We’re all going on a European tour? Okay, it’s maybe a bit early for all that, but to look at the table today and see Leeds sixth in the Premier League after all these years is pretty special.
It was a terrific win at Sheffield United because, make no mistake about it, they are not a bad side. And, with or without fans, Bramall Lane is not an easy place to go get a result.
Patrick Bamford will get all the credit once again for his winner – it came off his nose he said, not that he will care – but there were some great performances from the Leeds players. Some of them are playing out of their skins at the moment and it’s fantastic to see.
We have to give special credit to Kalvin Phillips and Stuart Dallas. Kalvin got booked inside five minutes and was incredible after that. The way he controlled his emotion was just what Leeds wanted and he was fantastic. Dallas was absolutely everywhere. He’s playing with so much confidence. He’s back in his best position for me. At left-back he’s done well, but further forward is his best position. He showed Bielsa he wants to play in that position and for me he brings more to the team there. We’re going to have to change the system at times and he helps with that. He had a great chance and maybe went for accuracy rather than power, but in general he seems to be improving. Defensively we were superb. Coops did well alongside Koch and Ayling, and I think you can see that Koch is a good player.
Poveda came on for his debut which was great to see. He always tries to make something happen which is really important for a young player. It was also a brave step bringing Rodrigo on at half-time, but I think that helped. Marcelo has shown he’s never frightened of making changes early, and maybe that is a position Rodrigo going to have play for the foreseeable with Patrick scoring the goals.
Watching Pat at the end reminded me of Alan Smith coming off the pitch. His industry is fantastic and is second to none. He does so many of the hard yards you don’t always see. His team-mates appreciate that. Pat seems like he’s really in control how he’s playing. He said afterwards how him and Jack Harrison work a lot on things. He’s a smart young lad, and he’s obviously said to Jack what he wants and Jack is good enough to deliver. Jack Harrison is another I wouldn’t like to be playing against, and he has so much talent.
It’s a win that shows where we’re at. Yes, there were chances at both ends, and maybe Sheff United had more, but Meslier was outstanding and pulled us out of it with some fantastic saves,
Chris Wilder felt his side should have won the game and Marcelo felt Leeds should have. I was with Marcelo. Leeds deserved to win the game. It was a strong win and after what I’ve said over the past few weeks said it was great to get a clean sheet.
To be sixth after three games is terrific. Next week it’s a step up with Man City coming to Elland Road. It’s gutting that there’ll be no fans there to see that because it will be one hell of an occasion, but even so, I still can’t wait for it.
