Guaita howler keeps Wilder’s men in hunt for Europe

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita produced an incredible mistake to gift Sheffield United a smash-andgrab win that kept them tussling high in the table with the European qualification contenders.

The former Valencia goalkeeper was a yard off his line when he looked to have made an easy catch from Oliver Norwood’s corner – but dropped the ball way over the line in the 58th minute.

Roy Hodgson, the Palace manager, was frustrated as his toothless side were unrewarded for being on the front foot.

“It was a difficult day for goalkeepers,” Hodgson said. “The wind was swirling around. He had to make a quick decision. The goalkeeper has made a mistake. He was the first one to come in and put his hand up and apologise. But I said he didn’t need to. We owe him an enormous debt.”

Sheffield United were also arguably lucky that their right-back, George Baldock, escaped a second yellow card in the 33rd minute after his fouling of the dangerous Wilfried Zaha.

Palace avoided a red card themselves in the 72nd minute when Joel Ward’s dismissal for a challenge on Enda Stevens was overturned by referee Andy Madley – after a VAR check ended in him looking at the pitchside monitor and changing his decision.

Sheffield United, though, finished the game well and took maximum points despite being below their best and rarely threatening the home side.

Wilder, who watched Sheffield United a decade ago at Selhurst Park as a fan, said: “It’s a huge result.”

The visitors’ new record signing, Norway midfielder Sander Berge, made his debut, gaining valuable minutes despite his lack of training time.

Hodgson’s team had more of the ball from the start, with Baldock quickly into a battle with Zaha – and receiving an early booking for pulling at the winger. Christian Benteke, back in the Palace side after injury, struck an angled effort into the side-netting.

The Selhurst Park crowd were then animated as Baldock risked a red card by treading on Zaha. Luka Milivojevic, the Palace captain, led the complaints but the referee was unswayed.

Benteke’s struggles carried on early in the second half when he shot tamely at goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Wilder’s men then punished the home side by snatching the winner from Guaita’s blunder.