Sheffield United 1 vs Leeds United 3 – it’s the late late show. Again… After the last gasp winner against Sunderland the previous Monday Leeds United again left it late to beat off tough opposition. This time away for the Yorkshire Derby with two goals in the last ten minutes.
So was the Sunderland win the best match of the season so far? It is up there with the home game against Leicester City last season. But this one against Sheffield United is the biggest game of the season so far– first vs second; two teams destined for the Premier League next season; Sheffield United looking to win after losing to Leeds earlier in the season, a Yorkshire Derby; an opportunity to seal that promotion place, and about who takes top spot.
After a poor start, passes going astray, Meslier awful catching crossses, Leeds did what they did to Sunderland, grew stronger as the game rolled on, overwhelming Sheffield United with that never give up attitude. Credit to Sheffield United who are the most capable team after Leeds United in the Championship, deserving of their second spot. But Leeds have hit a sweet spot: pace, super subs, goals from all over the team, and that killer touch.
Leeds had two minor set backs for this match – Farke in the stand after his pointless yellow card celebrating the last minute win against Sunderland, and Captain Ampadu with a knee injury. Sheffield United had brought in three major players in the January window with two on loan from the Premier League – Leeds had not strengthened. In the run Chris Wilder had been playing mind games before the match bigging up Leeds – unfortunately for him he was right.
Leeds are the form team with all the players bonding as one team so well, stepping up a gear since January with some empathetic scores, and the last league defeat a long time ago. Having said all that, a draw would have still been good enough for Leeds to stay top and keep some distance from Burnley.
Leeds were poor at the start with Sheffield United overwhelming Leeds with their pace. On top of that Leeds kept losing the ball and Meslier had a mare of a start. The Sheffield United goal came from Leeds defenders being beaten and Meslier looking all over the place. Leeds were rattled and it took a Gruev header and then an outstretched Firpo foot to stop a Sheffield United second goal.
Whilst Leeds grew in confidence it was still Sheffield United who started the second half on top. Solomon and James were dangerous on the wings but Cooper in goal easily collected them. But with two sets of substitutions including the man of the moment Rothwell, Leeds took the match by the scruff of the neck with increasing balls in from James and Solomon.
Meslier improved with some timely saves as Sheffield United tried to catch Leeds out high up the pitch. The pressure grew as James was denied a strong penalty shout and Joseph ballooned a chance.
It was Junior Firpo who triggered the momentum shift to Leeds with his pinpoint header from a James cross. Sheffield United kept Meslier busy but in last ten minutes Leeds’ pressure just tore Sheffield United apart. A Rothwell set piece corner found Firpo again who headed to Tanaka by the goal whose graceful header sailed past Cooper and his defenders into the net. Leeds were ahead and Tanaka celebrated like he knew he had got Leeds the three points it needed.
Finally, Piroe seized his moment with a pass from James on the edge of the penalty and a crowd of defenders in his way, a quick shuffle of his feet sent the shot into the far corner. As extra time arrived the stadium emptied before the five minutes ended.
Man of the match: with three goals from three players with Rothwell again assisting with the corners there are plenty contenders but I am nominating James who toiled away and showed that spirit in how he never gave up with, assisting with the late goals.
