Leeds United put out what equated to a ‘second string’ side in tonight’s Carabao Cup game against Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road. It was a ‘second string’ side in all but name, it was a first-rate result.
Marcelo Bielsa had already gone on record in Monday’s pre-game presser as saying that all football games are the same, and all would be treated as such. There’s definitely a touch of that philosophy in the way that Leeds United have taken all of what Bielsa has had to say on board. Across all levels, from Under-18s to the first-team squad, Leeds United are playing Bielsa ball.
The first 45 minutes at Elland Road belonged to Leeds United, it was a dominant display with a sorry Bolton side living off of whatever scraps they were given and whatever forays that they could make in to Whites’ territory.
An example of how far forward Leeds are playing pic.twitter.com/RBc6U8RSlG
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) August 14, 2018
It was a half where Leeds’ adherence to Bielsa’s philosophy of high-press and high intensity football, the pictured tweet above shows, paid dividends. Leeds United harried and pressed like there was no tomorrow, forcing Bolton to rely mainly on playing long balls out of defence.
Whilst Leeds were by no means as threatening and explosive as they were against Derby County at the weekend, it was still the Whites who took a 2-0 lead into the half-time whistle.
27' The ball fell to Bamford, who nutmegged Hobbs, then hit the bottom right corner to score his first #LUFC goal
1-0 | #LEEBOL
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 14, 2018
Samu Saiz had already set Patrick Bamford up for a sitter that he mishit, the Spaniard being instrumental in this effort too. He drifted wide as he looked to bring others into play. Somehow the ball found its way to Bamford who poked it through the legs of Jack Hobbs and lashed it beyond Remi Matthews in the Bolton goal.
35' #LUFC counter following a Bolton throw, Baker charges up the pitch and plays to Saiz, who takes his time, cuts inside and fires into the net
2-0 | #LEEBOL
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 14, 2018
It was Saiz who profited from an excellent break from defence to net Leeds’ second of the night. Forget the old cliché end-to-end stuff, because that summed up Saiz’s goal to a T. Leeds dealt well with a long throw and Lewis Baker broke from deep in the Leeds half. He fed Saiz inside the Bolton box, the mercurial Spaniard cutting back inside and drilling a shot beyond Matthews.
Bolton came out a much more determined outfit in the second half, using the power of Yanic Wildschut down the left to try to create something to get them back into the game. They hustled and bustled, at times forcing Leeds United out of the rhythm that had served them so well in the opening 45 minutes.
It was Wildschut’s persistence, tempered with a little luck that gave Bolton a lifeline they deserved.
GOAL!!! ⚽️ @LUFC 2-1 Wanderers (Oztumer 52)
Wanderers have a goal back through @Erhun_A_Oztumer. @yanicw33 couldn’t get a shot away but the ball broke free to the attacking midfielder and he smashed the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards out.#BWFC pic.twitter.com/aCTsUSAbMu
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) August 14, 2018
Wildschut attempted to work an opening for himself, but with Leeds United defenders snapping at him he lost control. However, a fortunate bobble found its way to the smallest player on the pitch in Erhun Otzumer and his placed finish inside the right post was too precise for Jamal Blackman in the Leeds United goal.
Leeds United 2 v 1 Bolton #SSN #LUFC pic.twitter.com/Wt5Ev7biTV
— #WALMOT (@WALM0T33) August 14, 2018
Chances and half-chances came for both sides in the remainder of the second-half but there was to be no further addition to the score that saw the home side through to the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Here’s how some Leeds United fans have reacted to the display their side have accomplished:
Not the fancy football we have seen from the first two games, but a good battle and a win against a team who play the well known physical game of the championship. Makes me excited to see we can beat both the play making teams and the scruffy teams #LUFC #MOT
— Kieran Robinson (@KieranJRobinson) August 14, 2018
Good to see we dug out a win against a not so footballing team, but i think 1 or 2 loans still need be added #lufc
— Casey (@ShaneCase94) August 14, 2018
That could’ve been a lot more comfortable. Looked like we stepped off the gas for the second half. Into the next round we go!! #lufc
— Olly Wood (@Olly_Wood21) August 14, 2018
Harrison reminded me a lot like Lewis Cook for some reason, just the way he looks and plays and runs ♂️ He looks class to say the least tho. I thought Jansson had a bit of an off first half but came into it more in the second. Shackleton is quality to say the least #LUFC
— Joe Griffiths (@joeb_gri) August 14, 2018
I’ll hold my hands up when I’m wrong, kalvin Phillips was different class tonight, more of the same please #LUFC #MOT
— Danny Riley (@danny_riley1) August 14, 2018
Great to see the rest of the squad getting the job done! There isn’t a Leeds fan anywhere that isn’t loving life under Bielsa! We’ve had our favourites in the past, but this is different! We march on! #LUFC #MOT #ElLoco #CarabaoCup
— Jamie Hundal (@JamieHundal) August 14, 2018
Good win again tonight. Had to dig deep at parts in the second half. Can’t always have it our own way though so be good for the lads!
Saiz brilliant again and buzzing for bamford. Very tidy finish for his first goal! #lufc— Lufc (@lufcxx) August 14, 2018
Comfortable night at Elland Road. Phillips class, saiz class, jansson looked off pace and young lads at full backs solid. Nothing spectacular but comfy. #lufc
— Josh Ellis (@chunkrex1) August 14, 2018
Best thing about Leeds this year is when the going gets a bit tough (teams come out second half) we don’t completely fold. Last season we lose in that position against stoke, would have folded quickly at derby and probably lost tonight as well #Lufc
— mathew hibbert (@matteohib94) August 14, 2018
