Frank Lampard believes Leeds' Marcelo Bielsa was right to allow Aston Villa to score
Monday 29 April 2019 16:31, UK
Frank Lampard believes Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was right to allow Aston Villa to score in the controversial 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Sunday.
In one of the most bizarre incidents of the Sky Bet Championship season, Leeds' players, on the instruction of their manager, allowed Villa to equalise immediately after Mateusz Klich controversially curled home the opener at Elland Road, with Villa players left infuriated when Leeds opted to play on after Jonathan Kodjia went down injured.
Lampard, who has had his differences with Bielsa this season, with Bielsa admitting that he sent a member of staff to the Derby training ground to watch their Championship rivals train, insisted that the Leeds' boss, on this occasion, got things right.
"I thought it was the right thing to do, completely right," Lampard said. "Now the rule is quite clear - you should carry on until the ball has gone out - but sometimes it is the players.
"In that moment, both of the players slowed down.
"We have seen it on occasion in the past. I remember at Arsenal a few years ago, in a cup game and they scored from a throw in they didn't give back, so it happens occasionally.
"Thankfully it was not a game that was completely defining for either team - it makes the decision easier to allow the other team to score. It is a talking point, as much as anything."
Derby face a crucial trip to Swansea on Wednesday, knowing victory will put them three points clear of Middlesbrough in the race for the final play-off place, with a far superior goal difference going into the final day of the season at the weekend.
Lampard, though, insists that there is still work to be done, but is relieved it is in his side's hands.
"The Bristol City win [at the weekend] was huge for us," Lampard added. "It is a difficult place to go, but with the run of games we have got now it is in our hands. That is a big deal for us. It will only be a huge win if we get the job done.
"It isn't one more win [needed]. Of course with our goal difference being better it really puts us in the driving seat, but for me it is four points needed.
"It is going to be tense, that last game of the season. Even with our goal difference, Middlesbrough going to Rotherham on the final day of the season - they are capable of scoring goals. In this Championship anything can happen, and I don't think anything should be put to bed until it officially is."
