da dobrowin： Thanks to Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s late penalty save, Leeds came away with the three points last night and now remain only one point off Norwich in first.
da lvbet： On paper, it was a title contender against a side languishing near the bottom of the table but due to Leeds’ injury problems combined with Bielsa’s side not being at their best, United were made to work hard for their win.
Due to injuries, Bielsa had to play Kalvin Phillips in defence and continue with Stuart Dallas at right-back. Dallas put in a superb performance and scored the crucial winning goal but at the back, Phillips was once again outstanding.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist, Phil Hay gave Phillips one of the highest ratings following the game and rightly so. The academy graduate is quickly becoming one of the most essential players in Bielsa’s team.
The Breakdown
Phillips has been played at centreback twice in the league this season but nevertheless, he looked like a veteran defender last night.
In an unfamiliar position, he arguably had his best game of the season as he was a rock next to Liam Cooper at the back.
As we approach the festive period, Bielsa not only needs to have his squad back to full fitness but he also needs to have some players step up and become leaders – that’s what Phillips is starting to do.
His defensive awareness is superb while with the ball, he’s improving from game to game and has become one of the most underrated players in the league.
Thoughts Leeds fans?