Two-goal Blade breaks league duck to dump Blues
Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick returned to the starting line-up for the Blades after missing Wednesday night’s home win against Wolves due to a foot injury and made all the difference here.
Frank Lampard had two changes to his Chelsea side as they bid to make it three straight league wins.
Jorginho came in for teenage midfielder Billy Gilmour, who had knee surgery after sustaining an injury in Tuesday’s win at Crystal Palace and faces four months on the sidelines, and Tammy Abraham started in place of Olivier Giroud.
After a cagey opening quarter hour, the Blades opened the scoring through none other than David McGoldrick.
Oli McBurnie’s volley took a deflection, which was well saved by the wrong-footed Kepa on the goal line.
But he could only push the ball into the path of McGoldrick, who fired home from close range. It was McGoldrick’s first goal in the Premier League, after 42 shots and 1615 minutes of trying.
Sheffield United took a
2-0 lead in the 33rd minute following an excellent move down the left.
Enda Stevens slung over a pinpoint cross after playing a one-two with Ben Osborn, and Oli McBurnie steered his header beyond Kepa.
Chelsea responded with Reece James’ thumping shot from outside the area, but couldn’t claw one back before half-time.
Chris Wilder’s side appeared to have put themselves out of sight in the 77th minute when McGoldrick lashed home his second to make it 3-0.
A quick counter-attack saw McGoldrick send substitute Lys Mousset down the right and when Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger botched his clearance, McGoldrick took full advantage.
Chris Wilder’s side appeared to have put themselves out of sight in the 77th minute when McGoldrick lashed home his second to make it 3-0.
A quick counter-attack saw McGoldrick send Mousset down the right and when Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger botched his clearance, McGoldrick took advantage.
McGoldrick said after the game: “My first Premier League goals at 32. It means the world.
“I made my debut at 16 – and here I am today, living my dream!”