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Leeds set up in 4-1-4-1 against Harris' 4-4-1-1 and had to solve the issue of Millwall enforcing an extreme high press at the start. Millwall attempted 4 shots (Leeds 0) when they opened the scoring after 10 minutes.
By half-time, Millwall had created twice as many chances as Leeds in the first half (2-4), with Romeo & Marshall causing issues down both channels. Millwall's poor ball retention (51% pass acc) meant we didn't have to work too hard for turnovers (Leeds made just 4 interceptions).
Bielsa's tactical changes had a major influence on the game, taking off Gjanni Alioski for Barry Douglas & replacing centre-back Pontus Jansson with teenage winger Jack Clarke (dropping Phillips deeper) & moving Pablo Hernandez centrally. Bold substitutions which paid dividends.
Barry Douglas' introduction had a big impact in the game. With Romeo and Marshall causing Leeds issues, Bielsa decided to bring on Douglas to help probe their right flank and pin them back. (49% of their attacks came down Leeds' left channel; 32% right).
Douglas, Roberts, Harrison and Pablo combined well, enjoying plenty of the bal and forming patterns of play in and around the final third. Hernandez (26) Harrison (17) and Roberts (11) completed more final third passes than any other players involved.
Douglas may have lost the ball in the build up to the penalty, but no player made more passes (30) or ball recoveries (4) than him in the second half. He also made the second-most touches (behind Pablo) after half-time (54) and supplied the assist for Ayling's goal.
Bielsa's second half changes ensured Leeds contained Millwall's output in wide areas in the second half. Substantial stat: Millwall attempted 11 crosses in the first half, but managed just 1 after the break.
Pablo came into his own after the break, making the most touches (60), almost twice as many as any Millwall player. He also attempted 5 shots & completed all 7 of his successful take-ons after half-time, more than he managed in any other single Championship match for Leeds.
With Leeds in desperate need of a breakthrough, Bielsa took risks and asked Pablo Hernandez to step up and produce the goods. He ended up producing a virtuoso performance. His teammates stepped up around him and ensured Leeds came back from behind twice to win the game. Magical.
