Report: Sheffield United 1-3 Leeds United — Leedsunited.com 24/2/25
Whites victorious in the Yorkshire derby.
Leeds United produced a stunning second half comeback to
defeat Sheffield United away from home, scoring three goals inside the final 20
minutes to claim all three points!
Daniel Farke’s side travelled to Bramall Lane for a big
Yorkshire derby, facing Chris Wilder’s team who were second in the Sky Bet
Championship table.
Inside the opening 10 minutes there had been little
goalmouth action, until a big moment from a Blades corner. The ball into the
box went through a number of bodies and appeared to be going in, but for a
superb goal-line clearance from Ilia Gruev.
The home side did take the lead though after pinball around
the box. Illan Meslier initially made a good save to deny Callum O’Hare and his
header rebounded off the bar. Tyrese Campbell hit the post on the follow up,
before the ball eventually found a way in for an own-goal.
The Whites looked to hit back and had two opportunities. Dan
James whipped in a corner which found Gruev, whose flick on forced a good save
Michael Cooper. Shortly after, James had a chance of his own but struck wide on
his left-foot.
Then a big chance arrived as the tie approached the break.
Pascal Struijk chipped an excellent pass to Manor Solomon who beat the offside
trap, controlled and shot inside the area, only to see Cooper make a good save
from the effort.
David Webb blew the whistle to end the half and send the
hosts back into their changing room with a one-goal advantage.
HALF TIME: Sheffield United 1-0 Leeds United
Back out for the second half in South Yorkshire, the home
side were forced into a change. Having picked up a knock earlier in the game,
Harry Clarke was replaced by Hamza Choudhury.
With few chances coming since the restart, both teams looked
to their respective benches to make a double switch apiece.
For Leeds, Mateo Joseph and Joe Rothwell entered the action,
whilst the hosts brought on Gustavo Hamer and Tom Cannon as each attack was
freshened up for the final 30 minutes.
A good chance did arrive quickly. Ao Tanaka crossed in from
the right and up from full-back was Junior Firpo, but his header was over the
bar.
Now pushing forward at pace and continuing to search for a
leveller, Leeds had chances again. From a Rothwell corner, Solomon had a shot
blocked, as did Joe Rodon, before Joseph then fired over in the same move.
With the Whites on top, the goal did come to level the scores! James broke free down the right with some clever footwork, then chipped into the box for Firpo who once more rose highest to power a header on goal, this time finding the far corner!
Entering the final 10 minutes, both goalies were forced to
make saves. Harrison Burrows shot from the edge of the area which Meslier saved
well. Just after, down the other end, Cooper was forced to save twice and did
so, both times denying Joël Piroe.
Cooper was having a fine game between the posts for the
Blades and made another excellent stop. Recently off the bench, Willy Gnonto
picked up the ball and curled towards the top corner, only for the fingertips
of the ‘keeper to tip it over the bar.
However, as the game edged towards stoppage time with the
scores still level, a stunning ending unfolded at Bramall Lane, as the Whites
would take the points.
Rothwell’s delivery proved pivotal again, whipping a dangerous corner into the box which Firpo appeared to flick it on perfectly for Tanaka who made no mistake, turning the ball home at the back post!
That sparked jubilant scenes in the away end and with the
celebrations continuing, Farke’s side went in search of another, and found one!
Getting his second assist, James found Piroe 25-yards from
goal. The striker had no doubt when he controlled the ball. He nudged it
forward, looked up and smashed home a stunner into the top corner to make it
three.
That would be that, with the whistle sounding to confirm
another big three points for Leeds United who remained top of the table after
the derby victory.
FULL TIME: Sheffield United 1-3 Leeds United