REALLY A perfect start to WILD SHOW
By Ross Heppenstall
WHEN the final whistle sounded, an emotionally-drained Chris Wilder simply wiped his rainsoaked brow and paused for a moment of reflection.
His Sheffield United side – the team he grew up supporting, played for and is now in second spell managing – had just survived a late period of Brentford pressure to claim a potentially priceless win.
Wilder’s emotions were a mixture of relief but overwhelming pride at a victory which has breathed new life into the Blades’ fight against the drop.
The winning goal came courtesy of onloan Manchester City midfielder James Mcatee, who struck a delightful effort on the stroke of half-time.
The Salford-born star, 21, collected possession on the right-hand side of Brentford’s 18-yard box and curled a brilliant left-foot shot past Mark Flekken and into the top corner of the net.
It was a first Premier League goal for the man nicknamed the ‘Salford Silva’ and certainly worthy of winning a game at this level.
Wilder and the United fans celebrated with gusto, his decision to return to Bramall Lane for a second spell suddenly felt vindicated.
Could the Blades beat the drop? You would still have your doubts after this victory – only their second in 16 games.
But Wilder’s return – following the axing of Paul Heckingbottom in the wake of last weekend’s abject 5-0 surrender at Burnley – has revitalised the Blades.
They grew in confidence after Mcatee’s opener following a tepid first half which saw precious few chances at either end.
There were also two moments of controversy during the opening 45 minutes, which saw Blades defender Auston Trusty and Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka booked.
Trusty scythed through Keane Lewis-potter and was perhaps fortunate to escape with just a yellow card in the 17th minute.
In the 29th minute, Onyeka caught Vini Souza with an ugly challenge, going over the top of the United midfielder with his studs.
Referee Stuart Attwell referred the decision to VAR and Robert Jones deemed the challenge worthy of just a booking, much to the disgust of Wilder and the home faithful. But as the interval approached, Gustavo Hamer found Mcatee and the loanee struck home in exhilarating fashion to put United ahead.
That poured confidence into Wilder’s men and captain Anel Ahmedhodzic narrowly failed to connect with a free-kick shortly after the break.
Cameron Archer then crossed low for substitute Anis Slimane, whose closerange effort was blocked by Flekken.
With 10 minutes remaining, Archer broke clear of Brentford’s backline and hit a powerful shot which Flekken parried.
Moments later, Mcatee was given a standing ovation after being replaced by Sydie Peck as the chant of “Chrissy Wilder, he’s one of our own” was belted out at the final whistle by the home fans.