Leeds United player ratings vs Sheffield United as Illan Meslier has nightmare but 8/10 star saves his blushes

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Leeds United have somehow defeated Sheffield United 3-1 in a massive victory in the Championship title race.

Everything was on the line at Brammall Lane as the Championship’s top two clubs duked it out in an entertaining match that ended in Leeds United’s favour despite going behind and not playing very well.

It was Sheffield United who started on the front foot and completely dominated the early proceedings, pinning a rattled Leeds back.

It was of no surprise when they finally took the lead after 14 minutes and nor was it a surprise that the disastrous Illan Meslier was at fault as he turned the ball into his own net.

Daniel Farke’s side had to weather the onslaught but managed to finally establish themselves in the match and finished the half strongly.

That sadly didn’t continue after the break as the side struggled to create any clear-cut chances but finally found one when Junior Firpo headed home the equaliser.

Leeds ramped up the pressure as the clock ticked towards 90 and found the lead when Ao Tanaka headed home at the back post before Joel Piroe secured the three points with a screamer moments later.

Here’s how the players rated after another massive three points were secured.

Illan Meslier – 4

A nightmare performance to start but he managed to regain his composure just about.

It was clear from the start that the Blades had targeted him and he flapped at every ball that came into his box, immediately unsettling the defence. It was this lack of control and shakiness that led to him diverting the ball over his own line.

With wayward distribution adding to the mess, Meslier set the tone for Leeds’ off-kilter early performance. Went about making some amends when he charged off his line to prevent Tyrese Campbell from scoring and by making some comfortable stops.

Jayden Bogle – 5

A difficult night against Harrison Burrows and Ben Brereton Diaz, who repeatedly doubled up on and passed around him at will. Struggled to be as effective going forward and got caught out of position often as well.

Joe Rodon – 7

Though he was present to clear up several threats with well-timed tackles and important interceptions, Joe Rodon completely lost Callum O’Hare as his initial header led to the opening goal. His good work elsewhere probably outweighs the one costly mistake, though.

Pascal Struijk – 6

Also at fault for the opener as he failed to pick up Tyreese Campbell in the box and then got lost in the net. Created the best chance of the first 45 with a lovely ball over the box.

Junior Firpo – 8

Leeds’ brightest spark throughout and proved to be the saviour with a towering header to level things up. He also set up Tanaka’s header.

Firpo worked hard going forward all game to get in some good crossing positions and was strong at the back, making a crucial interception to prevent O’Hare from getting a six-yard tap-in.

Ilia Gruev – 4

A sensational clearance on the line in the opening stages stopped Leeds from going behind even earlier but he offered little in a midfield that was cut through like soft cheese. It was a surprise when Farke picked Ilia Gruev over Joe Rothwell and it proved to be a mistake. Was hooked in the 57th minute having done next to nothing save his clearance.

Ao Tanaka – 7

Not much better in the middle of the park in the first half. Ao Tanaka was far too passive as O’Hare had the run of the show and he left huge gaps between midfield and defence. A loose touch didn’t help matters.

Yet, he did get better after the break with some important challenges, nice passes, decent forward play and the small matter of scoring the decisive goal!

Dan James – 6

Dan James’ lack of pressing the cross was another mistake in the lead-up to the goal but he finally made up for it when he managed to deliver a great cross for Firpo to head home.

He had struggled to do anything of note – other than a spooned shot and a stupid dive – before that in a poor performance but was clinical when it really mattered. Also claims the assist for Piroe’s strike.

Brenden Aaronson – 5

Starved of possession for most of the first half but lively when he got it with a sharp touch and positivity. He did nothing of real note but it was still surprising to see him go off first before the hour.

Manor Solomon – 6

Leeds’ best player in the first half and the only one who consistently looked like he could make things happen with darting runs and incisive dribbles. Should have done much better with his chance after a lovely touch and was quieter after the break.

Joel Piroe – 7

An anonymous performance until the 80th minute when he started to get involved and then he scored a sensational goal to secure the three points. That’s why you leave him on even when he’s not playing well.

Substitutes

Mateo Joseph – 3

Hardly touched the ball and completely skied the only chance that came his way.

Joe Rothwell – 6

Should have started the match as Leeds missed his quality distribution and he was involved in the equaliser.

Willy Gnonto – 6

Only denied a stunning goal by a fantastic save from Michael Cooper.

Sam Byram – N/A

Came on with minutes remaining to see the game out.