Leeds United took a huge step towards promotion back to the Premier League with a statement victory late on against promotion rivals Sheffield United in a fierce Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane.
Late goals from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe sealed a sensational comeback victory to move The Whites five points clear at the top of the table and send their travelling fans into raptures.
It took a while for the league leaders to spark into life though, with the hosts starting the game brighter and taking an early lead on 13 minutes. The recalled Sydie Peck found a searching ball in, which was headed against the bar by Souza, dropped to Campbell on the goal line who bundled it in off Illan Meslier.
Tyrese Campbell. 😍
⚔️ 1-0 🟡 | #SHULEE pic.twitter.com/jHzmF19m1F
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 24, 2025
It was Chris Wilder’s side who pressed for a second too, with Peck again involved, firstly curling a shot from outside the box into Meslier’s gloves having picked up the ball on the halfway line and then trying to get on the end of a Tyresse Campbell cross which was put behind by Firpo for a corner.
The visitors grew into the half, but never really looked like finding a leveller, Manor Solomon coming the closest, shooting straight at Cooper after receiving the ball on the left-edge of the penalty area.
The Blades started the second half strongest too, with Robinson going close with a header and Souza testing Meslier with an inviting long-range effort.
It was the last quarter of the game in which Leeds’ quality really shone through, a period of pressure mid-way through the second half led to a leveller on 72 minutes. Dan James floated the ball across for Junior Firpo who found a bullet header into the bottom corner.
From then on, only one side really looked like winning it, substitute Willy Gnonto came close with a left-footed shot from outside the box which Cooper tipped over, but he couldn’t keep Tanaka out moments later. Piroe flicked on a corner that found the Tanaka free at the back post to nod home via the bar with just a minute to play.
The Dutchman was in on the act himself just seconds after when his pile driving shot from more than 20 yards found the top right-hand corner to secure the victory.
🎯🔥 JOEL PIROE IS INEVITABLE! pic.twitter.com/rljzusSDxQ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 25, 2025
The result extends Leeds’ unbeaten run to 16 league matches moves the West Yorkshire side onto 75 points, 7 clear of third place Burnley with 12 to play. Sheffield United still occupy second position but now just have a two-point buffer to the Clarets. Burnley’s remarkable defensive record stands them in good stead to push the Blades all the way for second place, although scoring goals has proven more challenging.
Sheffield United face a trip to West London to play QPR on Saturday, while Leeds host play-off chasing West Bromwich Albion.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
“Congratulations to Dan and the Leeds United team, they’re a top side so we had to produce a really top performance, and we’ve just fell a bit short”
“I think we would’ve all shook hands on a draw on about 89 minutes so to concede the second from a set piece is particularly disappointing as well”
“Struijk, Firpo and James are Premier League players, and they’ve found those big moments at the right time, and we just couldn’t find the ones we needed to”
“I’m not going to beat the players up about it, they’ve been outstanding so far this season, now the challenge is to overcome disappointment”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (who was serving a touchline ban):
“I’m proud of the boys, this is one of the toughest places to come in the league, we didn’t start well but when needed we were able to find two or three more gears.
“I thought it was a deserved win because the momentum shifted in our direction throughout the game, and in the end, it was a priceless three points.
“If you want to finish in the top two you need a point average of two per game, 75 points is really good so far but it’s too early to talk about automatic promotion or the title, so I’m not getting carried away.”
Referee: David Webb
Attendance: 29,702
