Players Ratings v Liverpool (a)

[1964white]

Meslier
Kristensen
Koch
Cooper
Struijk
Adams
Roca
Harrison
Aaronson
Summerville
Rodrigo
subs

[Cjay]

Meslier-9 . Best performance for ages, made good saves and commanded his box well.

Kristensen-9 . Immense, defended like a beast.

Koch-7 . Solid largely

Cooper-6 . Meh had good but also bad bits.

Struijk-7 . Solid.

Roca-6 . Not sure what he did? Maybe overly harsh but didn't notice him.

Adams-8 . Lots of tackles and got about well.

Harrison-4 . Needs dropping.

Summerville-9 . Was a threat and worked his little butt off, excellent composure when it mattered in the end.

Rodrigo-6 . Point for the goal otherwise meh.

Aaronson-9 . Was everywhere.


Bamford-5 . Point for the assist otherwise same old same old.

Gnonto-8 . Well done, very decent cameo.

[The Subhuman]

Meslier 8.5 - Great performance, maybe should have goten down to Salah's fairly weak stab at goal but don't give a f**k about that now

Kristensen - 9 - Best defender at the club, cracking signing
Struijk - 8.5 - Classier than Rasmus but very good tonight, hopefully makes Holland WC squad, he's made the first selsection
Adams - 8 - Everywhere
Koch - 8.5 - A rock tonight
Cooper - 6.5 - 2/3 bad errors needs to use his head more and stay calmer
Summerville - 8.5, He's arrived, hope it continues as he'll scare players shitless
Roca - 7.5 - Quietly went about business. reminds me of Klich at his best
Rodrigo - 7 - Becoming a poacher, should have stayed on, he'd have had a brace. Who says we don't have a proven striker
Aaronson - 9.5 - MOTM for me tonight, kept half the Liverpool defence on their toes and unlucky not to score from Rasmus's excellent cross
Harrison - 7 - Probably better in defence tbh today, looks so much better on the left though

Bamford - 5- Flukes an assist, blows a great chance nit even getting a shot away. Needs a break, more sharpness and fitness
Gnonto - 8.5 - He's the real deal folks, stop putting him down. His was the real assist for the winner, what a first touch to take the ball away from the defenders
Ayling - N/A .. I probably missed anything he did because I don't really recall him touching the ball

[John in Louisiana]

Meslier 9 - Flailed about some on the goal, but stood on his head for the rest of the game. Brilliant.
Kristensen - 8 - Keeps getting better. Love this guy.
Struijk - 8 - Getting more and more comfortable out wide and has learned to control players with more pace. Love this guy, too.
Adams - 8.5 - Probably the best of our signings.
Koch - 8.5 - "A rock tonight" Yes, indeed
Cooper - 7 - Solid enough. Barely
Summerville - 8.5 - Wally Pipp, the first baseman for the New York Yankees, famously took a day off because of headache. He was replaced in the lineup by Lou Gehrig, who went on to play over 2,100 consecutive games. Sinisterra might just be our Wally Pipp after Summerville's performance today. Got better and better as the game progressed.**
Roca - 8 - He and Adams are a great pair.
Rodrigo - 7.5 - Don't think we'll be seeing him subbed for Bamford much more.
Aaronson - 9 - Liverpool's tactic seemed to be to hack Aaronson down every time he touched the ball, but after he got up into Robertson's face he dominated.
Harrison - 7 - Seems to have caught Bamford disease with the way he finishes, but otherwise a fine game

Bamford - 5- It's been a few weeks now and the rustiness excuse is starting to wear thin. Need to see more. Could have bagged a brace today
Gnonto - 8 - Damn, did I like what I saw. His play on the ball and the subsequent pass for the winner were the stuff of legend
Ayling - 6.5 .. Did what he was brought on to do: see the game out

**Although a winger tandem of Sinisterra and Summerville is looking pretty good.

[Jimang]

