Luke Ayling says Marcelo Bielsa understanding was key to Everton victory for Leeds United

The Whites defender believes his manager has struck up a strong relationship with his players.
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Luke Ayling believes victory at Everton is an example of the understanding Leeds United's players have struck up with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites claimed a league victory at Goodison Park for the first time since 1990 with a 1-0 win.

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Leeds winger Raphinha bagged 10 minutes from time to ensure all three points would be returning to West Yorkshire with a fine low effort from outside the box.

Leeds United defender Luke Ayling in action at Everton. Pic: Jonathan GawthorpeLeeds United defender Luke Ayling in action at Everton. Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling in action at Everton. Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe

United were in scintillating attacking form on Merseyside, managing an impressive 23 efforts on goal over the course of 90 minutes.

Bielsa's men forced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into a number of strong saves while Jack Harrison hit the woodwork and saw a shot cleared off the line.

The pressure on the Toffees defence, though, finally told late on and capped off a fine display for the visitors.

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Ayling - who has featured in all 10 of United's top flight games so far this season - says the performance shows the work that Bielsa has put into his first team squad in recent seasons.

"We’ve been working with Bielsa for the last two years. It’s the third year of his reign now. I think we've got what he wants to do and it shows," Ayling said post-match.

"I think we have a reputation of being a fit team, but I thought our football showed through today. I felt like we played some quality football. We broke them down a few times and I think we could have scored a few more.

"It was a really, really good performance and we've got a clean sheet. After our last two games people have been saying we concede too many goals."

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Asked about whether United could've won by a bigger margin, he added: "It was an open game for a 0-0.

"We had that bit of quality for the goal. It was a great finish and straight after the goal the game became open.

"We probably could've scored a few more on the counter attack, it was a very pleasing win for us."