Leeds ended Sheffield United’s unbeaten start to the season and moved second in the Championship table after a 2-0 win at Elland Road on Friday night.
Pascal Struijk slammed home a rare set-piece goal for the Whites – their first since February – after 69 minutes, before Mateo Joseph made sure in the 90th to bring the EFL’s final unbeaten start to a conclusion after 10 games.
Prior to kick-off, tributes were paid to former Blade George Baldock, who passed away at the age of just 31 on October 9. Leeds’ Ethan Ampadu and Sheffield United’s Jack Robinson laid flowers in front of the away end, while a planned minute’s silence soon erupted into applause.
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Sheffield United and Leeds pay tribute to George Baldock with a minute’s applause
Given the manner in which Leeds had drawn with Sunderland prior to the international break – due to Illan Meslier’s glaring late error – Sheffield United were prepared for a fast start at Elland Road. But when the midway point of the first half rolled around, the hosts had not mustered a single shot.
Something resembling the expected attacking storm followed shortly after as Leeds took control, with livewire Largie Ramazani quickly digging out a shot while flanked by two Blades defenders that goalkeeper Michael Cooper tipped around the post.
Blades captain Ollie Arblaster was denied the opener by a superb Joe Rodon block after the break – but the visitors found themselves behind shortly afterwards when Struijk pounced. It was just the fourth goal Chris Wilder’s side had conceded all season.
It was job done in the 90th minute when Joel Piroe threaded the ball in for fellow forward Joseph, who remained composed as he rolled home to make sure of the victory.
The managers
Leeds’ Daniel Farke:
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Daniel Farke described Leeds’ win as very mature and felt it was well deserved against their promotion rivals
“Big compliments to the lads after not the easiest preparation. I think they played excellent today; it was a very mature performance.
“We faced a side that were unbeaten in this league and had kept six clean sheets in a row. The lads executed it [the plan] in a perfect way.”
Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder:
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Chris Wilder said Sheffield Utd were beaten by the better side and admitted that his players’ performance was not good enough
“We were beaten by the better side, no doubt about it. We didn’t have any answers for them. They are the best team we’ve played so far this season, no disrespect to any of the other teams we’ve played.
“It’s a disappointing evening for us all, but we didn’t deserve anything from the game.”
