Illan Meslier
Meslier #Meslier
Sheffield United – Leeds United: Patrick Bamford’s late goal gave Leeds an entertaining 1-0 win over Sheffield United in a day dominated by strong goalkeeping at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
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Leeds moves to 2W-1L on the season and keeps its first clean sheet after allowing seven goals through two matches.
Blades are now 0-3 and have not scored a goal.
3 things we learned: Sheffield United – Leeds United
1. (Mostly) Stymied! Leeds has been involved in two 7-goal thrillers and Blades were without two longtime starters at center back, so goals were on the menu. What was served? Enticing, small plates. The football was good but the finishing not there for most of the affair.
2. Bamford perseveres: Chance after chance came for Bamford, who looped a header over the goal and saw another good effort saved by Ramsdale before he pounded a header inside the far post with mere minutes to play.
3. Ramsdale shines: Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was just okay last season with Bournemouth so it was a bit surprising to see the price tag attached to him. He looked the part on Sunday, making six saves including two inside of the box and would’ve been Man of the Match had Bamford not won their day-long duel.
WHAT A SAVE!
That was definitely going to be 1-nil to Sheffield, but Meslier was up to the task. #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/CeFSZe3zmP
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 27, 2020
Man of the Match
Bamford
Sheffield United – Leeds United recap
Leeds was bright and ready, a dynamic long pass to Jack Harrison undone by a rough touch and Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale making a save on an advanced Luke Ayling.
At the other end, John Lundstram hit a shot wide in the sixth minute to signal intent from the hosts.
Illan Meslier made a terrific save in the 29th when David McGoldrick’s cute flick to Lundstram was saved in the heart of the six.
Ramsdale made a good save on Stuart Dallas eight minutes later, both teams finding openings to shoot.
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Bamford popped a header over the goal in the first half and challenged Ramsdale to win a corner in the 56th minute.
Basham cleared a Stuart Dallas chance off the line five minutes later, the opportunities certainly real and dangerous.
Bamford found his winner in the 88th, Leeds grabbing a second win on the season off a cross from ex-NYCFC man Jack Harrison.
Follow @NicholasMendola