Sheffield United are into the top two of the Championship, overtaking Leeds after a dramatic 1-0 win over their Yorkshire rivals. The result sees The Blades move one point clear of Marcelo Bielsa's side, who finished the game with central defender Pontus Jansson playing in goals.
With the score deadlocked heading into the final 20 minutes, Chris Basham drove forward from midfield to finish beyond Kiko Casilla and give his side the all-important opening goal.
HUGE GOAL FROM THE BLADES 🔴
Chris Basham slots home Billy Sharp's through ball and Sheffield United lead at rivals Leeds.
📺 Watch live on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/tBGiY2Ai01 pic.twitter.com/4Mn5Uu0c8w— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2019
Leeds huffed and puffed for the closing stages, but never really troubled a stern Sheffield United defence.
Chasing a winner late on, the home side began to push men forward. It would cost them after a shocking attempted clearance played through Billy Sharp. With goalkeeper Kiko Casilla well out from his goal, he would bring dow the striker to prevent an almost certain goal. He was sent off as a result.
With Leeds out of substitutions, Pontus Jansson, who had only been moved up front a few minutes prior, was waved back to take his place in goal.
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been sent off in their crucial game against Sheffield United! 🔴
With all of their substitutions used up, centre-back Pontus Jansson is going in goal! 👐 pic.twitter.com/KijYDoAy8n— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 16, 2019
Jansson goes in net as Casilla picked up a straight red #LUFC #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/CuBWFEEt89
— Ogi (@blago_blogger) March 16, 2019
Jansson was not troubled during his brief foray into the nets. He even found time to go up for a corner in injury time! It was all for nought, however, as Sheffield closed out the game.
This result is a major blow for Leeds, who have not been firing on all cylinders in recent times. That contrasts greatly to today's opponents, who have been in flying form.
Their defence, led by Ireland internationals John Egan and Enda Stevens (who spoke to Balls.ie this week), has kept seven consecutive clean sheets in the league. That is all while playing some of the most attractive football in the division.
Momentum matter at this stage of the season, and Sheffield have it. Leeds now need to try and get theirs back, or else face into the lottery that is the play-offs.
