OPINION
Leeds moved back into the automatic promotion spots on Saturday after they beat Millwall and Sheffield United lost to Bristol City. But it took a thrilling rollercoaster ride to get there, with Leeds falling behind twice before sealing a late 3-2 win through Pablo Hernandez. Elland Road was absolutely buzzing although we’re not entirely sure the fans can take too many more games like this. Next up is Birmingham on Saturday but, in the meantime, here are the three things we learned from Marcelo Bielsa’s men from their win against Millwall.
1. Hernandez. Hernandez. Hernandez
Much was made by Leeds fans of the fact that Pablo Hernandez didn’t make the EFL Championship Team of the Season last week. This was his response, possibly his best performance in a Leeds shirt in a season that’s… been his best in a Leeds shirt. Hernandez was magnificent throughout and scored two crucial goals which swung an automatic promotion spot back towards his side. But it wasn’t just his goals. Hernandez was on fire at Elland Road on Saturday, fizzing passes around the pitch and controlling the game in a way that only certain players can. If Hernandez keeps playing like this for the seven remaining games, Leeds will be back in the Premier League.
2. Roofe is required
Kemar Roofe should be back from injury for the next game against Birmingham and we think he needs to come straight back into the side. Patrick Bamford has done an okay job in his absence but he doesn’t have the physical presence to lead the line and proved that against the Millwall defence on Saturday. He offered little and missed a crucial penalty in the first-half that could have had dire implications for his side. Roofe is the top-scorer at Leeds this season and his goals are needed. With Tyler Roberts playing well in the number 10 position, 25-year-old Bamford should be benched.
3. Bielsa has balls
At 2-1 down, it looked like Saturday was going to be a tragedy for Leeds. Pontus Jansson was booked and then almost talked his way into a red. Bielsa acted decisively, taking the centre-back off after 67 minutes and putting Jack Clarke on. Playing with one centre-back was a daring move that paid almost immediate dividends, with Luke Ayling getting the equaliser in the 71st minute before Hernandez finished off the turnaround. This was Leeds in a nutshell this season under the maverick coach. He might not like to tinker with his starting line-up, but he showed on Saturday that he’s got the stomach to make the big calls when they’re needed.