Bielsa wary as Leeds return to the summit

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship, but manager Marcelo Bielsa is unsure whether they can remain there long-term.

Bielsa’s side, who lead on goal difference from Middlesbrough, could be replaced at the summit by West Bromwich Albion tonight, but look more than capable of mounting a sustained challenge to end their 14-year top-flight exile.

Doubts had been expressed about their ability to last a marathon Championship campaign after one win in their five previous league games, but they responded in the best possible way with a comfortable win over a Hull side who look poised for a season of toil.

After teenage striker Tyler Roberts’s second-half strike proved decisive, Bielsa challenged his players to show they have what it takes to remain at the sharp end of the division. “We will have to demonstrate that we deserve to be top for the rest of the season,” he said.

“We should have three more points than we actually do. The ranking doesn’t illustrate what you deserve, but what you’ve got, so it’s difficult to say if we will stay there. We will certainly try.”

Roberts held off Kevin Stewart to find the bottom corner from 20 yards for his third goal of the season to underline his value as a stand-in for injured top scorer Kemar Roofe. “He’s young, but he’s not overawed at this level and he comes up with the answers for us,” said Bielsa.

Hull only threatened in the final five minutes, when substitutes Fraizer Campbell and Nouha Dicko saw half chances blocked.

“Leeds are one of the best sides I’ve seen in the Championship for a very long time,” said Hull manager Nigel Adkins. His side have won one of their past eight games, and he added: “I think it will be Leeds and Middlesbrough who end the season in the top two.”

Hull City (4-4-1-1) Marshall; Burke, Elphick, Lichaj, Kingsley; Kane, Henriksen, Irvine (Stewart 28), Grosicki (Dicko 65); Bowen; Martin (Campbell 64). Subs Curry, Mckenzie, Batty, Keane. Booked Henriksen.

Leeds United (3-4-3) Peacock-farrell; Phillips, Jansson, Cooper; Ayling, Saiz (Forshaw 74), Klich, Douglas (Shackleton 82); Harrison (Dallas 74), Roberts, Alioski. Subs Blackman (g), Pearce, Baker, Clarke. Booked Saiz, Douglas, Jansson. Referee Darren Bond (Lancashire).