Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes the win over Liverpool has given Jesse Marsch some breathing space at Elland Road. The win was massive for the Whites as they jumped out of the relegation zone after an eight game winless run.
"It was absolutely huge," Mills told OLBG. "I did fear for them going into the game, especially after what happened to Liverpool against Nottingham Forest.
"I think the last time they had a really poor result they went on to beat Bournemouth 9-0. You start to think at Anfield that someone's poked the bear and you don't really want to be doing that going into a game with them, especially at Anfield.
READ MORE: Leeds United news as Whites reportedly close in on addition to Jesse Marsch's backroom staff
"But Leeds were on the front foot, got fortunate with the opening goal but they worked hard and got rewards for that. Liverpool weren't at their best and missed some chances but I think it's a huge result and absolutely vital.
"Leeds have some tough fixtures coming up before and after the World Cup break. Spurs away is their last game before that and there was a fear that they might not pick any more points up before the World Cup.
"Suddenly now it's given Jesse Marsch some breathing space, I wasn't quite sure what the celebration was about though! Whether you’re Leeds or not it looked a little bit strange, and my kids were watching and asking what he was doing?
"It was a little bit of a teenage celebration, but it was massive win for them. You can't keep saying to people you're playing well and keep losing games because they haven't been playing particularly well.
"That's been papering over the cracks at times. I said at the start of the season that they had to hit the ground running and had to get off to a good start because with all those players it can go wrong quickly.
"They did have a fantastic start and a great couple of wins, and you wondered where they could go. But I still think they're trying to work out their best way of playing and scoring goals will be a big issue for them. If you don't score goals and are a bit leaky at the other end, then you'll have big problems."
Mills has also warned the Whites that this weekend is a must not lose as they take on Bournemouth at Elland Road. He added: "It's not a must win but it's almost a must not lose. You don't want to start giving other teams a leg up, so you've got to be solid, and your mentality has to be that you don't get beat.
"It cannot happen in this game because Bournemouth pick up another three points and if you go into the World Cup break in the bottom three with six or seven weeks until your next fixture, then that's tough. It's all you're going to be thinking about and it's not easy to do that.
"They've got to go into that game with a different attitude and determined not to get beat. Jesse Marsch said in his press conference that he's never lost so many games in his life, well you've not been in the Premier League before.
"He's been in slightly easier leagues and at teams who have been higher up in those leagues where you're expected to win. It'll be tough, Bournemouth have had some really good performances and then some semi-disasters.
"For example, when they've been leading 2-0 and ended up losing the game. On paper this sort of game says it could be five each, but if you asked both managers now they'd probably both take a 0-0."
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United faced with call Jesse Marsch can't have expected during the summer transfer window
- Record breaking goals, Anfield delight and 'spygate' - Leeds United's previous breakout moments
- Leeds United players' around-town comments played into Liverpool preparations
- Jesse Marsch outlines Tyler Adams' Leeds United importance and gives Luis Sinisterra update
- Leeds United lean on key Marcelo Bielsa-era trait to give Jesse Marsch the commitment he praised
