Leeds United squandered a two-goal lead to ultimately share points with Southampton in a 2-2 draw.
Leeds United took the lead at St. Mary’s courtesy of Rodrigo, who scored right after the start of the second half. He doubled the Whites’ lead in the 60th minute, and it seemed Leeds would walk away with another three points.
However, on the back of the home support, Southampton mounted a comeback with substitute Joe Aribo getting one back in the 72nd minute. Former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker-Peters completed the comeback by scoring in the 82nd minute to salvage a draw for his side.
Leeds enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and also had more shots on goal. But a late surge from the Saints left them without an answer as they dropped their first points of the new Premier League season, whereas Southampton registered their first.
Here’s how Leeds United players fared in the game.
? Jesse: "It's still a step forward" pic.twitter.com/dffd8ybIsL
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 13, 2022
Illan Meslier: 5/10
Meslier could make just two saves and failed to keep Southampton from scoring after Leeds had taken a two-goal lead. He was erratic with his distribution as well.
Rasmus Kristensen: 5/10
The right-back had a disappointing game and could not contribute heavily on either end of the pitch. He made a clearance, two interceptions and completed a tackle but was wayward with his passing, completing just 53 per cent of attempted passes.
Robin Koch: 6/10
Koch was quite busy at the back for the Whites. He made as many as eight clearances, blocked a shot and made an interception too. He was strong in the air as well, winning four aerial duels.
Diego Llorente: 6/10
Llorente was perhaps the better of the two centre-backs. He made four clearances, three interceptions and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
Pascal Struijk: 7/10
An all-round performance from the left-back, who was solid going forward and as good defending as well. Struijk made two clearances, blocked a shot, made two interceptions, six tackles, won six ground duels, seven aerial duels and assisted Rodrigo’s second goal of the match.
?? Pascal Struijk made more successful tackles (6/7) and won more defensive aerial duels (6/8) than any other player for either Southampton or Leeds United.
?. #LEE #SOULEE #LEEDS #LUFC pic.twitter.com/zHYhC9PNAK
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) August 13, 2022
Marc Roca: 7/10
Roca popped up all around the pitch and did well defensively. However, he could not stop Southampton from mounting a comeback. Nevertheless, he made four successful tackles and won five ground duels.
Tyler Adams: 6/10
Adams played the whole ninety minutes but did little to affect the proceedings. Most of his contribution came defensively as he made five successful tackles, blocked one shot and made a clearance and an interception each.
Brenden Aaronson: 7/10
Aaronson was decent down the right flank, making two key passes, none of which were converted to a goal. He won nine ground duels, completed three dribbles, and made three tackles as well.
Rodrigo: 8/10
Rodrigo’s game by numbers vs Southampton:
80% pass accuracy
48 touches
3/4 long balls
4 shots
3 key passes
3 shots on target
2 goalsThe Premier League’s Top Scorer. ? pic.twitter.com/708xq774f0
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 13, 2022
Rodrigo scored twice to take his season tally to three goals in two matches. The Spaniard seems to be in prime form, and Jesse Marsch will hope that he continues in a similar vein.
Jack Harrison: 7/10
Harrison assisted Rodrigo’s first goal of the match. Other than that, he played as many as four key passes, completed two crosses, had two successful dribbles to his name and also made four tackles.
Patrick Bamford: 5/10
Bamford suffered an adductor issue just 28 minutes into the match and had to be replaced by Daniel James.
SUBSTITUTES
Daniel James
James came on for Bamford after he was forced off in the first half but did not do much of notice. He had just one shot on goal, completed one of three attempted dribbles and was then taken off for Sinisterra in the 84th minute.
Luis Sinisterra: N/A
He came on in the 84th minute for James and did not do enough to warrant a rating.
Mateusz Klich: 6/10
Klich came on in the 84th minute with Leeds trying to regain their lead. He played two key passes, but none of them resulted in a goal.
Adam Forshaw: N/A
Forshaw came on in the 88th minute for Roca but did not do enough to warrant a rating.
