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Graham Smyth's Leeds United player ratings v Leicester City as trio score 9/10, four 8s, two 6s

Graham Smyth
·3-min read
7 - Didn't have a huge amount to do for the vast majority, some of his kicking was a little wayward but pulled out a wondersave in stoppage time. (Photo: Nick Potts)
7 - Didn't have a huge amount to do for the vast majority, some of his kicking was a little wayward but pulled out a wondersave in stoppage time. (Photo: Nick Potts)

Leeds threatened from the outset and the Whites finally went ahead in the 58th minute as Georginio Rutter tapped home from close range after a brilliant Sam Byram header from a Dan James corner had been saved.

More chances then came United’s way but Daniel Farke’s side were then saved by an outstanding save from keeper Illan Meslier to keep out a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall header with 95 minutes on the clock.

Leicester could have gone 17 points clear of third-placed Leeds with a victory but the Whites instead cut the gap to 11 points as they also moved to within six points of second-placed Ipswich Town in the automatic promotion spots.

8 - So composed. When Leeds were under the cosh his choice of pass helped them break. Dealt well with pressure from a very good winger. (Photo: Nick Potts)
8 - So composed. When Leeds were under the cosh his choice of pass helped them break. Dealt well with pressure from a very good winger. (Photo: Nick Potts)

Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from a brilliant night for Farke’s side at the King Power.

9 - Played on the front foot, jumped up to win the ball at the right time and passed it well. Seemed to be everywhere. Pocketed Vardy too. (Photo: George Wood)
9 - Played on the front foot, jumped up to win the ball at the right time and passed it well. Seemed to be everywhere. Pocketed Vardy too. (Photo: George Wood)
9 - Aggressive and solid. Blocked shots, got up to win headers, used the ball well and carried it smartly at times. (Photo: Michael Regan)
9 - Aggressive and solid. Blocked shots, got up to win headers, used the ball well and carried it smartly at times. (Photo: Michael Regan)
6 - A stinker of a first half in which he came under huge pressure but he recovered really well, aided by Summerville. Some clever defending in the second half. (Photo: Michael Regan)
6 - A stinker of a first half in which he came under huge pressure but he recovered really well, aided by Summerville. Some clever defending in the second half. (Photo: Michael Regan)
9 - Gave the Leicester attackers and midfield a horrible time of it. Got about the pitch. Clamped down on Dewsbury-Hall. (Photo: Michael Regan)
9 - Gave the Leicester attackers and midfield a horrible time of it. Got about the pitch. Clamped down on Dewsbury-Hall. (Photo: Michael Regan)
8 - First half was all about his ability to keep the ball, second half was more of a defensive effort. Helped nullify the Foxes midfield. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
8 - First half was all about his ability to keep the ball, second half was more of a defensive effort. Helped nullify the Foxes midfield. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
8 - Lots of defensive work to help Byram out, got up and down the pitch. Posed problems on the break. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
8 - Lots of defensive work to help Byram out, got up and down the pitch. Posed problems on the break. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
8 - Great delivery that led to the goal, carried a threat on the break but used his head. Kept the ball well. Worked tirelessly. (Photo: George Wood)
8 - Great delivery that led to the goal, carried a threat on the break but used his head. Kept the ball well. Worked tirelessly. (Photo: George Wood)
7 - Unable to take his early chance. Some smart play, lots of pressing. Wasn't quite his game to shine again but put in a shift. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
7 - Unable to take his early chance. Some smart play, lots of pressing. Wasn't quite his game to shine again but put in a shift. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
7 - In the right place to score. Came into the game more in the second half after a quiet first 45. Pressed well. Did his bit in defence. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
7 - In the right place to score. Came into the game more in the second half after a quiet first 45. Pressed well. Did his bit in defence. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
6 - Tried to stretch Leicester and take play higher up the pitch to relieve pressure. Put himself about. (Photo: George Wood)
6 - Tried to stretch Leicester and take play higher up the pitch to relieve pressure. Put himself about. (Photo: George Wood)
7 - Busy when he came on, added energy, made some good tackles. Got up to the speed of the game quickly. (Photo: Nick Potts)
7 - Busy when he came on, added energy, made some good tackles. Got up to the speed of the game quickly. (Photo: Nick Potts)
N/A - Came on and had to defend against a quick winger. Unable to stop him from getting a couple of crosses in. Difficult job. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
N/A - Came on and had to defend against a quick winger. Unable to stop him from getting a couple of crosses in. Difficult job. (Photo: Bruce Rollinson)
N/A - Thrown on late to help the defensive cause. Aerial battle with Dewsbury-Hall was almost costly deep in stoppage time. (Photo: George Wood)
N/A - Thrown on late to help the defensive cause. Aerial battle with Dewsbury-Hall was almost costly deep in stoppage time. (Photo: George Wood)
N/A - Gave away a silly free-kick having initially done well in an important duel. Was put on to add energy and height late on. (Photo: George Wood)
N/A - Gave away a silly free-kick having initially done well in an important duel. Was put on to add energy and height late on. (Photo: George Wood)
8 - The penalty shouts weren't overly convincing so Leeds couldn't argue too much. Leicester unhappy with his refereeing late on but used his cards sensibly. (Photo: Lewis Storey)
8 - The penalty shouts weren't overly convincing so Leeds couldn't argue too much. Leicester unhappy with his refereeing late on but used his cards sensibly. (Photo: Lewis Storey)