Meslier... 9.5....after a couple of early scares made some great saves. Two one on one saves and several others. MOTM.
Kristensen... 8...Got forward well when he could, great ball in for Aaronson crossbar effort. Strong in defence too.
Koch... 8...Solid in defence.
Cooper.... 7...Solid most of the time, one howler was avoided by Meslier save.
Struijk.... 8....Did as good a job on Salah as you could expect. Really seems to be growing into the LB position. Glad he wants to sign a new contract.
Adams.... 9....Gives 100% every game, never stops trying to win the ball and lay it off. A brilliant signing.
Roca... 8....Looks best when alongside Adams, passes the ball well.
Aaronson.... 8.5....Very creative and hardworking. Another great Summer signing.
Rodrigo... 7.5....Alert for the opening goal, contributed well before going off.
Harrison.. 6.... Fully committed but end product missing.
Summerville... 8.5....Looks to have made the step up, pacy and skillful, and seems to have the end product when it matters.

Bamford..... 5....Looked all at sea, first touch let him down on one great chance, and also fortunate with assist for winning goal. Not sure if he will get back to where he once was.
Gnotto.... 8.....Made an impact in the short time he was on. Great skill to turn the defender before picking out Bamford with the cross for the winner.
Ayling... 5...No time to contribute.

Marsch...9....Deserves credit for being bold with team selection and going for the win.

[Leeds1000]

We are becoming a team for the big occasion.

Meslier 9: Outstanding second half i remember thinking it will have to be something special to beat Illan in this mood and they couldn't come up with it.
Kristensen 8: Hugged the touchline and played a few good crosses into the box, that last ditch tackle with his customary punch into thin air afterwards. Robertson was Liverpool's best player down that side.
Struijk 8: I think it helped Pascal that Salah seemed to be drifting most of the game he didn't hug the touchline like he normally does.
Adams 9: Another outstanding performance from Adams he just covers so much ground and is a nuisance a disruptor. My type of player.
Koch 9: I thought he was our outstanding defender last night. Strong Solid & assured. The goal was the only blip.
Cooper 7: Defended well overall but that fresh air kick would have normally cost us. I thought his legs had gone at that point but he battled on well.
Summerville 9: What a goal his quickness of feet and thought won us the game what more do you want? Still alittle loose with his passing and develop his strength but what a goal for the occasion.
Roca 8: He's really taken on the motivator role Marc, he's the one before kick off going round and geeing everyone up. Despite our position in the league he's loving his football again.
Rodrigo 7: Anticipated the mistake well, dropped deep to link play but often gives away cheap possession to put us on the back foot.
Aaronson 9: Lovely quick feet compared to Liverpool defenders. A real thorn running into space and unlucky not to score from Rasmus cross first half.
Harrison 8: Much like Aaronson i thought he ran well with the ball into space should have buried that chance that fell his way.

Bamford 6: Poor touch when in on goal. That snapshot would have been some strike. Needs his 100th goal quickly its becoming a mental block.
Gnonto 7: He's going to be another tricky tidy player on our books. Quite where we will fit all these young skilled players is another thing. Lovely cross into the box at the end.
Ayling

Off to work now for 10 hours with gleeful enthusiasm.

[wilsdenwhite]

Meslier 10 - Not docking him so much as a half point. Outstanding display. To come away from Anfield with all 3 points generally requires a number of players to be on the top of their game and Mes had the game of his life. Saves from both long range and short with hands and feet, punched away plenty of threatening crosses. Liverpool had the chances but Mes was always there.

Rasmus 9 - Another who had a superb night. I'm just loving this guy and he gets better and better. Fantastic signing and I can see him becoming a cult favourite as the team grow. It's been too long since we've had another Mel Sterland or another Gary Kelly but Rasmus can emulate them both I'm sure.

Koch 9 - A complete no nonsense display like what we have become accustomed to from him in the main under JM. I really hoped he'd stay injury free this year after finishing last season so strongly at right back and he has taken that form into his natural position and is largely dominant in everything he does.

