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Player Ratings – Leeds (A)

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After a superb away performance at Leeds on Tuesday night, Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ individual performances from the game.

After a superb away performance at Leeds on Tuesday night, Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ individual performances from the game.

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Alex McCarthy – 7 – Solid game from the young keeper, who could do nothing about either goals. One thing I did notice was that he didn’t seem that confident coming for long balls into the box – has the Yeovil mistake dented his confidence in this area? Maybe.

Chris Gunter – 8 – I have said that the only part of Gunter’s game that is lacking is his confidence to go forward and attack – these past few games have proven me wrong. As well as being superb defensively, he offered himself going forward too.

Alex Pearce – 8 – VR MotM– One the central defenders best game of the season, as he dealt with everything thrown at him, especially in the second half when Leeds were on top. He was composed in every defensive duty and coped with Wickham’s height easily.

Kaspars Gorkss – 7 – Same as Pearce, solid and dealt with the duo of Wickham and McCormack comfortably. Dropping Hector was a big call after a good showing at Brighton, but Adkins justified his choice with Gorkss’ experience and ability in the air.

Jordan Obita – 7 – It was a game where Obita’s attacking threat wasn’t going to be on show, with Leeds’ 3-5-2 system restricting him to support Jobi. However, he did his defensive duties superbly well, showing also how we are not missing Bridge too much.

Hope Akpan – 6 – If Hope can sort his passing out, then he would certainly have been a 7. His work rate and pressure throughout was non-stop, but he just lacks that crucial composure at times, especially when you are under pressure and away from home.

Danny Guthrie – 8 – Some questioned whether we needed Guthrie when he was out injured, but this game proved we are better side with him in the team. He can do what Akpan can’t in that we can keep it simple and remain composed under pressure. Great cross for Blackman’s goal.

Garath McCleary – 7 – Unfortunately had to be subbed due to a hamstring injury, but his short performance was a good one. Superb pressure that earned him his goal and his fantastic cross gave HRK a great chance to double the lead.

Royston Drenthe – 7 – If this Royston Drenthe would have turned up three months ago, we could well have been challenging for the auto spots. The number 10 role allowed him to roam and he linked up very well with HRK and McAnuff. Looks much fitter too.

Jobi McAnuff – 7 – As much as he has his critics, it’s these games away from home where Jobi is priceless to have. His leadership and workrate is top notch and he looked much more dangerous in an attacking sense in this game too, unlucky not to score.

Hal Robson-Kanu – 8 – HRK on his own up front? On paper it caused a stir, but on the pitch it worked wonders. Great performance from the Welsh international, who worked tirelessly and caused the Leeds defence lots of problems. Great strength and finish for his goal.

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Nick Blackman – 7 – He slotted in very well at right wing and looked a threat when we went forward on the break in the second half. Good concentration for his goal and should have had another, after Gunter’s superb bursting run.

Michael Hector – 6 – Thrown on to thwart Leeds’ attacking threat in front of Gorkss and Pearce, and did a good job.

Shaun Cummings – 6 – It was good to see Cummings after a long exile, but he didn’t really have enough time to influence the game.

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