“Sometimes You Just Have to Hold Your Hands Up” – Blades Boss Reflects on “Harsh” 3-1 Defeat to Leeds | OneFootball

Sheffield United suffered a painful late collapse against league leaders Leeds United, conceding twice in the dying minutes to fall to a 3-1 defeat at Bramall Lane after leading for the majority of the game.

United came flying out of the blocks, pressing Leeds high up the pitch and creating early chances. The Blades’ pressure soon paid off. In the 14th minute, Callum O’Hare met a Ben Brereton Diaz cross with a powerful header, forcing Meslier into a sharp save. The rebound fell to Tyrese Campbell, whose shot deflected off Meslier, hit the post, and trickled over the line to give Sheffield United the lead.

After the break, Leeds showed why they are top of the table. Junior Firpo had a chance to equalise on the hour mark, but his headed effort flew over the bar.

The pressure eventually told in the 72nd minute. Dan James, who had been relatively quiet, sparked into life. The Welsh winger delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Firpo made no mistake this time, rising highest to guide his header past Michael Cooper and level the score at 1-1.

With momentum on their side, Leeds continued to push forward, while Sheffield United struggled to regain their grip on the game.

Leeds’ pressure finally broke the Blades in the closing minutes. Substitute Wilfried Gnonto nearly provided the go-ahead goal with a curling effort from the edge of the box, but Cooper pulled off a stunning save to tip it over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Firpo was involved again, flicking the ball towards the back post, where Ao Tanaka was waiting to nod it home in the 89th minute.

Before Sheffield United could regroup, Leeds struck again. Straight from the restart, Joel Piroe picked up the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a thunderous strike past Cooper, sealing a 3-1 win for the visitors.

Chris Wilder Praises Sheffield United Efforts in “Harsh” 3-1 Loss

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Leeds United FC at Bramall Lane on February 24, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Speaking after the match, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder admitted, to SUTV, the late collapse was frustrating but praised his side’s efforts.

“Yeah [it got away from us] a little bit. I think we’d have shaken hands at 88 minutes. It’s disappointing to concede from a set play, really, but there’s a reason why they’re a top side; you have to give them credit,” Wilder said.

“I thought we put them on the back foot, especially in the first half-hour. We got out of the blocks. But they sort of wrestled it back a little bit, and they were the better side in the second half, even though we had moments.

“We knew we were going to have to suffer a little bit at times. We weren’t naive enough to think that we were going to have the majority of the play and steamroll a side like Leeds United because I don’t think that would be the case. That’s not me being negative: it’s just that in the big moments, they find it.

“The scoreline, I think, is a touch harsh on us. It’s a fabulous finish by Piroe, but we’re a little bit disappointed by the goals and just the control of the game getting away from us a little bit.”

When asked what his side could have done better in the second half, Wilder emphasised game management.

“Just more control of the game in terms of: we didn’t have to score on every opportunity that we went forward, even though we created some half chances. Just a little bit more control and taking an extra pass.

“It was lightning pace, and the energy levels from both sides were fabulous, but we just ran out of gas a bit. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say they were just a touch better than us. And I think they were. I don’t think there was a big difference. There hasn’t been a big difference all season. They’ve just got that little bit more that they can rely on.”

Leeds United Boss Reflects on “Tight Game” at Bramall Lane

Leeds United boss, Daniel Farke served a touchline ban at Bramall Lane after his antics in the late victory over Sunderland last week. Yet, even without his presence on the sideline, the German coach still managed to witness another extraordinary late turnaround from his team.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Farke praised both his players as well as Sheffield United in what was an electric Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane.

“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.”

While the Blades will be feeling bitterly disappointed after this result, they must quickly dust themselves down and be prepared for another tough battle this weekend when they travel south to face mid-table Queens Park Rangers.

United are now five points behind the Whites, and just two points above third place Burnley with a much worse goal difference, so they cannot afford any more dropped points.