Cooper 6.5 - A few wobbles but what's new? If we have any desire to stay clear of the relegation zone in the long term he needs to be replaced along with Llorente. He did OK last night but so nearly cost us dearly. Got away with it this time but so often doesn't and his next mistake will never be far away. Days are numbered.

Struijk 7.5 - Totally made left back his own with another really good display. Learning the roll with ease it seems but would still love to see him next to Koch but that's one for JM to solve with hopefully the aid of more signings.

Adams 8.5 - Relentless all-action performance. Absolutely everywhere getting stuck in, winning the ball and looking for outlets. Outstanding signing, class.

Roca 7 - Went unnoticed for large periods of the game but in that, still did what needed to be done when the need arose and that's good enough for me.

Aaronson 9 - Tremendous work rate and always trying to power us forward and make things happen. So good in tight spaces and has superb ball control to boot both from a standstill and when moving at speed. Left Liverpool in his wake a number of times and so nearly got himself a goal. Excellent stuff.

Harrison 7 - Thought he did rather well in the first period and gave plenty of effort but little to show for it in the end.

Summerville 10 - Been honest his performance warranted a score of 8 but gets a 10 for the moment, the match winner. Moments like that don't come along every day. Getting a start at Anfield never looked too daunting for him. Plenty of effort and endeavour in the first half and got better and more confident in the second. Really happy for him to score the winner on such a big occasion for both him and the club after 8 without a win. Happy Birthday lad.

Rodrigo 6 - Familiar Rodrigo. Still getting goals but isn't the answer. Alert enough for his goal but not too great thereafter. Just can't stop giving the ball away cheaply.

Subs:

Bamford 5 - Stuck on 99 and looks absolutely shot on confidence. It will come I'm sure it's just a question of when. It's painful seeing him go through such a spell.

Gnonto 7.5 - Did really well for me and looked bright. Hopefully another good signing and looking forward to seeing lots more of him.

Ayling - n/a

[Byebyegeegee]

Meslier 9 MOTM: After the early mix up didn’t panic and kept us in the game, effectively setting up the win with numerous first class saves. Distribution a lot better than of late too - booted it long when he had to.
Kristensen 8: Excellent game, had his hands full with Robertson but got on top in the end. Got forward when he could and put in one brilliant cross for Aaronson to hit the bar.
Koch 8: Very solid, went about his work with calm, quiet authority.
Cooper 7: Excellent performance generally but had to drop him a point for the nearly calamitous double air kick moment.
Struijk 7.5: Completely competent performance and kept Salah quiet for the most part.
Adams 8: Worked tirelessly as usual and always on top of the action. I’m loving his role as “minder” to his teammates.
Roca 7.5: Was a real driving force today.
Harrison 6.5: Did ok but missed a great chance to score.
Aaronson 7.5: Was everywhere as usual but playing in the centre in such a tight formation, meant that he seemed to run up a lot of blind alleys. Needs more protection from referees.
Summerville 7.5: A promising performance and an extra point for his quick feet when scoring his well taken goal.
Rodrigo 6: Alert for his goal and one dangerous pass to Harrison, that’s it. Needs to do more.

Subs:
Bamford 5: Missed a sitter again due to his one footedness. An extra 1/2 point for his “assist” but even that came from a clumsy mis-control.
Gnonto 7: A great start to his 1st team career, effectively set up the winning goal despite being surrounded by 3 Liverpool players.
Ayling n/a

[CHAPELALLMAN]

Meslier 10 - Not docking him so much as a half point. Outstanding display. To come away from Anfield with all 3 points generally requires a number of players to be on the top of their game and Mes had the game of his life. Saves from both long range and short with hands and feet, punched away plenty of threatening crosses. Liverpool had the chances but Mes was always there.

Rasmus 9 - Another who had a superb night. I'm just loving this guy and he gets better and better. Fantastic signing and I can see him becoming a cult favourite as the team grow. It's been too long since we've had another Mel Sterland or another Gary Kelly but Rasmus can emulate them both I'm sure.

