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BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) – Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford scored a hat-trick in the second half, taking Aston Villa’s 100% start to the season to an abrupt end with a 3-way away win -0 in the Premier League on Friday.
The victory takes Leeds to third place with 10 points, although they have played an extra match, two points behind Villa, while leaders Everton, who have 13 points, are in Southampton on Sunday.
An entertaining but goalless first half at Villa Park saw England’s local midfielder Jack Grealish come closer when his effort was cleared off the line by Luke Ayling.
Grealish then nearly scored a surprising first goal in the 52nd minute, running from the midline and into the box before his shot was well stopped by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Three minutes later, though Villa was left behind when Rodrigo’s shot was fired by Emiliano Martínez and Bamford pounced for the fumble.
Bamford made it 2-0 with a fine shot from the edge of the box in the 67th minute after a loud blast from Mateusz Klich’s midfield put Villa’s defense behind.
The Leeds forward then completed the hat-trick, his clever footwork creating just enough room for a crisp, curly finish after 74 minutes for his first Premier League treble.
Bamford has six goals in six games, having scored just one at the top flight in his previous 27 with his former clubs.
“I don’t count the first few Premier League games I played because I always played a few minutes off the bench,” said Bamford, who praised Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa for his prolific form.
“This time I have a coach who believes in me and as long as he continues to work hard, he will continue to trust me.
“(The hat-trick) is a dream come true. When third came in it was a joy. A great moment for me,” he added.
Villa’s last home game saw him defeat champion Liverpool 7-2 and coach Dean Smith was disappointed in the way his team had reacted by trailing against Leeds.
“They scored the first goal and we got worse and they were very good. We probably came out 3-0 at the end with the chances they had,” he said.
“Who knows what would have happened if we had scored? That’s the first time we’ve been left behind in a game and we didn’t handle it very well,” Smith added.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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