Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United came from behind to increase their lead at the top of the Championship.
It was no surprise to see Marcelo Bielsa make a change at the break of Leeds’ clash with Rotherham on Saturday, with the Whites 1-0 down and creating very little to suggest that the equaliser was imminent.
What was perhaps a surprise however, was the decision to replace Jack Clarke with Tyler Roberts. Clarke is the man of the moment having recently broken into Bielsa’s starting lineup, while Roberts’ season has been mixed.
There have been flashes of brilliance, but some games have passed him by.
Clarke was not having a good day before being replaced. The youngster cannot be criticised; it was just not his afternoon. Nevertheless, some may have questioned the decision to take him off as he has the potential to tear any team in the division apart if he gets the chance.
However, the decision paid off handsomely for the Whites. But with Mateusz Klich scoring twice to turn the game around, Bielsa’s masterstroke has perhaps not got the credit it deserves.
Roberts was excellent after coming on. He looked lively, and his introduction also allowed Pablo Hernandez to move out to the wing and pull many of the strings during the second 45 minutes.
Despite Clarke’s struggles, it appeared to be something of a gamble to replace him with Roberts. But as has been the case on so many occasions this term, fans have to be prepared to look slightly foolish if they question a Bielsa decision that some managers would probably not have the bravery to make.
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