Dallas: Our graft stops top craft

STUART DALLAS says Leeds’ unbeaten record at Elland Road against the Big Six is a testament to their work-rate.

Leeds have beaten Tottenham and drawn with Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in their first season back in the top flight after 16 years.

They are the first promoted side to achieve this in 11 years and Dallas claims they have had to graft to cancel out their rivals’ greater craft.

“When we’re playing against these teams, we’re playing against world-class players,” said Dallas.

“We’ve got to play full tilt, we can’t be carrying any passengers. We don’t have the luxury of having world-class players to turn to, so it’s important that we put in a performance.

“The Big Six have come here and failed to beat us, we’re delighted with that, it’s a great first season back in the Premier League. It gives us a benchmark to aim for next season.”

Dallas, 30, opened the scoring in this excellent win for Leeds with his eighth Premier League goal of the season after Marcelo Bielsa deployed the Whites’ Mr Versatile on the right wing.

“I was playing a different position, playing as a winger, rolling back the years!” joked the Northern Ireland international.

“Yeah, I was in the right place at the right time and fortunately it went in.

“I’m delighted first and foremost for the team. It’s important we don’t just settle for the position we’re in this year.

“Going into this match, we had four games left and we want to finish as high up as possible.

“This gives us great confidence going into the last three games.”