Leeds United opened their account in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign as they secured all three points from their highly intriguing and entertaining 4-3 win over Fulham at the Craven Cottage earlier today.
A couple of goals by Helder Costa and one each by Mateusz Klich Patrick Bamford ensured the win of Marcelo Bielsa’s men, although Fulham did try to chisel a comeback through Aleksandar Mitrovic’s brace and Bobby Reid’s strike.
Here are our Leeds United player ratings from what transpired earlier today.
Illan Meslier 6/10
The custodian could have done better to prevent Fulham’s second and third goals. However, he did play an instrumental role in the build-up to his side’s fourth goal after he carved a delightful long pass to Jack Harrison.
Luke Ayling 6/10
Ayling kept Ivan Cavaleiro in check in the first period but struggled to impose any serious threat to the backline of the visitors.
Robin Koch 6/10
Despite being decent at the back, winning 8 aerial duels and making 2 tackles, he conceded a penalty which marred his outing.
Liam Cooper 7/10
Cooper marshalled the troops brilliantly at the back, thriving with his steady presence, and was aware of his positioning.
Stuart Dallas 5/10
Aboubakar Kamara caused all sorts of problems for Leeds United’s right-back and gave away possession for cheap. Besides, he was out of his position during Reid’s goal.
Kalvin Phillips 6/10
Although he catered to his defensive duties, he could not exert his offensive endeavours from the deep as he was kept at bay by Zambo Anguissa and Harrison Reed.
Helder Costa 9/10
Unarguably one of his finest performances for the Peacocks, Costa bagged a brace and was always a threat for the London based outfit. On most of the occasions, he made good use of the ball and drove forward with firm resolve.
Rodrigo Moreno 5/10
He came in for Pablo Hernandez after the latter picked up a groin strain in the warm-up and was clearly confused on the pitch, which is why he was rightfully substituted at the break.
Mateusz Klich 8/10
Klich converted from the spot and assisted Bamford for the third goal from Bielsa’s clan. He was always in the hunt to recover possession and showed a commendable work ethic.
Jack Harrison 7/10
Down the left flank, Harrison did a fine job and went toe-to-toe against Kenny Tete. There was apparently no dearth in energy from him and contributed during his team’s fourth goal.
Patrick Bamford 8/10
The striker won a penalty after Joe Bryan committed a foul on him inside the box and also found the back of the net to give the Whites their third goal.
Substitutions
Tyler Roberts 7/10
After replacing Rodrigo at half time, Roberts recycled possession with brilliance and inject a lot of intent into Leeds United’s attack.
Ezgjan Alioski 6/10
Despite the energy he played with, he lacked the end product and has to improve in order to challenge for a place in the starting lineup.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
