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Leeds United player ratings as Joel Piroe struggles in Bristol City stalemate

Joel Piroe of Leeds United competes for the ball with Zak Vyner of Bristol City
-Credit: (Image: Matt Impey/REX/Shutterstock)


Leeds United extended their unbeaten run to seven matches after being held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City. The Whites had the better of it on the afternoon, but never quite did enough to really test Max O'Leary consistently.

Wilfried Gnonto had the best of the away side's chances, while the defence held firm on an afternoon when the hosts blew hot and cold. The point means Leeds move to second in the table, with Sunderland and Burnley to play later this afternoon.

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

Given virtually nothing to do by the hosts. Anything in dangerous positions was repelled by the defence. Quickly off his line in the second half to head away from Sinclair Armstrong. 6

2 Jayden Bogle

Really not much asked of him defensively. Had to battle and scrap in the early exchanges. Did really well in attack down the second half. Several very classy crosses or dangerous passes to put team-mates into decent areas. 7

6 Joe Rodon

Very little needed from him. Nahki Wells was lively for the first 20 minutes or so, but Rodon had everything under control. Would have wanted better connection on a first-half header from a corner. Almost a spectator in the second half. 7

5 Pascal Struijk (c)

Much like Rodon, his hardest shift was in the opening 20 minutes, but he never had to get out of third gear. Cruised through the game, really. 7

25 Sam Byram

Would have been delighted to get back into the line-up and should stay in next weekend with Bogle suspended. Given a baptism of fire by the lively Yu Hirakawa in the first half. Winger got by him once or twice, but Byram improved. Tried to get forward after the break, but couldn't match Bogle's production. 7

22 Ao Tanaka

Another very solid afternoon. Not given much time or space in the first half as Bristol forced him into wider areas for the ball. Decent look at goal on a couple of occasions, but long-range efforts. Some lovely passes, as usual. 7

8 Joe Rothwell

Good mix of tackles and passes, again. Multiple chances created through the afternoon. Definitely found his sharpness after a few weeks in the starting XI now. 7

7 Daniel James

Had a few half-looks at goal. Should have done better with his final delivery after a pitch-long break from a defensive corner. Goalkeeper more than equal to his one vs one attempt. 6

11 Brenden Aaronson

Had some cracks at goal, but couldn't find the way through. Didn't offer a whole lot in open play going forward. Did though put in a massive shift off the ball. Eight tackles to win the ball back for the visitors. 6

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29 Wilfried Gnonto

Looked like if it was going to be anyone on Saturday, it was going to be Gnonto. The best attacker, both providing chances and taking his own, but didn't find that extra five per cent he needed. Drifted out of the game in the final quarter with fatigue. 7

10 Joel Piroe

An anonymous afternoon for Piroe. One memorable flick helped an attack in the first half, but other than that he had no impact on the match. Couldn't get to the one good delivery near him in the box. 5

Substitutes

26 Karl Darlow

9 Patrick Bamford (on for Gnonto 85min)

Didn't get a sniff. N/A

14 Manor Solomon (on for James 70min)

Didn't have any real bearing on the game. 5

19 Mateo Joseph (on for Piroe 70min)

Missed an early chance after coming on. Not much seen from him then on. 5

23 Josuha Guilavogui

30 Joe Gelhardt

33 Isaac Schmidt

37 James Debayo

50 Charlie Crew