Leeds United were unable to continue their strong run of form, with a relatively limp performance against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, August 27th. Learn more about what made the difference between this match and other recent ties, the Whites’ Man of the Match, and the fans’ ratings after a dismal day on the south coast.
Leeds United Player Ratings Against Brighton
It was a difficult game, although we had options until the end to achieve something else. Now there is no time for regrets because on Tuesday we have to be at our best to fight for win. #MOT pic.twitter.com/OEROX7WUzv
— Diego Llorente (@diego_2llorente) August 27, 2022
Set Piece Reset
One of the greatest strengths of Jesse Marsch’s training and preparation is the focus on set pieces. There is a clear plan in place. Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison stand over the ball, agree on a strategy and signal the intention to the team. In fact, the plan has created plenty of goals already. However, this wasn’t the case against the Seagulls.
Graham Potter’s incredibly drilled side prevented the Whites from having enough set pieces for the training to shine through. The Elland Road outfit’s grip on the game increased towards the end, but by this point Harrison and Aaronson were off the pitch, leaving Adam Forshaw’s suboptimal delivery as the only option. Leeds United couldn’t make the most of their set pieces because Brighton simply didn’t allow them to have any.
Man of the Match
Last week’s Man of the Match Jack Harrison saw a drastic rebound in his rating. Meanwhile, this week’s best player took the award as a result of his ongoing consistency. Illan Meslier’s average rating this season so far is 7.75, clearly reflecting the way the Frenchman keeps overperforming his XG against. He is proving himself to be one of Elland Road’s key assets and is a key part of the side’s drive for Premier League survival.
As one of the most promising goalkeepers around, Meslier is potentially in reach of a World Cup berth in the France squad. However, a poor 2021/22 season for the Whites likely affects his chances. Such an overperformance this campaign could propel the Frenchman forward and potentially place him amongst the likes of Mike Maignan, Hugo Lloris, and Alphonse Areola in Qatar.
Leeds United Player Ratings
The fans rated the Leeds United players, Jesse Marsch, and referee Michael Salisbury as below:
- Michael Salisbury (Referee) – 2.55
- Jesse Marsch (Manager) – 5.58
- Illan Meslier – 7.45
- Rasmus Kristensen – 5.41
- Diego Llorente – 4.60
- Robin Koch – 6.08
- Pascal Struijk – 4.94
- Tyler Adams – 5.98
- Marc Roca – 5.47
- Brenden Aaronson – 6.36
- Jack Harrison – 5.35
- Dan James – 5.29
- Rodrigo – 3.62
- Mateusz Klich (Sub) – 5.99
- Luis Sinisterra (Sub) – 6.40
- Joe Gelhardt (Sub) – 5.84
- Adam Forshaw (Sub) – 5.64
