I made the trip to Elland Road on Tuesday night to watch the Carabao Cup tie against Newport County.
I give my view of the performance after Leeds beat the League Two side 5-1 to progress to the third round.
Green 5
Back in the side but he will probably be back on the bench at the weekend. He made a couple of good saves but his mistake led to Newport going ahead in the game.
Anita 6
He picked up an injury just before the break and he looked uncomfortable until being replaced on the hour. He must be a doubt for Saturday.
Shaughnessy 5
He looked troubled all night by the power and pace of the Newport attack. He was very good aerially. His passing though needs some work. He was looking for 40-yard killer passes all night.
Ayling 7
The one player who really looked to get us on the front foot in the first half. He came very close to scoring his first competitive goal for Leeds with one long-range effort.
Borthwick-Jackson 5
He started well but he faded as the game went on.
Klich 7
He was happy to collect the ball and start the moves off. He looks a good player and he will get better with more game time.
Vieira 6
He struggled to get going. It was nice to see him get on the scoresheet with a late goal.
Dallas 8
He must be in contention to come into the side at the weekend. Always an outlet for Leeds and he came close to scoring in the second half.
Stokes 6
Nice to see him get a chance but he didn`t do enough for me and the game seemed to pass him by.
Roofe 9
His confidence grew following the goal and his second and third goals were quality. He almost scored another with an audacious chip.
Amazing what can happen when you play him in his correct position.
Gomes 5
He started well and he looked a threat but he drifted out of the game. He didn`t get back to help out defensively and he looked lazy at times in the second half.
Subs
Cooper 6
He picked up a needless booking near the end. We know he will pick up cards over the season and probably pick up a suspension under the totting up system. Needless card to pick up with the game won.
Saiz 8
He scored again and he looks the real deal. He is getting better with every game.
Alioski 7
He was a threat the moment he came on and like Saiz, he is getting better with every game.
Summary
The scoreline definitely flattered Leeds. The first half was poor with no urgency and it was almost like watching a pre-season friendly. Had Newport taken their chances we could have been three-down and they continue to cause problems in the second half. The goal just before half time changed the game in our favour.
Nice to see Roofe get amongst the goals and you could see his confidence growing. I think he deserves to keep the role at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The arrival of Saiz and Alioski into the game was cruel on Newport. The pair teased the visitors and both played their part in the late goals.
It is great to see us growing with confidence with every game. I still believe we are a month ahead of where I expected us to be with a new head coach and lots of new signings. Looking forward to seeing who we get in the third round but I won`t be getting up at 4.15am to watch it. Thanks Shaun Harvey, you continue to make a mockery of the Football League and its competitions.
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