Leeds United returned from the international break with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Friday night at Elland Road, a crucial victory against a team likely to compete 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, putting in a solid performance and keeping a clean sheet. So far this season, Leeds have drawn with West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, and Sunderland while losing to Burnley.
However, Daniel Farke and his team picked up an important win against the Blades and now sit second in the Championship, though that could change depending on Saturday’s results. Burnley and West Brom could overtake Leeds with victories.
Stat highlights Leeds’ defensive efforts
Opta’s Jonny Cooper noted on X that Leeds are the first team in history to prevent Sheffield United from having a single shot on target in a Championship match.
Leeds United tonight are the first team to restrict Sheffield United to zero shots on target in a Championship match on record. #lufc pic.twitter.com/LHYyIroBp9
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) October 18, 2024
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder gave credit to Leeds for their impressive style of play, while admitting that his own team’s performance was lacking, particularly in terms of being too careless with the ball.
“Beaten by the better side, no doubt about it,” Wilder said. “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.”
