Not one chance again for Bamford and 5 goals scored, just shows the way Bielsa has changed tactics. I still fancy Pat to get one chance and slot it which will put his average up another few %. Raphinah goal was magic but right the way from when Dallas had the ball you could only see a goal coming.
We now have a 0 goal difference so worth another point and every team below Leeds has a negative goal difference now. 23 points from 16 games, brilliant
Great result and fantastic team performance yes there were a few individual errors but that was good tonight. Not sure if anyone else noticed when Raphinha was being substituted... He looked a little surprised and you could see him ask “who me” Alioski was a foot away from him, grabbed and hugged him, kissed him on the cheek and said something to him that made him smile. Nice touch and it was as though he was ensuring we didn’t have another Pablo moment. I don’t think there was any danger of it developing that way but Alioski just ensured it didn’t
Hard to pick a MOM today, all round excellent team performance. Thought KP and Rodrigo were probably standouts, no beef with Alioski getting it though. Good to see another solid performance from struijk - he won’t have many easier games but played well and minutes under the belt in the Prem are valuable for him and the squad
Very hard to pick anyone out but I have to agree they’re my two choices. Alioski edged it with the goal
Well Master tactician and coach showed me that he knows best because we covered every set piece, corner and free kick. We bettered every tall player they threw at us just to show bell end pundits how stupid they are. That was a masterclass who showed Big Sam what a great coach can do. Sam was confident before the game about pressing us ( no press at all) and set pieces. Struijk is a baller guys and well worth his place in the team now at CB or DM when required. Kalvin was top man again but overall a great team performance except Alioski as usual
Meslier - 4. Not a save to make yet played us in to trouble numerous times. I've said it before, THAT pass he tries to play through the centre backs to Phillips needs stopping now. It causes us issues every time. Needs to sort himself out or he needs replacing. Dallas - 4. Can't fault his work ethic but nothing worked tonight. Poor first touch, constantly out of position, poor decision making, poor passing. Ended the game alot better and got an assist for Raphinha. Put it down to one of those nights as he is usually Mr Consistent. Ayling - 8. Really stood up at CB the last few games. Looking like the best centre back (and RB) at the club. Quality. Struijk - 8. Looks the big centre half we need. Love the way he does the easy thing. Hopefully we see more of him and he grows in to a first team starter. Capable of doing everything. Alioski - 8. Bled for the cause. Great goal. Neat and tidy and creative with his passing and was like a jack Russel nipping at everyones ankles in defence. One risky challenge the only downer but the lad had it coming after drawing blood earlier. That's fair enough in my book. Phillips - 10. Didn't put a foot wrong all night. A complete performance from a midfielder. Any youngster should be shown his work off the ball covering for those pushing forwards. If he carries on like this then Pirlo will be renamed "the Italian Phillips". Klich - 6. Better. More energy, demanded the ball. Made some fantastic runs in behind. His touch is still off and his passes just aren't finding the target still. Looked like he picked up a knock. Got an assist for Rodrigo. Rodrigo - 8. Deserved his goal. Worked hard off the ball too. Made some quality passes and made it look easy. Impressive. Raphinha - 7. Undoubted talent. Great goal. Might be harsh but I just think he is capable of much more than we saw tonight. He dips in and out of games. When he is in the game he is electrifying. When he has 10 minutes off it's like playing with 10 men. Harrison - 9. Great finish to a great team goal. Other than that absolutely ran riot with Alioski down that wing. Harrison gets stick for his final ball but they were bang on the money every time tonight. That's how good he can be. Bamford - 7. Lovely touch for Harrison's goal. Not many chances at goal but niggled away at the defence and played some nice lay offs. Makes all the difference when the ball doesn't come straight back at you. Subs. Shackleton - 7. Ratted around the middle of the park and played the easy ball. Worked hard. Looks capable at this level. Hernandez - 7. Tailor made for him. Came on and showed his range of passing. Easy for him. Costa - 6. Looked more interested than last time out. Did ok without really getting at the defenders too much.
