Manor Solomon and Daniel James were the standout performers for Leeds United in their 2-0 win over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday.
Solomon scored the Whites’ first goal just 31 seconds into the contest, finishing clinically. James, who assisted on the goal, then added to the hosts’ lead in the second half on January 22.
With the Canaries unable to put Illan Meslier to the test, Daniel Farke’s team, who had a similar outcome against Sheffield Wednesday the previous weekend, took all three points to reclaim first place in the Championship.
MOT Leeds News ranks each player’s performance out of ten.
Illan Meslier – 5
The goalkeeper, who has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, had a quiet game this time, with Norwich unable to record a single attempt on target.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Was certainly the most outstanding of the defenders as Leeds cruised over Norwich. Bogle was highly involved in the attack, including a wonderful backheel pass to Brenden Aaronson that set up Solomon’s opening goal.
Joe Rodon – 6
Had a quiet game, but deserves credit for keeping Norwich’s attackers in check.
Ethan Ampadu – 7.
Was the better of the two centre-backs on the night, delivering a commanding captain’s performance.
Sam Byram (Off for Junior Firpo 55’) – 4
Byram was the second Leeds player to be booked in the game, and he was dismissed as a result.
Ao Tanaka was lucky to avoid a red card.
Ao Tanaka (Off for Ilia Gruev 55’) – 6
The Japan international was booked for a foul in the Norwich half early in the game and was maybe fortunate not to receive a second early in the second half, leaving Farke with little choice but to hook him. Regardless, he was a solid presence in the middle of the park.
Joe Rothwell (off for Josuha Guilavogui, 89′) – 6
Was correctly booked for simulation in the second half.
Dan James (Off for Wilfried Gnonto in the 74th minute) – 9 Man of the Match
He deserves a lot of credit for setting up Solomon’s opener by playing the ball into the dangerous area early on. He delivered an even greater finish to extend the Whites’ lead in the second half.
Brenden Aaronson – 5.
Was part in the buildup to Solomon’s goal.
Manor Solomon is fantastic for Leeds United.
Manor Solomon (off for Largie Ramazani, 74′) – 8
Leeds United took the lead just 31 seconds into the game, scoring with a clean finish. The attacker then became a provider, putting up James for his goal.
Joel Piroe – 4
In the first half, he was virtually unnoticeable, but in the second, he came into his own. He got his name taken late in the game.
Substitutes
Ilia Gruev (on for Tanaka 55) – 4
Junior Firpo (On for Byram 55’) – 6
Wilfried Gnonto (on for James in the 74th minute) – NA
Largie Ramazani (on for Solomon in 74th minute) – 5
Josuha Guilavogui (on for Rothwell in the 89th minute) – NA
