Leeds United moved to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in extra time at Home Park on Tuesday, February 6.
The Whites were put to the test in normal time, but after Illan Meslier brought Plymouth Argyle back into the game, three goals in extra time meant Leeds’ FA Cup trip would continue.
They will now play either Chelsea or Aston Villa away from home in the fifth round of England’s oldest cup competition.
MOT Leeds News ranks each player on a scale of ten following the Whites’ most recent road victory.
Illan Meslier – 4
His placement for Plymouth’s equaliser will undoubtedly be brought into question, as the Frenchman’s history of high-profile errors grows. If not for this error, Wilfried Gnonto’s goal would have been enough, and Daniel Farke’s team would not have had to play an extra half-hour in bad conditions.
Sam Byram – 8.
One of Leeds’ most amazing performers of the night. During the first half, he made a spectacular goalline clearance to save Plymouth from taking the lead, and he won the ball high up the pitch before Gnonto scored.
Junior Firpo – 6
Was caught out of position twice in the first half as Plymouth came close to scoring on both instances, but improved as the game progressed and became a more dominant presence in the second half.
Joe Rodon – 7.
He barely put a foot wrong defensively, but he received a yellow card when he was obliged to drag a Plymouth player down as the home side attempted to break.
Liam Cooper – 7.
Together with Rodon, he appeared assured. He was on hand to stop a Plymouth cross in the first half, which could have led to a goal.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Superb in midfield, made two or three enormous challenges in the center of the park to keep Plymouth from creating threatening opportunities, and had a moment of brilliance late on when his corner went straight into the goal.
Glen Kamara – 6
Worked well in midfield and scored an assist, but struggled to give much quality going forward until getting replaced midway through the second half.
Jaidon Anthony – 5.
He had a quiet first half and failed to get on the ball. He improved in the second half and saw more of the ball higher up the pitch, but lacked quality in the final third.
Wilfried Gnonto – 8
His magnificent strike opened the scoring for the second time in as many games for Leeds. He was energetic throughout but failed to get ahead of his fullback at times.
Joel Piroe – 6
He had two excellent chances and rattled the crossbar from the edge of the penalty box, but he struggled to make an impact on the game.
Mateo Joseph – 7
He had the first huge chance of the game, hitting the crossbar early in the first half, and he had another good chance just after halftime, but dragged his attempt wide. The youngster delivered a positive performance overall.
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Archie Gray (on for Kamara in the 71st minute) — 6
He got dug in when he came in and helped Leeds keep possession of the ball in extra time. A cameo appearance that underlined his growing influence for the Whites.
Joe Gelhardt (on for Gnonto, 71′) – 6
Quiet throughout extra time and had little impact on the game.
Patrick Bamford (on for Mateo Joseph) – 6.
Bamford, like Gelhardt, made a modest cameo following his epic third-round performance.
Georginio Rutter (on for Anthony 82′) – 7
He got on the scoresheet from the bench and posed a threat to Farke throughout extra time.
Crysencio Summerville (on for Byram 93′) – 9.
His stroke of magic propelled Leeds to victory, and he was a persistent threat during extra time, delivering a cameo performance that stole the show at Home Park.
