Bamford joins double figures club as Leeds punish shaky Burnley

Patrick Bamford netted his 10th Premier League goal of the season as Leeds beat an uncharacteristically shaky Burnley side 1-0 on Sunday.

Leeds started the game with a makeshift defence, with all three senior centre-halves out and midfielders filling in at full-back. But it was Burnley who looked unusually wobbly and they conceded within four minutes.

Bamford capitalised and despite Burnley showing an upturn in the second half with a change of shape, the Whites did enough to warrant earning the three points at Elland Road.

Leeds were fast out of the blocks and were rewarded with Bamford’s penalty. Burnley Goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed out to tackle  the striker, but he collided with Bamford who curled the resultant spot kick into the top-right corner.

Set pieces have often proved one of Burnley’s greatest assets and the Clarets’ players crowded round referee Rob Jones after he disallowed Ashley Barnes’ strike from a free kick.

Whites stopper Illan Meslier came out to punch the ball away but collided with Ben Mee. Jones then gave a free kick to Leeds just as Barnes tucked the ball in on the turn.

From there, Leeds reacted to their fortune and had several good chances before the break.

Pope did well to stretch a foot out to deny Jack Harrison’s low effort after Raphinha’s excellent run. Raphinha was involved again shortly after, his shot from the right saved.

Burnley also showed more threat, with Chris Wood’s header going over and Erik Pieters’ shot being deflected wide.

Leeds hold off Burnley pressure

Burnley started the second half excellently, with Ashley Westwood sending in a dangerous cross which was headed away for a corner.

Indeed, the Clarets dominated for 25 minutes, with Josh Brownhill’s move further forward seeing him test Meslier with two long-range shots.

Burnley’s press proved a major block in Leeds’ chances of getting out their own half. But an acrobatic clearance set them on their way for their first real chance of the half on 70 minutes.

Pablo Hernandez collected the clearance upfield and had four other players in attack against two Burnley defenders. But the 35-year-old opted to go it alone, his low curled shot palmed away by Pope.

Burnley continued to pose danger of their own, though. Jay Rodriguez collected a floating ball across the box but he could not keep his shot on the turn down before Meslier denied Barnes at the near post.

Burnley then had a hat-trick of late corners, with Pope offering a threat on each occasion. But Marcelo Bielsa’s men withstood the late pressure to secure a vital three points.