Bielsa: Leeds must calm their nerves

Dallas Browne

MARCELO BIELSA admits his promotion-chasing Leeds players need to calm down and overcome their jitters.

Stuart Dallas (above) rescued a point for the faltering Yorkshiremen, who are now without a win in three games.

He blasted home an 89th-minute shot from outside the box, which deflected off Ryan Ledson’s sliding block.

Bielsa said: “They forced us to make mistakes. We needed more patience to develop our play.”

Dallas said: “It was extremely hard. We knew it would be tough. In the first half we were below our standards. In the second half we took it to them, but couldn’t find the win.”

Last year Leeds ended Boxing Day top of the Championship, but only won two of the next seven games and their promotion charge faltered.

This season they are three points worse off at the same stage, but still in a strong position in the top two – three points adrift of leaders West Brom.

Bielsa will be comforted that Leeds are eight clear of the chasing pack for automatic promotion. But there is an air of panic about Elland Road, packed, noisy and expectant.

They were booed off at half-time with frustration levels peaking, but there was a mood of relief at the final whistle. Boss Bielsa added: “Preston controlled the first 20 minutes. From then it was Leeds dominating the match. We should have drawn the match earlier and won it.”

Preston showed why they are challenging in the top six, scoring one of the best counter-attacking goals of the season after 22 minutes.

The hunger, pace and tenacity of Alex Neil’s side rattled the hosts.

It was Preston playing a ruthlessly direct on-the-deck style when they won the ball. Sean Maguire made a crunching tackle on Mateusz Klich near his own box, allowing Ben Pearson to ping a long pass forward which left Leeds stranded upfield.

Tom Barkhuizen’s lay-off found Alan Browne (circle), who finished with a precise left-foot strike.

Leeds went searching for an equaliser with Ezgjan Alioski blazing over Helder Costa’s low cross then his shot hit a post.

Substitute Eddie Nketiah headed well to force another save from Declan Rudd.

But eventually Preston’s back line buckled as Dallas collected Luke Ayling’s pass to grab the leveller.

North End boss Alex Neil said: “We came up against one of the top teams in the division and went toe to toe with them.

“You can’t question the effort from the players and the quality we showed to cut them open.” LEEDS:

PRESTON: