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Leeds United player ratings as Rodon, James and Solomon shine in dramatic Swansea win

Leeds United's Manor Solomon celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game
-Credit: (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)


Leeds United edged a classic at Swansea City as they came away 4-3 winners with late goals making it a dramatic finale. The first half did not go the visitors' way.

They conceded inside 10 minutes after Harry Darling was given time and space to guide home a free-kick inside the six-yard box. The initial free-kick was a questionable decision in itself, but United's marking was even worse.

The Whites then equalised through Manor Solomon after a Daniel James breakaway eventually teed the Israeli up at the back post for a tap-in. Swansea would go in with the lead, however. Liam Cullen steered home a shot off the Uniterd upright with Illan Meslier stranded and grasping at thin air.

The second half saw even more drama with goals exchanged, but Wilfried Gnonto scoring at the death to send the visitors top of the table.

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

Not a huge amount for him to do, despite Swansea's impressive possession. Questions around his attempt and positioning on the second home goal. Decent late save from range. 5

2 Jayden Bogle

Struggled to find his place in the game in the first half. Wanted to attack and ask questions of Swansea, but they were exploiting the space he left every time they attacked. Ronald was a problem for him. Some improvement second half and deserves credit for his part in the second away goal. 6

6 Joe Rodon

Superb. So many of Swansea's attacks and long bouts of possession were ended by the Welsh wall at the Leeds end. Covered for Bogle frequently when the right-back was exploited by the hosts. Big blocks around the box too. 8

5 Pascal Struijk (c)

Not quite as involved as Rodon and certainly should have done better when he lost the ball ahead of Swansea's second strike. Smart pass into Byram ahead of the third goal. 6

25 Sam Byram

Had his hands full with Ronald and took a yellow, but just about kept his head above water. Great run into space before the third goal too. 7

22 Ao Tanaka

Maybe not as polished or as tidy as his best displays, but still really effective in the middle of the park. Not quite the gravity of Hollywood passes, but broke up play and put some really important tackles in to stop Swansea. 7

8 Joe Rothwell

Not quite the protection Leeds needed from him in the centre. Didn't stand out for his passing as much as usual either. Looked like he was chasing shadows at times as Swansea poured forwards. 6

7 Daniel James

Big hand in three of the four goals as he served them up from the right flank. Always lively, but it didn't always fall for him as he would have liked. Josh Tymon did give him a hard time at points. Came up big for the team when they needed him too though. 8

11 Brenden Aaronson

Pretty quiet throughout the afternoon. Never really involved in any of United's best play. Looked a little overrun. 6

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14 Manor Solomon

Two goals and the ideal platform for him to now build from through the winter. They were finishes he would be expected to bury, but he did so emphatically. Not always involved in the build-up, but at the sharp end of the attacks when they did hit the box. 8

10 Joel Piroe

Difficult afternoon for him. Important in keeping the centre-backs on their toes, but nothing really came his way to make headlines or hurt the hosts. Robbed of his one chance by the own goal. 6

Substitutes

26 Karl Darlow

9 Patrick Bamford

17 Largie Ramazani

19 Mateo Joseph (on for Piroe 74min)

Put himself about. Not a lot fell for him. Should have done better at the death with Aaronson asking for the ball in acres inside the box. 6

23 Josuha Guilavogui (on for Rothwell 84min)

Late change to shore things up. N/A

29 Wilfried Gnonto (on for Solomon 74min)

High quality finish and great composure at the death when Leeds needed him to come up trumps. 7

37 James Debayo (on for James 90+4min)

Late change to shore things up. N/A

39 Max Wober (on for Byram 83min)

Late change to shore things up. N/A

50 Charlie Crew