Leeds United clashed heads with Derby County at Pride Park earlier today as they hoped to earn a good result on the road in the FA Cup. The Whites made a slow start to the game and conceded the openin...
Leeds United clashed heads with Derby County at Pride Park earlier today as they hoped to earn a good result on the road in the FA Cup. The Whites made a slow start to the game and conceded the opening goal in the 35th minute when Ben Brereton Diaz found the back of the net. The Yorkshire club went into the half-time break 1-0 down on the scoreline.
Wilfried Gnonto equalised for Leeds in the 55th minute before Ao Tanaka completed the turnaround just four minutes later. James Justin killed the game off in injury time as Daniel Farke’s men earned an impressive 3-1 win away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Leeds United player fared during the clash against the Rams.
He didn’t have a save to make in the game, but failed to keep a clean sheet.
CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw – 6.5/10
Bornauw made two important clearances at the back and was replaced at half-time.
CB: Jaka Bijol – 7.5/10
He earned possession back twice and was a good presence on the ball. Bijol has got an assist to his name.
CB: Ethan Ampadu – 7/10
Ampadu made a few crucial interceptions on the defensive end of the field and did enough to limit the opposition to just one goal.
DERBY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Ao Tanaka of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Joel Piroe during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Leeds United on January 11, 2026 in Derby, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
RM: Wilfried Gnonto – 7.5/10
He made some inviting chances for others around him and managed to score in the 55th minute.
CM: Ilia Gruev – 6.5/10
Gruev caught the eye at times inside the opponent’s half and was replaced in the 72nd minute.
CM: Ao Tanaka – 8/10
He was a positive influence at both ends of the field and managed to get his name on the scoresheet in the 59th minute.
LM: Jack Harrison – 6.5/10
Harrison worked his socks off at both ends of the field.
CAM: Joel Piroe – 6.5/10
He was not shy of having a strike at goal but failed to find the back of the net.
ST: Lukas Nmecha – 8/10
Nmecha caused a few headaches for his marker and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
ST: Noah Okafor – 7/10
He was a constant menace in the final third, but there was no goal for him.
RB: James Justin – 7.5/10
He managed to score in injury time.
Category: General Sports
