Sheffield United produced arguably their best performance of the season at Bramall Lane as they saw off local rivals Leeds 2-0 in front of the biggest crowd of the campaign so far. The Blades were worthy winners in a game that they dominated from start to finish and it was only a surprise that it took so long for the home side to finally make the breakthrough after several opportunities had been missed in the first half. The goal when it arrived was an own goal but it had been well worked in the build up and the second goal was equally well made and this time well taken by a home player, Bjorn Helge Riiise, that saw the game effectively sealed.
United began by making several chances, some by choice and some enforced after the defeat at Watford the previous week. Lowton came back into the team after illness and Bogdanovic and Evans both started in place of Collins, Henderson and Williamson. On the bench was academy defender Harry Maguire and Estonian keeper Mikhel Aksalu, back from injury. However, worryingly it seemed United named 6 loan players in their side which was one more than the permitted number allowed by the Football League and could lead to at least a fine but it seems after the match that United had actually only named 6 substitutes with Bent not being on the bench. Leeds began with former Blades defender Leigh Bromby starting the game.
United began the game with a 4-3-3 formation with Evans and Bogdanovic flanking Vokes up front and United’s positive formation and personnel was matched by an impressive start. After less than a minute a long throw from Nosworthy fell to Quinn but on his unfavoured right foot he was unable to get the necessary purchase and Schmeichel saved comfortably. Vokes then had a headed effort not far off target as United completely bossed the early stages. From a corner from Quinn, Lowton hit an effort that was well saved by Schmeichel and then another corner was cleared by Johnson. United then made inroads down the left hand side and may have felt aggrieved when Quinn was fouled but referee Jones opted not to play the advantage the home side clearly could have enjoyed. O’Brien was booked for the foul.
Despite United dominating the game they had a let off on 20 minutes when Lichaj was given too much time to cross and the diminutive Gradel out jumped Lowton but his header was narrowly wide. United were back on the attack soon after and Vokes headed wide from a Montgomery cross but soon after United missed a golden chance to go ahead. Montgomery once again made the running and his cross from the right was cleverly flicked on by Evans with his back to his teammate Bogdanovic. The Maltese striker was one on one with Schmeichel but the keeper closed him down quickly to save and was able to smother the rebound too with Bogdanovic unable to react quickly enough.
United continued to come again and this time Vokes switched play to Quinn who found himself with a chance coming in from the left and hit a fierce shot across Schmeichel but the big keeper managed to get down and turn the ball around the post. He had to make another save not long after when Evans hit a fierce shot that although on goal was straight at the keeper and he flicked it over the bar leading to another corner.
The half time whistle came not long after and United’s fans were appreciative of the side as they went off knowing that in reality they should have been leading the game and indeed could have been out of sight.
The second half saw Vokes shoot wide and then Bannan had a dangerous effort not far wide from distance. United still looked the more likely side and on 55 minutes the breakthrough finally came. The build up was patient and Quinn fed Montgomery who put over a dangerous low cross towards the intended recipient Bogdanovic but it was met by LICHAJ who could only succeed in diverting the ball past his own keeper with Schmeichel helpless.
Evans was rightly booked for a late foul on Schmeichel as he went for a through ball that the keeper collected and then sportingly bounded straight back up when others may have milked the challenge. Quinn then fired wide when well placed and it was United who looked more likely to add to the score sheet but Bannon sounded a warning shot as he drove another shot not far off target. The disappointing Becchio was replaced by Paynter and then Riise came on for skipper, Montgomery who seemed to be struggling with an injury. Quinn took the armband and he was involved in the goal when he fed a clever ball to the incoming player, RIISE, who took a touch and steadied himself before drilling the ball into the far corner.
