Marcelo Bielsa pleased Leeds United overcame 'segment of confusion' in otherwise strong performance

The Whites had lost 13 of their previous 14 matches in London, and they made life more uncomfortable for themselves by conceded at a first-half corner but they were good value for their win, secured by goals from Patrick Bamford and Raphinha.

“In the first half up until they scored their equaliser we were controlling their game well and after they equalised there was a segment of confusion from us,” coach Marcelo Bielsa reflected.

“The second half was a half with very fluctuations.

“We defended very well and after they needed to come back into the game it was easy for us to attack.

“In the last game we were up against a team with the quality of Chelsea, today against a team with a necessity for the points who have been playing well and on the back of some good results.

“For us it was very important to win today.”

Bamford scored a goal and made another the day after he was overlooked for England's latest squad, but Bielsa did not think the two were linked.

“He made a very big effort and I saw him play a very valiant game, I saw him play well,” he said. “He was generous and helped facilitate his team-mates having chances and I saw him play in a very valiant manner.

“I don't think he had that spirit (to prove a point to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate), I imagine, I don't know.

“I think every player he plays to be picked but I don't think he was trying to prove people wrong. The fact that he was considered has a lot of value already.

“Perhaps the time that's left will present him with another opportunity.”

Even with Leeds the better side, Illan Meslier still had to make some good saves to ensure the “segment of confusion” only cost Leeds one goal.

“He's a consistent goalkeeper,” said Bielsa. “I think throughout the campaign he's made very few errors and he's been consistently good.”

Beaten manager Scott Parker had no complaints after seeing his side miss the chance to move out of the Premier League's bottom three.

“I don't think we deserved anything, the best team won,” admitted the former England midfielder.

“When the game became a bit of a basketball match at times we struggled. When they put you under pressure you need to make good decisions.

“Leeds are the best team in the league at making the game very erratic.”

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