OPINION
Leeds United managed to defeat playoff hopefuls Derby County 2-0 on Friday night in a game overshadowed by a saga of spying.
The pre-game build up was dominated by allegations of a Leeds employee watching Derby’s training sessions and Marcelo Bielsa confirmed he had engaged in the controversial tactics.
However on the night it was the Whites who shone, Jack Clarke and Ezgjan Alioski stealing the limelight as they set up Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison for the goals.
So how did everyone in white get on in front of the Elland Road faithful?
This is Futbol has rated and slated the Elland Road stars against the Rams:
Goalkeeper and Defence
Peacock-Farrell: 4 – A lucky, lucky boy at Elland Road. Had very little to do in terms of saves but he needs to sort out his focus. Was caught in no man’s land when chasing a loose ball and should have been sent off for a nasty looking high boot in the second half. With his place in the side at risk anyway, this was only another reason for Bielsa to replace him.
Ayling: 8 – A superb defensive performance from the right back, who kept Derby quiet and threw himself of anything heading towards goal.
Alioski: 9 – The Macedonian’s transformation at wing back is nothing short of exceptional and he was one of the very best at Elland Road. Dangerous throughout, he did not give the visitors a sniff in defence.
Cooper: 7 – Not a lot came his nor Jansson’s way, and when it did, they dealt with it easily.
Jansson: 7 – See above, with the addition that he posed a threat at the other end of the pitch. Maybe should have done better with his chances.
Midfield
Harrison: 7 – Right place, right time for the winger when it came to his goal, having not made as much of an impact as his teammates down the wings. He brought the best out of Alioski though.
Forshaw: 8 – A controlling display from the former Middlesbrough man, who never gave the Rams a chance to catch their breath. Full of energy, his passing was exceptional too. One of his best displays in a Leeds shirt.
Klich: 7 – A quiet performance but an important one from the Polish star, who let his teammates steal the limelight. Hard working in possession, he broke down Derby attacks time after time off the ball.
Clarke: 9 – What a performance from this young man. His very first start for the club in the Championship and he took his opportunity with both hands. Dangerous every time he had the ball, Derby could not deal with him. Man of the match.
Attack
Hernandez: 7 – Leeds were sweating over the Spaniard in the build up and they will have been so grateful he was passed fit. Great vision throughout meant the Whites kept control of the game.
Roofe: 7 – His movement was exceptional to score the opener and continued to be a thorn in the side of the Derby defence throughout.
Substitutes
Shackleton: 6 – Coming on just after the hour mark, he performed solidly, if not going under the radar.
Davis: 6- Handed just over 10 minutes game time after replacing Jack Clarke, he did not have enough time to make much of an impact.