MATCH FACT
NOT even VAR could spoil this trip to a saturated south coast for Chris Wilder’s high-flying Sheffield United.
It tried, by disallowing two goals from the visitors at the start of each half, but a fine strike from £20million hitman Ollie Mcburnie ensured they left victorious.
The win fires the Blades into fifth place – for 24 hours at least – and extends their amazing unbeaten run on the road.
Wilder’s troops have now gone 18 away games without losing – nine of which have come in their first season back among the big boys.
That equals the record for a newly-promoted top-flight club set by Burnley in 1947-48.
Whether United go one better remains to be seen. Next up on their travels come Manchester City.
But for now, Wilder, one of VAR’S most vocal critics, can at least enjoy the festive break thanks to yet another superb afternoon.
John Egan had an early goal ruled out by VAR for handball as was Jack O’connell’s effort in the second half for offside.
And the Blades boss said: ”Those disallowed goals lifted the opposition players and crowd. The decisions were right but John is so unlucky, it just grazes his hand. ”
As for the possibility of eclipsing Burnley’s away-day heroics from the previous century – and being in the hunt for Europe – Wilder laughed: “Have you seen who our next away game is against?
“It’s brilliant for the club, though. Our away record has been fabulous.
“Talking about Europe is ludicrous. A season isn’t over 18 games.”
Wilder and Brighton boss Graham Potter are the latest flag-bearers for English managers making waves at this level.
United have simply carried on where they left off in the Championship.
Albion, meanwhile, have been transformed under Potter from a negative, unit into a bright, pacey side – until yesterday, that is.
Sloppy, disjointed and under the cosh summed up their 90 minutes.
Seemingly invincible on their travels, the Blades looked likely to create carnage at the Amex when Egan bundled a corner home after eight minutes. But that was before Stockley Park official Michael Oliver spotted it had bounced off the defender’s knee and hand. Back to 0-0.
Ten minutes later, Brighton had the ball in the net – with their only attack of the half.
Goalleeper Dean Henderson denied Aaron Mooy’s drive but Martin Montoya was a yard offside as he squared for Neal Maupay to tap in. Still goalless.
Midway through the period, however, the deadlock was broken by the visitors – legitimately.
Adam Webster’s headed back pass was never going to reach keeper Matt Ryan – and Mcburnie pounced, held off Lewis Dunk and drilled in at the near post.
The Scot’s third Premier League goal further justified the club record fee United paid for him in August – and it was with Potter’s Swansea last season that he blossomed into a prolific marksman.
Potter, whose side stay five points clear of relegation, said: “I know Ollie’s quality. It was nice for him to score.
“We weren’t good enough today, and that includes me. We must all hold our hands up. United were better in everything they did.”