Leeds United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon to stretch their winless run in the Premier League to seven games.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the clash.
Winners
Liam Cooper
The skipper returned to the starting line-up on Sunday, slotting in as a right-sided centre-back alongside Max Wober and he impressed on the day. Cooper missed the draw with Brentford through injury and many had questioned whether he would come back into the side at all.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Bamford, Harrison and Sinisterra struggle in Nottingham Forest loss
Robin Koch’s suspension opened the door for him, though, and he took his chance to impress, marshalling the back line and providing a strong presence at the back. He kept Chris Wood quiet for the most part and while Sam Surridge did ask different questions in the second half, his impact was still limited.
Marsch has a decision to make at the back now with Koch eligible to play once more on Wednesday night against Manchester United.
Losers
Patrick Bamford
The striker was the man selected to lead the line for the Whites in Rodrigo’s absence over club record signing Georginio Rutter. He performed well against Accrington Stanley and it was hoped that he would be able to build on that with another strong showing at the City Ground, on what was his first Premier League start since October.
However, it’s fair to say he failed to take his chance in the side. He looked rusty at times, particularly in front of goal, spurning a couple of great opportunities in the first half of the game. He couldn’t really get a foothold in the game in the second half, either, and he was replaced by Rutter in the 67 th minute.
A tough afternoon for the England international and it seems Jesse Marsh could have a decision to make up front when Leeds go to Manchester United on Wednesday night.
Marc Roca
Preferred in the middle of the park to new signing Weston McKennie, but he failed to give the best account of himself against the Reds. The Spaniard got through plenty of work but he was often wasteful in possession and he lacked composure on the ball.
On three or four occasions, Roca hit aimless passes up the field, gifting possession to Forest and putting his own side under pressure. He was replaced before the hour mark and his place in the side may well be at threat when the Whites go to Old Trafford in midweek.
Leeds United
Results over the weekend really piled the pressure on Leeds to get a result on the banks of the Trent. Wolves and Everton both picked up maximum points against the odds, while West Ham United got a point, too, to push Leeds towards the bottom three.
A result would have seen United move up to at least 14th in the Premier League table and put three points between themselves and the bottom three. As it is, though, they approach the upcoming double header against the Red Devils perched on the edge of the drop zone.
Jack Harrison
The winger came close to a move to Leicester City on Tuesday night before the club made the final decision to keep him at Elland Road. Marsch described that as a show of faith in Harrison from the club, but it’s fair to say Harrison struggled to repay that faith in Nottingham.
He had a couple of bright touches in the opening stages but he was largely anonymous in the second half as he failed to get a grasp of the game. Harrison’s form has been up and down of late, but the former Manchester City man failed to end a topsy-turvy week on a positive note.
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