Leeds hit back to win 3-1 at Sheffield United and take a massive step towards promotion back to the Premier League.
Illan Meslier’s nightmare own goal had given the Blades the lead at Bramall Lane on Monday night.
But Junior Firpo rose to head Leeds level in the second half, before late goals from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe steered them to victory.
The win moves Leeds five points clear of Sheffield United at the top, and seven clear of Burnley in third.
Leeds take big step back towards Premier League
To say Meslier has blown hot and cold this season would be an understatement, and nothing encapsulated his campaign more than the opening minutes.
First he fumbled a corner before being saved on the line by Ilia Gruev’s clearance. Then there was a stunning save to keep out Callum O’Hare’s header – but he then diverted Tyrese Campbell’s follow-up effort that hit the post over the line for an own goal in the 14th minute.
Illan Meslier’s own goal gave Sheffield United the lead against Leeds in their Championship clash
However, it was Leeds’ star man this season, Dan James, who made a difference again, with his work and cross finding Firpo who steered a header past Michael Cooper in the Sheffield United net to equalise after 72 minutes.
Leeds struck late again, just as they did against Sunderland last week, as Tanaka headed in from close range from a corner in the 89th minute. Then Piroe sealed the win with a thunderbolt from the edge of the box less than a minute later.
The goals that sealed the comeback
Leeds’ Junior Firpo found himself on the end of a perfectly weighted ball from Dan James and powered a header home against Sheffield United
Leeds left it late again as Ao Tanaka headed in at the back post to send the away end crazy
Joel Piroe’s strike from outside the box seals Leeds United’s victory over Sheffield United.
The managers
Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder:
To follow…
Leeds’ Daniel Farke:
“It was high, really high [watching on the TV gantry] and, of course, a bit less emotional. I don’t want to get used to it, though the outcome is perfect for us. Hopefully it was the only time in my career I have to watch a game from the stand.
“First of all, you have to say we played a really strong opponent today. It was a tight game. Of course, goals are always decisive moments in the game and also turned the momentum a bit, but I think, for the first 25 minutes, they were by far the better side.
“They invested so much in their physical output and they were also more switched on in the duels and they deserved to be in the lead.
“I think we were a bit too nervous in the beginning, then from minute 25, we started to play football then we dominated and gained more and more control of the game and, in the end, in a tight game, it was deserved that we equalised and also won this game, but it was tough today against a good opponent.
“We needed a little bit of luck in the decisive moments today, but nevertheless, the outcome was perfect.”
