MATCH FACTS
■ Brighton have gained nine points from losing positions this season, their most in a single Premier League campaign.
■ Sheffield United have earned 40 said: “Just a very slight tinge of disappointment. The players could not have given any more. The drive was brilliant out there.
“Brighton changed their approach. They went longer, and bigger, and we gave cheap fouls away. They have 6ft 4in lads in there.
“I enjoyed the game. People say Brighton are soft but there was nothing soft from them. It was full-blooded, they got blocks in.
“And neither are we a stereotypical out-of-the
Championship smacking balls up front side. Anyone who says that sort of thing should not be commenting on the game.”
United went ahead when Oliver Norwood swung in a cross after working a short corner routine. Dan Burn got in a defensive header, flicking the ball out wide. Enda Stevens (above) reacted first to gather and volley a superb shot into the top corner.
Wilder added: “It was a decent goal. If he had a points from 27 Premier League games, the fastest they have reached that mark (assuming three points for a win) in a top-flight season since 1971-72. different shirt on, played for a more glamorous club, people would rave about it all weekend.”
The Blades’ lead didn’t last long after a rare sloppy episode of defending at a set-piece.
Aaron Mooy swung in a deep free-kick which Adam Webster nodded back across goal.
Neal Maupay sneaked in to touch past Dean Henderson in the home goal, and will be relieved not to extend a nine-game
■ Neal Maupay scored his first goal in nine Prem matches for Brighton, ending a run of 660 minutes and 21 shots without scoring in the competition. run without a goal. Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “Maupay? It was a sharp goal.
“Reward for his overall performance and sacrifice for his team. The reality is he has done his best for the team and in the end his quality showed. He got a personal reward from a selfless performance.”
Henderson was looking to impress England boss Gareth Southgate, who was watching in the Bramall Lane directors’ box, but could have done better to snuff out the danger.
It wasn’t easy on the eye, but Wilder was happy to stay unbeaten in three, and in touch with the top-five.
Wilder added: “I’d have stayed behind to clap at the end.
“I thought it was an excellent performance. We tried to win.
“I have told the players I am delighted with what I have seen. People may think I have been on the beer saying that.”
Potter said: “It’s a good point at a hostile ground and a team with good clarity and identity.
“We are now fighting for everything.”