Pascal Struijk declares 'higher' Leeds United view with Sheffield United and Sunderland assessment
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Pascal Struijk has declared a 'higher' Leeds United view with a beaming verdict of Friday night’s win against Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder’s Blades lined up at Elland Road as the Championship’s last remaining unbeaten team but goals from Struijk and Mateo Joseph subjected the visitors to a 2-0 defeat as Leeds moved second before the weekend’s remaining games.
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Hide AdSheffield United arrived at LS11 having won five of their last six - all of which had yielded clean sheets - but the Blades were comprehensively swept aside and failed to offer a shot on target.
Speaking to post match media, Struijk praised the collective effort of his team’s defensive work and declared that confidence could only go higher after such an impressive victory against the Blades.
Struijk highlighted the Sheffield outfit’s achievements so far this season - but was also keen to stress that his own side’s display in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland before the international break should not be overlooked despite a bitter conclusion.
The Whites appeared destined for a 2-1 win at leaders Sunderland until a huge error from Illan Meslier gifted the Black Cats a point in second half stoppage time.
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Hide AdLeeds, though, resumed winning ways impressively against the Blades - and Struijk hopes the only way is up.
Asked what the victory could do for confidence, Struijk declared: “The confidence with us in the group is already high. An unfortunate goal before the international break shouldn't really change what we did in the game there.
"We played really good football. We're solid as a team defensively so especially if we win these games, especially a local derby like this, then confidence can only go higher."
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Hide AdPressed on whether there were any nerves in facing the previously unbeaten Blades, Struijk admitted: “Six clean sheets, five wins and one draw, I think it speaks for itself. They are a really good side.
"The chances that usually they would create normally like sometimes on the counter attack they will be really sharp, we were really good today. Our counter press was top and as well working as a team as a whole.
"We really work very hard defensively and that means everybody, it starts from the front, all the way to the back so I have to give the team a lot of credit for this. We work hard. We knew that they were going to be solid as well, but if we don't give away chances it's hard to concede goals."
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