Leeds United 1-0 Norwich City: Samuel Seaman player ratings

Angus Gunn

Made good stops where required, but nothing he could do when Patrick Bamford planted his header in the bottom corner. Not as much for him to do on the ball as there has been in recent games, but kept his composure under significant pressure from Leeds attackers. 6

Jack Stacey

Another positive showing from the right-back as he begins to resemble the player that wowed supporters upon his arrival last summer. Competed well with the dangerous Crysencio Summerville defensively and offered end product with his energy offensively.

Picked out Gabriel Sara with a fantastic cross typical of his deliveries throughout the game, but the Brazilian couldn’t convert. Progress from the 27-year-old. 7

Shane Duffy

A largely solid performance from the Irishman, who has been nearly as reliable as Mr. Consistent Kenny McLean in recent months. Arguably lucky to be given a foul when beaten for pace by Bamford, and struggled to make a real positive impact on the ball, but a decent enough performance aside from the 30-year-old’s goal.

Allowed the former Norwich loanee to drift away from him and claim a free header for the opener, underscoring the importance of remaining switched on at all times against the Championship’s top sides. 6

Shane Duffy had a mixed evening in West Yorkshire (Image: PA)

Ben Gibson

Struggled in the early part of the game, rushing clearances and clipping balls out of play as Leeds’ attacking game plan appeared to get to him. Improved as the game wore on but never looked totally secure, especially on the ball.

Withdrawn for Christian Fassnacht as David Wagner tried to push for a result late on. 5

Dimitris Giannoulis

A useful outlet as the visitors established their standing in the game early on, but struggled to deal with a combination of Georginio Rutter and Jaidon Anthony in the second half.

The Greek’s final ball was also patchy, but he did play a key role as Norwich established dominance in possession midway through the second half. Still being pushed hard for a start by Sam McCallum. 6

Marcelino Nunez

A busy evening for Nunez, but he largely stood up to the task and looked comfortable when City dominated possession in the second half. Gave the impression he could thrive in a more proactive system.

Still struggles to find the truly penetrating balls that open teams up, and looks better as a more regular cog in a constantly probing operation. Unfortunately, he’s unlikely to play such a role again in the near future. 6

Kenny McLean

Mr. Reliable turning out the performance supporters have grown used to seeing from him over the last five years. Probing and positive in possession, timely and focused out of it.

Made one last-ditch block to stop what should have been a simple finish for Anthony early in the second half, as well as fizzing a dangerous ball in that Duffy just about failed to meet early on. Stepped up to the plate once again in a big game. 8

Jonathan Rowe

Not close to his best overall performance, and missed the regular moment of transfixing quality that usually makes everyone forget about his off days.

Arguably should have slipped Borja Sainz in when he found space on the edge of the box, but opted for a shot easily collected by Illan Meslier. Otherwise fairly quiet. Being assessed for the hand injury that forced him off. 5

Gabriel Sara

His strange clearance started the attack that led to the opener, hoofing into the air inexplicably. He then had the chance to make up for his error when Stacey’s cross found him at the back post, but he somehow scuffed that wide of the near post.

Some promising touches in combination with Rowe and Josh Sargent that looked like they could unlock a sturdy Leeds defence in the second half, but he never quite made it happen. The kind of performance that highlighted his inconsistency – a weakness he must improve on if he’s to play at the highest level. 5

Gabriel Sara made a series of errors on the night (Image: PA)

Borja Sainz

A very low-key performance indeed from the Spaniard, for whom there’s little to speak of. Made two good runs and arguably should have been sent through by Sargent and then Rowe, but was at the mercy of his team-mates in that sense.

Always buzzes around and looks lively, but has gone too long without consistently tangible contribution. 5

Josh Sargent

Looked what he probably was as he played his second game in close proximity for the first time since injury: tired. Choosing to shoot over sliding Sainz in the only chance he made for himself.

Perhaps that’s to be expected from someone who was out for as long as he was, but the American could have been replaced much earlier than he was in truth. 5

SUBSTITUTES

Onel Hernandez (on for Sainz, 59)

Brought on to make an impact and struggled to do so until the 82nd minute, when he broke away towards the Leeds box and played Adam Idah through on goal, a chance the Irishman wasted. 5

Christian Fassnacht (on for Gibson, 72)

Not much at all to recall from the Swiss, failing to recreate his inspired introductions in recent games. 5

Ashley Barnes (on for Rowe, 79)

Added some energy up front after Sargent had tired, but didn’t have much of a chance to impress on the ball. 5

Adam Idah (on for Sargent, 79)

Wasn’t on for long, but fans will remember this performance for the Irishman’s failure to make the most of that chance on the counter. Looked indecisive and failed to produce another memorable late moment. 4