The Star Malaysia

The Blades runner

Wilder aiming for something special after climb to fifth

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Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes the Blades can achieve something special this season after climbing to fifth in the Premier League table by coming from behind to beat Bournemout­h 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

In their first top-flight campaign for 13 years, the Blades are looking down on the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal and are within two points of fourthplac­ed Chelsea in the hunt for the Champions League.

“We have 39 points which is fabulous. We want to achieve something this season,” said Wilder.

“We won’t take our foot off the gas. Our performanc­e was one of belief and drive.

“There was a real drive about the players after going a goal down.”

At the other end of the table, defeat leaves Bournemout­h still just two points above the bottom three, having played a game more than most of their rivals to avoid relegation.

“When we get the lead in these types of games we need to defend better,” said Bournemout­h boss Eddie Howe after seeing his side take a deserved first half lead through Callum Wilson.

“It takes all the polish off. “There were a lot of good bits but not enough to get a result today and we needed it away from home.”

The only game in the Premier League on Sunday went ahead after a pitch inspection as the effects of storm Ciara, which saw Manchester City’s clash with West Ham postponed, were not enough to convince referee Jon Moss to abandon the match.

Both sides now have two weeks off due to the winter break introduced to the Premier League for the first time this season, but Wilder would prefer to keep building on his side’s momentum. “I’m a bit controvers­ial in that I’d want to carry on,” added Wilder.

“I’d like it if we had a game next week, but we’ll come back refreshed for the next part of the season.”

 ?? — reuters ?? Back of the net: John Lundstram scores sheffield united’s second goal against bournemout­h at bramall Lane on sunday.
— reuters Back of the net: John Lundstram scores sheffield united’s second goal against bournemout­h at bramall Lane on sunday.

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