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Stuart Jamieson

Sam Allardyce's big Leeds United decision vindicated despite Manchester City defeat

Sam Allardyce made the right call in bringing in Joel Robles for the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City - according to our fan player ratings. The new Leeds United boss made the big decision of dropping No 1 Illian Mesler to the bench for the visit to the Etihad in his first game in charge, with Robles taking his place between the sticks.

While the Leeds goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of the net twice in the first half as City threatened to run away with the game, he remained a calm presence at the back to ensure the scoreline stayed at just 2-0 for most of the game - and Leeds even briefly threatened something special when Rodrigo pulled one back late on.

We asked you to rate the players out of 10 after the game, and Robles led the way with an average scored of 6.9, justifying Big Sam's decision. Goalscorer Rodrigo came off the bench to earn a creditable 6.8, while they were respectable scores for Max Wober (6.6) and Adam Forshaw (6..0).

READ MORE: The positive Sam Allardyce will take as Leeds United look to gain edge on relegation rivals

However, the rest of the Leeds squad all averaged below 6 in your player ratings - something which must improve if they are to get the better of Champions League-chasing Newcastle United at Elland Road next Saturday lunchtime.

Patrick Bamford took the brunt of the fan's frustrations, scoring just an average of 4.3 for his 80 minutes on the pitch, while of the starting XI, Marc Roca notched a disappointing score of 4.6 and Junior Firpo just 4.9.

The Whites are now level on points with third-bottom Nottingham Forest, who can move above them with a win or draw over basement side Southampton today. Everton can also move ahead of Leeds if they defeat Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Leeds face Newcastle next Saturday lunchtime before closing the season with a trip to West Ham and a final-day home match with Tottenham at Elland Road.

Leeds United fans player ratings

  1. Joe Robles 6.9
  2. Rodrigo 6.8
  3. Max Wober 6.6
  4. Adam Forshaw 6.0
  5. Luke Ayling 5.7
  6. Jack Harrison 5.3
  7. Rasmus Kristensen 5.3
  8. Sam Greenwood 5.2
  9. Weston McKennie 5.2
  10. Crysencio Summerville 5.0
  11. Willy Gnonto 5.0
  12. Junior Firpo 4.9
  13. Marc Roca 4.6
  14. Brenden Aaronson 4.6
  15. Patrick Bamford 4.3
  16. Pascal Struijk 3.8

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