Leeds United returned their third win in four Premier League matches on Tuesday evening, but the manner of the victory was all the more important.
A 5-0 win with Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison, Rodrigo and Raphinha all on the scoresheet lit up the scoreboard at West Bromwich Albion.
Here are some of the moments you may have missed from the game.
Ayling’s vocal leadership
With Liam Cooper still absent through injury, Luke Ayling has continued as team captain at the heart of the Whites defence.
With the press box closer to the action than at some stadiums it was easier to hear what sort of demands and feedback Ayling was giving to his team-mates.
In the 20th minute, when Harrison was turned by Darnell Furlong for a rare West Brom attack, Ayling bellowed: “Come on! Come on! It’s too easy!”
In the early stages of the second half, when Raphinha failed to beat the first West Brom defender with a corner, Ayling made a point of shouting at the Brazilian.
“Rapha! Rapha! Rapha! Do it properly! Do it properly!”
Ayling and Klich’s brief tiff
In the 57th minute, shortly before Mateusz Klich finally went off, he was clearly in some pain after a knock to his thigh, so he went to ground.
While Klich was sat down, the Whites faced their most nervous moments of the game as Illan Meslier invited an interception from Grady Diangana inside his own box.
Once the danger was finally averted, Klich stayed down to receive treatment on the pitch and stopped play restarting, which annoyed Ayling.
They had a brief argument and exchange of views on the pitch too, but ultimately made up after the full-time whistle.
Alioski’s bench warning
Alioski seemed to be at the heart of everything in Tuesday’s match with a goal, bloodied nose and yellow card to his name.
It was after his yellow card and a rash challenge following the bloodied nose he got a shout from the bench.
Pablo Quiroga, Marcelo Bielsa’s chief lieutenant, shouted for Alioski’s attention and made a gesture to say: ‘What are you doing? Keep your head!’
Sammy Lee and Bielsa
As we know, Bielsa is not renowned for lengthy, warm interactions with opposition coaches at the full-time whistle.
However, every so often you can see someone means something a little extra to him.
While Sam Allardyce got the respectful fist pump, it was his assistant Sammy Lee, who got Bielsa’s hands on his shoulders, a warm smile and a proper conversation.
Lee has had a distinguished career in the game, coaching with Liverpool and England among many other clubs, so it would be no surprise to know Bielsa is familiar with his work.
Klich gets it in the eye
Rodrigo was so excited about celebrating his goal after a Klich assist, he ran up to the Pole, jumped on him and poked him in the eye.
Don’t worry, Klich said it was all fine on the bus home.
Hunter tribute
Norman Hunter, a Leeds United legend rightfully honoured on many occasions in 2020 at Elland Road, was also assistant manager at West Brom during his coaching career.
In a touch of class, the Baggies ensured Hunter’s picture and name was included in their slideshow on the big screens at The Hawthorns to remember those associated with the club who had passed away this year.
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