Sheffield United overcame Sunderland in a pulsating clash at Bramall Lane on Friday night to go top of the Championship.
A late Tom Davies strike secured all three points for The Blades.
Visitors Miss First Half Chances
It was Sunderland who had the better of the opening exchanges and they will be disappointed to have not found the net.
After a scramble in the United box that saw Jobe Bellingham have his shot blocked and Tom Watson fire over, the Mackems were awarded a penalty when Watson was bundled over by Jack Robinson.
An excellent move involving Bellingham and a lovely flick from Wilson Isidor set Watson on his way into the box and Robinson was left with no option and was booked for his troubles.
Patrick Roberts stepped up only to see his spot kick saved by the highly impressive Michael Cooper in the home goal sending the Bramall Lane crowd wild.
Sunderland continued to press their hosts and Watson’s low cross from the left again required Cooper’s intervention, with the keeper kicking the ball away from the advancing Isidor.
Regis Le Bris then saw his side go down to ten men as Chris Mepham was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Tyrese Campbell. The decision was perhaps a little harsh as Mepham appeared to make a genuine attempt to win the ball.
Just five minutes later, Harry Souttar gave referee Gavin Ward the chance to even things up when he tugged back Isidor on the halfway line as the striker turned and looked to drive forward. It was a poor decision from the centre-back who was already on a card.
Late Drama At The Lane
With both teams playing with ten men, it was the Blades who looked to take advantage and find that vital strike.
Harrison Burrows saw a shot deflected wide before Vinicius Souza tested Anthony Patterson from distance. United collected the loose ball and a neat interchange between Sydie Peck and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi saw the latter have his shot smartly saved at close range.
Then came the breakthrough and a goal that could be huge in the hunt for automatic promotion. Davies looked to set Peck free into the box but the ball found its way back to the former Everton midfielder. By a combination of quick feet and determination, he was presented with a shooting opportunity at the corner of the six-yard box.
Davies’ low shot appeared to go through Patterson and nestled in the back of the net, raising the Bramall Lane roof. The Blades held on to secure a massive three points.
Writers View
What a win for the Blades and what an exciting contest this was. They may not stay top for long but the three points hand the pressure back to Leeds United ahead of their trip to Blackburn Rovers.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
