Leeds United put themselves within grasp of Premier League safety following Friday’s 3-1 win at home to Burnley. Goals from Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved enough to beat the already-relegated Clarets and open up a nine-point gap on 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
The Whites took control from kick-off and were ahead inside eight minutes, with Stach rifling an effort in at Martin Dubravka’s near post from 25 yards after setting himself with a brilliant first touch. Okafor doubled the lead on 53 minutes, volleying home after some brilliant play from Calvert-Lewin and Jayden Bogle.
Two became three not long after, with Calvert-Lewin forcing home from close range after Ao Tanaka’s initial shot was saved. Burnley pulled one back via Loum Tchaouna shortly after a goal was ruled out for offside but Leeds quickly regained control and were able to see out the final chunk of action with little danger.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at Elland Road to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
1. GK: Karl Darlow
8 Solid. Well beaten for the goal but the defending wasn't great ahead of him. Made a top save before the offside goal. | Getty Images
2. CB: Joe Rodon
8 Showed his pace, his reading of the game and that he has a bit going forward. | Getty Images
3. CB: Jaka Bijol
8 Solid, monstered Flemming in the air. Produced a really pretty pass for Stach's opener. | Getty Images
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
7 Was having a very decent game before the little error for the Burnley goal. Wobbled slightly after that. Battle with Tchaouna was a good one. | Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
7 Not much came off for him in the first half but got a lovely assist in the second half and played with a bit more confidence. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
8 Physical, ran the ball well when he had to, passing was fine. Some good decisions to look after the ball and control the game. | Getty Images