Chris Wilder, to his credit, was pretty gracious in defeat as another Leeds United late show extended the gap between themselves and Sheffield United to five points at the Championship summit.
The Blades, he said, were simply beaten by a ‘top side’.
But for a long time during Monday’s enthralling title tussle in the Steel City, Sheffield United looked set to secure the points. Or, at the very least, one. But as Sunderland found out seven days earlier, keeping Leeds United at arms’ length across nearly 100 minutes of action is quite the challenge.
Two quality Joe Rothwell deliveries and two thumping Pascal Struijk headers saw Leeds past Sunderland, the substitute’s combining brilliantly. This time, Leeds had the luxury of introducing Willy Gnonto from the bench while Mateo Joseph’s own introduction freed up the sort of space Joel Piroe needed to wrap up a potentially season-defining victory with a thumping strike into Michael Cooper’s top corner from nigh-on 25 yards out.
This, Wilder feels, goes a long way to explaining why Leeds could make the short trip back up to West Yorkshire dreaming of champagne bubbles and a promotion party.
The individual quality to produce moments like Piroe’s 15th goal of the season, and the contributions of players like Rothwell and Gnonto off the bench.
Chris Wilder highlights quality of Leeds attack after Sheffield United triumph
“They were the better side in the second-half, even though we had moments,” the former Watford and Middlesbrough boss admits. “We knew we were going to have to suffer at times.
“In the big moments, they find [the quality]. The scoreline is a tough harsh on us. It’s a fabulous finish late on from Piroe.
“They are a top side and a top side for a reason. The energy levels from both teams were fabulous and we just run out of gas a little bit. You’ve got to hold your hands up and say they were better than us. I don’t think there was a big difference, [but] they’ve just got that little bit more.
“They can rely on the two wide players. We kept Dan James pretty quiet and he’s having an electric season. Solomon is a handful off the left, and they bring Gnonto on.”
Wilder backs Blades to bounce back as Championship title race goes on
Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford felt Willy Gnonto ‘made a huge difference’ in his scintillating cameo display. Solomon was as threatening as ever too while James – even on one of his less-effective nights – still managed to produce the cross from which Junior Firpo headed the visitor’s level.
Wilder felt his team could have done a lot more to stop Firpo arriving unmarked to bullet home. He was also frustrated with Ao Tanaka’s 88th minute effort, the Japan international left free at the back post.
Piroe’s spectacular clincher – insult to injury – was a classic case of a desperate side being caught short while chasing a goal at the other end.
“We are little bit disappointed with the goals,” Wilder adds. “The control of the game just got away with us a little bit.
“We got off to a fabulous start. I think it’s two good sides having a right go at it. Obviously, as a home manager getting beat at home, it’s disappointing. We can’t let it derail us. We have 12 games left. We’ve reacted to disappointment really well.”
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