A PICASSO
for long periods.” It was obvious from the first few minutes that Leeds were up for this one after the horror of The Hawthorns which still haunts Bielsa, who took full responsibility for the 4-1 loss.
Now, here was the chance to change his tactics – and his gameplan worked in his favour.
There was no
Huffer; Dallas, Halme (Saiz 64th), Cooper, Douglas; Phillips, Hernandez, Forshaw, Klich (Baker 82nd), Alioski (Harrison 61st); Roofe
Maenpaa; Hunt, Kalas, Webster, Kelly; Eliasson (Diedhiou 62nd), Pack, Brownhill, Adelakun (Walsh 62nd); Paterson (Eisa 78th), Weimann faulting Leeds’ purpose and passion in a rousing opening 45 minutes when the deadlock should have been shattered. Leeds threw everything at Bristol City, spurred on by a restless full house who were in the mood to cheer goals. But none came despite an abundance of half-chances with both sides lacking a true killer instinct. Ezgjan Alioski thought he had struck gold in the 18th minute with a blockbuster which was brilliantly saved by Bristol City keeper Niki Maenpaa.
And Roofe was totally frustrated when his effort was blocked instead of sending the back of the net bulging.
The visitors threatened in periods with quick-silver build ups of play and pops at debut keeper Will Huffer.
But there was no end result – much to Leeds’ relief.
The hosts were given a huge helping hand when Brownhill was sent off 10 minutes after the break when he fouled Roofe for his second bookable offence.
And the Leeds striker showed no side effects when he found himself clear, only to pull his shot wide of the target. Barry Pablo Hernandez S Duncan Douglas thought he had done the business in the 67th minute when his curled shot was tipped away by Maenpaa to produce even more sighs.
But spirits were lifted two minutes later when Roofe fired Leeds ahead.
Hernandez did well to carve out the opportunity, swivelling to shoot for goal – and Roofe made no mistake to send Elland Road into a frenzy.
And then with three minutes left, Hernandez got on to the end of a cross from substitute Samuel Saiz to clinically head home.
There was a collective sharp intake of breath all around the famous old stadium as Leeds United took another huge step back to the big stage which they last starred on in 2004. They host lowly Reading on Tuesday night.