Not long after Leeds did have a chance as Simonsen for once in the afternoon was unable to take a cross and the ball ricocheted around the area before being scrambled clear. Somma and Watt had come on for Leeds for McCartney and Snodgrass and then Cresswell came on for Evans but in truth Leeds did not seem to be offering that much and the only real drama came when Lowry and Paynter clashed as the ball came over. After the clearance was made; referee Jones spoke to his assistant and after booking Lowry, brandished a straight red to the substitute Paynter who had to make the long walk minutes before the scheduled close of the game. Cresswell then had a turn and shot saved by Schmeichel at his near post and then Yeates came on for Bogdanovic right at the end. The additional stoppage time came and went without a chance and for one of the few occasions this season, the Blades comfortably saw out the game for the vital three points and the bragging rights across the county.
Leeds – I have to be honest I thought they were awful today and maybe one of the worst sides I have ever seen at the Lane this season. I think a lot of credit has to go to United as they were really good and really at it today but Leeds never got going. Strangely they did not seem up for the fight and even after being completely outplayed in the first half they did not improve in the second either. They showed little football of note and looked punch less up front and disorganised at the back. They were well beaten in all aspects of the game. I cannot recall one outfield player who played really well. Only Schmeichel can be happy with his efforts as he made numerous good saves. Becchio was handled well by Lowry and Lowton and the midfield of Snodgrass, Howson and Bannan were outfought and out battled by our midfield that actually played better football too. Bannon was the one who looked to get on the ball and at times showed his Premier League quality and range of passing at times but we crowded him out and his threat eventually disappeared. Gradel looked dangerous at times but we did well to limit him and there was little threat from anywhere else in the Leeds side. At the back O’Brien and Bromby looked very ponderous and Vokes and Evans gave them a bit of a run-around both on the floor and in the air. Leeds probably lost 9 or 10 individual battles and then to compound it lost their discipline at the end with the sending off and numerous stupid fouls.
Of course it does seem these was a one off performance as they have done really well this season and are still right in the thick of the promotion race. When you look at their team it does surprise me how well they have done this season and Grayson has done a great job to get them up and put them right in the mix this year. You look at their team and yes they have a few decent players like Snodgrass and Howson but no real major stars or what I would call match winners. He simply has them well organised, committed and difficult to beat. They have players from all around the team who can score goals and a nice mixture of height, strength and pace up front in Becchio, Paynter, Sam etc. However, we did not really see any of that today and they were well beaten. It does show the small difference between teams though and how small things like being organised, decent at the back, a good home record and strikers who can take chances; can all contribute to being much higher up.
United – Today was like chalk and cheese compared to the rest of the season. Whilst for the most part we have lacked ability, desire, passion, football and organisation; today we had all of these in spades. It really was a shock how much of a complete performance it was and a case of what might have been and probably too little, too late unfortunately. Certainly if we had played like this or anywhere near this the rest of the season we would be nearer the top than the bottom. You look at how Leeds played and their team and ours and really there should not be such a huge gap in points and positions but sadly today was very much a one off in terms of how we have played the rest of the time. Today as well as the much improved performance and some good individual performances we also did not make any glaring defensive errors and finally converted some chances (although we missed a lot too). It is not an exaggeration to say United could have won the game 4 or 5-0 and it would not have flattered them.
We started the game well and won the midfield battle with a good performance from Montgomery right in the middle of it and also an improved showing from Doyle. Quinn was excellent and seemed to be all over the field as he got on the ball, probed, ran with it and generally made things happen. Up front Bogdanovic showed some nice touches, albeit fleetingly, and Vokes and Evans worked really hard holding the ball up and running the channels. They never gave the defence a moments rest. At the back we won the first ball and defended sensibly with Lowton very impressive at centre back alongside the basic but effective Lowry. Even Nosworthy had a good game as he helped nullify one of the main threats Gradel.
Apart from winning all the loose balls, both first balls and second balls, we actually passed the ball well and there were 6 or 7 superb moves that led to chances. It was not kick and rush and was not just about winning the ‘battle’ and we actually out played and out passed them with some good movement and intelligent play.
