Before last weekend, the race for promotion in the Championship was set to be a three-way race that would be decided on the final day of the season. Burnley, Sheffield United and Leeds United were fighting for the two automatic promotion spots.
No one could have predicted the results of what happened during that weekend. Burnley had to play a tough game against Norwich on Friday night – Scott Parker complained about the schedule, even though his side won the game. On Saturday, the pressure was on both Leeds and Sheffield United who played at the same time in the early kick off.
The Whites were able to secure a crucial win at Elland Road as they beat Preston to return level on points with the Clarets.
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Chris Wilder reveals what he told his team about Leeds United race
Credit: Imago Images
The day did not go well for Sheffield United on the other hand. The Blades failed to keep up in the promotion race as they fell to a shock defeat away from home. Chris Wilder’s side held a 1-0 lead for over 45 minutes before the tie was turned on its head. Plymouth scored two goals in the space of seven minutes to win the game.
After the match, there was a scuffle between both sides near the tunnel, and Wilder could be seen visibly frustrated. The Blades boss pulled his team aside to give the a team talk on the pitch minutes later. Chris Wilder has now revealed what he told his team on that day:
“That we have to own this last week. We have to take responsibility. We were in a fabulous position after the Coventry game.
“…It’s not been a great week, there’s no getting away from that, but it’s not a time for pointing fingers and chucking arms up in the air.
“The culture is to fight and dig in, and we’re going to have to fight and dig in. I talked about having a big week,”
Blades may have handed Leeds Premier League promotion
After Saturday’s slip up, the Whites have greatly benefitted. Daniel Farke’s men now have a 98% chance of automatic promotion. All they have to do now is avoid dropping points in the last four games to seal the deal.
Sheffield United will face an uphill battle if they still have their eye on an automatic promotion place. They face Cardiff, Burnley, Stoke City and Blackburn – teams that have all to play for at the end of this season.
