Premier League – Patrick Bamford’s final header gives Leeds United victory at Sheffield United

Patrick Bamford’s header in the 88th minute ensured Leeds United a beautiful victory over Yorkshire rival Sheffield United.

Leeds had 20-year-old goalkeeper Illan Meslier to thank for two great saves in the first half that kept Sheffield United at bay.

The hosts, who have yet to score or register a point this season, turned down some good opportunities and were punished just as the game seemed to be coming to a standstill.

The impressive Jack Harrison threw a good cross from the left that begged to be headed, a forced Bamford with a looped header, for his third in three games.

It was always difficult for Sheffield United to improve from last season, but they started this campaign with three consecutive defeats and have yet to score a goal. These are troubling times for Chris Wilder’s side, although there was also reason to believe they were a bit unlucky.

While Oliver Burke and David McGoldrick produced some decent moments, the hosts seemed more of a threat of attack when Billy Sharpe and Oliver McBurnie appeared. Wilder would do well to change his attack line for his next game, a trip to Arsenal next Sunday.

Another day, the Blades could have walked away with a point or even victory. But Illan Meslier made sure that was not the case.

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier put on a sensational display, denying Sheffield Utd with two world-class saves in the second half. Lundstram’s first was absolutely world-class, pulling out a strong right arm to make the save from close range when the Swede seemed destined to open the scoring. The second was a safe reaction from Baldock, whose thunderous attack was hit with such power that it seemed destined for the back of the net too, but Meslier somehow kept it out.

Meslier is just 20 years old, signed this year for Leeds from French club Lorient after a successful loan period last season. Its acquisition already seems cunning.

SHEFFIELD UNITED XI: Ramsdale 8; Baldock 7, Basham 6, Ampadu 7, Robinson 5, Stevens 6; Lundstram 6, Berge 5, Osborn 5; Burke 6, McGoldrick 5. SUBS: Sharp 6, McBurnie 6, Norwood 6

LEEDS UNITED XI: Meslier 9; Ayling 8, Koch 8, Cooper 8, Dallas 8; Phillips 7; Costa 6, Roberts 5, Klich 7, Harrison 8; Bamford 7. SUBS: Poveda 7, Rodrigo 6.

30 ‘ What except Meslier! Incredible save by the Leeds goalkeeper when Osborn shoots a low cross from the left to Lundstram, who looked sure to score, but Meslier makes a fantastic low save to his right. Lundstram did everything right with his shot, just an impressive save.

38 ‘ Great Ramsdale save! Dallas steps forward and scoops the ball into the top corner, but Ramsdale lunges to his right to keep it out. Another good save in this game.

40 ‘ Baldock’s powerful momentum is negated by another magnificent save from Meslier. What a performance from the 20-year-old Leeds goalkeeper.

81 ‘ What a mistake by Robinson! Sheffield United should have the upper hand as the corner comes in from the right, missing everyone except Robinson emerging from a body scrum but can only throw it from two yards.

88 ‘GOAL! Sheffield Utd 0-1 Leeds – Bamford scores! He is surely a late winner from Leeds here. Harrison produces a fantastic cross from the left and Bamford beats Ramsdale with a looping header.