Leeds United risk slipping into the relegation zone this weekend after they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Here's the winners and losers.
Winners
Patrick Bamford
It’s been a long time coming, but Bamford is back fit again and Jesse Marsch will have been pleased to welcome him back and name him as a substitute. The striker’s last appearance before the trip to Villa came at Anfield in October, having picked up a small injury that ruled him out of the club’s final two games before the World Cup break.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Koch underline shaky defence in Aston Villa loss
He had surgery in December and missed the club’s first four competitive matches after the restart. But his presence in the squad was a welcome one and everyone at the club will be hoping he can leave his injury woes behind him.
Bamford emerged onto the field of play in the 65th minute, just after Emiliano Buendia’s goal, and he bagged his first goal in 13 months to pull one back for the Whites. It didn’t alter the result, but that goal will do his confidence a world of good.
Losers
Jesse Marsch
The head coach will have been happy with elements of his side’s performance, especially in the first half. However, the manner of the goals conceded will have left a bitter taste and the fans certainly made their feelings known as the Whites edged towards their seventh game without a win.
Chants of ‘Marsch out’ could be heard from the away end as supporters directed their anger at the head coach. Supporters have voiced their frustrations at games before this season but this was the first time they have so vocally called for a change of manager.
The pressure is clearly starting to build on the head coach as Leeds approach the halfway point in the campaign and he received a mixed response when he went over to clap the fans at the full-time whistle
Pascal Struijk
Struggled to deal with the threat of Leon Bailey all game and both Villa’s goals came down his side. The defender failed to impress at Cardiff City last weekend and he looked short of confidence from the off against Villa.
Bailey stood him up and curled his effort around him for the first goal, just a few minutes after kick-off and Struijk was turned inside and out by the Jamaican in the build-up to the second. With Max Wober moving towards a start, it’s fair to say Struijk could have done with a strong performance at Villa Park to nail down his shirt.
As it is, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wober start against Brentford next weekend.
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