Koch 9 - A complete no nonsense display like what we have become accustomed to from him in the main under JM. I really hoped he'd stay injury free this year after finishing last season so strongly at right back and he has taken that form into his natural position and is largely dominant in everything he does.

Cooper 6.5 - A few wobbles but what's new? If we have any desire to stay clear of the relegation zone in the long term he needs to be replaced along with Llorente. He did OK last night but so nearly cost us dearly. Got away with it this time but so often doesn't and his next mistake will never be far away. Days are numbered.

Struijk 7.5 - Totally made left back his own with another really good display. Learning the roll with ease it seems but would still love to see him next to Koch but that's one for JM to solve with hopefully the aid of more signings.

Adams 8.5 - Relentless all-action performance. Absolutely everywhere getting stuck in, winning the ball and looking for outlets. Outstanding signing, class.

Roca 7 - Went unnoticed for large periods of the game but in that, still did what needed to be done when the need arose and that's good enough for me.

Aaronson 9 - Tremendous work rate and always trying to power us forward and make things happen. So good in tight spaces and has superb ball control to boot both from a standstill and when moving at speed. Left Liverpool in his wake a number of times and so nearly got himself a goal. Excellent stuff.

Harrison 7 - Thought he did rather well in the first period and gave plenty of effort but little to show for it in the end.

Summerville 10 - Been honest his performance warranted a score of 8 but gets a 10 for the moment, the match winner. Moments like that don't come along every day. Getting a start at Anfield never looked too daunting for him. Plenty of effort and endeavour in the first half and got better and more confident in the second. Really happy for him to score the winner on such a big occasion for both him and the club after 8 without a win. Happy Birthday lad.

Rodrigo 6 - Familiar Rodrigo. Still getting goals but isn't the answer. Alert enough for his goal but not too great thereafter. Just can't stop giving the ball away cheaply.

Subs:

Bamford 5 - Stuck on 99 and looks absolutely shot on confidence. It will come I'm sure it's just a question of when. It's painful seeing him go through such a spell.

Gnonto 7.5 - Did really well for me and looked bright. Hopefully another good signing and looking forward to seeing lots more of him.

Ayling - n/a

I think that's spot on about Rodrigo.

[1964white]

We missed Kristensen, Koch & Adams big-time vs Fulham.

Dropping our Special 'K's was ludicrous, especially with Tyler out injured.

I see our older players Bamford, Cooper, Harrison & the expensive Rodrigo are getting the lower scores.

No end product from Paddy & Jack once again.

There lies our problems.

[wilsdenwhite]

We missed Kristensen, Koch & Adams big-time vs Fulham.

Dropping our Special 'K's was ludicrous, especially with Tyler out injured.

I see our older players Bamford, Cooper, Harrison & the expensive Rodrigo are getting the lower scores.

No end product from Paddy & Jack once again.

There lies our problems.

I've been really pleased with the summer signings and the way they have seem to have settled. I also see it as a tick in the JM/Orta box that seemed to be a tad lacking in the MB/Orta department. That can only be of benefit to the team. Folk can and will argue until they are blue in the face about who is responsible for the signing of one player or another but I reckon JM had the number of most of the incoming's this summer and for me deserves some credit in attracting what I can only see as good players thus far.

I think our problems run a bit deeper than the likes of PB/Jack/Cooper & Rod personally but I'd like to think JM has gone some way to proving he can get the players he wants for the positions he wants even after a solitary transfer window. If the players we can get in for the areas I feel we are most vulnerable in are of similar ilk I don't think we'll go far wrong. We are after all effectively rebuilding. New systems, new players, everything takes time, everything, hard as that is to understand for some in this instant success generation and I'm glad the board appear to be backing JM and giving him that time. That cheque book needs to come out sooner or later though. It has to and that could prove where the real problem lies for the club.

