Bielsa, Bamford, bravery - Leeds 3B formula for 3-0 landslide victory
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 23.02.21. | 20:25
The Yorkshire side wins the mid-table Premier League derby against die-hard Southampton (3-0)
His nickname El Loco means The Crazy One, but Leeds' coach Marcelo Bielsa knows what's he doing. An aggressive, attacking-oriented football not only pleases fans but produces landslide victories like that one tonight against Southampton (3-0) in matchday 18 of the Premier League (the match was postponed due to visitors' FA Cup tie in the mid-January). A performance full of confidence and bravery saw Patrick Bamford shining once again, which tends to be a regular habit in this EPL campaign.
However, the visitors first struck at Elland Road, with Jannick Westergard's header five minutes into the game going slightly off the target. On the other end, Bamford caused severe problems for the Saints' defence, but the deadlock remained unbroken. It could have been different after the referee rewarded the guests with a penalty, only to be subsequently denied after VAR's consultancy. Another stressful moment for the ref happened a few minutes later when Southampton were quick to engage from the spot-kick; Adams even scored in front of confused opponents, but it was disallowed because they didn't wait for the whistle.
As soon as the slots returned to the turf after the half-time break, Bielsa's go-to guy Bamford did what he does best - netted from the difficult position, making it look like the most ordinary thing in the world. While a broadcaster showed us footage of Southampton's last chance, Leeds' striker received the ball near the edge of the box and placed it in the back of the net.
It could have easily been doubled soon with Rafinha strolling past defenders on the left flank. His perfect cross found Llorente around the six-yard box, but McCarthy's sharp reaction on the line saved the visitors. Just like Bamford did when Westergard jumped sky-high once again and was on the verge of the equaliser. What Westergard missed, Dallas converted into the goal on the other side. A fast counter-attack provided him with a proper chance to shine, which Dallas accepted gratefully. The last nail into Southampton's coffin came from wonderful Rafinha, who's free-kick brought a glimpse of a smile on the always serious face of Leeds tactician.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 18
(Postponed match)
Leeds United - Southampton 2-0 (0-0)
/Bamford 47, Dallas 78, Rafinha 84/
