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.
Leeds United Players Rated And Slated In Their Defeat Vs Sheffield United
Andy Lonergan: 7
Was exceptional between the sticks as he pulled off a massive point-blank stop and didn’t allow Billy Sharp to score his second against his former employers. Lonergan pulled off another majestic save to deny Sharp once again in closing minutes of the first-half. But could not save his side from another defeat as he conceded a late goal and Leeds could not hit back again.
Luke Ayling: 4
Had space in front of him to run forward but his passing lacked accuracy and his poor distribution wasted too many opportunities. Was easily dispossessed once in dangerous position and was at fault in Sharp’s early opener as he should have tracked the former Leeds’ striker’s movement. But he improved his display later on shaking off early shambles and played a role in the build-up of Leeds’ equalizer.
Matthew Pennington: 5
The Everton loanee looked nervy and vulnerable at times, should have done better in marking Billy Sharp when he scored the early opener. Also, gave the ball away dangerously which could have doubled the Blades’ lead if there was no Andy Lonergan to pull off a point-blank stop.
Liam Cooper: 6
Cooper struggled against Leon Clarke’s physicality but managed to deal with it on most occasions. Was taken off early in the second-half to be replaced by Pontus Jansson.
Vurnon Anita: 6
Anita played in a makeshift left-back role and mostly concentrated on defending rather than going forward and combine with Samuel Saiz upfront. Was replaced by Jay-Roy Grot late in the game in search of a late equalizer.
Kalvin Phillips: 7
The youngster continues his dream run and once again marked his name in the scoresheet with a stunning first-half strike. But the Englishman was lucky to avoid a marching order despite making a reckless challenge on George Baldock.
Eunan O’Kane: 6
The hard-working midfielder did well to hold possession in midfield, screened his backline, switched the game in the flanks and impressed with his passing skills once more. But lacked creativity up front and did not offer much offensively as he usually does.
Ronaldo Vieira: 6.5
The young midfielder was rusty at times while passing the ball but did well to win back possession using his physical presence and make some vital blocks and interceptions to break down Sheffield’s attacks.
Ezgjan Alioski: 5
Was mostly contained by Enda Stevens but started making some purposeful runs after Saiz was shifted in a free role. But his decision making and shooting were not up to the mark tonight and failed to beat the keeper with his diving header despite picking up Saiz’s excellent pass at the far post. Was taken off and replaced by veteran Pablo Hernandez seconds later.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: 5.5
Lasogga had his part in Leeds’ equalizer as his aerial threat forced Cameron Carter-Vickers to head the ball clear hurridly which fell into the path of Philipps who scored with a stunning strike. Did not offer much otherwise.
Samuel Saiz: 8
The best Leeds United player on the pitch tonight. Had a slow start on the left-wing but started showing his ability since being shifted in a free role. Was excellent with his footwork, passing, dribbling and movements, played his part in Philipps equalizer and was unlucky as his sensational strike hit the woodwork.
Substitutes
Pontus Jansson: 5
Came in place of Liam Cooper. But could not prevent his side from conceding a late goal.
Pablo Hernandez: 5
Came in place of Alioski in search of a late winner. But Leeds conceded a late goal and he failed to make any noteworthy contribution to take them back on level terms.
Jay-Roy Grot: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
