Six interceptions, 12 duels won: Blades ace Chris Basham was awesome in weekend win

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Sheffield United won 2-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Sheffield United defender Chris Basham put in arguably his best performance of the season as he contributed greatly to his side’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United at Bramall Lane.

The Blades managed to get their playoff bid back on track and put a huge dent in Leeds’ promotion aspirations as they took all three points in a pulsating encounter between the Yorkshire sides.

Former Leeds man Billy Sharp was the hero for the hosts, netting his 200^th league of his career in the first half before firing in the winner from the penalty spot late on after John Fleck was tripped by Eunan O’Kane.

Sharp will no doubt grab all the plaudits for his two goals, yet it was his teammate Basham who was the unsung hero for the hosts as he put on a defensive masterclass to keep the Whites at bay.

As shown by the table provided by Opta Stats, the 29-year-old utility player put his body on the line when it mattered and lead by example on his 30^th Championship start of the campaign.

Basham recorded an impressive three ball recoveries, four tackles, five aerial duels won, six effective clearances, six interceptions and a whopping 12 duels won as he delighted the home crowd.

Leeds may be out of form, yet the Blades had to be wary of the much-anticipated new manager bounce following the arrival of Paul Heckinbottom from fellow Yorkshire side Barnsley.

United came under pressure during the second period as Leeds looked to build up a head of steam, but Basham and co stood firm and they were rewarded with all three points following Sharp’s winner from the spot.