Burnley were outclassed by Leeds at their fluid best at Turf Moor

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Burnley were outclassed by Leeds at Turf Moor as the fatigue of a long season became apparent for Sean Dyche’s men.

Throughout this season, even more so in 2021, questions have been laid at Marcelo Bielsa’s door about whether Leeds could keep up the intensity of their play through such a challenging season.

This victory at Turf Moor answered that without a doubt.

Dyche’s side started well in the game but quickly faded, unable to match the level of energy that the Yorkshiremen had on show, enabling them to run clear in the second half.

It poses an interesting question about the different styles of management around in the Premier League.

Whilst Dyche and Bielsa see football from fundamentally opposite ends of the spectrum, they both show similarities in the way they work.

They are both clear in their philosophy and identity, clear about the way they go about their business and how they wish to operate in the transfer market and both are outspoken in differing ways.

With that in mind, it is interesting to see how such a challenging season has affected either side.

Leeds continued to be at their fluid best, with Rodrigo making a major impact in the second half to take the game away from the hosts.

In the first half, Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier consistently looked long to Patrick Bamford which is at odds with the way Bielsa wants his side to play.

More importantly, against a team like Burnley who have a well-set focus on their centre halves in Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, trying to challenge those players aerially seems a lost cause before it has even began.

Bielsa, when asked in the post-match press conference, whether this was a ploy of his and an instruction he had given to his keeper, he swiftly responded.

“No, and that’s why nothing prospered.”

It has to be said, he is right to be so assertive in that response, Rodrigo added the fluidity to play through the thirds that was required to break down Burnley.

Fatigue was clear to see from the start of the second half for Sean Dyche’s team.

And after such a great push again to survive in the Premier League with a small squad that has been stretched to its limits, it was an inevitability, but it also speaks to the differing training methods on show.

Marcelo Bielsa prides himself on the fitness of his squad.

It is vital if he is to successfully implement his high intensity, high pressing, fluid style that each and every member of the team he calls upon is able to put in 100% from the first to last minute.

Sean Dyche on the other hand, whilst progressive in other measures, evidently has not placed such an emphasis on fitness and it showed, but ultimately the job is done for Burnley.

Back to the game and whilst the Clarets have been the main focus of my attention throughout the campaign, it is important to admire such a unique Leeds team.

Their second half performance was the best I have witnessed during my time reporting on North West football.

Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo linked so well, constantly interchanging in order to stretch the Burnley backline, something that West Ham managed as well just a couple of games prior at Turf Moor.

Kalvin Phillips had the evident control of the midfield and Leeds’ ability to switch play from right to left efficiently disrupting the compact Burnley defensive organisation.

His pass out wide to Jack Harrison, before Harrison played through Rodrigo for his second could have been born out of La Masia.

There was a distinct elegance about Leeds and they went on to make their quality show.

For Burnley, they will want this season to come to a close as soon as possible but welcoming fans back on Wednesday against Liverpool may add an extra edge.

They have achieved solidity again in the Premier League but it will be interesting under new ownership to see whether they adapt a philosophy that is perfect for stability but not for kicking on to the next level.

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