Good Morning. It's Monday 21st September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Seven goal thriller at Elland Road
For the second week running Leeds were subjected to a seven goal thriller, albeit this time, Bielsa's babes came out victorious. The home side settled down quickly and were ahead on 5 minutes. Aylings deflected corner found Helder Costa, deep beyond the far post. He took a touch, then smashed the ball into the back of the next via the upright giving Areola no chance.
Another moment of madness from Koch helped the Cottagers draw level ten minutes from half time. The German International bought down Joe Bryan on the far side of the penalty box. Not only was the tackle clumsy, but the left back posed no threat on the Leeds goal. Mitrovic made no mistake from twelve yards.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Bryan gave Bamford a shove in the back as the Leeds forward tried to get on the end of a cross. The man in Black, Anthon Taylor had no hesitation but to point to the spot. Polish International Klich sent Areola the wrong way to put the Whites deservedly in front at half time.
Five minutes after the interval, Bamford extended Leeds lead. Klich carved the Fulham defense open with a stunning through ball, and Bamford was there to double his tally for the season.
Bamford went from scorer to provider for Leeds fourth just before the hour mark. His delightful cross found Costa in acres of space, and the 26yo doubled his tally for the afternoon. That's three in opening two games of the season. Decordova-Reid and Mitrovic set up a tense finish, but it was three well earned points for the Whites.
During Leeds opening two games, we have seen 14 goals, the most in a top-flight side's opening two matches since Wolves in 1962-63. Where are Leeds the weakest? Should Meslier have saved any of the goals? How long will Leeds purple patch in front of goal continue?
Bielsa's press conference
Marcelo Bielsa speaking to BBC Match of the Day...
This won't be a constant all year. It is very difficult to maintain the efficiency [in front of goal] we have had in these first two games.
The characteristics of our game is to create goal scoring opportunities. In these two games we have created very little but we have scored all our chances.
We have had two very different games. Against Liverpool we tried to get close to a very big rival and today we tried to not be caught by Fulham. Both were very difficult games.
Fulham boss Scott Parker...
There were a lot of encouraging things. You go 4-1 down away from home and they could really drop their heads. I didn't see that in my team. I saw a real character and determination.
The biggest thought in my head is that you cannot give up goals that we have given up today. You can't expect to score four or five goals to win football matches in this league.
If you give up goals too easy you aren't going to win many. I just worry that a red bolt doesn't go off for us. We need to smell it [danger] and sense it in those moments that are crucial in games. Sometimes we are a bit too nice.
I see an innocence about them not being streetwise. Overall there are a lot of positives but there was one negative which I realise is going to be the difference between us getting results or not.
Latest transfer news
With the transfer market slamming shut two weeks tomorrow, Leeds need to put their foot on the accelerator if they are to add to their Senior squad.
Chairman Andrea Radrizzani made it clear to the Financial Times last week that a further 50m is available if Bielsa wants to spend it. Unfortunately for Leeds fans, the Argentine seems reluctant to give the green light. According to Phil Hay, Bielsa has surprised Orta by ruling out credible targets on the basis of perceived weaknesses in their ability, the size of his squad or the belief he has sufficient resources already.
The proposed purchase of Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul seems to be dead in the water. The proposed deal has been in the making for weeks and according to Hay, 'still some way from crossing the line, if indeed it ever does'.
Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol is still an achievable target, according to the former Chief football writer of the YEP; even though recent reports have indicated that the young Croatian International does not see his future in West Yorkshire.
The 18yo would cost the Whites 20m, plus a 20% sell on fee. Its a lot of money for someone who would not be first-choice under Bielsa and could find himself behind Pascal Struijk in the pecking order. It will be interesting to see what happens here, as the Mail are suggested that Leipzig have secured his services with a 20m bid that would come into place in January.
There may be a real chace that Leeds may land Dan James from Manchester Utd. The Welsh International was snapped up in front of Leeds nose last Summer, six months after the 22yo arrived at Elland Road for a medical, only for the Swansea Chairman to block the deal at the final hurdle, leaving player and club (Leeds) devastated.
It seems James may be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, and an offer in the region of 15m, may bring the Hull born winger over the Pennines.
