‘We deserved to win it’ claims both Marcelo Bielsa and Chris Wilder

Both managers felt their teams deserved to win the first top-flight game between Sheffield United and Leeds United since 1994, but Patrick Bamford’s third goal in as many games ensured the points went to West Yorkshire.
Heads you win: Patrick Bamford, left centre, steers the ball beyond the reach of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to give Leeds United victory in an all-too rare Premier League derby between Yorkshire sides. (Picture: James Hardisty)Heads you win: Patrick Bamford, left centre, steers the ball beyond the reach of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to give Leeds United victory in an all-too rare Premier League derby between Yorkshire sides. (Picture: James Hardisty)
Heads you win: Patrick Bamford, left centre, steers the ball beyond the reach of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to give Leeds United victory in an all-too rare Premier League derby between Yorkshire sides. (Picture: James Hardisty)

Bamford cleverly guided a deep Jack Harrison cross inside the far post after 88 minutes at Bramall Lane to secure back-to-back victories for the visitors.

Leeds were the stronger team after a tightly-contested first half, causing coach Marcelo Bielsa to claim their victory was “just”.

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But the best chances fell to Sheffield United, who found opposition goalkeeper Illan Meslier in man-of-the-match form, and their manager Chris Wilder argued had they taken them, they would have won. Instead, they have now failed to score or take a point from their opening three Premier League games this season. Adding to their woes was the news that Jack O’Connell is unlikely to play again this season.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford (9) celebrates scoring his side's winning goal (Picture: PA)Leeds United's Patrick Bamford (9) celebrates scoring his side's winning goal (Picture: PA)
Leeds United's Patrick Bamford (9) celebrates scoring his side's winning goal (Picture: PA)

“It was very even,” said Bielsa after the 1-0 win. “We could have gone ahead but we could have also gone in at half-time behind. In the second half we were better – we dominated more with more opportunities.

“I think the result in the end was a just one.”

Bielsa put his side’s second-half improvement down to “extra energy”.

With the Blades defending deeper, Stuart Dallas in particular made great use of the additional space.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford scores his side's first goal of the game (Picture: PA)Leeds United's Patrick Bamford scores his side's first goal of the game (Picture: PA)
Leeds United's Patrick Bamford scores his side's first goal of the game (Picture: PA)
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“We tried to do the same things we did in the first half but we added extra energy,” said the Argentinian. “It’s always hard to tell whether it is because the opponent is worn out a little or we’re putting in extra effort. We played the same way but found a way to build our attacks easier.”

That said, John Lundstram missed a good first-half chance and was denied by an incredible save from Meslier, who also kept out Ben Osborn and Enda Stevens. Substitute Oli McBurnie failed to convert with a diving header at an 81st-minute corner.

Those moments shaped Wilder’s viewpoint.

“I thought it was a really tight game,” he commented. “They (Leeds) are an exceptional football side, well coached with a lot of good players.

“It was always going to be a tight game, a Yorkshire derby, and I thought they were better for the first 10 or 15 minutes but once we got a grip of the game we created the better chances.

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“We’ve got to score the first goal. Their opportunities came from long range and good movement and good build-up but the shape of our team was really good.

“If you don’t take your chances in a tight game, Harrison finds a fabulous cross and Bamford finds space off Jack Robinson.

“Maybe I’m seeing it through rose-tinted glasses, (but) I didn’t think (Blades goalkeeper) Aaron Ramsdale had that much to do. Leeds United’s goalkeeper was outstanding on the day.”

Wilder probably was looking at it through slightly rose-tinted glasses. Although he did not need to be as brilliant as Meslier, Ramsdale had to play well, with Leeds putting eight shots on target to the Blades’ four.

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However, Wilder’s assessment highlights the need to sign a striker. Wilder will press on with his search but has no interest in exLiverpool man Daniel Sturridge.

The news that emerged before kick-off that O’Connell will undergo knee surgery which could keep him out until next summer means the Blades are also in the market for a centre-back capable of playing the highly specialist left-sided overlapping role that is such a feature of their football before the transfer deadline a week today.

“Jack’s been with us since League One and had an outstanding Sheffield United career so far,” said Wilder. “To lose him is a blow for me personally and the football club, but for Jack as well.

“He had an injury last season just after lockdown. He tried to get back but wasn’t at full tilt. We got him going again in pre-season but he’s just below where he needs to be. I spoke to the owners and I’ve highlighted we need to bring somebody in in that position because we’re light. Hopefully they’ll agree.”

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James Mitchinson

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