Sheffield United 0-1 Leeds: Player Ratings as Patrick Bamford Strikes Late to Claim Yorkshire Derby Spoils

Bamford snatched it at the death.
Bamford snatched it at the death. / ALEX LIVESEY/Getty Images
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Patrick Bamford's late header was enough to see Leeds beat Sheffield United in a tight affair at Bramall Lane as Marcelo Bielsa's side secured a 1-0 win in Sunday's Premier League clash.

The goalkeepers stole the show with some fine saves, but Bamford struck the crucial blow just two minutes from the end to secure Leeds' second win of the season. The Blades, meanwhile, have lost off three of their league matches in 2020/21 and are yet to score a goal.

Here are the player ratings from Sunday's Premier League tie between Leeds and Sheffield United.


Sheffield United Player Ratings

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ampadu made his first Premier League start for United
Ampadu made his first Premier League start for United / MOLLY DARLINGTON/Getty Images

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) - 8/10 - Was called into action on a few occasions and made some fine stops to prevent Leeds taking the lead. Big shoes to fill but doing so well.

Chris Basham (CB) - 7/10 - Solid at the back and adventurous on the ball. Covered Jack Harrison's runs well.

Ethan Ampadu (CB) - 7/10 - A couple of nervy moments but was the most progressive out of defence. Carried the ball with pace to try and put the Blades on the attack.

Jack Robinson (CB) - 6/10 - Struggled to deal with Luke Ayling down his side and gave away a few needless fouls.


2. Wing-Backs & Midfielders

Baldock was the Blades' most threatening player
Baldock was the Blades' most threatening player / Pool/Getty Images

George Baldock (RWB) - 7/10 - United didn't create much on the day but whenever they did carve Leeds open, it was through the endeavour of Baldock. Cut inside with poise.

John Lundstram (CM) - 6/10 - Had a few efforts at goal but should have opened the scoring in the first half when Meslier saved his close range effort.

Sander Berge (CM) - 6/10 - An unassuming member of the midfield who keeps United ticking, Berge showed some good control and neat touches in the centre of the park.

Ben Osborn (CM) - 4/10 - Hasn't been able to match his performances for former side Nottingham Forest. Another uninspiring display.

Enda Stevens (LWB) - 6/10 - Was given more defensive duties than usual, but much of that is due to Leeds' high pressing.


3. Forwards

McGoldrick was his usual battling self
McGoldrick was his usual battling self / OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Oliver Burke (ST) - 6/10 - Plays with lots of energy and makes some smart runs forward, just lacked the final touch and control in key moments.

David McGoldrick (ST) - 6/10 - Gets himself about and was allowed the freedom to drift into spaces where he could link play. Always a handful for defenders.


4. Substitutes

Oliver Norwood - 6/10

Billy Sharp - 5/10

Oli McBurnie - 7/10


Leeds United Player Ratings

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Meslier pulled off some fine stops
Meslier pulled off some fine stops / MOLLY DARLINGTON/Getty Images

Illan Meslier (GK) - 9/10 - Stunned all watching on, including John Lundstram, with a magnificent first half save, but in general was commanding of his box. Very strong hands considering his slight frame.

Luke Ayling (RB) - 7/10 - Industrious as ever with some marauding runs that caused all sorts of problems down United's left side.

Robin Koch (CB) - 6/10 - Was the target for Sheffield United, having been identified as the weak link. Felt the pressure at times.

Liam Cooper (CB) - 6/10 - Didn't do much wrong and kept McGoldrick at bay for large spells. Some key blocks, too.

Stuart Dallas (LB) - 7/10 - Seemed set to score when he rounded the keeper in the second half but scuffed his effort. Solid otherwise.


6. Midfielders

Phillips was solid without being outstanding
Phillips was solid without being outstanding / Pool/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips (CM) - 6/10 - Not at his Pirlo-esque best with a few wayward passes, but was nevertheless a welcome shield in front of the back four.

Mateusz Klich (CM) - 7/10 - So important for Leeds in transition, Klich's endless running sets the tone. Was everywhere.

Tyler Roberts (AM) - 6/10 - Full of running down the channels and in pressing, but was subbed off for Rodrigo to add some flair.


7. Forwards

Bamford drew blank
Bamford drew blank / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Helder Costa (RW) - 5/10 - Starting out on the right side, he was barely in the game during the first half. Switched flanks a few times to get involved more but didn't have the desired impact.

Patrick Bamford (ST) - 7/10 - Should have done better with a first half header, but made amends in the dying seconds with a well-taken finish.

Jack Harrison (LW) - 6/10 - His pace was a constant menace for the United backline and his delivery for the winning goal was quite superb.


8. Substitutes

Rodrigo - 6/10

Ian Poveda - 7/10

Ezgjan Alioski - N/A