LEEDS ARE BUBBLING THANKS TO REAL AYL
LEEDS UNITED 1 BRISTOL CITY 0:
MARCELO BIELSA was quick to single out goal-shy Patrick Bamford for special praise after Luke Ayling helped fire Leeds a step closer to the Premier League dream.
The Whites have struggled for form since the turn of the year and striker Bamford has been an easy target for a section of United supporters to abuse.
Despite notching 12 goals this term, the 26-year-old has been criticised after a series of barren spells – he is currently without one in four games.
But he played a huge part in helping secure this gritty, potentially crucial win over promotion rivals Bristol City.
Ayling scored the only goal but Leeds could and should have had a lot more.
And despite having a goal chalked off for offside and being kept out by a superb save from City goalkeeper Dan Bentley, Bamford won praise from Bielsa and the fans – who gave him a standing ovation when he was replaced late on.
“This is a player who strengthens the team,” said the Argentine. “He allows us to play with our style. He has a special role in the team and the organisation of the team is linked to him.
“Of course, I would like him to be more efficient. But he is in good condition to score every match. We hope he gets what he deserves.”
The Whites would have been boosted by the lunchtime game’s result that saw leaders West Brom drop two vital points at home to Nottingham Forest.
That meant Bielsa’s side could trim the gap between themselves and Albion to four points, which they duly did.
But in typical Leeds fashion they started like a house on fire and scored early on – but then failed to build up a big lead. Former Robins man Ayling bagged a rare goal when he stabbed home inside the box after a spot of ping-pong following numerous Leeds shots and some dogged City defending.
The hosts bossed the rest of the first half but just could not convert.
Bamford thought he had doubled the lead when he tapped home from a few yards out only to see the flag raised for offside.
And the dominance continued in the second half with only Bentley and the woodwork preventing a whitewash.
Bentley pulled off two outstanding saves. The first saw him deny Bamford from just a few yards. And a minute later he made an even more scarcely believable stop.
Helder Costa latched on to a long pass and rounded Bentley only for the City keeper to somehow stick out a hand and divert it behind for a corner.
City had a decent claim for a penalty waved away just after the restart. Lee Johnson
and his coaching staff were fuming after the ball appeared to be blocked by Ayling’s arm inside the box. But referee Tim Robinson was undeterred and waved play on. Johnson said: “It was an unbelievably bad decision. It’s ridiculous that it’s not been given.”