Liam Cooper turned up but could not inspire his teammates as Leeds United fell to yet another defeat, this time to Southampton.
It was Marcelo Bielsa’s 150th game in charge of Leeds United. They have put in few performances worse than what they did at St Mary’s against Southampton today.
The Yorkshire outfit were sans some of their biggest names including Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. The difference in quality was apparent as Leeds had just two shots on target all night.
Jack Harrison’s shot was deflected over by Mohammed Salisu and was the closest they came to finding the back of the net on the night. Daniel James also saw a good chance go begging as Bielsa’s outfit settled for yet another loss.
Leeds had most of the ball but created precious few openings. The lack of imagination was apparent upfront in a largely passive and toothless display. Patrick Bamford’s absence was clearly visible as Rodrigo struggled to make anything happen upfront.
➕3️⃣
A first #PL goal for @armandobroja9 was enough for #SaintsFC to claim a deserved win over #LUFC at St Mary's:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 16, 2021
Chelsea loanee Armando Broja was the hero for Southampton who were also without a number of their first-team stars. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side however was hungry on the night and overtook their opponents with the well-earned win.
The defeat leaves Leeds with just one win in eight Premier League games so far. They are currently languishing in the 17th spot and will need to step up their performances soon. With Wolverhampton Wanderers up next, Bielsa will need to ensure his players are up for the challenge.
Illan Meslier: 6/10
The young Frenchman could do little about Southampton’s winner. He was largely alert when called upon and was not afraid to take risks with his distribution. It was a testament to his comfort on the ball that he made light work of Southampton’s pressing.
Diego Llorente: 4/10
A forgettable night for the Spaniard who struggled to impose himself against the opposition attack. He failed to win any of his duels on the night and was also impatient in getting attacks started from the back. Not a performance to write home about.
Pascal Struijk: 4/10
The 22-year-old fared a little better if not worse than Llorente. Won just one of his ground duels and came out second best in all the aerial ones. He also made a mistake by giving the ball away but was let off by Southampton’s poor finishing. Made a number of clumsy tackles as well and Armando Broja had his beating on the night.
Liam Cooper: 7/10
The skipper was one of the few away players who came away with any credit. While not his most dominant performance, he was able to hold his own against the Southampton attack. Won most of his defensive duels but proved ineffective at the other end when attacking set-pieces.
?️ "You can't go giving first half performances away like that. We've got to learn from it." pic.twitter.com/fnBTTbwPsx
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 16, 2021
Jamie Shackleton: 5/10
Another player who came out with credit on the night. He looked assured in possession and did better in attack than defence. His forays upfield however left space for the Southampton wide men to exploit. Shackleton will do well to ensure he develops better positional awareness as well.
Mateusz Klich: 4/10
The Polish midfielder saw the game largely passed him by. He did his best to create something for the attackers but was unsuccessful in doing so. Another player with a night to forget.
Stuart Dallas: 4/10
The midfielder also enjoyed a forgettable night on which he had little to no influence on proceedings. Nathan Redmond and Mohamed Elyounoussi came out on top in numerous duels.
Jack Harrison: 4/10
A disappointing night for the winger who failed to take his opportunity. The game showed once and for all just why Raphinha is above him in the Leeds pecking order. Had one of Leeds’s two best chances on the night but was anonymous otherwise.
Daniel James: 4/10
The Welsh international continues to struggle to make a name for himself in the Premier League. He did however give his best and was one of the few attackers on the night to show some imagination. Sadly the lack of support showed and even saw him slow down and disappear into anonymity.
68' Close! James latches onto a lack of concentration from the Southampton defence and goes through on goal, but puts the chance just wide 1-0 pic.twitter.com/sxiaF68B6I
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 16, 2021
Rodrigo Moreno: 3/10
The striker had a proper stinker on the night. The club’s record signing, Rodrigo struggled to make any sort of impact on the game. He also lacked initiative and failed to make any runs into space or even take on the Saints defence.
His work rate however cannot be faulted as he ran all game. Unfortunately, the lack of innovation got him nowhere.
SUBSTITUTES
Adam Forshaw: 4/10
His first appearance in the top flight since 2017 and it showed. Came on for the ineffective Rodrigo in the 64th minute but could do little better.
Joe Gelhardt: 4/10
Replaced the disappointing Klich in the 74th minute but failed to fare any better. Another Leeds player who disappointed81st minute. Little to write about otherwise.
Premier League debut for Joffy! pic.twitter.com/WZztlP83ZE
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 16, 2021
Crysencio Summerville: 4/10
Replaced Roberts in the 81st minute. Little to write about otherwise.
