Patrick Bamford earns praise from Marcelo Bielsa after leading Leeds United to victory at Preston

Patrick Bamford celebrates scoring Leeds opener at Preston.
Picture: Bruce Rollinson — Patrick Bamford celebrates scoring Leeds opener at Preston. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Bielsa did not feel that Bamford was at his best in the win over Millwall two weeks ago and improved in the 1-0 defeat against Birmingham at the weekend.

But his two goals at Deepdale helped move Leeds - who took full advantage of Ben Pearson’s straight red card - back into the automatic promotion places for 24 hours at least as they leapfrogged Sheffield United.

Bielsa said: “I thought Patrick Bamford adapted very well after one very difficult game. He didn’t play well against Millwall, against Birmingham he increased his level and performance.

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa tries to get his message across at Deepdale with Preston boss and Alex Neil, right, doing the same. Picture Bruce Rollinson

“Having three chances is something positive for a striker. He improved his performance again today with two goals and he put in a lot of work for the team.

“It was a very difficult game against a tough physical team. In the first half we imposed ourselves. In the second half, after the red card, we solved the game more easily.

“I’m proud of the performance of the team because all the players played at a high level.”

After a goalless first half, the game swung in Leeds’ favour in the 49th minute when Pearson was sent off for the third time this season after bringing down Bamford when he was the last man.

Patrick Bamford celebrates his first goal for Leeds against Preston at Deepdale last night. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Leeds made their numerical advantage count with a tidal wave of pressure, first Kalvin Phillips went close for Bielsa’s men with a free-kick on 51 minutes, before North End survived shouts for a penalty after Jack Harrison’s cross appeared to strike an arm.

The pressure paid off when Bamford smashed the ball into the top of the far corner from the edge of the area on 62 minutes.

Bamford then made the points safe when he powered a header home from Mateusz Klich’s cross with 14 minutes to go.

Bielsa said he was unsure if he will watch Sheffield United’s game at Birmingham on Wednesday and admitted he was only interested in the result.

He added: “I am more interested in the result than the game. We have five more games and we want five more wins. We are playing well as a group and are coping with the pressure.”