{"id":18718,"date":"2025-04-14T08:13:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T08:13:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/18718\/"},"modified":"2025-04-14T08:13:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T08:13:57","slug":"leeds-united-player-ratings-vs-preston-as-manor-solomon-sublime-but-4-10-star-rubbish-once-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/18718\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds United player ratings vs Preston as Manor Solomon sublime but 4\/10 star rubbish once again"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Leeds United picked up another vital victory in the Championship promotion race by defeating Preston 2-1 on Saturday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though Leeds United<\/a> finally returned to winning ways at Middlesbrough on Tuesday,<\/a> the pressure remained intense after Burnley went back to the top of the table<\/a> on Friday.<\/p>\n

Leeds have made a habit of scoring early lately and did so once again at Elland Road,<\/a> with Manor Solomon<\/a> bending into the top corner with four minutes on the clock.<\/p>\n

However, this time around, Preston North End hit back instantly when Kaine Kesler-Hayden scored his own brilliant goal.<\/p>\n

Leeds didn\u2019t collapse after the blow and retook the lead shortly afterwards when Jayden Bogle<\/a> bundled in Solomon\u2019s excellent cross.<\/p>\n

Leeds came out guns blazing after the break as they looked to kill the game off, but Joel Piroe continued to miss great chances to settle lingering nerves.<\/p>\n

The Whites didn\u2019t manage to get a third, making it for another nerve-wracking closing stretch, but they got the win and with another defeat for Sheffield United, things are now looking great for Daniel Farke\u2019s<\/a> side.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how the players rated on a massive day.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoPhoto by Alex Dodd \u2013 CameraSport via Getty ImagesKarl Darlow \u2013 7<\/p>\n

This was a no-nonsense, reassuring performance from Karl Darlow,<\/a> who was quick off his line and commanding in the air as he claimed high balls, until the 71st minute when he inexplicably punched the ball outside his box.<\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the resulting free-kick was blocked by the wall. <\/p>\n

A good display, that one moment of madness aside, and the fact Leeds fans cheered every catch like a goal speaks volumes about Illan Meslier.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Jayden Bogle \u2013 9<\/p>\n

Was a goal threat with his desire to get forward even before he poked in Solomon\u2019s cross under pressure. A constant presence up the right flank, carrying the ball with the composure of a forward as he was able to make things happen when it didn\u2019t seem possible time and again.<\/p>\n

Was beaten a couple of times at the back early on but then provided some crucial defending when Leeds had to dig in.<\/p>\n

\n

What a chaotic start this has been!<\/p>\n

Leeds United restore their lead courtesy of Jayden Bogle \u2013 the game’s third goal in 12 minutes \ud83d\ude33\ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/2rh65425Bf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 12, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Joe Rodon \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Leeds\u2019 new undroppable centre-back pairing<\/a> put in another solid display, limiting Preston to very few shots. Joe Rodon<\/a> wasn\u2019t only resolute at the back but came forward out of the defence well on the ball to kick-start attacks.<\/p>\n

Somehow didn\u2019t score into an open goal from a corner.<\/p>\n

Ethan Ampadu \u2013 7<\/p>\n

Made a couple of important clearances and marshalled the back-line well as he continues to look at home in the heart of defence,<\/p>\n

Junior Firpo \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Should have attempted to push Kesler-Hayden down the line as he approached the goal but didn\u2019t get anywhere near the forward as he fired home. <\/p>\n

A major piece of bad defending but Junior Firpo<\/a> made up for it with lots of dangerous, exciting attacking play and would have got at least one assist if Piroe could finish. Didn\u2019t stop running all game.<\/p>\n

Ilia Gruev \u2013 8<\/p>\n

Ilia Gruev built on his positive performance on Tuesday<\/a> with another steady display in midfield. There weren\u2019t many thrills but he used the ball really nicely and efficiently, with his simple distribution helping create the opener.<\/p>\n

He carried it well and made the right decisions.<\/p>\n

Ao Tanaka \u2013 7<\/p>\n

A much brighter display from Ao Tanaka,<\/a> who still struggled on Tuesday when a lot of other players improved significantly. He was all action and moved the ball around nicely.<\/p>\n

Willy Gnonto \u2013 7<\/p>\n

Back in the side to replace the injured Dan James<\/a> and was really positive on the right flank. Linked up really well with Aaronson and Bogle, being at the heart of several lovely attacking moves. Missed a great chance to seal it, though.<\/p>\n

Brenden Aaronson \u2013 7<\/p>\n

Ran with a bit more purpose than has become usual, with good pressing and movement in threatening positions. There was nice interplay with his fellow forwards, but stronger finishing would have landed him a goal.<\/p>\n

Manor Solomon \u2013 9<\/p>\n

The type of clinical, match-winning performance Leeds have been missing from Solomon. He set the tone with an incredible goal early on and then set up the second with a pinpoint cross. Took on his full-back and was constantly dangerous whenever he got on the ball. Pulled the strings in a maestro performance.<\/p>\n

Joel Piroe \u2013 4<\/p>\n

You have to wonder what it will take for Joel Piroe to lose his place. <\/a><\/p>\n

This was a better performance than his recent outings, as he pressed better and looked a lot more lively in attack with committed pressing and good movement.<\/p>\n

Yet, he squandered an absurd number of chances, including hitting the bar from four yards. He still hasn\u2019t scored since February 24 and could hardly find the target here.<\/p>\n

Substitutes <\/strong><\/p>\n

Patrick Bamford \u2013 6<\/p>\n

Loud cheers welcomed his arrival with 11 minutes to go and he worked hard but didn\u2019t get any chances.<\/p>\n

Isaac Schmidt \u2013 6<\/p>\n

Another bright cameo but no opportunity to show his skill on the ball.<\/p>\n

Sam Byram \u2013 N\/A<\/p>\n

Came on in added time.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n