Patrick Bamford's good day, Rodrigo's bad day and the number of the day for Leeds United after Leicester City win

Who saw that coming, then?
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Leeds United were well worth their 3-1 Sunday afternoon win at Leicester City, a side who could have gone second in the Premier League table had they won.

Having stuttered to a 2-1 victory at struggling Newcastle United in midweek, with a midfield that creaked and groaned under the weight of the pressure piled on by the Magpies, Leeds then turned in one of the performances of the season. And what's more, the midfield was key to the victory. Stuart Dallas' goal and runs in behind the Foxes' defence caused lots of problems.

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Leicester City had chances and should have scored more than once, but Leeds were unlucky not to hit at least five, Patrick Bamford denied by the bar and the hands of Kasper Schmeichel, who also produced fine stops from Jack Harrison and Raphinha.

Good day

Patrick Bamford

So many Leeds players can be proud of their performance, but Bamford scored a beauty, set two goals up and gave very good defenders like Jonny Evans a rough afternoon, with Gareth Southgate watching on. The England question continues to crop up and why not? With 11 goals in the Premier League already and performances like this, he's surely an option for the Three Lions at the very least. When Bamford adds clinical finishing and playmaker passes like the one for Dallas' goal to the workrate he produces week in and week out, he's just about the perfect striker for Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds.

Bad day

GOOD DAY - Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford produced arguably his performance of the season with a goal, two assists and a torrid time for Leicester City's centre-backs. Pic: GettyGOOD DAY - Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford produced arguably his performance of the season with a goal, two assists and a torrid time for Leicester City's centre-backs. Pic: Getty
GOOD DAY - Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford produced arguably his performance of the season with a goal, two assists and a torrid time for Leicester City's centre-backs. Pic: Getty

Rodrigo

When you've found yourself playing catch up since missing training and games through Covid-19, an injury is the last thing you need. Rodrigo pulled up with a groin problem early on, tried to run and looked in agony. He very nearly cost Leeds with his bravery, playing on and failing to get back to help out defensively as the Foxes took advantage to cut through the visitors. It was a valiant effort but it was clear the problem was too severe to run off. You'd suspect it'll be at least three to four weeks out, which is not what he needs at this stage of the season. We keep saying there's more to come from the Spaniard, who will be desperate to make the international squad for the Euros, but for now Leeds fans will have to be patient and wait on their record signing.

Number of the day

15

Leeds United are five wins clear of the drop zone. Fulham look a long way back in the rear view mirror and while no one will relax until the job is done, Leeds are making life a lot more comfortable than anyone can have expected. Another two wins might just do it, for safety, given the comparative form of the bottom three. Completing what is always a really difficult task for any newly promoted side ahead of schedule would be a magnificent achievement for Bielsa and his team. Another magnificent achievement.

Turning point

70th minute

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Bamford's strike made Leicester even more desperate for a goal and their desire to score left them exposed, allowing Leeds to hit them on the counter attack once more. The Whites had to withstand a period of real pressure before killing the game but they're always a threat with the pace and fitness they possess. It was a lovely little twist of footballing fate that they should hurt the team that humbled them at Elland Road with the very same method, soaking up pressure and then pouncing on errors ruthlessly.