LEEDS UNITED PUT pre-match controversy to one side to defeat Derby County 2-0 and move five points clear at the top of the Championship.
Marcelo Bielsa took responsibility for the Leeds spy scandal, after Derby had accused their opponents of sending a staff member to view the Rams’ training session on Thursday, with the incident set to be investigated by the Football Association.
But the admission from the Leeds boss had little impact on his side’s fine performance as Leeds bounced back from a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
Andre Wisdom’s clumsy foul on Ezgjan Alioski 32 seconds in saw referee Andy Davies award Leeds a penalty, but a surprising offside flag came to Derby’s rescue.
Frank Lampard’s side could not match their hosts’ intensity, however, and were behind when Jack Clarke marked his first Championship start with a sublime assist for Kemar Roofe to hammer home from close range.
Clarke turned on the style again after the restart, looping in a cross that Scott Carson could only parry to the waiting Alioski, who teed up Jack Harrison for a simple finish.
Referee Davies failed to spot a foul in the box by Tom Lawrence soon after, although Bailey Peacock-Farrell was fortunate to escape punishment for a high lunge on Duane Holmes at the other end.
Leeds’ victory takes them five points clear of nearest challengers Norwich City, who face fourth-place West Brom on Saturday, while Derby remain in sixth.
Ahead of a huge weekend of Heineken Champions Cup action, Murray Kinsella, Andy Dunne and Gavan Casey assess the provinces’ chances of putting a foot in the last eight:
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As a pool fan I’d like to see leeds back in the epl. It’s been too long. Genuinely rooting for them
@Willy Motley: I’m a United fan and I share the same sentiment.
Top man Marcelo Bielsa. Mugged those sheep off good and proper!
Something quite 90′s looking about next seasons Premier League if Leeds,Norwich and Villa/ Forest make it back up
In Bielsa we trust!!
@Damien Byrne: fact
Mot ,,, for everyone including myself and still not sure till the end , in a way just did not want to see the steel I think our team has example beradi aggressive eccentric Italian sub right back turned into our best cb at the time before injury that’s biesla , everyone thought we would fade? Again as a Leeds fan used to being close,, but hopefully if we’re good enough , we deserve to be back in the pl