Leeds United were at their brilliant best once again as an injury-depleted side battled for a vital 3-2 victory against West Ham.
It was a perfect display of what Marcelo Bielsa has brought to the club with excitement, goals, set-pieces woes and a nervy finish all on show at the London Stadium.
Jack Harrison was ultimately the difference maker as his brilliant hat-trick was enough to see off the Champions League-chasing Hammers.
David Moyes’ side fought to level the scoreline for the third time in the final half an hour but couldn’t breach the excellent Whites backline.
Despite being just the single goal in front with a side rocked by more injuries to both Adam Forshaw and Junior Firpo, Leeds still looked to counter attack at every opportunity, typifying Bielsa’s style of play.
That philosophy has gained plenty of admirers in the last season and a half and Graeme Souness was full of praise for the way in which the visitors played against West Ham.
Speaking as part of the Sky Sports Super Sunday panel, he said: “When you’re watching Leeds I have to say they’re as good as anyone to watch.
"[Manchester] City are the finished article, Liverpool not far away but other than those two I think they’re my next favourite team. If I lived anywhere in Yorkshire I’d be buying a season ticket.
“The beef we all have with modern players is simulation; they all throw themselves to the ground at any opportunity. You never see that with this Leeds team.
“They’re an honest group of players who play the game with a very, sometimes dangerous way for themselves in terms of conceding goals but they’re a tremendous watch and they’re honest and that has to come back to the manager who won’t take any of that you can imagine in training not blowing the whistle when someone’s trying to buy a foul but they’re a great watch.
“If you know anything about football or a little bit about football, you’d want them in the Premier League.”
The vital three points picked up at the London Stadium provide a massive boost for Leeds’ hopes of staying in the top flight as they are now nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Their next few games will have a huge impact on the picture at the bottom of the table as they welcome Newcastle to Elland Road next weekend before trips to face Aston Villa and Everton kick off their February fixtures.
Two or three positive results between now and then would see Bielsa’s side take a massive step towards Premier League safety.
