Ranking the Best Goals Sheffield United Have Scored Against Leeds United in the 21st Century | OneFootball

The rivalry between Sheffield United and Leeds United has produced some intense battles over the years, and with it, some truly memorable goals.

Blades fans will fondly recall moments of brilliance against their Yorkshire rivals, from stunning volleys to dramatic winners.

Of course, they’ll be hoping to add some candidates to this list next Monday evening when second place Sheffield United host first place Leeds United at Bramall Lane, with only two points separating the two sides. This game could be absolutely vital in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League, with Burnley and Sunderland in pursuit of the two Yorkshire clubs.

I have ranked the best Sheffield United goals scored against Leeds United in the 21st century.

Ranking Factors

4. Billy Sharp (17/18 – Championship)

Billy Sharp has a history of scoring big goals for Sheffield United, and his superb volley against Leeds in October 2017 was one of his best. In just the second minute at Bramall Lane, Mark Duffy floated a pinpoint cross to just inside the edge of the box, and Sharp met it with a stunning first-time volley that arrowed into the back of the net in front of the away end.

It was the perfect start for the Blades, and although Leeds fought back to equalise, the home side won a penalty late in the second half, and Sharp would smash the penalty down the middle of the net, in front of the Kop, to ensure a 2-1 victory for Sheffield United.

3. Jon Harley (04/05 – Championship)

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Jon Harley of Sheffield scores his teams second goal from a free kick during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Sheffield United and Leeds United at Bramall Lane on August 29, 2004 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Jon Harley’s stunning free-kick goal from around 30 yards out is certainly deserving of a place on this list.

The Blades notched in front just five minutes into the second half thanks to a powerful finish from Ashley Ward. And United’s left-back Jon Harley made sure it would be an unhappy return to Bramall Lane for former assistant manager Kevin Blackwell, and it gave Neil Warnock’s side their first home victory of the 04/05 Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

2. Chris Basham (18/19 – Championship)

Chris Basham celebrating his winning goal against Leeds United at Elland Road in the 18/19 season, which led to the collapse of Leeds that season.

Chris Basham’s goal against Leeds in March 2019 is still thought about today. It was a pivotal moment in Sheffield United’s promotion-winning season, which saw the Blades claim two promotions in three seasons to get back to the Premier League for the first time since 2006.

The Blades travelled to Elland Road two points behind Leeds, and knowing that a win would give them a huge advantage in the race for automatic promotion. With only a handful of matches remaining, United needed someone to deliver a big moment, and Basham delivered in style.

In the 71st minute, Billy Sharp played a clever flick into the path of Basham, who surged forward before placing a composed finish past Kiko Casilla, who was later sent off in stoppage time. Basham’s celebration, a knee slide in front of the travelling Sheffield United fans, became an iconic image that is still displayed today.

That goal proved to be the winner, securing a 1-0 victory and helping the Blades overtake Leeds in the table on their way to Premier League promotion.

1. Phil Jagielka (02/03 – Worthington Cup)

Phil Jagielka might have made his name as a tough-tackling defender and a solid rock at the back, but he also had a knack for scoring some spectacular goals every now and then. His volley against Leeds in the third round of the 02/03 Worthington Cup remains the best goal Sheffield United have scored against their Yorkshire rivals in the 21st century.

With the home side looking as though they were going to bow out of the cup, a loose clearance from the Leeds defence, in the first minute of stoppage time, fell perfectly for Jagielka, who unleashed an unstoppable first-time volley from 35 yards out. The ball rocketed into the top corner, leaving Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson with no chance.

The sheer technique of the strike was something quite magnificent. But the goal was even more memorable because United went on to win the game with virtually the final kick of the game thanks to Peter Ndlovu.

Summary

These four goals on this list not only helped the Blades beat their Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, but they were all top quality goals in their own right.

This is an opinionated article based on my recollection of events, so you may have a few goals in mind that you may remember that you think deserve a mention. Remember: 21st century only! Let me know in the comments.