U23 player ratings as Bamford and Ayling make comeback in late Man City defeat - Leeds Live 29/11/21
Here are the full time player ratings from Leeds United U23s' 3-2 defeat to Manchester City U23s
Leeds United visited Manchester City's state-of-the-art
academy facilities on Monday night for their latest outing in PL2 Division 1.
Up against a team boasting England youth internationals Cole
Palmer and James McAtee, Leeds fought well, naming a strong starting XI which
included returning first Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling.
The Whites went ahead through Sam Greenwood's well-taken
spot-kick just before half-time, but were pegged back two minutes after the
restart.
Leeds went in front again, Greenwood striking low once more,
after Romeo Lavia had been sent off for the hosts.
James McAtee drew level with a special finish, dummying past
Leeds' central defenders and in the final minute of normal time, a lucky bounce
of the ball allowed Cole Palmer to slot into an empty net.
Leeds were ultimately defeated again, but not for the want
of trying.
Kristoffer Klaesson - 5
The Norwegian made several basic but decisive stops during
the first half, taking the sting out of City's efforts on target and holding
them close to his chest. It was better, but he was suspect at City's first and
third goals, failing to defend his near post or fully secure his smothering of
Palmer's initial attempt to win it in the final moments.
Luke Ayling - 8
An encouraging comeback performance from the right-back who
linked up well down the right with Crysencio Summerville, Jack Jenkins and
Patrick Bamford. Just like old times. It was noticeable having an established
first-team player in the back four.
Kris Moore - 6
Began the game as right-sided central defender, before
shuffling over to left-back at half-time following Ayling's planned
substitution.
Nohan Kenneh - 7
A couple of decisive interventions and interceptions inside
the Leeds penalty area as City streamed forward. Generally had a handle on City
No. 9 Luke Bolton who is four years his senior.
Made a crucial interception late on to deny City a clear run
on goal.
Leo Hjelde - 5
Substituted at the end of the first half with what appeared
to be a muscle strain. He went down off the ball and tried to carry on after
treatment, but was unable. It looked to be his calf. A quiet half other than
that from the Norwegian, but he's looking more comfortable at left-back than
when he first arrived.
Jack Jenkins - 6
Anchored the Leeds midfield today with Bate a touch further
forward in the No. 8. Building on some encouraging performances with a
succession of consistent displays after missing the first chunk of the season
through injury. Went to right-back in the second half.
Lewis Bate - 7
In a word: busy. Lewis Bate was the architect of Leeds'
first goal, threading in Crysencio Summerville with a short but intelligent
pass nobody else saw. He escaped pressure well and fought well in 50-50s with
James McAtee.
Tied up all the loose ends in the second half when moving
back to defensive midfield.
Sam Greenwood - 7
Somehow escaped a booking inside the opening 20 minutes,
committing four fouls by biting into challenges at the end of his pressures.
Again, can't fault the work-rate from the captain tonight, and his spot-kick -
watched on by Patrick Bamford just over his shoulder - was inch-perfect. He
arrowed it low into the left-hand corner, just out of reach.
In the second half, he doubled his haul with a well-struck
left-footed effort into the bottom corner from just inside the area.
Stuart McKinstry - 6
A quiet first half from McKinstry who witnessed most of
Leeds' moves flow down the opposite flank. In the second half, he was a tad
more influential and grabbed an assist for Greenwood's second, playing a good
pass into the penalty area.
Crysencio Summerville - 7
Summerville did not have an overly eventful evening, but
still managed to impact the game, winning a penalty just before half-time by
getting his body between the ball and CJ Egan-Riley. Even in quiet
performances, he tends to come up with something.
Patrick Bamford - 6
Hallelujah. Patrick Bamford returned to the field and made a
noticeable difference, holding it up, linking play well with his teammates and
saw a 20-yard strike disallowed for offside during the opening 45 minutes.
Pressed well, too. Much quieter second half, but this was a fitness exercise
first and foremost.
Patrick Bamford last played for Leeds United back in
mid-September.
Subs:
Liam McCarron - 5
Played in a more attacking role than we've been used to this
season. Added directness but final ball was lacking once or twice.
Charlie Cresswell - 6
Held the defence together well but went walkabout late on as
Nohan Kenneh tidied up with a decisive interception as City had a 2-vs-1.
Decent defensive work otherwise.
Archie Gray - 5
Difficult one, as it seemed his teammates were intent on
playing hospital passes into him each and every time.