Bamford shines as ‘physical’ Leeds beat Leicester City

Patrick Bamford scored one and assisted two as Leeds United came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.

Marcelo Bielsa will certainly be proud of his side after winning away from home for the second time in five days after beating Newcastle on Wednesday night. It was most definitely the perfect away performance, sitting deep and when the opportunity came they stung Leicester with pace and accuracy alongside fluidity in their attack. 

In what was an exciting opening exchange, it was the home side that took the advantage going 1-0 up courtesy of a fine Harvey Barnes goal. The 23-year-old who is having an excellent season thus far scored his 11th goal of the season after a lovely pass and move play with James Maddison.

The lead didn’t last long as Leeds United almost immediately responded with a classic Bielsa counter-attack. A wayward James Maddison pass was intercepted and Luke Ayling started the break, feeding the ball into Bamford, who rolled the ball into Stuart Dallas who then finished perfectly with a first-time effort across the goal. The sides now level at this point.

Timothy Castagne had to come off for the hosts after 36 minutes, replaced by Ricardo Pereira. Brendan Rodgers said after the game that “Tim just felt his hamstring tighten up a little”. Hopefully not too much for Foxes fans to worry about.  

It was a bizarre first half, full of action including two offside goals. Ayoze Perez and Mateusz Klich both had efforts ruled out.  

Leeds also lost a key player to an injury in the first half. Rodrigo had to come off injured and he was replaced by Klich, who arguably should have actually started. The Poland international played an instrumental role in the Whites picking up all three points.  

The East Midlands side undeniably had the better start of the second half with Rodgers shuffling the pack, confusing the Leeds players. James Justin and Pereira both came close with good chances to score.  

After 70 minutes, the inevitable happened. Bamford scored his eighth away goal of the season after yet another trademark Leeds counter attack. A magnificent goal to say the least.

Gareth Southgate was in attendance for the third Leicester match in a row, with the England manager keeping his eye on Bamford as well who didn’t put a foot wrong. He’s undoubtedly spoilt for choice when it comes to attackers for his England side.

Rodgers’ men reacted well to going down 2-1 and they stepped it up a gear with chance after chance coming. Jonny Evans missed from two yards out meanwhile Wesley Fofana almost scored his first goal in English football, had it not have been for a crucial block from Liam Cooper.

After all the Leicester chances, next came another counter attack in the 84th minute, with Jack Harrison wrapping up all three points after Bamford unselfishly put it on a plate for the Man City loanee.

An exciting and brave display from Bielsa’s team as the points from a usually well drilled Brendan Rodgers side. 

Rodgers said after the game,

“We made a good start, a fantastic goal from Harvey Barnes, who was a fantastic threat for us. We didn’t close the space quickly enough and their goal is too easy from our perspective. We still had opportunities but didn’t manage to score. Their last goal kills the game”

This result leaves Leicester still in third place with a huge chance missed to go within two points of League leaders Manchester City. Leeds remain in 12th.

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