EGAN HEADS FOR EUROPE
CHRIS WILDER danced down the touchline to celebrate John Egan’s injury-time winner and Sheffield United’s revived European hopes.
With just 23 seconds to go the defender headed home to keep alive the Blades’ dream and dent Wolves’ ambitions of catching Manchester United in fifth place and possibly being in the Champions League next season.
There had not been an effort on target in a jaded, dire second half until Egan’s shock finale. Ben Osborn’s shot was tipped around a post by Rui Patricio and Egan’s towering header from the resulting Ollie Norwood corner was full of the desire and power that has driven on his team this season.
Wilder (right, with Egan) had spent the match bellowing instructions, immersed in the stalemate, but jigged with delight for 30 yards when the goal came.
It was a sickener for Nuno Espirito Santo. Wolves had been the more comfortable and inventive, and deserved better.
This could have been a midwinter game, rain pouring down on a nippy Bramall Lane. Soaked players took iced-drinks breaks in the cold when hot chocolate might have been more appropriate.
They failed to find a spark, or force keepers Patricio and Dean Henderson into meaningful saves until the three minutes of added time was almost up.
There was some probing around both penalty areas but the energy and precision needed for a breakthrough was lacking.
Adama Traore threatened down the right and created a chance for Raul Jimenez. The speedy winger was the major danger and also teed up Diogo Jota, whose header almost looped over Henderson.
Jota led a charge through the middle and was fouled by Jack
43%
57%
O’connell. Ruben Neves conjured up a brilliant free-kick from 22 yards which, with Henderson beaten, hit the bar.
At the other end Wilder’s side came to life, O’connell crossing for Oli Mcburnie to go close. The Blades have steadied a major postlockdown wobble which started with three defeats.
Wolves are slick on the counter, have a knack of finding clever angles around the box, and tested the home side’s defence on the flanks. The highlight was a combination by Jota and Jimenez, who produced two flicks to his teammates and an outside-of-the-boot pass to send Jonny clear.
Billy Sharp had the ball in the net after the break but was ruled offside.
SHEFFIELD UNITED: Henderson 6, Basham 7, MOTM Egan 8, O’connell 7, Baldock 7, Berge 6, Norwood 6, Osborn 6, Stevens 6, Sharp 6 (Zivkovic 70, 6), Mcburnie 6 (Mousset 49, 6)
WOLVES: Patricio 6, Boly 6, Coady 6, Saiss 6, Doherty 6, Neves 7, Moutinho 6, Jonny 6, Traore 6 (Dendoncker 79), Jimenez 7, Jota 7
REF: Martin Atkinson