Credit: Imago

Zak Anderton

Tue 25 February 2025 20:40, UK Updated Thu 27 February 2025 15:11, UK

Adam Pope and Jon Newsome both shared their reactions after a “scary” moment from Leeds United almost allowed Sheffield United to take the lead in the first 10 minutes of the game.

In the end, it was Leeds who left Bramall Lane victorious thanks to a quickfire double from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe in the dying embers that sent the Whites 3-1 up as the final whistle blew.

Daniel Farke’s men are now five points clear at the top of the Championship table and seem to have one hand on the title already.

Although the game ended in Leeds’ favour, it didn’t come without its moments of worry for the West Yorkshire outfit with Pope and Newsome reacting instantly to an error from Illan Meslier.

Meslier left Leeds fans worried at the start of their game v Sheffield United

One of the key areas that Leeds need to look towards strengthening in the summer transfer window is that of their ‘keeper.

While Meslier was in fine form last season and managed to earn himself the most clean sheets in the Championship, the 2024/25 campaign has been quite the opposite.

The Frenchman has made multiple blunders this term against teams such as Sunderland, Hull and Preston, each of which have likely cost the Whites some valuable points.

And, his butter fingers showed up once again at the start of their game against the Blades in a moment that was dubbed “scary” by Pope.

Callum O’Hare played a looping ball into the centre of the box and instead of standing strong as a commanding presence, Meslier chose to try and punch the ball but completely missed it.

And, without Junior Firpo getting his head on the ball and clearing it off the line, the Blades would have had their opener inside the first 10 minutes.

“Scary moment that Jon,” Pope said while live on BBC Radio Leeds (24 February).

To which Newsome replied: “It was, but I think he’s performed pretty well has Meslier since the debacle at Hull.

“Don’t get it wrong, Chris Wilder and his team of analysts will have looked at it and it’s quite obvious [pull on his shoulder].

“Meslier is just having a word with the referee saying somebody got a hold of my shoulder but you can see that people are in and around him.”

Leeds should be preparing for Premier League life

Now that the West Yorkshire outfit have managed to beat their Yorkshire rivals, it feels like they have a clear run towards the Championship title.

The Whites’ main goal since the season kicked off was to earn promotion back to the Premier League and thanks to things such as their summer recruitment as well as their keen eye for goal, Leeds are well on their way to winning the title.

Indeed, they could do with strengthening their ranks somewhat in the upcoming transfer window but Farke certainly has a more than solid base to build upon to try and stay in the league.

Only time will tell what the future holds but for now, things seem to be going swimmingly in LS11.