Leeds United struck three times in the final 20 minutes to leave Sheffield United reeling at Bramall Lane

Leeds United delivered a devastating late blow to Sheffield United’s promotion hopes, scoring three goals in the final 18 minutes to secure a dramatic 3-1 victory at Bramall Lane. The result pushes Leeds five points clear at the top of the Championship and extends their unbeaten run to 16 matches.

The home side took the lead in bizarre fashion in the first half. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, under pressure from a Callum O’Hare header, tipped the ball onto the bar, only to watch in horror as it rebounded off the woodwork and then the post before finally bouncing into the net off his own hand. It was a gift for Sheffield United, who went into the break 1-0 up and seemingly in control.

But Leeds, as they proved against Sunderland last week, are never out of a game. The visitors dominated after the restart and found their equaliser in the 72nd minute. Dan James delivered a pinpoint cross, and Junior Firpo rose highest to power a header past Michael Cooper, silencing the Bramall Lane crowd.

The pressure continued to mount, and Sheffield United finally cracked in the dying minutes. Firpo turned provider in the 89th minute, flicking on a corner that found Ao Tanaka, who nodded Leeds into the lead. As the home side reeled, Leeds delivered the knockout punch just a minute later. Joel Piroe latched onto a pass from James and unleashed a stunning strike from 20 yards, leaving Cooper helpless and sealing an emphatic comeback.

The result was a hammer blow to Sheffield United, which had won its last four games and was eyeing automatic promotion. Instead, they remain just two points ahead of third-placed Burnley, with the race for Premier League football tighter than ever.

Leeds, meanwhile, continue their relentless march towards the top flight. This latest late show underlines their resilience, and with momentum firmly on their side, they look unstoppable in the Championship title race.