Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Sunday, November 8.
Bamford reveals VAR confusion
Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford scored his seventh Premier League goal in eight games during the defeat to Crystal Palace – but it might have been eight in eight if not for a controversial intervention from VAR.
The 27-year-old was certain he had struck an early equaliser in yesterday’s game at Selhurst Park, only for it to be chalked off after replays deemed he was, by the smallest of fractions, offside due to pointing where he wanted the pass played.
"To be honest, I thought it was just a formality checking it," the striker told BT Sport post-match.
"I thought it would be fine. I've just seen it back there and I've been playing seven years now and I don't understand the rule now.
"You can't score with your arm or your hand so if your hand is offside, how is that offside? They have to make it clearer.
"The referee when I asked him didn't really know. I'm not just saying it because it's my goal but I've seen many of the TV with it previously and it's ruining the game I think."
Hernandez snub will dominate international break
The decision to omit Pablo Hernandez from United’s squad yesterday will fester for the next fortnight.
With the Premier League pausing for the international break, Leeds don’t play again until Arsenal visit Elland Road on Sunday, November 22. Until then, the 35-year-old being left out by Marcelo Bielsa will dominate the conversation.
Fan-favourite Hernandez established himself as one of Bielsa’s most important players over the past two years, but it’s been a stunted start to the season after suffering a month-long injury lay-off and competition for his place in the XI from new recruit and club-record signing Rodrigo.
But with Rodrigo self-isolating, there appeared to be a natural place in the XI for Hernandez, who was given the nod in Monday’s defeat to Leicester City but reacted angrily to being subbed off midway through the second half.
Bielsa refused to confirm that was behind his decision to leave him out of the trip to Selhurst Park, but he said he’s fit and available.
Player ratings from Palace defeat
Beren Cross was at Selhurst Park to watch United’s 4-1 defeat, and has given his player ratings from a day to forget for Bielsa’s men.
Mateusz Klich, who assisted Bamford’s goal and had also set up the one that was controversially chalked off, got the best rating alongside Robin Koch with a six out of ten, whilst there were plenty of fours and fives dished out elsewhere.
“The odd flash, but isolated wide on the right for much of proceedings,” he wrote of half-time substitute Raphinha.
“If the absences don't improve over the international break he may be set for a start sooner than we expect.”
Jack Harrison and Helder Costa suddenly find their places out on the wings under threat.
