Leeds United welcomed Everton to Elland Road and were met by an unending tide of timewasting tactics and an incredibly low block, finding themselves unlucky to not secure all three points. Find out what the fans thought of the match and how each player performed in the 1-1 draw.
Leeds United Player Ratings for the Clash With Everton
Man of the Match
The fans’ Man of the Match for the clash against the Toffees was Luis Sinisterra. In his first Premier League start, the Colombian was able to take a firm grip on his position in the squad. By adding some pace and flair to the lineup, the winger was able to break down the low block of Everton and create excellent chances on his own. His goal was an impeccably curled finish from outside the box, leaving Jordan Pickford entirely helpless.
If there was any other sign necessary that Luis Sinisterra is following in the footsteps of Raphinha, this was the fourth time in five matches that a South American winger has scored for the Peacocks against Everton since the club’s return to the Premier League.
👀 Now you see me, now you don't! pic.twitter.com/7mPYhuzs0e
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2022
The Talking Points
The biggest talking point by a comfortable margin was Everton’s interesting time management strategy, to put it kindly. The Toffees’ goalkeeper was happy to take as long as he liked on every single goal kick, miraculously avoiding a card for timewasting.
Meanwhile, Everton’s focus on infuriating the opposition can be summed up with one name. Anthony Gordon. Kicking the ball away repeatedly, starting an altercation with Rasmus Kristensen (to finally receive his yellow card) and taking every opportunity to break up play was an underlying part of his game, and it worked.
The Goodison Park side seem set on using tactics to slow down matches and steal points wherever they can. Whilst it’s a reasonable strategy for Premier League survival, Everton should be striving for more.
Stand your ground. #lufc pic.twitter.com/wa45lkbi6H
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) August 30, 2022
Leeds United Player Ratings
- Darren England (Referee) – 2.75
- Jesse Marsch (Manager) – 6.34
- Illan Meslier – 6.65
- Rasmus Kristensen – 6.59
- Robin Koch – 6.61
- Diego Llorente – 4.16
- Pascal Struijk – 6.19
- Tyler Adams – 7.55
- Marc Roca – 6.99
- Brenden Aaronson – 6.90
- Jack Harrison – 5.64
- Luis Sinisterra – 8.10
- Rodrigo – 5.37
- Joe Gelhardt (Sub) – 5.72
- Mateusz Klich – 5.86
- Patrick Bamford – 6.17
- Dan James – 5.30
Read More: Last Word on Football’s Premier League Predictions
