Bielsa given big headache – Three things learned about Leeds in 3-1 win v Blackburn
Leeds United returned to winning ways in the Championship on Saturday, convincingly sweeping aside Blackburn 3-1 at Ewood Park.
The Whites got that all-important early goal, as Patrick Bamford fired low into the goal from the edge of the box after great work from Mateusz Klich.
It wasn’t all straight forward though, as Blackburn had a number of chances to equalise in the 15 minutes immediately after the goal.
Leeds made them pay for that when Kalvin Phillips expertly fired home a freekick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Blackburn did respond after the break, as Adam Armstrong replicated Phillips’ strike but from much-closer distance.
The Whites made sure of the three points minutes later. Klich got the goal his performance deserved, firing home from the edge of the box once again.
Leeds extended their gap at the top of the table back to four points, with West Brom yet to play until Sunday afternoon against Hull City.
Here are three things learned from 3-1 win on Saturday…
1. Klich back to his best in Lancashire
The Polish international has been one of the players that has come under criticism from fans since the Championship restart. Klich bounced back perfectly at Ewood Park, claiming an assist as well as finding the back of the net. It was Klich’ defensive work that impressed us the most in front of Phillips though. The 30-year-old made two interceptions according to WhoScored and was often the source of most counter-attacks for the Whites – certainly back to his best.
2. Douglas gives Bielsa headache
We all expected a couple of changes for the victory, but Barry Douglas coming in was somewhat of a surprise. The Scotsman didn’t put a single foot wrong at Ewood Park and filled in for Stuart Dallas superbly. It was only his fifth start of the season, and he put in one of his best performances for the Whites. Douglas did all of the basics in Lancashire and will have given Bielsa a real headache for the game against Stoke on Thursday.
3. Leeds find an answer from set-pieces
Who would have thought it? Leeds finally scoring from a set-piece. It was a Phillips special, similar to the one he struck at Nottingham Forest many years ago. It was actually the first goal from a direct freekick since Pablo Hernandez’ at Burton Albion in 2017. It wasn’t only the freekick from what the Whites nearly scored from though. Corners have been a massive problem in the final third, and Luke Ayling almost snatched another goal at the front post – a majorly positive sign moving forward.
In other Leeds United news, our MOT Leeds News player ratings from the 3-1 victory at Ewood Park