The Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer Graham Smyth caught the attention of a lot of Leeds United fans after he posted a tweet that included the link to an article sharing Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder’s post-match comments following his side’s 1-0 loss to the Whites at Bramall Lane this past Sunday.
As per the Yorkshire Evening Post, after stating that this was a “very even” game, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa declared that he believes his side’s 1-0 win over the Blades was a “just” result.
The same outlet published another article that includes Wilder’s post-match comments and the Blades boss was not in agreement with Bielsa as he stated that he doesn’t think Leeds deserved to take all three points from this contest, explaining that he believes the Blades had “the better chances”.
After Smyth relayed this article including Wilder’s post-match comments via a tweet, plenty of Leeds supporters flocked to his post to share their thoughts on the Blades boss’ opinion.
Chris Wilder saw it differently to Marcelo Bielsa. Felt his Sheffield United deserved to win on the basis of the 'better chances.'https://t.co/hF1i5Behq0#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) September 27, 2020
Plenty of Leeds fans shared that they disagree with Wilder’s comments, indicating that they do think his side deserved all three points in this one.
One supporter compared Wilder to Chelsea manager Frank Lampard after the comments emerged, with the Englishman having been claimed to have had excuses made about him last season (per talkSPORT).
I think there’s a difference between having chances to win the game and deserving to win the game. Sheff Utd had 3 really good chances but on the balance of play I think Leeds deserved it. 1st half was very even but we had the better of the 2nd half.
— Shaun (@ShaunPK92) September 27, 2020
Wilder , fast becoming the new Lampard
— peterherrick (@leedsboy56) September 27, 2020
A deluded fool is a fool nonetheless
— LUFC (@BgLufc) September 27, 2020
They were dominated on the ball, we had a higher number of chances, more passes, higher accuracy, more corners oh and we actually scored….. Yeah they had 2 big chances but come on will wilder? #lufc
— corbywhite (@gandalflufc) September 27, 2020
Well, he’s wrong isn’t he?
— FunDisney (@FunDisney3) September 27, 2020
Some Whites supporters pointed to the match stats from this game to justify their belief that Leeds deserved this win.
We can all have opinions, but statistics show otherwise, Mr.Wilder. ?? pic.twitter.com/MYNaXC7B36
— Martin McC Marching On Together (@martin1715) September 28, 2020
“I didn’t think Ramsdale had that much to do” ??? our keeper made 2 world class saves that kept us in it, but let’s not pretend Ramsdale wasn’t busy. pic.twitter.com/6OCIQDL13n
— Matt 5tandish ? (@5tandish) September 27, 2020
Meanwhile, other Leeds fans criticised the Sheffield United manager in response to these comments.
I used to admire his achievements but he’s become an excuse merchant and consistently lacks class
— Andrew Burke (@andrewMOT) September 27, 2020
‘Better chances’ Doesn’t Chris Wilder know that you have to take your chances and score a goal!
— Yvonne Fletcher ???? (@YorkyYvonne) September 27, 2020
However, some Whites supporters shared that they think Wilder may have a point.
He has a point tho, they had got the better clear cut chances but didn’t take them, and mainly due to the heroic performance from Meslier too!
— Phily Byrne (@phily243) September 27, 2020
He does have point. Leeds dominated the ball. Yes Bamford scores and Dallas should but Sheffield Utd should have scored 3. 2 great saves by Mesiler
— Craig Hewitt (@cjlufc) September 27, 2020
Did Leeds deserve to beat Sheffield United?
YES
NO
So, judging by these Leeds fans’ tweets, while some seemed to think that Wilder is not entirely wrong in his opinion, it seems as though the majority of the club’s supporters disagree with Wilder’s comments.
As per Understat, Sheffield United generated 1.53 xG (expected goals) in Sunday’s match, which was slightly higher than Leeds’ xG of 1.47, so this may back up Wilder’s point that the Blades had the better chances, albeit by a fine margin.
However, they ultimately failed to convert those chances, so, we feel it’s understandable why some Leeds fans would disagree with his claim that the Whites didn’t deserve to take three points from this fixture.