Here's all the news from around Elland Road over the past 24 hours.
Bielsa's masterclass
Marcelo Bielsa delivered a masterclass in how to manage a game and make substitutions after a less than convincing first-half display, in which Patrick Bamford gave Leeds United the lead in 45 minutes that were otherwise dominated by Fulham.
Scott Parker’s promotion-chasers registered 65% possession before the break at Elland Road, the second-lowest share Leeds have had in any half of football in Bielsa’s reign, only second to the second half of the 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last October, in which Slaven Bilic’s Baggies pushed hard to level at Elland Road without success.
It was a similar story on this occasion, as for all Fulham’s endeavour and territory, they struggled to seriously test Illan Meslier, as United’s defence weathered the storm to actually see Leeds record marginally better chances (per Infogol’s half-time xG calculation).
But an animated and evidently dissatisfied Bielsa, like the nervous Leeds fans watching, recognised it was only a matter of time before Fulham’s pressure would tell, and that they’d create something for the division’s top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
We took an in depth look at what changed.
Fabian Delph sends a message to Kalvin Phillips
Former Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph praised Kalvin Phillips following the Whites impressive win over Fulham.
Goals from Patrick Bamford, Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison secured the three points for Bielsa’s team on Saturday afternoon.
However, Phillips played a key part in the victory and it was the 24-year-old who drew praised from the Leeds academy product.
Leeds United's sliding doors promotion moment
Pablo Hernandez’s top-corner bulger in Bristol. Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa’s introduction against Brentford. Nketiah’s strikes in Barnsley and Preston. Kiko Casilla’s saves in Huddersfield and Sheffield. Patrick Bamford’s half-time entrance at The Hawthorns. Liam Cooper’s header at Griffin Park.
Add Mateusz Klich’s first-time pass to Jack Harrison against Fulham to the list of moments in time promotion will be hung on, if it comes, in 2019/20.
It's starting to look good for the Whites now and in the aftermath of a vital victory, Beren Cross looked into the moment that helped Leeds show their class.
