A game to forget and a performance that stunk of a side sorely missing a quality striker, as Newcastle United left Leeds with a 0-0 draw.
Here are our ratings out of 10 and comments on each Mag involved at Elland Road tonight:
Pope (6.5) – Commanded his area well and saved well from Calvert-Lewin late on. Still has his shaky moments in possession. Booked for cutting out Leeds’ chance to catch him off his line after sweeping up.
Trippier (5.5) – Found the energetic Gnonto a handful in the first half. Doesn’t have the legs to get up and down the wing anymore and struggled to dictate the play like he sometimes can.
Schar (7) – Almost scored with an audacious chip before blazing a left foot shot into the stands. Did what he usually does in defence which is neat and tidy.
Botman (8) – One streaky headed clearance in the first half aside and it was an assured performance from our Rolls Royce. Would start in most premier league teams.
Burn (7) – Some typically robust challenges and always available to receive the ball. Fewer set pieces and throw in’s meant he wasn’t able to be a threat in attack.
Livramento (7.5) – Bright spark in an otherwise dull game. Played much higher up on the left hand side and looked to take on Bogle with every opportunity. Top talent and great athlete who is also solid defensively.
Tonali (6) – Far from his best today. Not sure if he was still hampered by the shoulder complaint but it was one of his quieter games. Didn’t do much wrong but below what we expect.
Guimaraes (4.5) – A big drop off from the Liverpool game. Was rattled by Longstaff all game and lost the battle between them. Caught in possession on more than one occasion which led to dangerous counter attacks.
Murphy (5) – At least he tested Perri in the Leeds goals with a couple of shots but he failed to take his opportunity with a lethargic display. Didn’t do enough to stay in the team and looked lost in the 3-5-2 system.
Ramsey (7) – Encouraging. Played a lovely square ball for Osula in the first half which should’ve led to an opening goal. Carries the ball well and added pace to our midfield, but left the field at half time due to a slight ankle knock.
Osula (4) – Had a couple of opportunities in the first half but was anonymous otherwise. Too much bounced offf him and he didn’t react quickly enough to balls into the box. With Woltemade watching on, Osula did nothing to show that he’s anything more than an impact sub, sadly.
Miley (5) – Cheap give away led to a Leeds attack. He’s tidy on the ball but there’s an extra gear there that needs to come out for a player of his size and potential.
Elanga (4) – Awful. He was wasteful on the few occasions he had the ball in threatening areas, with a few loose touches and poor crosses. Showed one burst of speed and power against Struijk but in possession he left a lot to be desired.
Hall (6) – Gives us a much better balance on the left when he’s on the pitch and fired one shot over. Has to be pushing for a start against Wolves.
Barnes (4) – Anonymous. Never got into the game at all and has started the season very slowly.