Patrick Bamford believes Leeds United's half-time tactical switch was crucial in Southampton win

Patrick Bamford believes a change in tact at half-time helped Leeds United to a 3-0 victory over Southampton.

The Whites moved into the top half of the Premier League table on Tuesday night, disposing of the visiting Saints with ease in LS11.

Marcelo Bielsa's men were forced to battle hard in the opening period at Elland Road as opposition boss Ralph Hassenhuttl deployed a high press in a bid to stall their hosts.

Leeds struggled to play through Southampton which saw a lot of turnovers occur inside their own half requiring Whites goalkeeper Ilan Meslier to be on alert.

The Elland Road playing surface also caused issues under foot once again for both sets of players but Leeds adapted to the conditions in the second half to open the scoring through Bamford.

Stuart Dallas also found the back of the net before winger Raphinha sealed a fine individual performance with a dipping free-kick into the bottom corner.

Bamford - who notched his 13th goal of the season - admitted post-match that moving the ball forward at pace felt key to victory, something which was discussed at the half-time interval.

"We played the pitch better," United's number nine said of the difference in the second half.

"At half-time we said we were making too many mistakes in our own half. We were getting caught on the ball. It was slippy. If we lost the ball in our own half they caused danger so we said to try and play the ball up into the opposition half a bit quicker.

"We did that and the key was the first goal which brought them out. We said before the start during the warm-up that more important than anything was winning, no matter how we did it.

"It was quite an even game and it's the first time I have seen a team come and press like we do. It made it difficult. It was really about who got the first goal and fortunately we got it and managed to get the three points."

Asked about how tricky the surface is to play on at Elland Road, he smiled: "I don't want to speak too much about it. The pitch was like going to winter wonderland at Christmas."