Leeds United took a huge step towards Championship promotion last night, beating fellow title contenders Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane.
The Whites went into the break a goal down after Illan Meslier’s own goal, but a second-half fightback from Daniel Farke’s men allowed for a remarkable turnaround.
Goals from Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe secured all three points in South Yorkshire, moving the side seven points clear of third place with just 12 games remaining this campaign.
The result also extends the club’s unbeaten run in the league to 16 matches, the longest of any side in the division, highlighting the superb work conducted by the German boss over the last few months.
Numerous players impressed during the victory, playing a massive role in the triumph, edging the Whites one step closer to ending their two-year Premier League exile.
Leeds’ star performers against Sheffield United
As previously mentioned, midfielder Tanaka found himself on the scoresheet for the third time this season, but his underlying stats were just as impressive – hugely contributing to the win over the Blades.
The Japanese international completed 83% of the passes he attempted, three of which were into the final third, creating one big chance in the process.
He also won one tackle, registering four clearances along with three interceptions, playing a vital role in the middle of the park – something which he’s done for the majority of his time at Elland Road.
Winger Dan James was unable to get himself onto the scoresheet last night, but did register two assists, allowing for the second-half fightback after the visitors’ early opener.
The Welshman was direct with the ball when having an opportunity to get forward, completing three dribbles, whilst posting a tally of seven touches in the opposition box – the most of any Whites player.
However, one other first-team player failed to impress during the vital win, with the late goals from Tanaka and Piroe allowing him off the hook after his disappointing showing.
The Leeds player who dropped a 3/10 against Sheffield United
Over the last few weeks, Farke has created a settled starting eleven, undoubtedly contributing to their success in the second tier over the last few months.
The backline and forward line have both impressed, allowing them to have the best defensive record in the league, along with the second-best defensive one, helping them achieve their current league standing.
However, one player who could lose his first-team spot is midfielder Ilia Gruev, after failing to impress against the Blades despite the vital three points gained at Bramall Lane.
The Bulgarian has started each of the last four matches after coming back from an injury lay-off, but last night was an evening to forget for the 24-year-old.
Gruev started at the heart of the side alongside Tanaka, but was withdrawn after just 58 minutes and understandably so given his lack of positive impact on the encounter.
He registered just 43 touches, completing 85% of the passes he attempted, in what was the most positive aspect of his performance – failing to impress in other areas.
The midfielder failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, also losing 100% of the ground duels he entered, coming out second best against the opposition.
Minutes played
58
Touches
43
Passes completed
29/34 (85%)
Dribbles completed
0/1 (0%)
Ground duels won
0/2 (0%)
Crosses completed
0/1 (0%)
Possession lost
9x
Gruev also failed to complete a single cross, losing possession nine times, leading to journalist Declan Carr dubbing his display as “disappointing”.
The Whites’ midfielder was subsequently handed a 3/10 match rating by journalist Graham Smyth, highlighting how lacklustre his showing was against their promotion rivals.
Given the options at Farke’s disposal, coupled with Gruev’s lack of impact, could see the Bulgarian lose his starting role ahead of the clash with West Brom on Saturday.
It’s another opportunity for the Whites to extend their winning run and strengthen their promotion push, but if they are to do so, the German must drop the former Werder Bremen ace to stand a better chance of claiming all three points.
Worse than Meslier: Leeds must drop "anonymous" dud who was saved by Tanaka
The Leeds United star may not be cut out for a potential Premier League season.
ByDan Emery