Leeds United Fan Ratings for the Draw at Saint Mary’s

After a 2-2 draw against Southampton, the Leeds United fan ratings are in. See what the fans thought after the clash with Southampton, as well as some of the key talking points from the match.

What Do the Leeds United Fan Ratings Tell Us?

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: #LUFC are held to a draw, after two Rodrigo goals are cancelled out by Aribo and Walker-Peters

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 13, 2022

Who Came Top of the Leeds United Fan Ratings?

Coming out as the clear man of the match against the Saints was Rodrigo. The striker slid the first goal home at the near post before bagging a second with a header at the far post after Pascal Struijk headed an attempt towards goal. The away supporters must have envisioned Rodrigo as the match winner, which was enough to earn the Spaniard Man of the Match in these ratings.

The former Spain international has seen a significant turnaround in his fortunes this season, having already reached half of his goal tally from last season. The 31-year-old is off to a fine start this season, scoring three goals in two matches as the Whites try and avoid a repeat of last season. The Elland Road side has been linked with a striker this summer but the club’s record signing could yet prove his value in this position.

How Were the Substitutions?

Whilst the substitutions were an inspiration against Wolverhampton Wanderers, this was less the case against Southampton. Dan James’ pressing was welcome, but Patrick Bamford’s injury caused the change to happen. All of Jesse Marsch’s tactical changes, in the form of Mateusz Klich, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Forshaw, were unable to swing the momentum back to the Yorkshire side.

On the other hand, Ralph Hassenhuttl’s adjustments made all the difference. By taking Jan Bednarek off for Sekou Mara, the balance of the match immediately shifted. In the battle of the former Red Bull coaches, the Austrian came out on top.

Not the result we wanted but we will keep pushing. Already thinking on the next one👊🏻 #LUFC #MOT pic.twitter.com/QdM753NIPb

— Marc Roca Junqué (@marcroca21) August 13, 2022

What Can Leeds United Learn?

There are a few lessons for Jesse Marsch to take back to Thorp Arch. The first is that Leeds’s current tactics rely on energy to fuel their high-intensity press. The Whites wore themselves down in the beating sun, allowing the Saints to get back into the game. Earlier changes would have kept energy as high as possible, preventing players such as Adam Armstrong and Joe Aribo from dragging the match out of control.

The other lesson is one of adaptation. The Elland Road squad is highly versatile, with many players prepared for many positions. However, playing players outside of their natural positions doesn’t always work. Aribo’s goal came as a result of centre-back Pascal Struijk drifting out of his new left-back role. The second, a result of an excellent through ball, came from Jack Harrison mistiming a sliding challenge and leaving Kyle Walker-Peters through on goal. Adaptation is an excellent tool, but it doesn’t always work perfectly.