Marcelo Bielsa’s Tyler Roberts decision in Leeds win may prove masterstroke

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One of the most intriguing moments in Leeds United’s enthralling 1-0 win against West Brom on Tuesday came when Marcelo Bielsa replaced Tyler Roberts with Luke Ayling.

The decision, in isolation, made a lot of sense. The Baggies had been on top since the start of the second-half and Roberts had been poor. So bringing Ayling on to try and see the game out looked sensible.

Understandably however, it was not a substitution that Roberts was happy about. And Bielsa felt compelled to apologise to the Wales international after the victory as Roberts himself had only been brought on at half-time.

It was a classy touch from Bielsa to publicly apologise to Roberts, but it was interesting that he told Sky Sports (broadcast 1/10 from 19:40) that he made a mistake bringing the attacking midfielder on in the first place.

You can hardly criticise the decision as Leeds held on to win. But Roberts would still be forgiven for feeling disappointed as, traditionally, it is seen as a humiliating moment to be substituted off after coming on.

It would certainly be no surprise to see a strong response from Roberts. But that is potentially why Bielsa’s decision may actually prove to be an accidental masterstroke.

Accidental masterstroke?

Roberts has enormous potential, and he has shown glimpses of that quality during his time at Leeds. But he has struggled to hold down a place in the team.

Injuries have played their part since his £2.5 million move to Elland Road (fee reported by Sky Sports). But it is probably fair to say that he has not shown enough to force his way into what most fans would consider to be Leeds’s strongest side.

The substitution, unfortunately, is perhaps a reminder that he is still developing. Bielsa decided that he would rather have wide-man Stuart Dallas move into the middle of the park from right-back than keep Roberts on.

Roberts now has a point to prove. He will not want to be in that situation again. And he can ensure that it does not happen again by rediscovering the form that he showed towards the end of last season.

Coincidentally, the catalyst for that run of form was perhaps his incredible performance in the 4-0 win against West Brom.

That night, he had a point to prove with his former club coming to town. The circumstances are different this time around, but he once again has that point to prove.

So while Bielsa felt compelled to apologise on Tuesday for his decision, perhaps it may actually prove to be the moment that changes the game for Roberts.