Rodrigo and a Rayan Ait-Nouri own goal delivered an opening day victory for Leeds United against Wolves, with Brenden Aaronson starring in victory.
Brenden Aaronson put in a terrific performance on his competitive debut for Leeds United as they registered an opening day victory against Wolves. The Whites did have to work very hard to get to the result but got all three points, in the end, courtesy of a Rayan Ait-Nouri own goal.
The game did have a fast start courtesy of Leeds United, which was soon dampened by Pascal Struijk’s error. The defender gave the ball away, with Daniel Podence benefitting and scoring the opener around the 6th minute, giving Illan Meslier no chance with his effort.
However, Leeds then caught Wolves out in the 24th minute as Rodrigo fired a shot past Jose Sa to equalise. After that, the game was equally poised, with both sides wielding control of the ball, searching for another goal.
Wolves were the better side in the second half, forcing Meslier into action more than once. However, in a swift attacking move, debutant Aaronson forced an own-goal via Ait-Nouri, to give Leeds the decisive strike of the match.
? We start the season with a W!
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 6, 2022
Leeds held on to the lead until the final whistle and ensured the three points were theirs. Here are the Leeds United player ratings from their 2-1 win over Wolves at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier – 8/10
The French keeper had a busy day at the office but ensured his team was in the game. Meslier made some telling saves during the match, and a particular effort to claim a cross was the highlight for the acrobatic effort involved in doing so.
Pascal Struijk – 3.5/10
Struijk looked out of his depth in an unfamiliar left-back position. He was unconvincing and was guilty of giving the ball away to allow Podence to open the scoring for Wolves. He contributed decently to the attacking play but was dreadful when defending the ball.
Robin Koch – 4/10
Leeds United certainly missed their captain Liam Cooper at the back, as the performance of Robin Koch somehow went unpunished. Any other team with a proper striker up front would have punished this setup, and the Leeds defender should count himself lucky.
Diego Llorente – 5.5/10
Llorente was better than his centre-back partner but looked far from assured with his display. The defender made some notable interventions, contributing just about enough to be the best player in this current backline.
Rasmus Kristensen – 5/10
Kristensen had an eventful debut in Leeds United colours. While he found it challenging to contain Pedro Neto on the wings, the defender was a good outlet going forward. He also made a goal-saving challenge to keep the scores level, which eventually was proved vital.
Marc Roca – 2/10
A terrible debut for Roca, who could be described as anonymous at best. Without any meaningful contribution, Leeds looked like a man short in midfield, often resulting in Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker taking complete control of the ball in the area.
Tyler Adams – 5.5/10
Adams added bite in midfield that was needed from a Leeds perspective. However, his involvement faded away as the game progressed. It will take time for the USMNT ace to get acclimatised to the Premier League.
Jack Harrison – 6/10
Harrison was one of the lively outlets in the Leeds United attack, and alongside Aaronson, he was involved in the thick of things. The attacker created a few chances for his teammates and got himself a yellow after a professional foul on Neto to prevent a probable break.
Brenden Aaronson – 9/10
Brenden Aaronson says he’s taking credit for Leeds’ winner ?
(via @LUFC)pic.twitter.com/Nvq7Al2ke2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 6, 2022
A terrific debut performance from Aaronson, who was at the centre of everything Leeds did positively. He was a threat in the final third and eventually forced the own goal from Ait-Nouri which proved to be the winner for the home side.
Rodrigo – 7/10
Excellent performance to start the season for Rodrigo, who fired the equalising goal under Jose Sa. He was good at linking play in the final third and did not do much wrong to be taken off. And tactically the decision worked as his departure allowed Leeds more control in the game, which yielded the winner.
? 22/23 account opened! pic.twitter.com/8j1s2s4AE0
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 6, 2022
Patrick Bamford – 7/10
Bamford was close to his sharpest since returning from injury, as the striker put in a monumental effort in front of the goal. Without actually netting a strike, the forward pressed well to put Wolves’ defence under tremendous pressure. A good outing, as the striker seems to have put an injury-ravaged season behind him.
Substitutes
Mateusz Klich – 6/10
Klich replaced Rodrigo, and instantly Leeds seemed to have reasonable control of the ball. He played the crucial pass to Bamford, as the striker’s cross caused the winner.
Sam Greenwood – 5/10
A so-so outing for Greenwood, who did not have any significant impact.
Joe Gelhardt – 4/10
He was only there for a few minutes as Marsch gave Bamford some reprise with Leeds in the lead.
Crysencio Summerville – N/A
Barely had an impact on proceedings.
