Leeds United 0-2 Preston North End: Alex Neil reacts to ending Bielsa’s unbeaten run

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Leeds United lost 2-0 at home to Preston North End this evening.

Preston North End boss Alex Neil has told Leeds Live that he felt his side could deal with Leeds United perfectly as they beat the Whites 2-0 this evening.

Leeds went into the game having thrashed Norwich City 3-0 on Saturday afternoon, whilst Preston lost 2-0 at Derby County, with both sides ringing the changes.

Ultimately though, it was Preston who turned in a fine display, kickstarted by Daniel Johnson’s second minute penalty after Louis Moult had been fouled inside the area.

North End did go down to 10 men though as Ryan Ledson was given a straight red card for a rash challenge, only for Brandon Barker to break from his own half and score a stunning solo second for Preston.

The Lilywhites ultimately had to sit in and defend, especially when Leeds turned to star duo Samu Saiz and Mateusz Klich at half time, and Neil’s side saw the game out admirably with two young centre backs in Ben Davies and Jordan Storey.

North End not only advance into the next round of the competition at Leeds’ expense, but have also become the side to end Marcelo Bielsa’s unbeaten start to life as Whites manager.

After the game, North End boss Neil spoke to the press about his side’s performance, and told Leeds Live that he felt he knew how to play against Bielsa’s side – and it showed with his side’s win.

Neil praised Leeds by saying they have been outstanding this season, but heaped praise on the way his own side played with 10 men, and suggested that the only hope to beat Bielsa’s side is to try and press better than they do.

“We felt having watched them, we knew how to play against them,” said Neil. “This team have been outstanding. They’ve been blowing sides away. To come here and beat them 2-0 and play 70 minutes with ten men speaks volumes. “If you sit off they will damage you. If you fight fire with fire, they will damage you. We have to press better than them and hope you retain it better,” he added.