We had 3 or 4 half chances and a few really good ones, notable the Bogdanovic sitter which he really should have scored. It was hard to believe we were not winning at half time and the fact we were warmly applauded off at the break for one of the first times this season says a lot. I felt we had let Leeds off the hook but in the second half we actually continued where we left off and finally got the vital goals. Leeds just seemed to give up after this and other than a few half chances the game was seen off really comfortably.
Of course we are still well behind in terms of the other teams at the bottom and with really tough games on the horizon I still cannot see us getting out of it really but if they somehow can replicate this in the remaining games then they may be able to take things to the wire which I did not think was possible a few weeks ago. The two home wins have at least given us a sniff. It is just frustrating that they can play as well as they did today when the rest of the season they have basically not come remotely close to such a performance. If they had played half as good as that at Palace, Scunthorpe and games like Derby at the Lane; they would probably not be in the bottom three. Credit to Adams though as after the debacle last week and heavy underdogs today, he made changes; dropping non performers such as Cresswell and Collins and played a relatively attacking side with almost three strikers up at times. Also, I was a little concerned Lowton was playing at centre back (think he should play but at right back) and Nosworthy at right back but the way they played against their respective opponents completely vindicated his decision and made me eat my words. Even maligned players such as Doyle played really well today. I could not grumble at any player really, the selection and how the team were managed. It was excellent all around and finally the fans saw a really positive, committed and skilful performance where the team did not worry about the opposition but just worried about themselves.
Simonsen 7/10 – Played ok today under fairly little pressure but when he had crosses he took them for the most part. He looked more assured and the defence overall seemed more organised and decisive. He did not have a real save to make of note all game I don’t think. There was only one error I recall when he failed to take one under his bar and Leeds almost scored in a scramble in the box.
Nosworthy 7.5/10 – For all his awkward defending with his strange clearances, bizarre low headers back to the keeper and slices; he actually did really well today. He cleared the ball when he had to, stuck tight to Gradel for the most part and made some good tackles and interceptions. He never looks like he knows what he is doing and has several moments where fans have their hearts in the mouth but he was pretty effective today.
Lowton 8/10 – Excellent today. I was unsure he would be strong enough to play at centre back especially as at times he would be against Becchio but he did really well and won the ball several times in the air. He is quite underrated at heading the ball as he is not that tall. He reads the game well and looks to come out with the ball at his best. Also think he is brave in the tackle and made lots of blocks. He really did play well and whatever position he does settle down to, he has to stay in the team and be seen as one of the players to build around.
Lowry 7/10 – Technically he is very poor and still seems very much ‘alehouse’ in his approach and defending but for the most part we have probably needed this more of the season. He is slow and can be turned but he is very committed and when he goes for challenges and headers he invariably wins it. He made several clearances that may not have gone to a red and white shirt, but were vital in getting the ball clear. He and Lowton actually looked one of the best partnerships we have seen this season; albeit that is not too difficult.
Mattock 6.5/10 – Thought he did ok if not exactly as convincing as some of the other defenders. A few times he let his man have too much room and this led to the headed chance for Gradel and Leeds only real chance of the first half. He has a decent left foot and can strike the ball well from set plays but he is a little slow to react to danger at times and can dither. He got better in the second half and showed one or two good touches going forward too. Not sure he is someone that looks totally assured though.
Doyle 7/10 – His best game for United. He began it by clattering an opponent and was lucky not to be booked and I feared the worst, but he actually won so many loose balls and actually passed it better today; giving it mostly short but helping us keep it. Along with Monty we completely bossed the midfield area of the pitch and the ball seemed to be magnetised to a red and white shirt for most of the game.
Montgomery 8/10 – Like Doyle won most of the battles and seemed to cover so much ground winning loose balls, driving forward and also creating chances today. He made the chance for Bogdanovic and then also was able to make the first goal. He really was inspirational at times and won balls that seemed to be 20-80 or 30-70 not in his favour. He went off around 70 minutes with an injury and hobbled off. Hopefully with the fortnight break he will be ok by the time the next game comes about.
