Leeds United and Sheffield United are fighting for the automatic promotion spots and both the teams produced a pulsating game at Elland Road. However, the Whites suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, and that would dent them somewhat. From the league’s point of view, it’s fantastic though as it keeps the race for the top two alive as a win for the Whites today would have given them a five-point lead over the Blades.
The Whites dominated the game and came close to scoring as Tyler Roberts hit the woodwork. Sheffield United hung on during the tough times and came back in the second half well. Chris Basham was clinical in front of goal unlike the Whites forwards, and he scored the only goal of the game in the 71st minute. United tried to press the issue in the end, but the Blades hung on. To frustrate the home side further, Kiko Casilla was shown a red card late in the game.
Here is how the Whites fared
Kiko Casilla 4
Poor decision making from the experienced goalkeeper to dive at Billy Sharp’s feet which earned him the red card. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal and was largely untroubled.
Pontus Jansson 7
Can’t fault him much in this game as the Swede did his defensive duties well and stuck to his task.
Luke Ayling 7
Started off slow but grew as the game went on. Worked extremely hard while going forward and linked up play well with Pablo Hernandez.
Luke Cooper 5
Like Jansson, he did his duties well as a centre back but was caught out for the goal as he was pressurised by Sharp. The forward then released Basham who slotted the ball in the goal. Apart from that moment, the captain didn’t do much wrong but that moment turned out to be the pivotal one.
Ezgjan Alioski 6
Drove the ball forward with great intensity and worked his socks off. Lacked the final product sometimes.
Kalvin Phillips 7
Moved the ball well and stopped the away side from building up attacks. A typical assured performance from the Englishman.
Pablo Hernandez 7.5
Created numerous chances in the final third only to be spurned by his teammates. Was at his very best and orchestrated things brilliantly from the right and by coming inside often.
Mateusz Klich 6
Can’t really fault him for much. Nothing too flashy, and nothing too bad.
Jack Harrison 5
Missed one decent opportunity from close quarters. Couldn’t make much impact in the final third but worked hard as usual.
Tyler Roberts 7
Has settled in well in his new role and came close to scoring by hitting the woodwork. Looked lively and was in the thick of thing in the final third.
Patrick Bamford 5
Had some bright moments in the game but ultimately would be remembered for fluffing his line up front on a few occasions. That’s the life of a striker as they are rated on the goals they score.
Substitutes
Barry Douglas 6
Provided fresh leg after coming on as Alioski was pushed high up the pitch.
Stuart Dallas N/A
Wasn’t involved much after coming on.
Jack Clarke 6
Fans would be delighted to see him back as he showed some of his impressive footwork after coming on.
