In an adrenaline-fueled game of football that left spectators on the edge of their seats, Leeds United once again demonstrated their resilience. They staged a spectacular comeback to clinch a thrilling victory in the Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United, taking them one significant stride closer to their anticipated return to the Premier League.
Leeds United, who had twice recovered from deficits to seize a dramatic win over Sunderland at Elland Road the previous week, once again demonstrated their nerve under pressure. They managed to score thrice in the closing 20 minutes of the game, pushing their lead to a robust seven points over Burnley, who currently sits in third place.
Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the first half, Leeds United did not let a dismal goalkeeping blunder from Illan Meslier, which sent them into a deficit, dampen their spirits. Meslier’s unfortunate mishap saw him inadvertently guide the ball into his own net following a header from Tyrese Campbell that ricocheted off the post. This error could have plunged Leeds into a deeper hole, with Sheffield United appearing poised to seize control of the game.
However, Leeds United refused to be rattled. Their substitutes made a significant impact, turning the tide in their favour. Junior Firpo equalized the score with a stunning header 20 minutes from time. Then, as the clock ticked towards the end, Ao Tanaka tipped the scales in Leeds’ favour, scoring a crucial goal following an impressive set-piece. To add the cherry on top, Joël Piroe fired a magnificent long-range strike a minute later, cementing Leeds’ pivotal win and moving them ever closer to a promotion.
Daniel Farke, Leeds’ manager, was notably absent from the touchline, serving a ban due to his third yellow card of the season. His absence seemed to impact the side’s early performance, with Sheffield United appearing to rise to the occasion. Unsurprisingly, much of Sheffield’s early offensive play targeted Meslier, who has had a challenging season.
Callum O’Hare’s precision corner put Meslier under immense pressure, forcing his teammate Ilia Gruev to make a desperate clearance off the line to keep the score at zero. Yet, the onslaught on Leeds, particularly Meslier, did not let up, raising fears that the pressure might eventually get to them.
These fears were realized in the 14th minute of the game. Ben Brereton Díaz’s cross led to a fine save from Meslier to deny O’Hare, however, the subsequent play was nothing short of a comedy of errors. Campbell found himself with an open goal, albeit from a tight angle, but his header only found the post. In the ensuing chaos, the ball rolled along the line and was inadvertently turned into his own net by Meslier, giving Sheffield the lead.
Leeds struggled to find their footing in the game and were it not for Firpo’s timely intervention to block Campbell’s cross, Sheffield could have easily doubled their lead. The dominant Leeds United side of this season was nowhere to be seen as Sheffield outplayed them comprehensively.
However, just before halftime, Manor Solomon managed to penetrate Sheffield’s defence twice but his efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Michael Cooper. Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the first half, these opportunities offered a glimmer of hope for Leeds, a sign of the thrilling comeback that was to come.