Stuart Dallas left an indelible impression on his 250th appearance for Leeds United, conjuring a wonderful goal to lift Marcelo Bielsa’s reinvigorated side out of their recent funk.
Dallas swept a marvellous strike past Wayne Hennessey when it looked like Leeds’ first-half dominance was going to be frittered away. Having dictated the contest either side of Jack Harrison’s opener, the home side were pegged back by Maxwel Cornet’s superb free-kick.
It would have been rough justice on a re-energised Leeds if they hadn’t collected all three points. After a Christmas in which they looked physically and emotionally shattered, they roared back into life at a raucous Elland Road in this entertaining Battle of the Roses.
Burnley, though, are in real trouble at the bottom and Sean Dyche will be fuming that his side created so many of their own problems. It said much that the normally reliable James Tarkowski surrendered the ball for Harrison’s opener.
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Illan Meslier – 6
The quieter of the two goalkeepers but alert enough to parry Chris Wood’s first half effort after long spells of inaction. Left scrambling to reach Maxwel Cornet’s free-kick.
Luke Ayling – 6
Relished the battle against former Leeds striker Chris Wood although his forward impact was limited in a second half in which Burnley began to assert themselves on the contest a bit more.
Robin Koch – 7
Leeds will be grateful that the German is back to the levels he showed in his first season in the Premier League. Did not look overly concerned with anything Burnley had to throw at him.
Deigo Llorente – 6
After a first half walk in the park against the ineffective Johann Gudmundsson he found it harder to deal with half-time substitute Maxwel Cornet, whose introduction gave Leeds more headaches at the back.
Junior Firpo – 7
Further signs here that after a rocky start to life in the Premier League he is starting to justify the faith Marcelo Bielsa has in him. Backheeled first half effort illustrated real vision and he offered a great outlet.
Stuart Dallas – 8
250 games down for Leeds United and most have been played at this level of consistency. Offered real industry and made the game’s telling contribution. His goal was a simply exquisite finish.
Adam Forshaw – 6
Leeds needed grit as well as guile to cope with opponents who offer a physical examination and Forshaw supplied it. Looked much closer to normal levels than in recent weeks.
Mateusz Klich – 7
Influence grew on the contest as Leeds’ grip on it was tested, which says plenty about the relish with which he approached his task. Stood up when required for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Raphinha – 6
Leeds’ creative force and best player displayed a sense of ingenuity that put him above anyone else on the pitch but nagging feeling is the threat wasn’t sustained enough against Burnley.
Jack Harrison – 7
At the heart of everything Leeds did well going forward. His pressure told for the first goal and it was typical of his speed of thought on a day he impressed.
Tyler Roberts – 5
Supplied plenty of energy but lacked conviction in the penalty area – not least when he wasted a fine chance when he craned to meet Luke Ayling’s cross.
Substitutes
Daniel James (on for Harrison, 62) – 7
What Leeds needed when he was introduced. Had the pace to stretch the game and pull Burnley out of their well-drilled shape and finished the contest in injury time.
Joe Gelhardt (on for Roberts, 58) – 6
One to watch for 2022, the ovation when he entered the fray told you much about how much excitement he’s generating in these parts. Busy cameo.
Burnley (4-4-2)
Hennessey 7; Lowton 6, Tarkowski 5, Mee 6, Taylor 6; McNeil 6, Westwood 5, Cork 6, Gudmundsson 5 (Cornet, 45, 7); Wood 5 (Vydra 84), Lennon 6.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3qJLfDQ
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