Sheffield United 1-3 Leeds United: Late goals put Premier League in sight for visitors

Ao Tanaka scored an 89th-minute header and Joel Piroe struck two minutes later as Leeds United moved five points clear at the Championship summit by coming from behind with 18 minutes remaining at second-placed Sheffield United.

WOW.

Joel Piroe with an absolute ROCKET to secure the win for Leeds United! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ZkcOiH0QrX

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025

Midfielder Tanaka guided in Junior Firpo’s flick and forward Piroe hammered in from outside the box to give the visitors a seven-point cushion over third-placed Burnley with a significant goal superiority in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

“It’s déjà vu for Leeds United… it’s FARKE TIME again!” 🤯

Ao Tanaka heads home in the 89th minute and surely Leeds have snatched all three points! pic.twitter.com/TrsCp2eFjG

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025

Illan Meslier’s 14th-minute own-goal had put the Blades on course for top spot before Firpo arrived inside the box to head the emphatically equaliser from Dan James’ right-wing cross.

Junior Firpo with a THUNDEROUS header to convert Dan James’ cross and draw Leeds level! 💣 pic.twitter.com/tjhtmRrTLp

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025

Meslier had dropped two crosses before blundering for the opener, brilliantly tipping Callum O’Hare’s header against the underside of the crossbar before Tyrese Campbell’s header from the rebound hit a post and bounced in off the goalkeeper.

“Bramall Lane BEDLAM!” 💥

It’s far from pretty, but Sheffield United have the lead after Illan Meslier palms it into his own net! pic.twitter.com/WdGcobSibI

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025

Leeds were fortunate not to have been behind sooner when Meslier mistimed a catch and was redeemed by Ilia Gruev’s goalline clearance.

🖐️ @LUFC go five points clear at the top and seven clear of third!#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/zKP3O7p65o

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) February 24, 2025

Suspended Leeds Daniel Farke watched from the stands as his side extended their unbeaten league run to 16 games, last losing in the second tier at Blackburn Rovers on November 30.