Bogdanovic 7/10 – He did flit in and out of the game but whenever the ball went to him, he inevitably made something happen with a clever flick, touch of ball and Leeds struggled to pick him up as he moved across the line; beginning on the right but never staying in one position. At times he does get muscled off the ball way too easily for someone his size and does look for the free kick way too much but he does have that bit of quality that often leads to good moments for the Blades. I would like to stay him in the side.
Quinn 8/10 – Excellent game from him again and he is playing consistently well at the moment. He got about Leeds, winning loose balls and getting his foot in often. He also used it well and made some clever balls. He ran with the ball and was able to draw defenders and often fouls in the process. He seemed to be always in the action and at times it did seem like he was the one player who always made something happen. The ball for the second goal was cute and incisive and the sort of ball we have seen from a Blades player in recent seasons.
Evans 7/10 – Been in and out of the side in recent times but today he started alongside Vokes (for the first time was it?) and played well in terms of his movement, hold up play and work rate. He won flicks, chest downs and also linked well but more than that was the fact he never stopped. Also showed his deceptive pace with a run in the second half when he had a half chance. I also recall a number of times he chased back and fought for the ball to win back possession.
Vokes 7/10 – Like Evans he was a real nuisance factor and moved across the line well and was able to win headers and flicks all game. He really put a good shift in and for a big guy, showed his mobility and willingness to run the channels. With Henderson back as well we may have some real competition in this area now.
Subs –
Riise – Came on and got involved instantly with a good run and cross. Next moment he was in on goal from Quinn’s clever ball and smartly finished from a difficult angle.
After this he always looked a threat down the right side and showed his quick feet and excellent close control.
Cresswell – Replaced Evans and went down the left side. Had one turn and shot where maybe he ought to have done better maybe but helped us close down the Leeds right hand side.
Yeates - Only played for the final few minutes of stoppage time. First touch was a handball but then he was fouled himself as he ran down the right hand side.
Officials – Referee Jones did fairly well. He did try to let things go for the most part and also tried to keep his cards in his pocket save for the really obvious fouls. I felt that he could have let us play on once or twice when there were fouls down the left side when we had an advantage on both occasion but maybe that is being ultra critical and he did book O’Brien for his indiscretion in one of the fouls. Evans was rightly booked for a high foot up and Schmeichel did really well for him and was very sporting as it was late and dangerous and he could have made a meal of it. This helped make the referees mind up to reach for yellow rather than a red that I feared. The sending off was so far away from me I had no idea what happened but it seemed like Lowry and Paynter clashed off the ball and 2 or 3 United players 
seemed incensed. The linesman certainly saw it as he flagged furiously and the way Paynter trooped off without even much of an appeal suggests it may have been pretty clear cut but of course not seeing the incident I will stand corrected.
Crowd/Atmosphere – Better crowd and the best atmosphere for some time; helped by a large Leeds following that filled all the seats they were allocated (bottom of Bramall Lane lower tier – except for a section cordoned off and then probably two thirds with the corner sectioned off). Leeds fans did not seem to cause any real trouble (I recall 2 or 3 occasions where seats have been ripped out of our away end) and did not see any sign of any Leeds fans in the home ends but of course they did not score so it was hard to tell. They seemed quite subdued and shocked by their team’s really poor performance as they were soundly beaten. In contract, United’s fans got behind the team all game and saw the efforts being put in and some good pieces of play too; this was recognised by the ovations at half and full time. I think most fans seemed shocked at how well we played and then at how easily we won the game in the end but it was good to see a fuller and noisier Bramall Lane which made for a good atmosphere and 3 sides signing ‘The Greasy Chip Butty song’ not long from full time with the result seemingly decided was nice to hear.