OPINION
Leeds United returned to the Championship summit with a 1-0 win against Hull City on Tuesday night secured through a Tyler Roberts goal.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are ahead of second-placed Middlesbrough on goal difference after their sixth win of the league campaign.
Here are three things we learned from the triumph against Nigel Adkins’ struggling side:
BIELSA METHODS ARE ARCHAIC
Yes, Leeds deserved to win convincingly against Hull. Yes, they are playing their best football in years. And, yes, it is only a matter of time before an opponent is crushed by a cricket score. But the big worry is that Bielsa’s injury prevention methods are archaic. Barry Douglas limped off late on with what the manager subsequently explained was a muscular injury. Leeds fans nervously await the results of scans, but are concerned another key player has succumbed. You don’t have to be fitness or conditioning expert to understand the players’ bodies are struggling to cope with the intense and exhausting methods of their manager. Where is the rotation? The days off to preserve the players? They’re going to be shattered before we turn on our central heating. And that spells big trouble for Leeds’ promotion hopes.
OPPONENTS ARE RUNNING SCAREDÂ
Notwithstanding injury prevention methods out of the Jurassic era, Bielsa has assembled an aggressive and exciting side that has got opponents running scared. Check out the extraordinary comments of experienced manager Nigel Adkins after his Hull City were put to the sword last night. “We’ve probably played against one of the best teams in the Championship I’ve seen in many years,” said Adkins. “They are going to take teams to the cleaners this season. If you think we are on a level playing field, we’re not.” Wow.
JANSSON BACK TO COMMANDING BEST
Leeds’ outstanding centre-back couldn’t get in the team at the start of the season after returning late from the World Cup. But Pontus Jansson has put a few ropey performances behind him to return to his commanding best after an extended run in the side. Aerially dominant, mobile, composed and decisive, he was excellent against Hull and is at the top of his game.