Never mind the gap - Leeds United's Championship cushion means nothing on the pitch

Marcelo Bielsa and Liam Cooper’s verbal output in the latter stages of a game that was comprehensively won were perfect examples of why goalscorer Gjanni Alioski says their points cushion is not a factor during matches.

Bielsa’s demands that his players continue to move, continue to press and repeat the things they were doing so well and Cooper’s reminder to Ian Poveda of the young substitute’s duties ensured that standards were maintained – Luke Ayling bursting out of defence and drawing a foul that brought a red card for Neeskens Kebano was sufficient evidence of that.

Alioski was pleased to see the team’s effort rewarded with a 10-point lead over Fulham, who now sit fifth and two points behind Brentford in third.

Nothing is being taken for granted, however and the foot will not lift from the pedal. It just can’t. Leeds have had healthier leads dwindle to almost nothing already this season and the run-in cannot be a replica of that scenario.

“It’s nice to see this but I think it’s not easy for us as players to stay always on the top because of how we work,” he said.

“It’s really easy to say we have 10 points but on the pitch you don’t feel you’re 10 points in front. You want to play game by game and take the points.

“There’s still seven games to play and it’s a lot. We need to win other games.

“Ten points is a bonus for us but we [have to take it] game to game like we don’t have 10 points more than the other teams.”

Saturday was an important win butwith Luton up next as the twice-a-week schedule kicks in, back-patting will wait.

“There is nothing to celebrate,” said Alioski.

“These are only numbers. Eight, ten points we are still saying nothing. Everything can happen in football. We just need to be focused game by game.”