Stuart Dallas spoke in the week about Leeds United owing Wigan Athletic one following their part in last season’s promotion collapse, and that’s exactly what they offered this Saturday, with Patrick Bamford netting a brace in a 2-0 win against 10 men.

Leeds were helped somewhat by Joe Williams’ first-half red card, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side managed the game well and were worth their win, with Bamford’s goals, either side of half-time, the difference.

The Whites, as to be expected, dominated large spells of the opening exchanges. Bielsa’s side moved the ball well from left to right, whilst Wigan looked to bring a physical edge to the game – mainly through the towering presence of Kieffer Moore.

Bamford dragged a shot wide on the eighth minute after good build-up play, whilst Douglas’ free-kick dropped the wrong side of the David Marshall’s post after Joe Williams worked his way into the book for a foul on Dallas.

Despite Leeds continuing to move the ball well, they failed to work any clear-cut chances, and it was Wigan who almost took the lead in the 19^th minute.

A long-range Evans free-kick forced Kiko Casilla to concede a corner, with Gavin Massey – who hurt Leeds so badly back in April – turning the resulting set-piece onto the post.

Then, the game’s defining moment came in the 22^nd minute. Wigan had won a free-kick on halfway, but Williams needlessly lunged for the ball, catching Bamford and earning himself a red card. Paul Cook was furious and his coffee paid the price, whilst the home fans voiced their displeasure with the officials.

From there, Leeds began to turn the screw, with clever running from Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw pulling Wigan’s four-man midfield around. And, pressure would tell in the 34^th.

Forshaw somehow turned a cross from the right onto the post, but the rebound fell to Bamford, who simply couldn’t miss from yards out.

At 1-0 and with a man advantage, Leeds continued to dictate the game with their clever passing. Jack Harrison’s influence grew on the left, with the Manchester City loanee heading a Dallas cross harmlessly wide as half-time approached.

The second 45 started with Leeds continuing to make full use of their man advantage. Bielsa’s side moved the ball well and tired Wigan down.

Ben White should’ve doubled the lead on 51 minutes, meeting a Barry Douglas free-kick well but directing his header over. The latter then fired into the away end, but you sensed a second was coming.

After Pablo Hernandez had a strong handball claim turned down, Leeds had a second breakthrough. Bamford met an in-swinging Douglas corner to power the ball over the line. Last weekend’s doubts put on the shelf.

Minutes later, an advancing Forshaw almost added a third, as the away fans created all the noise at the DW.

Cook, who was booked on the Wigan bench, turned to Jamal Lowe and Bright Enobakhare, but Leeds pressed for a third. Hernandez forced a good save out of Marshall after Bamford won a free-kick on the edge of the area.

Evans went close to pulling a goal back with a free-kick of his own, forcing Casilla into a diving save. However, it would be Leeds finishing on the front-foot, with Helder Costa’s introduction giving them another option.

Despite that pressure there would be no third for Leeds.

So, revenge for Leeds, but the long-term aim remains promotion for Bielsa’s side.

And, with Bamford back amongst the goals after a tough afternoon against Forest, they look on course to mount another push for the Premier League.

FULL-TIME: Wigan Athletic 0-2 Leeds United.