Leeds United produced a remarkable late comeback for the second week running to win at second-placed Sheffield United and move five points clear at the top of the Championship.
The hosts took the lead in the first half when Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier palmed the ball into his own net after tipping Callum O’Hare’s header on to the bar and then seeing Tyrese Campbell’s follow-up hit the post.
The Whites improved after the break and deservedly levelled when Junior Firpo’s thumping header from Dan James’ cross flew past Michael Cooper in the home goal.
Ao Tanaka then headed Leeds into the lead in the 89th minute after Firpo had flicked on a corner, and with the Blades still stunned Joel Piroe thumped home a superb third from 20 yards moments later.
Leeds, who also came back from a goal down late on at home to Sunderland last week, are now unbeaten in 16 Championship games and seven points clear of third-placed Burnley.
This chastening defeat means Sheffield United remain two points ahead of the Clarets as their own run of four successive wins comes to an end.
With manager Daniel Farke in the stands serving a one-match ban for being booked for the third time this season amid the celebrations of his side’s winner against the Black Cats last week and skipper Ethan Ampadu out with a knee injury, the away side made a very uncertain start.
Meslier nearly turned the ball into his own goal from a Sydie Peck corner and was caught under a long throw in the opening 10 minutes.
The Frenchman then made a super save from O’Hare’s deft header after Ben Brereton Diaz’s cross, but his luck quickly turned as he knocked the loose ball into the corner of his net after Campbell headed the rebound against the post.
Leeds twice got in behind the home defence in the closing minutes of the first half, but both times Manor Solomon was unable to take advantage.
Meslier made a good stop to keep Campbell out at the start of the second half and left-back Firpo then missed a good chance when he miscued a header from Tanaka’s cross.
The Dominican made no such mistake a few minutes later, powering home an excellent header from James’ cross to spark pandemonium in the away end.
Vini Souza drew a save from Meslier as the Blades looked to retake their lead in both the game and the title race, before substitute Willy Gnonto forced a smart save from Cooper from 18 yards.
The reprieve was brief for the home side.
Tanaka headed in at the back post from the subsequent corner and in the blink of an eye it was 3-1, Leeds top scorer Piroe collecting James’ pass from the right before hammering a beauty into the top corner from 20 yards.
Both managers spoke before and after the game about how this match would not be defining in the promotion race, but it is hard to see past Farke’s side taking the title now after two victories in which they showed the mentality and quality of champions.
Leeds, who have not lost in the Championship since 30 November, welcome play-off-chasing West Bromwich Albion on Saturday (12:30 GMT), while Sheffield United must pick themselves up for a trip to Queens Park Rangers (15:00) on the same day.
Reaction: Farke proud after ‘worst possible start’
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
“It was a tight game. Congratulations to Daniel [Farke] – they’re a top side and put in a great performance.
“We started well. We wanted to make it difficult for them, which we did, and we lost a bit of control at the back-end of the first half.
“They’re top for a reason and we said at half-time we might have to suffer a little bit.
“They were chucking people forward and maybe we could have done better, but to find a left-back in the middle of the goal and him to score how he did…
“I think we’d have all shook hands on a draw at 89 minutes, so to concede the second from a set-piece was disappointing.”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke:
“I’m proud of the boys – this is one of the toughest places you can go, and it was the worst possible start.
“The reaction the boys showed was outstanding. We were able to find not just another gear but another two or three.
“It was a tight win but a deserved one. It was a really good night for us and a priceless three points.
“Each and every point brings us closer to where we want to finish, but you have to keep going.
“We were seven points clear of third before this round of matches and we are seven points clear now. In this league the momentum can change quickly and you can need some luck.”
