“Leeds won because of him, he was a complete disaster to our defensive midfield, else we could have truly win”- Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder names Leeds United ‘Premier League player’ behind comeback win
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder gave a candid assessment following his team’s defeat to Leeds United, acknowledging the crucial role of their Premier League-level players in securing the comeback victory.
The Blades took the lead in the 14th minute after an own goal by Illan Meslier and dominated much of the first half.
However, Leeds responded with an equalizer from Junior Firpo midway through the second half, and late goals from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe sealed the win for the visitors.
Wilder felt his team had delivered a solid performance but admitted they fell short. “We started well, made things difficult for them, and deserved our lead,” he said. “But towards the end of the first half, we lost control.”
The Sheffield United boss was frustrated by how his team conceded. “It was a close match,” Wilder reflected. “Credit to Dan and Leeds—they’re a top team for a reason, with quality players. We knew at halftime we might have to withstand some pressure. In the second half, they came at us, and we struggled to hold them off.”
Wilder was particularly upset by the manner in which his team conceded the goals. “The equalizer was frustrating—we could have done better to prevent the cross or defend Firpo’s header. To see a left-back score centrally like that shows their ability to find key moments. Conceding the second from a set-piece was especially disappointing.”
Leeds’ top-tier talent proved decisive in key moments—Dan James played the vital pass, which Firpo finished. “Struijk, James, and Firpo are all Premier League-level players, and they stepped up when it counted.”
Looking ahead, Wilder emphasized that there is still plenty to play for. “There’s a long way to go. As Dan said, 12 or 13 games remain, and anything can happen. Leeds have put themselves in a strong position, and credit to them for that.”
He concluded with a message of resilience. “We have to take this result on the chin and move forward. There are plenty of points still up for grabs, and our focus now is on bouncing back.”
