Leeds United vs Sheffield United: The recently promoted side faced a very tactical battle against Sheffield United at Elland Road, and emerged as champion with a 2-0 win to be hailed in the end. The lone goal was scored by Pascal Struijk in the 69th minute while the second goal was scored by Mateo Joseph in the 90th minute thereby making it easier for Leeds United to win for a home team with the full backing of the crowd.
For Leeds United this game was an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the battle for promotion, for Sheffield United it was an occasion to decrease the distance separating them from the teams at the top. The event was expected there for both teams and the Elland Road was up from the start whistle.
The first 45th minutes remained an affair of the midfield and goal scoring opportunities were few and far between for both sides. Sheffield United’s defence once again stood tall, although the start saw more possession of the ball by Leeds United with not so many chances to penetrate.
Leeds United vs Sheffield United Match Highlights
69′ – Pascal Struijk Breaks the Deadlock:
Pascal Struijk breathed life into the match and scored a goal in the 69th minute. A good positioning was evidenced when Struijk out jumped his opponent and header the ball to the back of the net much to the delight of the Leeds fans. The tall centre-back rose to head the goal that was much needed for Leeds.
90′ – Mateo Joseph Seals the Victory:
When Sheffield United came forward in search of an equalizer they left spaces at the back for Leeds United to exploit. Early in the final whistle, Mateo Joseph took his time to net the second decisive goal for the Czech team after capitalizing on a sweet counter-attack by Leeds United. A composed finish from him just after the 90th minute suppressed any chance of a Sheffield equalizer and underlined Leeds’s superiority.
Leeds United vs Sheffield United results: Leeds United’s Tactical Prowess
Even in the match against Ipswich Town, you could see that Leeds United was interested in attack as the head coach Daniel Farke deployed the formation that put pressure on the opposition and dominated the ball. Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Archie Gray dominated central midfield and prevented Sheffield United from getting into a rhythm. Struijk’s goal, well-taken as it was, was a clear example of Leeds’ well-drilled set-play routine after the emergence of Sheffield United on the tactical front, Joseph’s injury time header was a product of a change in formation and style that looked to expose Sheffield United, particularly going forward in the final moments of the game.
Leeds United vs Sheffield United highlights: Sheffield United’s Resilience Not Enough
However, Sheffield United was a tough nut to crack and deserved credit, especially in the first half. Their tiny compact defending formation irritated Leeds for most parts of the match, but they were blunt in attack. The last chance for Sheffield to equalize came at the start of the second half yet they could nut it, a wonderful shot by Oli McBurnie hit just a bit wide.
Over the course of the game, the pressure applied by Leeds told and Sheffield United’s defence finally cracked. The visitors could not compete with Leeds in terms of intensity in the last third of the pitch, and the goal from Joseph was the last nail in the coffin.
Leeds United vs Sheffield United: Elland Road Atmosphere and Reaction
There was tension in the air at Elland Road from start to finish of the match. The home benefits from passionate fans already, in full voice behind the team, especially after the start that Struijk scored. The commemoration of Joseph’s last goal was jovial and passionate; the loudest boast reverberated around the stadiums long after the siren had gone off.
This has to go down well with the Leeds United fans and it will take them up the table in the Championship and boost their promotion campaign. For their part, Sheffield United fans will feel let down but one could attribute most of that feeling to the fact that the team put in a spirited shift for most parts of the game.
Final Thoughts
Another 2-0 win for Leeds United in this match at Elland Road stated the team’s clear intention as they aim at promotion into the Premiership League. The whispering of Pascal Struijk and the jinking finish of Mateo Joseph was enough to get maximum points in the game as Sheffield United never looked to find the equalizer.
Leeds shall be very confident when approaching the next games from this while Sheffield United shall have to work for the other games they shall be having in order to have a shot at getting promotion.
Leeds united vs Sheffield united stats
– Final Match Score: Leeds United has a 2-0 beating from Sheffield United
– Goals: Pascal Struijk (69’), Mateo Joseph (90’)
– Venue: Elland Road
– Possession: Leeds United 56%, Sheffield United 44%
– Shots on Target: Leeds United 4, Sheffield United 0
– Corners: Leeds United 7, Sheffield United 3
It will be for sure for the tactical duels and moments of the match, for Leeds United who have moved an essential step closer to their promotion plans.
Stay updated with the latest trends on Trending360.
