After a disappointing weekend for Leeds United, Marcelo Bielsa’s side produced an inspired midweek display to beat Preston North End at Deepdale.  

Leeds were at their best in Lancashire, dominating the first-half and looking a lot stronger than they had at Birmingham four days earlier.

However, it wasn’t until Ben Pearson was sent-off after 50 minutes that Leeds really began to turn the screw on North End.

Then, it was Patrick Bamford who stole the show.

Bamford looked bang out of form at Birmingham, missing three very good chances as Leeds lost 1-0, but he opened the scoring shortly after the hour with an excellent strike from range.

The 25-year-old doubled the lead shortly afterwards, burying a header from a Mateusz Klich cross.

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It was a very good response from Leeds and they can now sit back and watch Sheffield United’s own trip to Birmingham unfold this evening.

Here, we look at three things we learnt about Bielsa’s side…

That bouncebackability is still there

This is a Leeds side that responds well to defeats.

They’ve done that all season, but the loss at Birmingham looked like it might really hurt Leeds – they were out on their feet at full-time with head in hands.

However, this was the perfect response on a tough away day and showed Leeds still have plenty of fight left.

They might’ve found their Saiz replacement

 

There’s no doubt that Samu Saiz’s departure has hurt Leeds, but it has allowed Tyler Roberts to flourish in the No.10 role.

Bamford stole the headlines last night, but Roberts was superb operating just behind him.

If he can start adding a few more goals and assists, then Roberts is going to be some asset moving forwards.

Bamford silencing critics

After Saturday, Bamford was rightly criticised, but he responded in the best way at Preston.

His goals were superb, but his all-round play was much improved and Bamford caused Preston’s defence all sorts of problems.

He won fouls, conceded them and didn’t give the centre-backs a moment of rest.

A perfect response to a tough day at St Andrew’s.