Birmingham City Player Ratings vs Leeds – Here’s how the Blues fared
Birmingham City became the first team to inflict a league defeat on Marcelo Bielsa as they beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Elland Road. Che Adams struck twice in the opening 30 minutes to give the away side an unassailable 2-0 lead which the home side couldn’t hunt down.
Leeds halved the deficit through Ezgjan Alioski very late in the game but Garry Monk’s held on to an impressive away victory at the home of the potential champions and current league leaders.
Birmingham City Player Ratings
Lee Camp (8)
Dealt with the crosses that were coming in regularly. Made a fantastic save right in the end to seal three points for the team. Couldn’t do much tp stop Alioski’s goal.
Maxime Colin (8.5)
Was always in the right place to stop the crosses and track the runs. He was very limited going forward but his defensive duties were critical.
Michael Morrison (8)
The captain stood out with a commanding performance at the back. Dominated Tyler Roberts all game and never gave him a sniff.
Harlee Dean (8)
Made a couple of crucial tackles and interceptions to keep his team in front. Another fantastic performance alongside Morrison.
Kristian Pedersen (8)
Was a targeted defender as Leeds always attacked from the right wing. However, Pederson timed his defensive actions to perfection.
Jota (7.5)
Ran the show from the midfield. Took the ball and drove past people to create space for the front men. A tireless display.
Gary Gardner (7.5)
An excellent show from Gardner who wasn’t too good on the ball. However, he was very efficient and alert off it. Was unfortunate to go off injured after the hour mark.
Charlie Lakin (6.5)
The youngster was very disciplined when Leeds had possession. Got caught with the ball in dangerous situations but got away with it. It’s all a part of the learning experience.
Jacques Maghoma (7)
Didn’t create much for the strikers but his defending off the ball was very good.
Che Adams (8.5)
Scored the decisive two goals and looked a real menace for the Leeds defenders to deal with.
Lukas Jutkiewicz (8)
Was physically handled by Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson but the striker went past that phase and led the line well.
Substitutes
Maikel Kieftenbeld (Subbed on after 60 mins) (6)
Replaced an injured Gardner and showed up well in the crucial final half hour of the game.
Omar Bogle (Subbed on after 81 mins) (6)
Added fresh energy to Birmingham’s attack.
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Wes Harding (Subbed on after 88 mins) (N/A)
Had no time to make an impact.