couldn’t get involved in the first half but scored with an excellent finish just two minutes into the second half. Went close again with a chance on his right soon after but was denied by a save. Pressed well throughout the match which will have taken a lot of energy. Also had a good clearance off the line. 7.5/10

Jack Harrison - Started on the right. Moved to the left. Very quiet on both sides. 5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Helder Costa (for Harrison, HT) - Showed good pace early to get in behind a win a corner, then chase back 60 yards to get back and cover a counter attack. Worked hard. Picked the right pass to set up Dallas for Leeds second goal. Broke well to win the free-kick from which Leeds made it 3-0. Missed a good chance late on. This was much more like it. 7.5/10

Ezgjan Alioski (for Klich, 58mins) - Linked up well down the left, handled his defensive duties well. 7/10

Pablo Hernandez (for Roberts, 74mins) - Involved in the build up to Leeds second goal. Looked good when involved. 7/10