Sheffield United 2 Leeds United 1: Another case of new coach, same old story - YEP jury

By The Newsroom
Published 12th Feb 2018, 07:12 BST
Updated 12th Feb 2018, 07:20 BST
Leeds United's Pontus Jansson sees his first half header saved by Sheffield United's Jamal Blackman.Leeds United's Pontus Jansson sees his first half header saved by Sheffield United's Jamal Blackman.
Leeds United's Pontus Jansson sees his first half header saved by Sheffield United's Jamal Blackman.
Our YEP Jury have their say on Leeds United's 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United.

MATTHEW EVANS

Paul Heckingbottom’s tenure began with a defeat at Bramall Lane but that doesn’t really mean anything, we always lose at Bramall Lane.

If Sheffield United could summon the energy used in the two fixtures against Leeds this season on a more consistent basis, they would be top of the league.

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Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.

Similarly, Billy Sharp is another like Steve Morison who seems to be able to find far more motivation in playing against Leeds than he ever did for us. Even allowing for all that, we could and perhaps should, have got something out of our meetings with Sheffield United this season.

Saturday was a more even game than the Elland Road match in October and nobody could have complained about a draw. Leeds United’s inability to get going in the first half, a great save from Jamal Blackman and a moment of stupidity from Eunan O’Kane were our undoing. On the positive side, Heckingbottom’s substitutions and tactics late in the game were far more attacking and, we went down fighting. Pablo Hernandez’s introduction changed our game for the better and he must start next week.

Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.

KEITH INGHAM

Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga celebrates his goal at Bramall Lane.

Paul Heckingbottom’s first game as head coach ended in a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, it will take more than a few days training to turn the situation around at Leeds, even Yorkshire magician ‘Dynamo’ would struggle to put things right on the field right now!

Leeds didn’t do themselves any favours and went behind again to an incredible ‘scissor kick’ by ex-Leeds striker Billy Sharp (I knew he’d score!).

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Leeds were level within two minutes of the restart, Pablo Hernandez got around the Blades defence and his cross was superbly headed past Jamal Blackman by Pierre-Michel Lasogga. The winner came from the penalty spot, Eunan O’Kane tried to pull out of a challenge on John Fleck in the penalty area but the Sheffield man went sprawling. Sharp netted the resultant penalty.

Like a lot of games, Leeds only got going when behind and although the second half was better Heckingbottom must get them to put in a 90-minute performance before too long or Leeds’ slide down the Championship will continue.

Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.