Leeds: Adams shines in derby defeat

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams was dubbed the “heart and soul” of the Whites side despite defeat against Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Derby defeat

The Whites succumbed to a late Red Devils burst as Marcus Rashford headed home with ten minutes to go, before substitute Alejandro Garnacho bagged the clincher at Illan Meslier’s near post, with the keeper able to get a hand on it but not keep it out.

Leeds will be disappointed they couldn’t follow up their midweek result and take at least a point against Erik ten Hag’s side again, but they couldn’t make their dominance in the shooting stats count, with them having five more attempts than the visitors did (BBC).

The defeat makes it nine without a win in the Premier League, with caretaker boss Michael Skubala unable to right Jesse Marsch’s wrongs that saw him sacked before the trip to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Adams plaudits

Despite Leeds’ barren run extending, their relentless American midfielder caught the eye again with Joe Prince-Wright reaction to an unforgiving tackle by Adams on Jadon Sancho early on, saying: “talk about setting the tone”.

90min reporter Graeme Bailey followed in the praise of the 23-year-old who he awarded a joint match high rating of eight, alongside winger Crysencio Summerville, he wrote:

“CM: Tyler Adams – 8/10 – Really got stuck in, and clearly appreciated what the game meant to the fans – the heart and soul of the Leeds side.”

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The Verdict: Integral again

Adams started his 20^th league game of the season and completed his seventh 90 minute performance in a row, with Josh Bunting lauding him during the game claiming, he’s a player who “has everything you want in a midfielder.”

A tough day in possession for Leeds was epitomised by Adams having just 41 touches and making 23 accurate passes, compared to Marcel Sabitzer in the opposition midfield having 66 touches and 41 passes (via Sofascore).

However, he battled away in the dogged Whites midfield, winning four out of six duels and making two tackles and two interceptions with Leeds only falling to a late onslaught from the visitors like previously in midweek.

With relegation rivals Everton and Southampton to come next, Adams will likely have more opportunity to show his ability on the ball with Leeds desperate to end their winless run in the next two outings.