Marcelo Bielsa hails five-star Leeds United as patience is rewarded

The Whites secured their first Premier League victory in six matches at Elland Road since September 19 with an attacking display of style and ruthlessness with the hosts scoring four times in the second half to get back on track in devastating fashion.

A brilliant header from Rodrigo just after the hour mark put Leeds 2-1 in front and despite Ciaran Clark soon netting a second equaliser for the visitors, the hosts produced a blistering finish to run out emphatic victors.

Goals arrived from Stuart Dallas, Gjanni Alioski and Jack Harrison – who netted with a brilliant long-ranger to crown a special night for Leeds, who had lost their previous two games against West Ham and Chelsea.

Bielsa said: “It was a deserved victory. In both halves, we attacked a lot and created plenty of chances, but in the second half, we were more efficient.

“The team played in a calm and organised manner and we were able to get on top and score the goals (late on).

“We were very patient and that is what impressed me most about my team. The construction of the offensive game is one of the most difficult things in football.

“The goals that I have most in my memory are the Rodrigo one and the last one from Harrison.

“Winning is always a positive thing and it helps you going into the next game in a more calm manner.”

It was a night when Rodrigo and Raphinha dovetailed superbly and posed Newcastle no end of problems, with their performances also whetting the appetite for the weeks and months ahead.

“The players have been with us three or four months now. Their adaptation is going how we would like,” Bielsa added.

“As they gain more minutes, they will improve every time that they play.”

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