Leeds United returned from the FIFA international break with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United on Friday night at Elland Road. The win was significant, as it marked their first triumph over a club likely to be a direct competitor for the automatic Premier League promotion spots.
After a scoreless first half, Leeds took charge in the second. Pascal Struijk broke the deadlock in the 69th minute and the Whites added a second in the 90th, locking in all three points.
Illan Meslier also bounced back from the Sunderland setback, delivering a solid performance and keeping a clean sheet.
So far this season, the Yorkshire side has drawn with West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, and Sunderland and lost to Burnley.
However, Daniel Farke and his team secured an important win against the Blades and now sit second in the Championship, though that position could change depending on Saturday’s results. Burnley and West Brom could overtake Leeds with victories.
Chris Wilder praises Leeds for stellar performance
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder openly praised Leeds for their style of play, contrasting it with his own team’s performance, which he described as too careless with the ball.
“Beaten by the better side, no doubt about it,” Wilder said (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post). “We didn’t deserve anything from the game, disappointed to lose the goals as we did, but they created the bigger, clearer chances than we did.
“They found the energy of, obviously, a passionate home support, [it was] a tough experience for us all. They were better in all departments. They won more first balls. They jumped on more second balls. They played quicker, sharper, had the more attacking threat. We had bits and pieces of the game, not enough to trouble them.
“I’ve got no complaints in terms of result, in terms of Daniel, what he does, they’ve got outstanding players, the squad’s laden with top players and and we have to brush ourselves down and go again.”
Leeds will need to move on quickly as they face Watford on Tuesday night. The Whites are aiming for a second consecutive win to keep their spot in second place as the competition intensifies.
