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Dominic Matteo thinks Bielsa got Leeds lineup wrong against West Ham
Dominic Matteo that he did not understand one decision Marcelo Bielsa made for Leeds United’s trip to West Ham on Monday.
The Whites endured a frustrating night at the London Stadium. After starting brightly, two defensive errors allowed the home side to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
And despite knocking on the door several times after the interval, Leeds were unable to get themselves back into the game.
It appeared to be a missed opportunity for the likes of Tyler Roberts and Helder Costa, who kept their places ahead of the likes of Rodrigo and Jack Harrison.
And Matteo has suggested that he was particularly surprised to see the latter left out of the starting lineup.
“I’m not sure if Bielsa got the selection right at West Ham out wide,” . “I thought he picked the wrong side. I know people will say how can you say that about Bielsa and who are you?
“But I have just got my own opinion and I think Jack Harrison should definitely have played.
“I don’t really understand why he has not been playing lately because he has been one of the most consistent players and everyone is going to have the odd game where they are not brilliant.”
In Bielsa’s defence, it did seem reasonable to promote Costa ahead of Harrison for the recent clash with Aston Villa. The Portuguese had looked bright for several games after coming off the bench.
Harrison meanwhile, had seemingly gone off the boil slightly after a purple pitch in late January.
Perhaps it was a surprise to not switch them back against the Hammers. Costa did not make a significant impact in the defeat to the Villans. But Bielsa may have felt that it would be unfair to put him back on the bench after one start.
Costa’s kneecap denied him an assist on Monday. But he did not have the best evening once again before coming off.
And with Harrison replacing him at the break, it seems likely that Matteo may get his wish for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.