While struggling with multiple injuries, Leeds United registered a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 Premier League victory over ten-man Wolves.
Wolves went into half-time 2-0 up, courtesy of goals from Jonny and Francisco Trincao in the 26th minute and first-half injury time respectively. The Whites were forced to make three first-half changes and one second-half change due to injuries that further hampered their case. But Raul Jimenez’s dismissal in the 53rd minute gave Leeds a glimmer of hope.
The Jesse Marsch-managed side scored twice within three minutes through Jack Harrison and Rodrigo to equal the scores on the night. They kept pushing for the winner for the remainder of the second half, eventually getting it through Luke Ayling in injury time, much to the dismay of the home fans at the Molineux.
This win was Leeds’s second consecutive victory in the Premier League, improving their chances of survival. They are currently 16th in the table with 29 points from 30 matches, seven points ahead of 18th-placed Watford. The Whites still risk slipping down a spot to 17th if Everton win their two matches in hand.
On the other hand, the defeat further dented Wolves’ chances of finishing in one of the European spots. They are currently eighth in the league, just five points off fourth-placed Arsenal, but the Gunners have three games in hand over Bruno Lage’s side. Here’s how the Leeds United players fared in the game.
? What. A. Comeback. pic.twitter.com/dXuNZlOEoQ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 18, 2022
Ilan Meslier: 6/10
The Leeds shot-stopper could not do much to stop Wolves from scoring twice in the first half but still registered two saves. He was taken off for Kristoffer Klaesson in the 55th minute of the game.
Luke Ayling: 7/10
? ????: "We'll keep building on these results" pic.twitter.com/i1nlUA3qjy
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 18, 2022
As it progressed, Ayling grew into the match but struggled majorly in the first half. He lost possession as many as 22 times, and was dribbled past twice. But he did well to maintain composure while scoring Leeds’s winner in injury time.
Diego Llorente: 5/10
The central defender was not up to the mark in the 40 minutes he spent on the pitch. Raul Jimenez was a handful for Llorente to handle. He had to be taken off due to a back injury and was replaced by Robin Koch.
Pascal Struijk: 6/10
Struijk was the better of the two Leeds centre-backs on the night. He made four successful clearances, completed five tackles and was dribbled past just once. The 22-year-old has been struggling for form recently, but a strong second-half showing will give him some confidence heading into the business end of the league.
Stuart Dallas: 5/10
Dallas lost possession on 13 occasions and was especially tormented by Wolves’ Jonny on the flank. He played the last 20 minutes of the match through injury.
Mateusz Klich: 5/10
The midfielder was caught by a high boot late in the first half and was subsequently taken off. He struggled to provide control in the middle of the park and only deserves a five for his performance.
Adam Forshaw: 6/10
Forshaw looked much more composed than his midfield partner but still could not quite dominate the proceedings. He shielded his backline decently, making three tackles. But he, too, was guilty of losing possession easily on multiple occasions.
Daniel James: 6/10
Though James was his usual self, he got just 24 touches of the ball in the match. He was also guilty of missing two big chances, hitting the woodwork once. Leeds will hope for James to return to form as they continue their push for Premier League survival.
Rodrigo: 6/10
? Rodrigo scores, he’s in the crowd! pic.twitter.com/uAM8Ty1ODP
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 18, 2022
Not a great night for Rodrigo, who largely looked anonymous and failed to create anything for his side. But he did score the equaliser for Leeds, which could be quite important in the larger scheme of things.
Jack Harrison: 6/10
Like most of his teammates, Harrison, too, struggled to make an impact for large parts of the game, losing possession 26 times. It was only in the latter stages of the encounter that he came into his own. However, he did score in the 63rd minute to begin Leeds’s comeback.
Patrick Bamford: 4/10
Bamford’s night was cut short after he landed awkwardly on his ankle trying to reach a pass by Rodrigo. He was taken off for Sam Greenwood in the 23rd minute.
SUBSTITUTES
Sam Greenwood: 6/10
Greenwood came on for Bamford in the 23rd minute. He assisted Rodrigo’s goal, but there was not much else to write home about. It was a decent outing from the forward.
Robin Koch: 7/10
More craziness! ??? pic.twitter.com/DI2BAnXjj1
— Robin Koch (@RobinKoch25) March 18, 2022
Coming on for Llorente in the 40th minute, Koch was probably the best Leeds player on the pitch. He was industrious, kept things moving in the midfield for Leeds, and played a crucial role in their first goal.
Charlie Cresswell: 6/10
Cresswell looked solid in the 45 minutes that he spent on the pitch after coming on for Klich. He made three clearances, as many successful tackles, and was not dribbled past even once.
Kristoffer Klaesson: 7/10
Klaesson looked at ease between the sticks after coming on for Meslier in the 55th minute. He made four saves and a clearance. That Wolves were down to ten men just minutes before he came on probably helped his case.
