BRAMALL LANE — Say what you like about Patrick Bamford, and many have throughout his chequered career, but the striker’s scintillating start to the season says a lot more.
Bamford’s late winning goal in this exhilaratingly high-tempo Yorkshire derby made it two wins out of three for Leeds United since they returned to the big time after a 16-year absence.
With just two minutes remaining, Bamford connected with Jack Harrison’s deep left-wing cross and planted a deft header past Aaron Ramsdale.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side could certainly not be described as unworthy winners, such was the relentless energy and tenacity with which they attacked Sheffield United in the second half.
Blades boss Chris Wilder argued with Bielsa’s assertion that Leeds deserved all three points, claiming his side created the better chances overall.
But Leeds, indebted to an outstanding display from rookie French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, are making themselves at home in the Premier League.
That it was Bamford who should deliver the crucial killer blow felt about right.
The 27-year-old’s career was nomadic before he arrived at Elland Road, shortly after Bielsa’s appointment, in the summer of 2018.
He was signed by Chelsea as a teenager but failed to make the breakthrough and had numerous spells on loan.
Bamford had the talent but did he have the desire?
Significantly, in 27 previous appearances in the top flight, with Crystal Palace, Norwich, Burnley and Middlesbrough, Bamford had scored only once.
He now has three in as many games for Leeds at this level and is thriving. Call it the Bielsa effect.
The Argentinian has poured confidence into the articulate, piano-playing frontman and his faith is being rewarded in spades.
Bamford is crucial to Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1 gameplan and, while he has been derided by his own supporters at times for missing chances, he is currently proving deadly.
Until Bamford’s late intervention, the game’s outstanding performers were Leeds duo Meslier and Stuart Dallas.
Bielsa deployed a back three of captain Liam Cooper on his 200th appearance for the club, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch, with Dallas a ubiquitous presence between midfield and defence.
The Northern Ireland international, affectionately known as the ‘Cookstown Cafu’ in his homeland of County Tyrone, was all things to Leeds in the first top-flight meeting of these Yorkshire rivals since 1994.
Dallas is another player who Bielsa has improved immeasurably but the Ulsterman was almost upstaged by Meslier, who underlined his rich promise.
Early save of the season contender from Leeds United's Illan Meslier???? #LUFC
— Evan Bartlett (@ev_bartlett) September 27, 2020
In the 29th minute, he produced a stunning right-handed save to keep out John Lundstram’s low shot and then five minutes before the break he repelled George Baldock’s vicious strike.
Sandwiched in between was a fine save by Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to tip over Dallas’ rising 20-yard effort.
Bielsa withdrew the ineffectual Tyler Roberts at half-time and replaced him with £27m club-record signing Rodrigo.
The Spain forward produced some neat touches and Leeds grew as an attacking force as the game wore on.
Two minutes after the restart, Helder Costa had a shot saved by Ramsdale and then Bamford had a right-foot strike turned away by the Blades goalkeeper.
At the other end, Meslier kept out Enda Stevens’ low strike and United substitute Oli McBurnie and Jack Robinson went close from a corner.
But in the 88th minute, Rodrigo found Harrison out wide on the left flank and his delivery was duly dispatched by Bamford’s downward header.
Cue delirium on the Leeds bench. Bielsa’s coaching staff leapt in the air and celebrated like wild men.
Bielsa himself, typically, refused to partake and look non-plussed as Leeds, united, held on in five minutes of added time.
After conceding seven goals in their opening two games, this was a very pleasing day’s work for Bielsa, his players and Bamford in particular.
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