Gjanni Alioski applauds 'unique' effort from Leeds United team-mate Patrick Bamford at Aston Villa

The North Macedonian picked out Bamford's third at Villa Park as his favourite of the 14 goals Leeds have scored in the top flight this season.

Bamford missed two good chances in the first half but more than made amends with his second half contribution.

First he slammed in a rebound after Rodrigo's initial effort had been palmed away by Emiliano Martinez to give the Whites a 1-0 lead in a game that, before the interval, was relatively even.

On 67 minutes Leeds were well in control, Bamford taking a pass from Mateusz Klich just outside the area, squaring up to the goal and firing the ball home off the crossbar.

His hat-trick goal came when the Villa defence abandoned the physical approach they had previously taken to marking the lone striker and he made them pay.

With 16 minutes remaining Leeds worked the ball into the area and Helder Costa found Bamford, who controlled, set himself and curled the ball beyond Martinez and into the far corner of the net.

For Alioski, who made his first Premier League start in that game, it was the pick of the bunch so far this season.

"Patrick Bamford against Aston Villa, the third goal," he told LUTV.

"It was a beautiful goal, I like it really because it was really difficult.

"He had three players between him [and the goal] and how beautifully he scored it. It is unique to score this goal. I really applaud for Patrick Bamford, it was a quality goal."

Leeds are winless in three since that victory over Villa, but put in a much improved performance in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal after two 4-1 defeats on the bounce.

Alioski played at left-back again for Marcelo Bielsa's side and contributed mightily to the performance, although he hit the headlines for being the recipient of a Nicolas Pepe headbutt. The 51st minute flash point, which came after little more than jostling from the Leeds man, sparked a bitter backlash against both players on social media. Leeds and Arsenal have both vowed to work with the police and footballing authorities to identify culprits who sent threats and abuse via Twitter and Instagram. West Yorkshire Police are currently making enquiries.