Chris Wilder has reaffirmed his stance on Leeds United’s promotion chances after their 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Wilder put the pressure on Leeds beforehand by suggesting their squad and budget has them as comfortable favourites to win the Championship this season.
Leeds showed no such signs his comments had any impact, though, as they dominated the game throughout and got their just reward thanks to goals from Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph.
Struijk scored Leeds’ first goal directly from a corner delivery in the league since he himself found the net in a 4-0 win over Ipswich Town last December.
Joseph, meanwhile, thanked Piroe for the assist after his late sealing goal ensured there would be no repeat of what happened at Sunderland last time out.
- READ MORE: Leeds player ratings from Sheffield United win at Elland Road as four stars shine with 8/10
Wilder delivers Leeds promotion verdict
Heading into the game, Sheffield United had conceded just three goals all season and were the only remaining unbeaten side in the EFL.
The Blades were three points and three places ahead of Leeds but after such an impressive win, the Whites are now into second place heading into the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.
Wilder admitted Sheffield United were well beaten by the better side post-match but also went one step further than that when discussing Leeds’ promotion hopes.
Despite his team’s impressive start to the season, Wilder believes that anyone who finishes above Leeds will be promoted come May, but does not actually see anyone being able to do so.
He said: “Yes. There’s going to be teams that have their moments and good times, but I don’t think I’m being controversial. Anyone above Leeds, not sure they will do based on our analysis, will be there or thereabouts. Some smash and grab results against them.”
Wilder says Leeds best team Sheffield United have faced
Many people had really started to take notice of Sheffield United after their start to the season but defeat at Elland Road is certainly a reality check for them.
While Leeds will have played the last of the top seven come close of play Tuesday, that was the second top side the Blades had faced all season, with Watford the only other one.
Wilder was under no illusion after the game that Leeds are comfortably the best team they have faced so far.
He said: “We were beaten by the better side, no doubt about it. We didn’t have any answers to them. They are the best team we have played so far this season, no disrespect to all the other teams we have played, so yeah, it’s a disappointing evening for us all, but we didn’t deserve anything from the game.”
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