Paul Merson will no doubt have been watching with intrigue as Leeds held on for a 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
The Whites’ triumph was admittedly fortuitous, winning a penalty inside four minutes when Nick Pope was adjudged to have clattered Patrick Bamford inside the box before the Leeds striker scored the only goal of the game from the spot.
Yet the fact his teammates held onto that lead proved even more controversial. Ashley Barnes’ equaliser was ruled out for a foul on Illan Meslier despite the goalkeeper appearing to have been the guilty party in an aerial challenge with Ben Mee.
Rather than awarding the Clarets a penalty, referee Robert Jones awarded a free-kick the other way, a decision which ultimately proved decisive as Leeds held on in spite of a poor second-half display.
This was not vintage Bielsa-ball, a brand which has been refreshing to watch since Leeds’ promotion, but which has brought mixed results.
Following the 6-2 defeat to Manchester United, Merson’s criticism of their approach has been widely debated. He followed up his well-publicised rant on Sky Sports by condemning it as “madness” that Leeds continued to play “the Bielsa way” in his Daily Star column.
His arguments were not wholly without merit, the thrashing at Old Trafford marking the sixth time this season that they have conceded three or more goals. Aside from United, Crystal Palace and Leicester have been among the beneficiaries of a refusal to put up the barricades and run for cover.
Bielsa impressed with ‘energetic’ Leeds
Against Burnley, that changed. It may be an error to read too much into a victory which came about as much by chance and refereeing intervention as by design, but it’s testament to Leeds’ ability to readapt to the top flight after an absence of more than a decade that they are learning to pick up points when they find themselves frustrated.
While their level dipped considerably after the interval, Bielsa praised his side’s effort in keeping Burnley at bay.
“First half we defended very well,” he told reporters. “We finished our attacks in their half. In the second half we had to defend closer to our own goal.
“[It was] difficult for us to solve some duels in the second half. It was an energetic and valiant effort by the guys and very decisive.”
From the outset of that pulsating 4-3 loss at Liverpool on the opening weekend of the campaign, they have largely set out to outscore, to dazzle, and to vindicate Bielsa’s openness.
The debates about their style of play should not overshadow clear points of development. Patrick Bamford is one of the great proofs that his manager’s idealism can yield unexpected results, the striker recording his 10th goal of the season at Elland Road. The 27-year-old had never previously scored more than one goal in a top-flight campaign.
Defensively, Bielsa has had to contend with injuries and there are still question marks about his side’s ability to cope with dead ball situations. In fact, they have conceded more goals (9) from set pieces than any other Premier League team this season.
Against Burnley, however, they withstood nine second half attempts but stood firm, Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips both impressing as they were absorbed into a makeshift back three. Bielsa will be pleased with the resoluteness his side displayed, albeit not in the type of performance he is accustomed to seeing them produce.
It was strange to see the Argentine praised after his side lost 6-2 at Old Trafford in their biggest game of the season. But by the same token, Bielsa attracts as many plaudits when Leeds lose playing well as he does when they win and play so far below their best.
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3nSXlYQ
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