Bielsa questions result but outlines reasons why West Ham able to down Leeds
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa explained the differences between his side and West Ham United but felt they did not deserve to lose at Elland Road.
The Whites slipped into the bottom three after going down 2-1 in front of their own fans. Things began well as Raphinha gave the hosts a 19th-minute lead with a low finish from outside the area. And they managed to keep the Londoners at bay until the half-time whistle.
David Moyes’ side came out after the interval with much more purpose and they were on level terms in the 67th minute. There was an element of good fortune about the goal as Jarrod Bowen’s shot deflected into the net off Junior Firpo.
It looked as though Leeds would take a point from the clash. But Michail Antonio had other ideas as he found the net in the first minute of injury time to silence the Whites faithful.
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The home side were caught on the counter-attack and paid the price. The result means Leeds have yet to win this season, with just three points to their name from three draws.
The East End outfit have won three and drawn two to continue their solid form from 2020-2021. And Bielsa believes that differing confidence levels within the two teams were evident in the result.
“Two teams faced each other with two different realities,” he told BBC Sport. “A team that is chaining together positive results, and our team who is chaining together negative results.
“Normally in those circumstances, the team in negative trend is difficult for them to obtain what they deserve. When the team is in a good moment it is easy for them to obtain what they deserve.”
“I think if the game had been a draw it wouldn’t have been unfair. Evidently all our sacrifice didn’t crystallise.”
Bielsa lifts lid on Raphinha injury
Much was expected of Leeds this season after they managed to finish ninth on their return to the Premier League. But they have yet to ignite, with only Burnley and Norwich below them in the standings.
They may well be without Raphinha for a few weeks after he was substituted during the second 45 minutes. But Bielsa insisted it was not due to any problem picked up against the Hammers.
“It’s not that he came off injured. He picked up a knock against Newcastle which prevented him training all week but he resolved that and he could play the game. Then he advised us to substitute him,” he added.
READ MORE: David Moyes reveals Bielsa influence in costing Man Utd the league
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