Trying to wing it in the top flight is not an option.

[Johnboy1965]

Meslier 9
Kristensen 8.5
Koch 8
Cooper 6.5
Struijk 7
Adams 8.5
Roca 6.5
Harrison 6
Aaronson 8.5
Summerville 8
Rodrigo 6.5
subs
Bamford 5
Gnonto 7.5

[andrewjohnsmith]

Meslier-10

Made several key saves. Can 0nly knock him for the weak clearance that led to the goal. But otherwise perfect and an impeccable performance

Kristensen-9
Terrific defending including several last ditch efforts. Fulfilling the role of defensive beast. Put in a great cross for Aaronson to hit the cross bar. Docked a little for a few sloppy balls in key areas

Koch-9
No fuss. Goes about everything. Covers everything. And no mistakes. Quiet but effective.

Cooper-8
1 mistake really stood out and found lacking for pace a couple of times. But made many last ditch tackles and clearances

Struijk-8
Another solid defensive performance. Effective in the sense there wasn't much to talk about. Cleaned up well at the back.

Roca-8
Holds the shape really well at the back. Part of a solid defensive effort and broke up a lot. Effective in the high press too.

Adams-9
The dynamo that covers so much ground. Gets around everywhere. Effective in defense and in the high press. I'd call him a perfect performance but just wish he offered a little more attacking threat.

Harrison-7
Part of most of our best counter attacking in the first half. Second half had excellent defensive coverage on Salah. Needs to contribute more at the end, but a solid performance.

Summerville-8
Slow to get going first half. But really grew into the game later. Took his goal superbly.

Rodrigo-7
Got the goal and contributed well to most of our 1st half attacking play. Came deep to help out midfield several times

Aaronson-9
For 60 minutes he was the best player on the pitch but not involved much in the close. Worked tirelessly throughout. His 13.2 km were the most by any premier league player this season. His first half dribbles were so dangerous and really unlucky to hit the crossbar

Bamford-6
Involved in a few link up plays and (lucky) assist for the goal. He's doing a job. But really needs to find his groove in front of goal.

Gnonto-8
Fantastic start. Didn't give ball away once and brilliant play to set up the goal. Worked well defensively too.

Ayling N/A
Contributed well to solidify the back in the closing minutes.

[1964white]

I've occasionally give our star player a ten in one match (Pontus, Phillips, Pablo come to mind), but I've never given three 10/10's in one game.

Three faultless performances from Meslier Koch Adams

On the hand I 'm always concerned when players minuses outweigh their pluses, sadly that was case with Harrison & Rodrigo where the majority of our moves breakdown when they are on the ball.

Meslier 10
Nine saves, commanded his box with authority & very brave at the end.

Kristensen 9
Still scratching my head why our Big Dane was dropped for the Fulham game immense!

Koch 10
Immaculate & a truly spectacular performance from Robin.

Cooper 9
Apart from a couple of Liam type moments, Coops was superb winning lot of challenges

Struijk 8.5
Pascal has made the LB position his own, surely the Dutch coach has noted his performances.

Roca 9
Struck up an excellent partnership with the mighty Adams.

Adams 10
What a signing, his second 10/10 from me, orchestrated our play with his intense energy & defensive skills. Tyler is as effective as Kalvin was in his pomp!

Harrison 4
I don't get this defensive role Jack has supposedly played, he cocked-up badly in dangerous areas twice with Meslier saving his bacon on one occasion. Yes, going forward he runs with the ball but there was no end product as he either hung onto the ball far too long or fell over. His two long range shots were woeful & his corner in the second-half where he over-hit the ball missing every player on the box just about finished me off, probably Jesse too as he decided it was Gnonto time. Sorry I'm not getting the Jack love-in.

Summerville 9
OMG! what a second-half from Crysencio, he caused Van Dijk & Robertson all sorts of problems capping his display with a sublime finish.

