If the first half was a competitive encounter where both sides enjoyed opportunities, the second saw Villa totally over-run in a game where Patrick Bamford netted a second half hat-trick.
It brings to an abrupt end Dean Smith’s winning start to the season and a side with great promise firmly back to earth.
VILLA PLAYER RATINGS
Martinez – Composed first half, will be disappointed palming a stretched save to Bamford for the opener, but from the reverse angle did show he was unsighted until late. Could do nothing about the other two strikes, which were top quality.
Cash – Superb first half with a number of interceptions and blocks. Totally over-run in the second half as Leeds stretched the game. Afforded little protection from those around him.
Targett – Struggled, leaving acres of space when venturing forward to little effect at either end. Rarely impacted the game.
Konsa – Made an important block from a Rodrigo effort in the first half and went close himself in the second with a volley. Afforded Bamford acres of space and time for his goals with his partner Mings.
Mings – An inconsistent display, with the tone set early as the England international misjudged a cross only for Bamford to fortunately head wide. Contributed a number of clearances and showed composure. Looked as lost as Konsa as Bamford netted his 3 goals.
McGinn – A fiery early first half engine, but faded quickly and badly. Strong in bursts but Leeds played around him for long periods.
Douglas Luiz – A more noticeable performance than McGinn, but similar to his midfield partner saw the game passing him by for long periods. Very composed when on the ball but the visitors pacey breaks rendered him ineffective when anchored in midfield.
Barkley – Struggled to impose himself upon the game and cut a frustrated figure as only involved in brief phases.
Grealish – Good movement in the first half, breaking into dangerous periods and perhaps unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty. Unlucky also to see an effort cleared off the line.
Trezeguet – Lots of effort, but should have done better after a miss-placed pass saw the Egyptian through on goal. A lack of pace stood out against the movement around him, subbed off for Traore, who was ineffective once introduced.
Watkins – A quiet evening from the striker, almost apprehensive at times in the first half. Summed up by a late effort on goal when played through, fired wide of the goal despite being well placed.
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Embed from Getty ImagesVilla 0-3 Leeds
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Martinez
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Cash
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Targett
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Konsa
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Mings
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McGinn
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Douglas Luiz
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Barkley
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Trezeguet (Sub Off)
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Watkins
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Grealish (C)
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Traore (Sub On)
Leeds played really well, exposed us more as the game went on and Bamford’s hat trick was excellent. Can’t stand the guy; highlight of the match for me was Ming’s hauling him bodily to his feet by his shirt then throwing him to the floor again by the throat. Seriously, Bamford dived more in this game than Grealish has all season, and his theatrics – after standing on Mings’ ankle – were disgusting. Unfortunately he had the last laugh.
Grealish is phenomenal, but he really needs to learn when to pass the ball. He had an exceptional run on goal – running almost two thirds of the pitch – and all he had to do was square the ball to the better placed Watkins for an easy shot. Instead, he tried to do everything himself and the opportunity was wasted.
Smith too needs to take some responsibility; Leeds grew into the game but we didn’t adapt to their play or make any changes. It’s no surprise some of our players faded after the International shifts they put in. We can’t risk burning our first team out again this season.
Well done Leeds, you shut Gabby up good and proper. Time to regroup and re-evaluate.