Leeds got their second win in a row against Reading on Saturday.
The Whites had won just one of their last seven before their last three fixtures, but they are now unbeaten in that trio of clashes, and they have won the last two. As it stands, they are currently five points clear of Fulham, who are in third position in the table – they may finally be on their way to that promotion they so clearly crave.
Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…
Against the Royals, they were the better side. They had 66% possession of the ball, whilst they managed 18 shots to eight. In the end, only Pablo Hernandez’s strike separated the two sides, but it was all Marcelo Bielsa needed for his team to grab the three points.
El Loco, though, was handed a big blow as Kalvin Phillips was forced off towards the end of the first half. In his place, Ezgjan Alioski was introduced to the play – but unfortunately, he failed to match the required standard.
The North Macedonia international was not at his best. He won just four out of the 11 duels he contested, whilst he missed one huge opportunity. He did make one key pass, but he also gave away two fouls as well. With a pass accuracy of just 73%, he will have been disappointed with his performance.
Phillips’ injury could be a huge blow to Bielsa. Not only because he is one of his best players – there is a reason why a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing him – but because of what it will mean to the rest of the team. As the manager explained, Phillips’ departure meant Alioski went to left-back, Stuart Dallas moved to right-back, Luke Ayling slotted in at centre-back and Ben White took up the vacant defensive midfielder role. £4.05m-valued Alioski – as per Transfermarkt – needing to play regularly on the left could become an issue.
Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Leeds have struggled in recent weeks but the draw against Brentford and the victory against Bristol City indicated they may have turned a corner. Whilst they may have prevailed here, it was against a side that is 16th in the table.
As they now enter the business end of the season, the Yorkshire outfit may be without one of their star players, and if Bielsa does not have an adequate replacement for him to come in, their results may once again take a turn for the worse.
The Argentine will be crossing his fingers that Phillip’s injury is not too serious.
Meanwhile, Leeds fans react to this man’s omission.