Leeds came from behind twice to grab a point against Swansea.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa and Whites youngster Jack Clarke have heaped huge praise on Jamie Shackleton after the Yorkshire side’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Bielsa’s men came from behind on both occasions to steal a point in south Wales. Oli McBurnie, a reported target for Leeds in the past, put Swansea ahead after good work from Bersant Celina.
But Shackleton, starting at right-back due to a pre-match injury to Liam Cooper, showed his acceleration to get to the byline and find Kemar Roofe for the striker’s fourth goal in as many league games.
McBurnie scored another header, but substitute Patrick Bamford’s good work saw Pablo Hernandez equalise. Bielsa drooled over Shackleton in his press conference but did say he suffered defensively, while Clarke applauded the 18-year-old on Twitter.
“I have a respect for his personality,” Bielsa said, as quoted by Leeds Live. “I have respect for his character. From an offensive point of view he did good things.
“In the second half we suffered some attacks on the left side of Swansea, on our right side, so I can’t answer your question ignoring this reality. Our defensive structure was not strong enough. This makes it harder for the individualities to play well.”
Both sides had big chances to win the match late on, with Celina spurning a golden chance for Swansea which Bailey Peacock-Farrell saved before Jack Harrison dallied on a through ball he should have hit first time.
The point sees Bielsa’s side go top of the Championship after four games, which have seen the Whites beat Stoke City, Derby County and Rotherham.
Leeds are on the road again on Saturday, as they travel to Norwich City and Carrow Road to face Daniel Farke’s side.
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