Despite suffering a midweek League Cup exit against Leicester City, Leeds United were back to winning ways in the Championship following a 3-0 away win against Bristol City and were confident of replicating the same at Elland Road tonight against high-flying Sheffield United who have shown massive upsurge under Chris Wilder as the newly-promoted side are now occupying the 3rd slot of the league table and secured 4 wins in last five outings. Leeds United, currently fourth in the league, lost four of their five previous fixtures but regained some confidence ahead of the clash in order to close the gap with the Blades who were four points clear of the Peacocks ahead of the fixture.
The highly-competitive outing, however, ended in favour of the visitors as youngster David Brooks scored his maiden goal after coming on as a late substitute and won the game 2-1 for his side.
Sheffield United Players Rated And Slated In Their Incredible Win Vs Leeds United
Jamal Blackman: 7
The Chelsea loanee made some routine stops and impressed with his calmness between the sticks.
Chris Basham: 8
The Englishman started on the right-hand side of Sheffield United’s three-man backline and performed exceptionally well while tackling, winning duels and making crucial interceptions. He made a couple of impressive forward runs dribbling past the Leeds United midfield.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 6.5
Lacked accuracy while passing the ball and his headed clearance fell into the path of Kalvin Phillips who scored with a sensational strike. Other than that, the Spurs loanee was pretty solid with his intercepting skills and offered his physical presence in the back and did not allow Lasogga to threaten throughout the game.
Jack O’Connell: 7.5
Made 8 interceptions, most by any player in this fixture, also pulled off some crucial blocks, clearances and tackles.
George Baldock: 6.5
The Blades right wingback made some decent runs and whipped in a few crosses. But lost a number of duels and was dispossessed a few times during the game.
Paul Coutts: 7.5
Screened his backline when required, won back possession in the middle of the park using his physicality and also managed a few crucial blocks, tackles and interceptions.
John Fleck: 6
Fleck misplaced a few passes, lost a number of duels and was dispossessed at times. But he offered stability in midfield, particularly in closing minutes when the visitors started making counter attacking movements and found a late winner.
Enda Stevens: 6.5
Started the game brightly against Alioski but struggled after Samuel Saiz was shifted in a free role by the Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen. The left wingback did not offer much in attack and mostly concentrated on defending.
Mark Duffy: 9
A man of the match display by the Englishman as his runs often troubled the Leeds backline and created most number of chances (4) during the game. He assisted both of the Sheffield United’s goals and did enough to win the game before being taken off in closing minutes to be replaced by John Lundstram.
Billy Sharp: 8
Opened the scoring in early minutes with a smart finish. Could have bagged a first-half hat-trick but was sensationally denied by Lonergan from close range. The former Leeds United forward, however, had a quiet second-half and was replaced by match-winner David Brooks late in the game.
Leon Clarke: 7
Clarke’s physicality troubled both Matthew Pennington and Liam Cooper in Leeds defence and could have had his name in the scoresheet if he had not wasted a few opportunities.
Substitutes
David Brooks: 7.5
The youngster came in place of Billy Sharp and his maiden Championship goal proved to be the late winner as he picked up Duffy’s pass and slotted home calmly.
John Lundstram: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
