Sheffield United 1 Leeds 3: Farke’s side dreaming of Premier League promotion as epic comeback sends them 5 clear at top

THERE is no Leeds falling apart again after they brilliantly came from behind for a second Monday in a row to beat a promotion rival.

Daniel Farke’s side moved five points clear after Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe all scored late to secure a famous Yorkshire derby victory at Bramall Lane.

Getty

Leeds moved five points clear in the Championship with a 3-1 win at Sheffield United[/caption]

Rex

Leeds were 1-0 down before scoring three late goals[/caption]

Leeds are now five points in front of Sheffield United, who had bossed most of the game until the final 25 minutes but failed to add to an unfortunate 14th-minute Illan Meslier own goal.

That is now 19 games since Leeds lost a Yorkshire derby – to United’s bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January 2020.

Leeds are now unbeaten in 16 Championship games – with 11 wins and five draws — having not lost since Blackburn turned them over in November.

Pascal Struijk returned to the team after coming off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland at Elland Road last Monday.

Illan Meslier had Leeds’ hearts in mouths twice in the opening 10 minutes.

First a long throw was lofted in and the keeper dropped the ball before managing to collect at the second attempt.

But then he claimed to have been clattered as he came out to punch the ball and Ilia Gruev superbly headed the ball off the line.

Yet there was no stopping the Blades from moving in front.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

Ben Brereton Diaz’s cross was superb and Callum O’Hare’s flicked header was outrageous, sending it over the top of Meslier.

He made a stunning save to push the ball on to the bar. The ball bounced down and Tyrese Campbell headed the ball on to the right post but the ball hit the back of Meslier to deflect it over the line.

And the hosts should have doubled the lead when O’Hare just failed to reach another quality cross into the box — this time from Harrison Burrows.

Firpo then made a crucial interception just before O’Hare was set to pounce on a Campbell cross.

But James wasted a good opening when Brenden Aaronson fed the winger. He cut inside but shot wildly off target.

Leeds made their best move of the game and should have levelled seven minutes before the break.

Getty

The hosts took the lead after just 14 minutes[/caption]

Reuters

An own-goal from Illan Meslier put Leeds on the back foot[/caption]

Manor Solomon took down a perfect long pass from Struijk on the left side of the box and with Harry Clarke and Burrows at sixes and seven he shot straight at the keeper.

He had a simple squared pass to Firpo, who was fuming with his team-mate.

Chris Wilder brought on Hamza Choudhury for Harry Clarke at the break.

And the Blades regained control of proceedings.

PA

Leeds powered back 20 minutes from time through Junior Firpo[/caption]

Rex

Ao Tanaka then put the visitors ahead in the 89th minute[/caption]

Campbell was sent clear past Joe Rodon but Meslier managed to get to the ball first and keep it in the area as he slide in.

Leeds brought on Mateo Joseph and Joe Rothwell for Aaronson and Gruev.

Souza had a dig from 25-yards but it was straight down Meslier’s throat.

The visitors twice appealed for penalties.

PA

Joel Piroe made sure of the result a minute later[/caption]

Getty

It was heartache for the Blades as Leeds pulled clear[/caption]

James went down under a challenge from Jack Robinson but it was fanciful to think they would get a spot kick.

Then ex-Blades Jayden Bogle’s cross struck the arm of Burrows — but ref David Webb ruled it was not in an unnatural position.

Leeds had a glorious chance to level when Solomon from 16 yards half volleyed over the bar.

And, against the run of play, they got it.

James provided the cross and Firo powered a header past Cooper to spark wild scenes in the away end.

Piroe then forced Cooper into a fine low save to his right and kept out a powerful Wilfried Gnonto.