Leeds United moved into the automatic promotion places in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, with a 2-1 win away at struggling Luton Town.

It was the visitors took the lead early in the second half, when Ben White played in Patrick Bamford for the striker to fire in his sixth goal of the season from a tight angle.

Although the Hatters would quickly level through James Collins, it was Leeds who would snatch a late winner, with Bamford combining with the legs of Luton defender Matty Pearson to force the ball over the line in the final minutes to secure the three points for Bielsa's side.

Speaking to Leeds' official website about Bamford after the game, Bielsa certainly seemed pleased for the striker, as the Argentine claimed: "He (Bamford) deserves it.

“Today he had a lot of contact with the opening goal and the fact he has scored twice, that strengthens his confidence."

Bielsa also seemed to be pleased with the latest contribution from White, and speaking about the performance of the Brighton loanee, the Leeds boss continued: “It's easy to value what White did, it's obvious.

“It was a great, brilliant resolution and that is a way to describe how football is going. The attackers defend and the defenders are also involved in the building of the attack.

“It's not normal that one centre-back gives these kind of passes that Ben White did.”

Following that win over Luton, Leeds return to action with a trip to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading on Tuesday, before ending the week against one of Bamford's former clubs - Middlesbrough - at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Verdict

You can certainly see why Bielsa has every right to be pleased here.

With the Argentine sticking with Bamford throughout his scoring drought of the last few weeks, the striker is now starting to repay that loyalty, having scored crucial goals in each of Leeds' last two victories.

White meanwhile has been an outstanding figure for Leeds all season in defence, and to see him make a contribution going forward as well here will only serve to enhance his value to the club in their push for promotion this season.

Indeed, with both Bamford and White looking like they could have a big say in Leeds' fate this season, the fact they are both performing this way feels like a significant source of encouragement for them going forward.