VIN IT Super Souza gives

VINI SOUZA was involved in two penalties before scoring to seal a priceless first away win of the season for rock-bottom Blades.

It was the perfect way for Chris Wilder’s heavily-criticised side to bounce back from the home humiliation by Aston Villa last week.

And a surprise victory at relegation rivals Luton offers at least a glimmer of hope that survival is not impossible.

But this was a huge setback for the Hatters, who could have given their own chances of escaping the drop a massive boost with a win here.

For once they walked on to the pitch as heavy favourites and despite some early pressure did not handle that tag at all well.

After Cameron Archer gave Sheffield United the lead, James Mcatee scored from the spot when Reece Burke was adjudged – following a VAR check – to have handled Souza’s header.

After the break Souza himself was penalised in exactly the same way when challenging Elijah Adebayo – Carlton Morris scoring from the spot.

Then the Brazilian, 24, made a rare three points safe with the third goal in the 72nd minute – his first for the club since arriving from Belgian side Lommel SK last summer. Mcatee, almost nicked the lead after just 30 seconds but his shot missed the post.

Ex-luton loanee Rhys

Norrington-davies suffered a worrying early injury as the defender, only just back after 14 months of injury hell with a hamstring problem, had to be replaced by Max Lowe.

Archer was guilty of a bad miss after 29 minutes after being superbly teed-up by Souza.

That came against the run of play but within 30 seconds the striker had redeemed himself with a brilliant solo strike.

Archer scorched past Gabriel Osho and cut inside before beating Thomas Kaminski at his near post. Just six minutes later the Blades were in dreamland having doubled their advantage against stunned opponents.

Play was stopped to go back for a VAR review as Chris Kavanagh consulted the screen which showed the ball striking Burke’s hand.

Mcatee stepped up and coolly sent Kaminski the wrong way from the spot.

But five minutes into the second half play was again paused long after the original incident for a VAR check.

And the referee awarded a second penalty, this time against Souza for handball.

Morris sent Wes Foderingham the wrong way to get Luton back in it. And Morris also saw a shot tipped round the post by Foderingham.

Ben Osborn then set up Souza and he placed the ball in the far corner and Wilder’s men saw out the game.