It was another encouraging weekend for Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side making a statement to the chasing pack in the race for promotion.  

Leeds swept Derby County aside on Friday evening, with Bielsa’s side making the Rams look very average in front of a bouncing Elland Road crowd.

‘Spygate’ dominated things pre-match, but Frank Lampard’s side were put to the sword, with the 2-0 scoreline flattering the losing side.

Kemar Roofe scored early from a Jack Clarke cross, which set Leeds on their way for one of their most convincing performances to date under Bielsa.

Jack Harrison doubled that lead shortly after half-time, after great work from Clarke and Ezgjan Alioski created him a chance.

After West Brom and Norwich’s draw on Saturday, Leeds will now be even more confident of securing a first Premier League return since 2004.

Here at FLW, we look back at the weekend, identifying THREE things we learnt about Bielsa’s side…

Ezgjan Alioski suits left-back

Barry Douglas’ latest injury opened the door for Alioski to move into a deeper position, in which he thrived.

The Macedonian has divided opinion at Elland Road over the last 18 months, but this was arguably his best performance of the season.

He defend well and attacked with real purpose too, weighing in with the assist for Harrison.

The Elland Road crowd will help Leeds over the line

In Leeds’ last home game they were beaten by a good Hull City side, with the atmosphere inside Elland Road flat.

This wasn’t the case on Friday and Elland Road was rocking from the off.

What Leeds’ supporters give the side between now and the end of the season could make a big difference.

Leeds simply don’t need a spy

It’s naïve to not mention ‘spygate’ as it was the weekend’s main talking point.

Bielsa was wrong to send a spy to watch Derby train and his Leeds side don’t need to do it.

They are better than most of the Championship without such controversial tactics.

The spying played no part in the result on Friday, Leeds are simply better than Derby in every department.