Furious Chris Wilder issues seven-word Sheffield United verdict that will give Leeds United confidence

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The weekend saw Sheffield United and Burnley close the gap on Leeds United as both sides secured wins while Leeds United lost to Portsmouth, but things turned again on Tuesday night.

Leeds and Sheffield United were sat on equal points, a tally of 76. Burnley just two behind on 74, going into Tuesday night’s fixtures with Sheffield United at home to Bristol City, and Burnley facing West Brom.

Both sides were expected to win the matches but could only manage 1-1 draws. Tyrese Campbell’s goal on the hour mark was cancelled out late on by Bristol City, Mark Sykes scoring a well-worked equaliser.

For Burnley, Zian Hemmings continued his excellent first season at Turf Moor having joined from Leeds’ Wednesday opponents Millwall in the summer – cancelling out John Swift’s super free-kick for West Brom.

• READ MORE: Alan Pardew says if he thinks Leeds will go up having watched them this season

Chris Wilder’s post-match verdict will worry Sheffield United fans

Speaking after his side had dropped points to Bristol City at Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder gave a very honest verdict of his side’s incapability to go three points clear of Leeds ahead of Millwall on Wednesday night.

Wilder said his side were unable to control the game or secure three points with a seven-word verdict, if you are of a Sheffield United persuasion. He told BBC: “Lethargic, leggy, no energy for some reason.”

Wilder continued, on Sheffield United’s display against Bristol City: “They caused us problems and stretched us at the top of the pitch. We sat too deep. Their midfielders were better than our midfielders.

“In the first half, the control of the game was theirs. I’ve got to say if I was their manager I would be disappointed to walk away with no points with a really good performance from their point of view.”

Wilder’s verdict should give Leeds United plenty of confidence

Wilder’s comments while refreshingly honest in the face of reporters, will also be of concern to Sheffield United fans. With nine games to go, it will come as a concern that his players are already looking tired.

For Leeds, that is a big boost. Sheffield United had opened the door with their win on the weekend and Leeds’ loss, but they’ve almost shut it on themselves – especially, if Leeds take advantage against Millwall.

The pressure is now even higher on Leeds come Wednesday night, to take advantage of both Sheffield United and Burnley slipping up. But a win would see Leeds go two clear of the Blades, four of Burnley.