Rodrigo 6
An additional point for his gifted goal, anticipated well but my granny could have scored that goal. Once again we witnessed his usual suicide pass that nearly led to another goal but for a fine save from Meslier

Aaronson 9
Relentless energy & tireless work rate from Brenden, at the heart of so much of our attacking play.

Bamford 7
A couple of awful touches, one where his opportunity went missing, the other that led to our winning goal, nevertheless I still believe we look better going forward with Paddy on the pitch.

Gnonto 8
Fabulous little cameo from our pocket dynamo, never put a foot wrong & played a big part in Summerville's goal.....Are you watching Jack?

Ayling N/A
Won two headers at the back in added-on time.

[1964white]

Meslier 8.5 - Great performance, maybe should have goten down to Salah's fairly weak stab at goal but don't give a f**k about that now

Kristensen - 9 - Best defender at the club, cracking signing
Struijk - 8.5 - Classier than Rasmus but very good tonight, hopefully makes Holland WC squad, he's made the first selsection
Adams - 8 - Everywhere
Koch - 8.5 - A rock tonight
Cooper - 6.5 - 2/3 bad errors needs to use his head more and stay calmer
Summerville - 8.5, He's arrived, hope it continues as he'll scare players shitless
Roca - 7.5 - Quietly went about business. reminds me of Klich at his best
Rodrigo - 7 - Becoming a poacher, should have stayed on, he'd have had a brace. Who says we don't have a proven striker
Aaronson - 9.5 - MOTM for me tonight, kept half the Liverpool defence on their toes and unlucky not to score from Rasmus's excellent cross
Harrison - 7 - Probably better in defence tbh today, looks so much better on the left though

Bamford - 5- Flukes an assist, blows a great chance nit even getting a shot away. Needs a break, more sharpness and fitness
Gnonto - 8.5 - He's the real deal folks, stop putting him down. His was the real assist for the winner, what a first touch to take the ball away from the defenders
Ayling - N/A .. I probably missed anything he did because I don't really recall him touching the ball

Surprised there were no 10's from you mate, although Aaronson is almost one.

[1964white]

Harrison-4 . Needs dropping.

Sinisterra & Gnonto seem to have more composure, maybe not the same energy

[1964white]

Cooper-8
1 mistake really stood out and found lacking for pace a couple of times. But made many last ditch tackles and clearances

Coops had a better game than some think, Andrew

When he makes an error, it's very evident.

[1964white]

I've been really pleased with the summer signings and the way they have seem to have settled. I also see it as a tick in the JM/Orta box that seemed to be a tad lacking in the MB/Orta department. That can only be of benefit to the team. Folk can and will argue until they are blue in the face about who is responsible for the signing of one player or another but I reckon JM had the number of most of the incoming's this summer and for me deserves some credit in attracting what I can only see as good players thus far.

I think our problems run a bit deeper than the likes of PB/Jack/Cooper & Rod personally but I'd like to think JM has gone some way to proving he can get the players he wants for the positions he wants even after a solitary transfer window. If the players we can get in for the areas I feel we are most vulnerable in are of similar ilk I don't think we'll go far wrong. We are after all effectively rebuilding. New systems, new players, everything takes time, everything, hard as that is to understand for some in this instant success generation and I'm glad the board appear to be backing JM and giving him that time. That cheque book needs to come out sooner or later though. It has to and that could prove where the real problem lies for the club.

Trying to wing it in the top flight is not an option.

Our summer signings are excellent, as you highlight the problems rest with the ones whom have been at Leeds for the last two to five seasons.

[andrewjohnsmith]

Coops had a better game than some think, Andrew

When he makes an error, it's very evident.

Yes. I watched the game twice before posting. Greatly increased my appreciation of Coopers efforts.

[1964white]

Yes. I watched the game twice before posting. Greatly increased my appreciation of Coopers efforts.

I enjoy watching a rerun of Leeds games without all the stress & emotion that one goes through watching Leeds live, it's very calming & helps you think rationally.