Wigan 0-2 Leeds United: Patrick Bamford doubles 10-man Latics

Why couldn’t Leeds United have done this in April? That was the question that inevitably came to mind when they took a comfortable win against ten-headed Wigan, who took them to the top of the championship by goal difference.

Faced with the same scenario when these parties last met, the West Yorkshire club stumbled to a 2-1 defeat, which had catastrophic consequences.

It enabled Sheffield United to leap above them into the automatic promotional spots and now the Blades are enjoying their new life in the Premier League.

Bamford celebrates for the way out after towing his second afternoon home

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, a man who likes to be in control down to the smallest detail, was unable to find a logical ‘explanation’ for that result on Good Friday, so the Argentine enters a second shift of English football.

Here, when they had the same test after the Latics midfielder Joe Williams was sent off for two yellow cards in the 21st minute, they were clinical and did exactly what was needed thanks to two Patrick Bamford goals.

But then the pressure in the early season isn’t the same as the walk-in, is it?

Williams was already booked to chop off Stuart Dallas and when 22-year-old Bamford entered, referee Andy Madley reached straight into his pocket for a second yellow card.

Before that, the home team had actually come closer to scoring. Lee Evans got a free kick from Kiko Casilla before Nathan Byrne hit the outside of the post with a header from the resulting corner.

In fact, Paul Cook appealed for a penalty right after Williams saw red when Leeds skipper Liam Cooper seemed to push Latics striker Kieffer Moore.

With ten to 11, the pattern for the Yorkshire club to dominate possession was established and they duly took the lead.

Adam Forshaw headed into the post after a cross from Mateusz Klich, and Bamford couldn’t miss him when the rebound came back just four yards outside, scoring his second goal of the season. Ironically, the striker had also put Leeds ahead on that fateful April afternoon on Elland Road.

Pablo Hernandez could have made two at the stroke of half time, but from a good position he hit a tame left foot that shot directly at David Marshall.

The visitors should have finished after the break when Ben White headed and then Barry Douglas shot from a promising position in the sixteen.

A second goal was inevitable and it duly came from one of Douglas ‘swaying corners, which was such a feature of Wolves’ title-winning campaign at this level two seasons ago. Bamford was ahead of his marker and managed to push the ball over the line.

Enjoying over 75% possession, there was a smoothness in their play that was easy on the eye. There should have been more goals, but Forshaw shot in the face and Hernandez got a free kick from Marshall.

Based on this evidence, Leeds should once again be a challenge for promotion. The key this time will be whether they can handle the pressure.