Sheffield United 0-1 Leeds United: Pablo Hernandez capitalises on Dean Henderson error

Pablo HernandezImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Pablo Hernandez (front) has scored seven goals this season

Pablo Hernandez capitalised on a dreadful defensive error from Sheffield United to give Leeds United all three points in the Yorkshire derby and briefly send them top of the Championship.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson had to chase John Egan's overhit backpass to avoid conceding a corner but then miscued his pass out of defence straight to Leeds winger Jack Clarke, who squared for Hernandez to tap in a crucial late winner.

There was still time for the hosts to hit the woodwork when Conor Washington teed himself up for an overhead kick only to see his acrobatic effort come back off the Leeds crossbar in stoppage time.

Before the late drama, home striker Billy Sharp headed over a fine chance and visiting forward Kemar Roofe saw a header flash by Henderson's upright.

Marcelo Bielsa's side were knocked back off top spot after Norwich beat Rotherham 3-1 later on Saturday.

Leeds were forced into an early change when captain Liam Cooper was forced off with a knee injury inside the opening 25 minutes and it was his replacement, Aapo Halme, who had the visitors' best chance in the opening half, Henderson getting down well to save the Finn's deflected shot.

Sheffield United targeted young Leeds keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell with testing crosses into the box throughout and should have had their reward when Sharp headed over from David McGoldrick's fine centre.

Peacock-Farrell did well to block McGoldrick's shot after they had conceded possession close to their own goal and it proved to be a similarly self-inflicted error that gave the Elland Road side a first victory at Bramall Lane since 1992.

They host QPR next Saturday, while fifth-placed Sheffield United travel to struggling Reading.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:

"I thought it was a really good game. Credit to them in their approach. From the start of the season, it's been positive.

"There was no way they were going to come and sit back. I thought it was a similar approach from our point of view as well and maybe decided by a bit of magic, taking a chance or a mistake and unfortunately for us it's the final one.

"We've made a big mistake and we have to accept that. Dean [Henderson] is a big boy and he'll get on with it. I'm not going to rub his head for him. It's part and parcel of being a professional footballer and especially a goalkeeper."

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa:

"The opponents dominated at the beginning of the game and at the end of the game, but between these two moments, without being excellent, we did an interesting performance.

"It is not convenient to make comparisons with other teams at this moment in the season. What I can say is that we played against a serious opponent.

"It was hard for us to find a solution to the project of play from Sheffield United. I'm always happy when I win and if this result puts us at the top of the table, even better."

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