Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa continue to entertain
Saturday afternoon saw an automatic promotion clash in the Championship as second-placed Leeds United faced third-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at Elland Road.
There’s a lot of football to be played until the end of the season, but the game represented an enormous opportunity for either team to claim a massive psychological advantage over the other.
In the end, the Blades won out thanks to a Chris Basham goal in the 71st minute, putting themselves one place and one point ahead of Leeds, in second place in the Championship table.
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been sent off in their crucial game against Sheffield United! 🔴
With all of their substitutions used up, centre-back Pontus Jansson is going in goal! 👐 pic.twitter.com/KijYDoAy8n
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 16, 2019
But as big a win as it was for Sheffield United, the real drama came at the end and in the form of Leeds’ Swedish defender Pontus Jansson.
With the home side 1-0 down late in the game, Jansson was pushed forward in the hope of causing a bit of chaos in the visitors’ penalty box, and he very nearly did.
With five minutes to go in the 90 minutes, Jansson got on the end of a cracking low ball from Jack Clarke and, with the goal at his mercy, put the ball inches wide.
85’ Jansson has a great chance to equalise. Clarke puts in a great low ball and the defender strikes inches wide. 0-1 pic.twitter.com/JUc555RaXT
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 16, 2019
All entertaining enough, but then it took a further turn as Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Castilla – miles outside of his box – took down Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp as he looked to round him and go clean through on goal.
Castilla was rightfully given a straight red card and eventually left the pitch, leaving Jansson – who we must add was hobbling massively at this point – with the unenviable task of completing his evening between the sticks.
90’ Casilla is sent off after bringing Billy Sharp down just outside the box. Pontus Jansson goes in net. 0-1 pic.twitter.com/86qeetpegS
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 16, 2019
So, Leeds may not have won this match, but their fans at least have an interesting story to tell when they get home from Elland Road this afternoon. Swings and roundabouts.
