Graham Smyth's Leeds United ratings vs Brighton as Bijol 'dominant' in 1-0 win | OneFootball

Leeds United closed their 2025/26 home Premier League campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Brighton at Elland Road, sealed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin deep into stoppage time. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, player ratings were issued after the match.

An even first half produced half chances. Daniel James saw a goalbound strike blocked by Lewis Dunk after a cleared corner, and Karl Darlow beat away a swerving effort from Pascal Gross.

Brighton quickened after the interval but their hosts remained organised, with Diego Gomez and Jack Hinshelwood snatching at openings. Leeds continued to resist.

Anton Stach was stretchered off on 74 minutes with an ankle problem after an awkward fall with Carlos Baleba, and replacement Joel Piroe went close soon after. The contest looked set to finish goalless until, five minutes into second-half added time, Calvert-Lewin pounced on Jan Paul van Hecke’s poor back-pass, rounded Bart Verbruggen and rolled into an empty net.

In the ratings, Jaka Bijol earned a ‘dominant’ 9 for aerial authority and two big blocks, with eights for Darlow, Joe Rodon, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ethan Ampadu. James received 7 after a bright duel with Minteh, while Darlow’s first-half save and Ampadu’s goal-saving clearance were highlighted.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk