Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe struck late goals as Leeds snatched a 3-1 win at promotion rivals Sheffield United to extend their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship.
An own goal from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier had handed the Blades a half-time lead and after Junior Firpo had headed the visitors level, Tanaka and Piroe struck in the final three minutes.
Both managers, Chris Wilder and Daniel Farke, had earlier played down the notion this clash was a title decider with 12 games still to play, but Leeds have moved five points clear of second-placed Blades and, crucially, seven above Burnley in third.
🔥 ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE!!! pic.twitter.com/gl2X8x9kDJ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 24, 2025
Farke was serving a touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card of the season last week for celebrating his side’s stoppage-time winner against Sunderland.
The German looked on from the television gantry as Sheffield United set about his side from kick-off, with Leeds’ bid to ride the early storm undermined by Meslier’s jitters.
The Frenchman, whose late howler at Sunderland in October cost Leeds victory, had been in fine form since being at fault for all three goals in a 3-3 draw at Hull in January.
But he looked all at sea as his side came under early pressure.
Meslier had already dropped two crosses when he flapped at a corner, allowing Tyrese Campbell to get in a header, which was cleared off the goal-line by Ilia Gruev, and another fumble handed a 14th-minute lead to the hosts.
Callum O’Hare’s header from Ben Brereton Diaz’s teasing cross was tipped on to the crossbar and down on to the goal-line by Meslier and when Campbell headed the rebound against a post, the Leeds goalkeeper failed to gather the ball and instead parried into his own net.
The home side threatened again from Campbell’s cross, with Junior Firpo getting his toe to the ball a fraction before O’Hare.
Leeds steadily wrestled back control and began to create chances of their own, with Manor Solomon twice firing straight at Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper before half-time.
Meslier did well to gather Vini Souza’s dangerous through-ball early in the second period before Leeds’ appeals for a penalty, after Dan James went down under Jack Robinson’s challenge, were waved away by referee David Webb.
There was no let-up from the Blades though. Ao Tanaka nipped in to deny Sydie Peck a clear shot at goal and Souza’s effort forced Meslier into a low save.
Leeds substitute Mateo Joseph lashed a chance over the crossbar before Firpo hauled the visitors level with a thumping 72nd-minute header from James’ pin-point cross.
Harrison Burrows’ bouncing shot was well saved by Meslier and Piroe forced Cooper into a fine parry as both sides chased a winner.
Cooper then produced the save of the match to keep out substitute Wilfried Gnonto’s curling shot, but Leeds finished with a flourish.
Tanaka headed into the top corner following Firpo’s header from substitute Joe Rothwell’s corner with two minutes left and in the 90th minute Piroe lashed home Leeds’ third following James’ cut-back to seal victory.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. 23 years ago, Ronaldinho fooled everyone with 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 free-kick against England and a star was born If Nico Williams moves to BarcaTrent Pep Guardiola knows how to TURN ON the Cyborg! AN INSPIRATION TO THE WORLD! Fabrizio Romano shares his new Lamine Yamal bed on Facebook.This is so funny Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credi...
Andre Onana is keen to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Monaco, sources have told ESPN.The French side asked for information from Onana's representatives about his potential availability this summer.Monaco also showed interest in former United goalkeeper David De Gea before he extended his contract with Fiorentina.Onana, however, is determined to stay at Old Trafford unless he is to...
Liverpool could still enter the market in one of their biggest-spending windows.Liverpool are reportedly set to launch crunch talks with Crystal Palace over England defender Marc Guehi. The Reds are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and could make him their latest big-money signing.Palace are said to value Guehi at around £70million despite only one year remaining on the former Chelsea st...
Liverpool confirmed the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz on Friday evening.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the signing of Florian WirtzJurgen Klopp has expressed his admiration for Liverpool's acquisition of German international Florian Wirtz. The former Reds manager, who departed in 2024 and now serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, maintains close ties ...
Chelsea no longer interested in MaignanPer Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are no longer interested in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. They have not reactivated talks with the player and reportedly do not intend to do it later in the transfer window as they have confidence in their current crop of custodians at Stamford Bridge.Van Nistelrooy set to be sacked by Leicester after relegationLeicester City ...
Juventus, Napoli in contact with Chelsea striker JacksonSerie A clubs are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.Jackson's future at Chelsea is in doubt after he suffered another red card in yesterday's Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo.Sky Italia's0Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus and Napoli are interested in Jackson.Juventus have0 already made contact with the player's management ...
Bayern Munich rival Chelsea for Borussia Dortmund winger GittensBayern Munich are interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.Gittens saw a move to Chelsea fall through last week after Dortmund rejected their 342m offer on Tuesday's Club World Cup transfer deadline.Kicker reports that Bayern are planning a move to sign Gittens during this window.Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has left...
Frimpong reacts as Wirtz joins Liverpool in 3116m moveJeremie Frimpong has responded to Florian Wirtz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, following in his footsteps.Just weeks after the Dutchman made the switch from the Bundesliga side to the Reds, Wirtz followed in a blockbuster 3116 million ($156m) move.0Shortly after the transfer was confirmed, Frimpong responded with the eyes emoj...
Rashford keen on joining Yamal’s BarcelonaManchester United star Marcus Rashford has expressed a desire to play alongside Lamine Yamal, seemingly sending a message to Barcelona to make a move.The England international has reportedly had his sights set on a Blaugrana transfer for a while. Now, the former Aston Villa loanee has arguably dropped a not-so-subtle hint that he’s eager to joi...
Quilindschy Hartman will join Burnley as soon as next weekFeyenoord have reportedly accepted a bid from Burnley for left-back Quilindschy Hartman.As Burnley were preparing an offer for the 23-year-old Hartman, the left-back was reported to have visited Burnley's training ground and met manager Scott Parker before the weekend.According to Dutch media, Feyenoord have accepted a €12 million bid...
- 1 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 4 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 5 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 6 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 7 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 8 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 9 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 10 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car