Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa reminded everyone of his tactical nous on Saturday.
Leeds United survived a late rally from QPR to record a 2-1 win over Steve McClaren’s side at Elland Road.
It was another massive win for the Whites, who established a five-point cushion in the hunt for automatic promotion.
Kemar Roofe scored both goals for Leeds and will invariably get the headlines, but a tactical masterstroke from Marcelo Bielsa shouldn’t be ignored.
With one final throw of the dice, McClaren threw Matt Smith into the game with 12 minutes left, in the hope that his 6’6 frame would trouble Kalvin Phillips, the 5’8 midfielder who was playing central defence alongside Pontus Jansson.
Bielsa was quick to react, selecting Aapo Halme, who stands at 6’5, to replace Phillips in defence and negate the aerial and physical threat posed by Smith.
It worked brilliantly, with Halme, who was only on the pitch for nine minutes, very expertly dealing with the QPR target man in what was another excellent display from the 20-year-old, who only made his Leeds debut last month.
It was a simple and yet brilliant change from the Argentine coach who offered yet another example into why he is such a renowned tactician.
Sure, United might have held on for the three points irrespective of Halme’s introduction, but Phillips v Smith was a total mismatch and one that could have very easily seen Leeds drop two points.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
