Despite a good performance by The Bluebirds, they ultimately couldn't hold out for what would've been an impressive win at a sold out Elland Road.
The Bluebirds struck early with goals from debutants Josh Bowler and Ike Ugbo with all things looking bright in the first half. Things changed at half time however, an early goal from Whites captain Liam Cooper gave the home side hope and late in injury time a tidy finish from Summerville meant the points were shared.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (7) - Despite conceding two it was an impressive display from The Bluebirds number 21. Alnwick was key in denying efforts from both Gnonto and Summerville in the first half. Alnwick offered more with the ball than The Bluebirds usual number 1 Ryan Allsop. Personally would like to see Alnwick as first choice this season.
Perry Ng (6) - Job well done from Ng who managed to limit Dan James this afternoon, due to James' pace Ng's opportunities going forward were limited but Ng did his job defensively. It appeared he went off with an injury, so let's hope it's not too serious.
Mark McGuinness (7) - A very solid outing from McGuinness this afternoon with the majority of Leeds' chances stopped by the Irishman. Macca appeared to work well with new recruit Goutas; a partnership I look forward to see flourish.
Dimitrios Goutas (6) - Not as involved as his partner but we saw glimpses of Goutas' quality with some key challenges in The Bluebirds 18-yard box. Some would argue he could've denied the first but a decent outing for the Greek.
Callum O'Dowda (8) MOTM - Brilliant this afternoon, up and down until the last minute and he definitely showed why he should be first choice at left back this season. O'Dowda was key in the first goal with a brilliant run and a good cut back. The Irish international was also crucial in defence with a pivotal challenge to deny Luis Sinisterra.
Ryan Wintle (6) - Wintle did the hard job today against an impressive duo of Ampadu and Gray so maybe went under the radar, a couple of decent defensive involvements for Wintle, but ultimately a quiet day for the midfielder.
Joe Ralls (6.5) - A good performance by the City captain. Ralls was key in The Bluebirds first of the afternoon with a smart ball to O'Dowda. A shame to see him being forced off through injury, let's hope it's not too serious.
Aaron Ramsey (6) - A good couple of flicks and obviously an assist on his return in blue, seemed to fizzle out as the game went on but consistency will come with more minutes, positives to take from Rambo's first game back.
Josh Bowler (7.5) - Very exciting and encouraging debut for Bowler. Ultimately Bowler had Hjelde's number but a half time sub meant Bowler was slightly less involved in the second half, but a good first showing for the winger.
Karlan Grant (5) - Unfortunately things didn't fall for Grant this afternoon. Ayling was good at the back, but ultimately Grant didn't put himself about like he did in pre season. More to come from Grant as we know, let's hope it's a one off and not a continuation of last season.
Ike Ugbo (7.5) - An all round good performance from Ugbo who ran the Leeds defence well and was in the right place at the right time for his goal; a poacher that we've missed for a while. Glad to see Ugbo proving people (myself included) wrong.
Subs
Ebou Adams (7) - A long time coming for Adams but I'm glad he took the opportunity, an energetic performance and one to encourage The Bluebirds faithful. He did the dirty work in midfield and unfortunately wasn't awarded for his efforts.
Yakou Meite (5) - By the time he came on The Bluebirds had their backs against the wall which meant Meite was limited going forward. Would've preferred to see Meite go up front as when he came on we needed to someone to hold up the ball, something I think he could've done well. Very harsh yellow card.
Kion Etete (5) - Didn't offer much when he was on, a couple of decent little flicks but ultimately was bullied by the Leeds defence. We know Etete is capable of better, should start vs Colchester for me.
Andy Rinomhota (5) - Was beaten in the midfield far too often and was asked to play a role clearly unfamiliar to him as when he went forward he looked like he didn't know what to do with it. Hard to see where Rino fits in under Bulut, another I'd start against Colchester on Wednesday.
Mahlon Romeo (5) - Should probably have done better in the run-up to Leeds' equaliser but ultimately a quiet afternoon for the Antigua and Barbuda international.
Summary
Positives to take for The Bluebirds this afternoon as we saw a much more clinical side from last season. Room to improve for individuals but that will come with more minutes. Very encouraging knowing we still have the likes of Callum Robinson and Rubin Colwill to add into the mix.
Ultimately there will be a feel of disappointment due to how long we held on but that's football and these players will only get better from here on. In Bulut We Trust.
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