Leeds United marked their return to Premier League action with one of the most entertaining Premier League games of the season so far.
The Whites ultimately came from behind to salvage a point in the 3-3 draw after seeing their early lead overturned by Aston Villa.
Dan James opened the scoring for the visitors inside 10 minutes before a 13-minute period later in the first half put Steven Gerrard’s side firmly in control.
Go here for all the latest Leeds United news and opinion
However, just as the two teams were preparing to get in for half-time, the Wales international halved the deficit, somehow beating Tyrone Mings in the air to head past Emiliano Martinez.
Leeds came out after the interval with their tails up and got the goal their performance deserved when Diego Llorente slammed into the back of the net after Villa failed to clear a corner.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side could have nicked all three points late on after Ezri Konsa was sent off but the pulsating 86 minutes prior to the dismissal had really its toll on the players in the white.
It was another performance that has led to wide praise for the way in which Leeds play football under the Argentine.
Here is what the national media have said on the back of the 3-3 draw.
The Times
Henry Winter wrote : “Dan James removed his shirt at the final whistle of this manic game, walked over to a young Leeds United fan in the corner, spread the shirt on the hoardings, studiously signed it and then handed it to the delighted fan.
“Jack Harrison did the same, and the pair did well to get the ink to dry as their shirts were drenched with sweat.
“This was a frenetic game with everything, including widespread cramp, such was the workrate of both sets of players. It had everything except a winner but every player gave everything.
“Leeds showed all their guts and determination under Marcelo Bielsa and in James had a wonderfully swift and committed centre forward who scored twice. More used to playing wide, James has filled in willingly and admirably in the middle."
The Guardian
Peter Lansley said : “Whatever these two teams spent their mid-season winter break doing, it is to the neutral’s delight that defending cannot have featured too highly.
“Ezri Konsa, the Villa defender, was sent off three minutes from time, for a second booking after he raised an arm to stop Illan Meslier from launching a counterattack, as this crazy game continued to make very little sense.”
The Telegraph
John Percy penned : “Leeds should have no fears about dropping back into the Championship on this evidence, and remain six points above the relegation zone.
“They were at times devastating on the break, unsettling Villa with their pace. Daniel James played in an unfamiliar position as a lone forward but challenged Coutinho for the man-of-the-match award.
“It has proved a difficult season ravaged by injuries for Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, but this will have provided the Argentine with optimism for the future.”
BBC Sport
Phil Dawkes said : “For some reason, this fixture between two of England's historically big names consistently produces memorable events, talking points, excitement and drama.
“In recent seasons, it has produced an unchallenged goal given to Villa by Leeds after the Whites scored with a man down injured and a thrilling 3-2 last-gasp comeback win for Marcelo Bielsa's team, both in the Championship.
“This game was more in keeping with the latter - an absolute barnstormer that refused to slow or settle for an expected outcome despite Leeds' early confidence, Villa's subsequent ascendancy and then demotion to 10 men.
“James lit the touch paper with his low finish and was superb in a central attacking role his physique suggests he is unsuited to. But on this form, he will make it tough for first-choice number nine Patrick Bamford to return to the side when he is fit.
“His second goal was a sign that his small stature need not restrict him, with him leaping high above bigger Villa players in the box to head in after Rodrigo's cross had looped his way.”
For the latest Leeds United news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
