Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Byram impress in dominant Luton win

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship on Wednesday night with a dominant win over Luton Town. They scored three goals in a night of one-way traffic.

The first half could hardly have been more one-sided. The Whites were dominant from the start and scored early through a spectacular Sam Byram scissor-kick.

Joel Piroe added a crucial second on the stroke of half-time that killed the away team talk at the break. Luton were a shadow of the team that made a decent fist of it in the Premier League last season.

Daniel James added a third from the bench to seal the three points.

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

Another game spent as a virtual spectator. Looked awkward as he tried to deal with one of the few moments of danger Luton created. Off his line without any real conviction or confidence and it only made it easier for Victor Moses to chip him. Couple of decent late moments to keep Luton out. 7

2 Jayden Bogle

Solid evening without any issues for the right-back. Some neat passes into the final third and offered an extra man in the final third as Luton retreated. 7

6 Joe Rodon

A fairly quiet evening for the Wales international. Dealt with everything in his path, but calm and collected. 7

5 Pascal Struijk (c)

No troubles in defence and saved a certain goal with his clearance off the line from one of the visitors' rare attacks. Another good header on a corner lead to the second goal. 8

25 Sam Byram

A constant threat in attack and so much confidence in his movement forward into an inverted position. Scissor kick was on nobody's bingo card for the evening. Goal of his career, surely. 8

8 Joe Rothwell

Kept the team ticking over as each attack was created in waves from his central pivot. Set-pieces were decent enough. Cruised through opposition like this. 7

22 Ao Tanaka

A lot less asked of him in a defensive sense, but cleaned up so many loose balls or brief Luton attempts. Some sumptuous balls from deep into the attackers. Looked especially keen for a goal tonight. 7

29 Wilfried Gnonto

Lively return to the line-up for the Italian. Kept offering an option for the rest of the team in the final third. Arguably should have done better with the efforts he did get on target. 7

11 Brenden Aaronson

Some good bits and bad bits from the American. Seemed to shoot when he should have passed and passed when he should have shot. Picked up good positions, but execution not always there. Trying a touch too hard at times. 6

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14 Manor Solomon

More of a creator than a finisher tonight. Served up a number of chances throughout the evening with his pace and trickery out wide. Roamed around a lot too. 7

10 Joel Piroe

Not involved a huge amount. Took his goal well and there was one decent pass into Aaronson that caught the eye, but fairly quiet. 6

Substitutes

26 Karl Darlow

7 Daniel James (on for Gnonto 69min)

Picked up where he left off. So much confidence at the moment. Everything he tries seems to come off. Gorgeous run and lob for his goal. 8

9 Patrick Bamford

17 Largie Ramazani (on for Aaronson 83min)

Crucial minutes for the Belgian late on. N/A

19 Mateo Joseph (on for Piroe 69min)

Didn't catch the eye again. 6

23 Josuha Guilavogui (on for Rothwell 84min)

Late one with the game won. N/A

37 James Debayo

39 Max Wober (on for Byram 59min)

Bright and confident at both ends of the pitch. Wise to get him sharpened up ahead of the busy winter. He will be needed. 7

50 Charlie Crew