Sheffield United 1, Leeds 3: Farke’s Team Aims for Premier League Promotion with Strong Comeback, Extending Lead to 5 Points at the Top
LEEDS have shown resilience once again, coming from behind for the second straight Monday to secure victory against a promotion challenger.
Guided by Daniel Farke, the team surged ahead by five points as Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, and Joel Piroe all found the net with late goals, clinching an impressive win in the Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane.
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Leeds now have a five-point advantage over Sheffield United, who were in control for most of the match until the final 25 minutes, failing to double their lead after an unfortunate own goal by Illan Meslier in the 14th minute.
It has been 19 matches since Leeds last lost a Yorkshire derby, with their previous defeat to rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January 2020.
The team is currently enjoying an impressive run of 16 unbeaten Championship games, with 11 wins and five draws, their last loss coming against Blackburn in November.
Pascal Struijk made his return to the starting lineup after impressively scoring twice as a substitute in a comeback win over Sunderland at Elland Road last Monday.
In the early minutes of the game, Illan Meslier caused concern for Leeds supporters with two close calls within the first 10 minutes.
Initially, he mishandled a long throw and dropped the ball but fortunately managed to recover on his second attempt.
Next, he claimed a foul while coming out to punch the ball, and Ilia Gruev executed a brilliant header off the line.
The Blades, however, regained their composure and took the lead.
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Ben Brereton Diaz delivered a fantastic cross that Callum O’Hare volleyed in with an audacious flick over Meslier.
Meslier produced a stunning fingertip save, redirecting the ball onto the bar. The rebound fell to Tyrese Campbell, whose header struck the right post and deflected off Meslier into the net.
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The hosts could have extended their lead when O’Hare just missed connecting with another superb cross from Harrison Burrows.
Firpo made a crucial interception as O’Hare was poised to capitalize on a cross from Campbell.
James squandered a great chance after receiving a pass from Brenden Aaronson, cutting in but shooting wildly off target.
Leeds showcased their best play of the match and nearly equalized seven minutes before halftime.
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Manor Solomon controlled an exceptional long pass from Struijk on the left of the box but shot directly at the keeper while Harry Clarke and Burrows were caught off guard.
He could have squared it to Firpo, who was understandably frustrated with his teammate.
Chris Wilder decided to replace Harry Clarke with Hamza Choudhury at half-time.
This adjustment allowed the Blades to regain control of the match.
