Leeds United returned from the international break with a crucial 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday night, a key win against a fellow promotion contender.
After a scoreless first half, Leeds took charge in the second. Pascal Struijk opened the scoring in the 69th minute, and Mateo Joseph secured the win with a late goal in the 90th, clinching all three points.
Illan Meslier bounced back from the draw with Sunderland, delivering a solid performance and keeping a clean sheet. Having drawn against West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, and Sunderland this season, along with a loss to Burnley, this win against a promotion rival provides a significant confidence boost for the team.
Matt Kilgallon on Sheffield United’s performance
Heading into the match against the Yorkshire side, the Blades had an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak. Nonetheless, that ended on Friday with the victory, and in the match analysis, Matt Kilgallon spoke with Sky Sports, noting that Sheffield United had an underwhelming away performance.
“They were [second best] yeah, apart from the first five minutes when the ball was going up to Keiffer Moore and he was bringing it down to bring in [Gus] Hamer and [Callum] O’Hare but they [Leeds] got used to it,” Kilgallon told Sky Sports. “[Pascal] Struijk and [Joe] Rodon got hold of him and it was all Leeds United.
“Sheffield United were chasing shadows to be honest, the game was played at a great tempo, with challenges and played in the right spirit but Leeds were too good and they were chasing shadows. You could also see why Sheffield United hadn’t conceded for six games, because when it got to the final important bit, they were defending it well. But you can’t not have the ball that long and win a game I’m afraid.”
Leeds need to regroup quickly as they take on Watford this Tuesday night, following the latter’s Saturday loss to Luton Town. The Whites are pushing for a second straight win to maintain their grip on second place as the competition heats up.
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