ALBION RALLY ROUND DIKE AFTER INJURY
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VINI SOUZA’S mother may just have taken a hand in the relegation dogfight – which saw another plot twist at Kenilworth Road.
The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder was at the centre of most of the key action for Sheffield United and finally scored a debut goal for the Blades to seal a first away win of the season.
Souza is a long way from the famous Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where he made his professional debut for Flamengo. But last summer’s £10million signing from Belgian club Lommel produced a decisive ray of Copacabana sunshine to light up Luton’s rain-lashed old ground.
Souza admitted that mum had been on at him for months for failing to get on the scoresheet as Chris Wilder’s team plot a miraculous escape.
And United’s third goal came after the player was involved in penalties for either side – both winning and conceding spotkicks (circle, right) following VAR checks for handball.
There is still a mountain to climb, but Souza said: “I seemed to be very involved in everything in the match. I am so happy to have scored but even more getting the three points. At last I have my first goal for the club. My mum has been telling me every day: ‘Come on Vini, please, you need to finish better.’
“She has always been impressing that on me because I have never before managed to score. So to do it against Luton was great.
“I thought the penalty against me was bad luck. They said it touched my hand but I can’t remember that. And then earlier for our penalty it was from my header, I was trying to score. This result gives us hope that there is still time to escape.
These points are valuable. And we must continue to fight hard.
“Seven points behind Luton and safety – that is not impossible. I have seen similar escapes in Brazil, even if we know the situation is bad.”
After Cameron Archer put the Blades in front with a fine solo goal, Souza’s header against Reece Burke’s arm from close range saw a penalty awarded, converted by James Mcatee. Then after the break the ball hit Souza’s arm under challenge from Elijah Adebayor from Alfie Doughty’s corner. Carlton Morris scored from the spot.
It was hard to disagree with Rob Edwards’ assessment that neither should have been penalties, but such is the new reality. Then came Souza’s clincher in the 72nd minute – and Wilder had a message for both him and the recalled Gus Hamer. Wilder said: “Vini’s a big signing for us and your big signings have got to turn up. Your Hamers have got to turn up. They need to be the leaders, the best players and the consistent performers. We had decent performances from both today and they need to produce those performances to help us.
“Vini comes with a big CV. Did he expect to be in the Champions League places? Possibly not, but he didn’t expect to be in the situation that he is and must take part of the responsibility.”
LUTON
SHEFF UTD
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