Leeds dance back to the top
For so long this was a Leeds performance in the image of Marcelo Bielsa as they returned to the Championship’s summit.
A tigerish appetite, a ferocity in midfield and a definitive drive in possession. Certainly the sort of display the manager loves. Then, inexplicably, the jitters set in.
Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison had scored before halftime to put Leeds in control but a cloud of nerves shrouded the ground. It is what happens in this division. The Premier League’s allure leaves even the best slightly weak.
swansea forced Leeds back and were awarded a penalty when Joel Asoro was fouled with three minutes left. oli McBurnie converted, leaving the majority of 34,044 inside Elland road restless through four added minutes.
Bielsa pleaded for the whistle as his backroom team barked instructions. The collective sharp intake of breath was agonising. Leeds, hacking to safety, were hanging on by virtue of missed chances, chiefly Patrick Bamford’s two big ones.
‘It is hard to understand that we only won by one goal because we dominated the game,’ Bielsa said.
That Leeds held on might make this win one of the most important should promotion ensue. These have been troubling weeks, with four defeats in seven and the microscope that was spygate. Grit was required and they showed plenty. Now for a 10-day break.
‘We can wait for the next game with serenity,’ Bielsa said. ‘For starters we have a four- day rest, Thursday until sunday. I like to walk, I like to visit places.’
Jansson’s goal, on his 28th birthday, was cleverly diverted in after defensive indecision, while Harrison’s header was a product of his ghosting run, galloping on to Ezgjan Alioski’s cross.
swansea could not live with their hosts for more than 70 minutes. Manager Graham Potter said: ‘Away from home, I would say that is as tough as it has been.’
And spare a thought for Daniel James, whose deadline-day switch to Leeds collapsed. He was on the periphery until he was afforded a standing ovation by mischievous home fans when substituted.