LEEDS UNITED 0 MATCH STATS
BRIGHTON 1
Maupay (17)
Marcelo Bielsa admitted Leeds’ dip in form was giving him cause for concern after their home defeat to Brighton.
Neal Maupay turned in the game’s only goal in the 17th minute to clinch a first league win since November for the Seagulls.
Leeds slipped to a third straight defeat in all competitions for the first time in 12 months under Bielsa and have yet to register a goal this year after struggling again to create chances.
“I link that to the last two games, not the game against Tottenham, but this causes me worry,” Bielsa said.
Leeds mustered little in front of goal. Patrick Bamford missed Raphinha’s low firsthalf cross six yards out and Jack Harrison fired narrowly wide at the start of the second period. Otherwise, there was little else.
Bielsa’s side failed to retain possession in Brighton’s half due to repeated misplaced passes on a heavy Elland Road pitch.
“I don’t want to link the performance or the defeat to the state of the pitch,” Bielsa added. “I think we could have got a better result anyhow.
“We defended below our capabilities, below our usual level. We only managed to recover the ball close to our goal.
“And we attacked below our usual capabilities. We didn’t attack well and we didn’t defend well. We didn’t play well.”
Brighton halted a 10-game winless run in fine style as Maupay turned home from close range after Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Alister had carved open the Leeds defence.
Then came Bamford’s moment, before Albion nearly doubled the lead when Trossard’s cross was deflected on to the crossbar by Luke Ayling.
The home side stepped up a gear after the restart and Jack Harrison fired just wide. But another error at
STAR MAN: Seagulls defender ADAM WEBSTER remained strong and resolute at the back for visitors Brighton the back almost undid Leeds’ good work. Ezgjan Alioski’s underhit pass was pounced on by Maupay and he fed Trossard, who was a whisker away.
“I’m very proud of the players,” boss Graham Potter said. “It was a tremendous effort after a really tough week.
“To come here against a Leeds team which is quite fresh, has got the physicality they have and attacking intent, and to keep a clean sheet and restrict them to not many chances and score a good goal, I couldn’t be happier.
“The players have been fantastic”