42-cap Everton ace praises Leeds, says they were ‘very difficult’ opponents

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen has praised Leeds United, saying they were “very difficult” opponents.

The Toffees ran out 2-1 winners over Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

Gylfi Sigurdsson gave Everton a ninth-minute lead, steering Lucas Digne’s low cross past Illan Meslier.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin then extended the visitors’ advantage before the break with a close-range diving header.

Leeds fought hard in pursuit of a point and halved the deficit on 48 minutes through Raphinha’s composed finish from Patrick Bamford’s pass.

The Everton back line was tested throughout the game, Olsen having to be at his best to thwart efforts from Bamford, Raphinha and Pascal Struijk.

The 42-cap Sweden international believes the nature of Everton’s hard-fought win at Leeds will add to the team’s belief ahead of Saturday’s clash trip to Manchester United.

“We knew Leeds would be a really difficult game,” Olsen, who was Pontus Jansson’s best man at his wedding, told the Toffees media team.

“They run a lot and we knew that we needed to run a lot also.

“To stand behind the players and to see how hard they work, I am really proud of the boys.

“We needed a victory to bounce back after the last game. It was great to do it against a good team like Leeds. It was really important for us.

“We will start to look at United and see what we need to do against them. We have good confidence in the team.”

TBR View:

Leeds gave Everton a tough game, with the Toffees stand-in keeper shining against a strong Whites front line.

It’s great to hear Olsen praise Bielsa’s charges for their efforts and, though their form remains inconsistent, they look good value for a top-half finish.