Luke Ayling has joked on the Leeds United podcast that every player on the Whites team was surprised when Tyler Roberts stayed on against Manchester City on Saturday.
When Leeds were reduced to 10 men, following Liam Cooper’s dismissal, Roberts looked the most likely candidate to be taken off by Marcelo Bielsa.
However, the Leeds boss actually decided to take off Patrick Bamford.
Leeds’ main goalscorer looked rather frustrated after he was withdrawn ahead of schedule.
And Ayling admits that he was surprised when he saw the number nine go up on the fourth official’s board.
“To be fair, every single player thought ‘Tyler get ready to get off mate, because it’s you’,” Ayling laughed, after Bamford said he initially didn’t realise he was being taken off.
Bielsa’s decision may have been a surprise, but it was certainly the correct one.
Roberts played well, as Leeds somehow managed to claim the three points against City.
Pep Guardiola’s side had all the territorial advantage, but even with an extra player, they struggled to create chances against Leeds’ resolute defence.
And when Stuart Dallas broke through in the final stages, he managed to find a route to back of the net, to give Leeds their most famous victory since returning to the top flight.
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