Leeds United's 'efficiency' delights Marcelo Bielsa in 5-0 win at West Bromwich Albion

Sam Allardyce's side were shockingly unambitious, and the Whites took advantage of it to cruise to a 5-0 win that did not take too much out of them during a busy Festive period.

Leeds only had 14 shots on goal but scored five times, four of them in the opening 40 minutes, making the second half a pleasing non-event.

“The team was very efficient,” said coach Bielsa. “From eight (good) chances we managed to score five goals, even if one of the goals was not from our own doing (a comical own goal from Romaine Sawyers setting them on their way).

“Normally from eight chances we score two goals max.

“Apart from that I think we defended well the whole game and didn't commit any avoidable errors.”

Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling both impressed, particularly in the way they drove their team on in the second half.

Bielsa said of Dallas: “It really did look like he was in many places on the pitch constantly and in the places where he acted, he didn't commit any errors.”

Right-back Ayling played so well as one of two central defenders, it prompted Bielsa to be asked if they might emerge as his best position.

“When he plays as a full-back he also shines, as a centre-back he's shining,” he commented. “I think if he played as a defensive midfielder he would also be efficient.

“He's a player who has qualities and normally he uses a big percentage of his virtues because he forces it upon himself and has the character to take risks without making errors, which is what distinguishes the best players – they choose well, they execute well and when they take risks, they don't make mistakes.”

The biggest concern for Leeds was a thigh injury which forced off Mateusz Klich, and will be assessed ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Allardyce was unhappy at West Brom's performance, puncturing the feel-good factor from Sunday's 1-1 draw at Anfield.

“We let Leeds overrun us and didn't show the grit, determination and the quality defending we showed against Liverpool,” complained the former England manager.

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