EZ CLUB SEVEN
Win streak sends Bielsa boys top
EZGJAN ALIOSKI went from being snubbed to super sub as he sparked Leeds to a seventh successive win.
The Macedonian struck from a tight angle in the 82nd minute to settle a hard-fought clash with Hull that took his side back to the top of the Championship.
An own goal from Jordy De Wijs had put Marcelo Bielsa’s men ahead nine minutes earlier.
But all the talk was about Alioski’s impact.
He was surprisingly benched after his stunning volley had sent them on their way to a 2-0 win at Huddersfield on Saturday.
Kalvin Phillips came back into midfield while Stuart Dallas moved across from right-back and helped deal with the threat of Jarrod Bowen.
With 15 goals this season, the Hull hitman is a forward in form.
But an effort that flew over was all he had to show during a forgettable first half.
Tom Eaves glanced a header into the side-netting for the visitors while Leeds wasted promising openings.
Pablo Hernandez almost conjured up a chance as he twisted and turned past Elland Road old boy Eric Lichaj in the box, but curled a finish wide.
Within 10 seconds of the restart the Tigers again threatened to take a shock lead.
Eaves did well to take down a hopeful ball forward, before swivelling and volleying a couple of feet wide from the edge of the box.
It took almost an hour for the game to spark into life and Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla denied Eaves.
After Bowen’s double a year ago this month shattered Leeds’ seven-match winning run, the hosts were clearly cagey against their Yorkshire rivals.
There was little of the poise, panache and attacking penetration that had seen Bielsa’s boys rise to the top.
But Alioski’s arrival in the 69th minute, replacing Jack Harrison, gave them a much-needed lift.
A clever run by Portuguese winger Helder Costa saw his cross hit De Wijs and squirm past his own keeper George Long.
And then Alioski curled superbly into the corner after Patrick Bamford’s shot had hit the post and rebounded out to him on the left wing.