The night Leeds United’s season swung decisively, or just another evening in the most unpredictable league in football? Only in May will we know that answer for sure, but the scale of the celebrations from those associated with Leeds here perhaps told you everything you need to know.
The popular song aimed in Leeds’ direction when things are going wrong is to decry that Daniel Farke’s side are falling apart. But here, when it mattered most, this team showed that they are anything but one that capitulates in the crucial moments.
“It’s a priceless three points,” Farke said. “It was the worst possible start, but the reaction they showed was outstanding. We want to make sure we keep winning points and end in the best possible position. I’m very proud of the boys.”
The one blot on the night: the news that their captain, Ethan Ampadu, will require knee surgery after missing this game.
While Farke, his staff and his players were able to bask in the celebrations with the travelling Leeds support at full time, the mood was markedly different for Chris Wilder. His team fully deserved to lead when Meslier produced a horrific piece of goalkeeping, turning the ball in after Tyrese Campbell had headed against the right-hand post from barely a foot out.
They could, and perhaps should, have gone further ahead. And you did wonder whether their profligacy would come back to haunt them against this Leeds side. That emphatically proved to be the case and with a trip to Burnley still to come, Sheffield United may now have to seal their own Premier League return the hard way.
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“It was a tight game,” Wilder said. “Congratulations to Leeds United, they’re a top side. We had to produce a top performance and we just fell a little bit short.”
Farke, who was serving a touchline ban following his third yellow card of the season, saw his substitutes be instrumental in transforming this pulsating Yorkshire derby, spearheaded by Rothwell’s introduction in the 58th minute. The 30-year-old changed the outcome of the game and added real energy to Leeds’ midfield. He was involved in the equaliser too, as Dan James’s cross was met by a superb header from Firpo.
And as the final minutes approached, only one side looked like winning. It was a stark contrast to most of the first half, with the hosts well on top, but after Michael Cooper produced a wonderful save to deny Willy Gnonto, he was powerless to prevent Tanaka from heading home at the far post after Rothwell’s corner had been knocked down by Firpo.
Leeds then sealed matters as Piroe brilliantly struck from long range to spark wild scenes. It was Farke’s German counterpart, Jürgen Klopp, who coined the term mentality monsters to describe his great Liverpool side. It is a characteristic you can put against a team who look increasingly certain to be heading back to the Premier League next season.
