Leeds United 2 Middlesbrough 1: Player Ratings - Alioski and Jansson back to form but Stroud loses control

But how did the YEP’s Phil Hay rate the performances?

Andy Lonergan - Kept out Downing’s effort moments before the opening goal and cut out the errors which cost Leeds at Brentford. 7/10

Luke Ayling - The penalty was only a penalty if the linesman first failed to spot a foul by Ayala. His flicked header denied Braithwaite a goal in a pivotal period. Better. 7/10

Liam Cooper - Boro had chances but Assombalonga wasn’t allowed to thrive in open play and a strong defensive display was the basis of a big win. 7/10

Pontus Jansson - Much more like it. Aggressive and combative, which is what United need him to be. Credit to him too for bringing the South Stand under control after the award of the spot kick. 8/10

Gaetano Berardi - This is still where Leeds looked weakest, on the left-hand side. Had Tavernier tucked away his early chance, the outcome might have been different. 6/10

Kalvin Phillips - Every bit as strong as Howson and Leadbitter and didn’t allow Boro to find any proper fluency. No frills but effective. 7/10

Ronaldo Vieira - A mature display and a sensible approach to a contest which Leeds needed to keep under control. This midfield pairing of Vieira and Phillips might have some legs in it. 7/10

Gjanni Alioski - The best he’s played since the first month of the season. Can be guilty of losing possession but was stronger, more dangerous going forward and on the spot to score. 8/10

Samuel Saiz - His effort against the post would have truly killed the game and he was as lively as ever, always looking for a pass. 7/10

Pablo Hernandez - This is what he does at his best. Poached the first goal with a clever run and set up the second with a lovely low cross. 8/10

Kemar Roofe - A big ask to play alone up front in between Ayala and Gibson but tried to drop off and contribute to the interplay around Boro’s box. It paid off when Alioski scored. 7/10

Substitutes:

Caleb Ekuban (for Roofe, 78) - Showed a good turn of pace and looks like more of an impact substitute than Grot. 6/10

Eunan O’Kane (for Saiz, 88) - The game had no shape or cohesion by the time he came on. Boro were going for broke. 5/10

Matthew Pennington (for Alioski, 90) - A change which wasted a little time and added height to a defence who were fighting to keep Boro out. 5/10

Subs (not used): Felix Wiedwald, Vurnon Anita, Hadi Sacko, Jay-Roy Grot.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire) - Probably should have given Boro a penalty in the first half and certainly shouldn’t have penalised Ayling. Struggled to keep control. 4/10

Attendance: 33,771