Bielsa explains Raphinha sub after suffering defeat at Everton

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has admitted it was a ‘fair result’ as Everton thrashed his side 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Frank Lampard’s side took an early lead when Seamus Coleman scored a rare goal and the scoreline was doubled shortly after when Michael Keane got himself on the scoresheet.

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Bielsa took the unusual decision to substitute main man Raphinha at half-time but the move could do little to alter the result as Everton added a third late on via Anthony Gordon.

Speaking to the media after the game, Bielsa admitted the final score was a fair result of the performance.

“It was a fair result. They established differences that justified their goals.

“They are different games and in the one today it was very difficult for us to defend. If you watch the game you will see it was difficult for us to anticipate their forwards.

@Everton have scored more than once in the 1st half of a @premierleague game for the first time since February 2021 (also against Leeds). pic.twitter.com/Cs49FW98tm

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 12, 2022

“They attacked better than us. In the second half we defended a little bit better but we couldn’t manage to attack.”

On the decision to substitute Brazilian star Raphinha, the Leeds boss admitted it was purely a tactical move.

“I decided that Daniel James should take over his role on the right and Tyler Roberts take over in the centre. He is not injured.”

Winger James, who couldn’t add to his brace in midweek, claimed a poor start set the tone for the rest of the game.

“We just didn’t start well and they did. They were on the front foot and put us under pressure.

“When the crowd got behind them they looked like a great team. We