43 touches, 7 interceptions: Leeds defender Liam Cooper was superb in win over Cardiff City

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Leeds United’s Liam Cooper had a fine game during his side’s 1-0 win over Cardiff City.

Leeds United defender Liam Cooper had one of his best games of the season as he contributed greatly to his side’s much-deserved 1-0 win over Championship rivals Cardiff City.

Leeds headed into the clash presiding over a lengthy winless streak at Elland Road, a factor which cost former boss Uwe Rosler his job and has sparked plenty of negativity around the club.

New manager Steve Evans oversaw two draws and a home defeat in his first three games at the helm, though in his fourth game in charge, little pieces finally started to fall into place.

Team shape was better, chances were created, but arguably the most pleasing aspect for Evans was that Leeds defended superbly and picked up their first clean sheet since mid-August.

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, centre-back Liam Cooper was the standout player at the back for the hosts as he contributed greatly in a number of key defensive areas.

The 24-year-old posted one tackle, three defensive duels won, five ball recoveries, six interceptions and seven effective clearances – more than any other outfield player on the pitch.

In possession, he was calm and assured as he completed 18 accurate passes and took 43 touches.

Cooper was making his 12^th Championship appearance of the season, yet he was playing alongside Giuseppe Bellusci and not his regular centre-back partner Sol Bamba.

In a game which many predicted the hosts to struggle in, Leeds were organised and limited Cardiff to very few clear-cut chances, even amid a late surge by the visitors in seek of an equaliser.

Alex Mowatt’s 30-yard strike was enough to settle the contest and lift the Yorkshire outfit up to 17^th in the Championship table, six points clear of the bottom three.