Leeds dent Spurs’ Champions League hopes
MARCELO BIELSA hailed Leeds’ display in their 3-1 win against Tottenham at Elland Road as one of their best of the season.
Stuart Dallas gave Leeds an early lead and, although Son Heung-min equalised, Patrick Bamford restored the home side’s advantage before half time and substitute Rodrigo slammed home a late third.
It was another impressive performance by Bielsa’s side against one of the top-flight’s “big six” as Tottenham’s Champions League hopes were dealt a major blow.
“Considering the fortitude of the opponent and the way we attacked and defended, and the possibilities of playing on even terms, it’s one of the best of the season,” Bielsa said.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a string of crucial saves, including efforts to deny Bamford and Mateusz Klich, but the visitors were not without chances.
Harry Kane had a first-half effort ruled out by a marginal VAR offside decision and after the break struck the crossbar with a free-kick, while Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier kept out Serge Aurier’s thumping near-post shot.
“We could have scored more goals, but we could have conceded more as well,” Bielsa said. “I think the difference of two goals is adequate. To have won by more goals, it would not have corresponded, even if it was possible. To have won by only one goal, I also don’t think it would have been fair, but I think they could have the distance too.”
Tottenham had a huge incentive to secure a third straight league win under interim boss Ryan Mason and boost their chance of a top-four finish.
“Look, today is a disappointing result for us,” Mason said. “We wanted to come here and win the game. We haven’t done that. That’s very disappointing. We have to get over this and we have to work well this week and hopefully get three points next weekend.”
Christian Benteke marked his 100th Premier League start for Crystal Palace with a goal inside the opening two minutes of a 2-0 victory at bottom club Sheffield United.
The Belgium forward met a cross from Eberechi Eze, which went in after coming off Blades defender George Baldock.
United, who have already been relegated, missed the closed chance to draw level early in the second half when John Egan fired over following a corner.
With two minutes remaining, Eze made sure of the points when he scored after a solo run, again via the aid of a deflection, as Roy Hodgson’s men ended a run of three straight league defeats to move on to 41 points, which secures their top-flight status once again.