Leeds 1-1 Southampton: Player ratings as Ward-Prowse free-kick seals point for Saints
From Elland Road - A brilliant second-half free-kick from Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse gave his side a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.
Leeds had edged the opening half and lead through a Jack Harrison goal on the half-hour mark, but Southampton claimed a share of the spoils thanks to Ward-Prowse just after the interval as he curled the ball home.
Both sides will think they should have won the game, but in truth a draw was probably the right result.
Leeds had started the game brightly with Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich going close in the opening five minutes.
Mohamed Elyounoussi will feel he should have given Southampton the lead ten minutes in but he fired straight at Illan Meslier.
Harrison had a goal disallowed on 22 minutes following a push from Rodrigo - but he was not to be denied ten minutes later.
Raphinha got in down the right and just kept the ball in play, and Southampton's defence seemed to stop as Harrison poked the ball home. The away side protested but VAR confirmed the goal.
Leeds saw it through comfortably until the break, but soon after they were pegged back. Southampton won a free-kick on the edge of the box and Ward-Prowse stepped up to curl home a brilliant finish from 25 yards as Meslier could only get a hand to the ball.
Soon after, Armando Broja put a Tino Livramento cross just wide as the home side struggled to get going in the second period.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch threw on Joe Gelhardt and Kalvin Phillips just after the hour, and they did improve matters for the home side.
Phillips passing and Gelhardt's runs caused trouble for the Saints. Indeed, in the final minute Gelhardt went down in the box but referee Anthony Taylor waved away the protests as the match ended in a draw.
Leeds player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - 6/10 - Made some very good saves but could have done better for the free-kick as he got his hand to it.
Luke Ayling (RB) - 5/10 - Could not get forward enough and was pushed back for much of the game.
Diego Llorente (CB) - 7/10 - Tough game but stood up to the test.
Liam Cooper (CB) - 7/10 - Good return for the Leeds captain. Led by example.
Stuart Dallas (LB) - 6/10 - Didn't see enough of him in Southampton's half, but worked hard.
2. Midfielders
Mateusz Klich (CM) - 5/10 - Got forward okay in the first half, but struggled to get a grip in the middle of the park.
Adam Forshaw (CM) - 7/10 - Stood firm and did well when often outnumbered.
Rodrigo (CAM) - 4/10 - Fancy flicks does not make a Premier League player.
3. Forwards
Raphinha (RW) - 7/10 - Did great for Harrison's goal but not his best day at the office.
Dan James (CF) - 6/10 - Got into a lot of good positions but too wasteful and was taken off.
Jack Harrison (LW) - 7/10 - Grabbed the goal and put in a good shift on the left.
4. Substitutes
Joe Gelhardt (59' for James) - 6/10 - Ran his socks off and was a constant threat.
Kalvin Phillips (66' for Klich) - 6/10 - Some lovely passing, a touch of class.
Pascal Struijk (90' for Ayling) - N/A
Southampton player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Fraser Forster (GK) - 6/10 - Did not cover himself with glory on the goal but made a couple of very good saves.
Tino Livramento (RB) - 5/10 - Tried to get forward but given a tough time by Harrison.
Jan Bednarek (CB) - 7/10 - Did well and coped with what Leeds threw his way, especially in the second half.
Mohammed Salisu (CB) - 7/10 - Solid enough and showed good pace throughout.
Kyle Walker-Peters (LB) - 6/10 - Offered very little going forward but did win crucial free-kick, but Raphinha will think he won his battle with him.
6. Midfielders
Oriol Romeu (DM) - 5/10 - Solid, but offered nothing going forward. Replaced on the hour.
James Ward-Prowse (CM) - 8/10 - Outstanding technique, beautiful passing. The class act on show at Elland Road.
Ibrahima Diallo (CM) - 5/10 - Pretty quiet, held his position well but offered nothing.
7. Forwards
Che Adams (RF) - 6/10 - Good first half and should have found the back of the net on more than one occasion.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (ST) - 6/10 - Floated around the pitch, looked a threat at times.
Armando Broja (LF) - 6/10 - Worked hard and almost scored, and probably should have.
8. Substitutes
Stuart Armstrong (64' for Romeu) - 6/10 - Pushed forward, did well.
Nathan Tella (88' for Adams) - N/A
Shane Long (90' for Broja) - N/A