European dream in reach for Blades
Sheffield United just two points off Champions League places
Billy Sharp admitted Sheffield United are now focused on climbing into the Champions League places after victory over Bournemouth took them to fifth. Sharp equalised at Bramall Lane after Callum Wilson opened the scoring, with John Lundstram coming off the bench to snatch a 2-1 win for Chris Wilder’s side.
They head into the Premier League winter break only two points behind Chelsea, with fourth place now firmly in their sights.
“We’re just looking above us and trying to catch them now,” Sharp said. “We just want to keep grinding out performances.”
Wilder’s high-flying team started slowly after the match was given the go-ahead despite Storm Ciara.
Wilson’s opener was cancelled out just before the break by Sharp, then the game was in the balance when Dean Henderson pulled off a stunning save to deny Ryan Fraser when the Scotland winger’s finish was heading into the top corner.
Wilder has backed Henderson for a place in England’s squad for the European Championships.
Gareth Southgate has called him up for injury cover in the last two squads but the on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper is staking a claim for outright selection.
“One hundred per cent. Is there a better one in the division?” said Wilder. “He’s got to keep his standards high, keep his eye on the ball. Everyone talks about concentration levels.
“We were building momentum but knew they were dangerous through Harry Wilson, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser, then Josh King comes on. Concentration levels had to be right up there.
“When we gave away possession, the goalkeeper has to be spot-on. He’s not had a lot to do, then makes a big save for us, which was crucial.”
Wilder was involved in a touchline bust-up in the second half with Bournemouth midfielder Andrew Surman. It took fourth official Lee Mason and a security guard to separate the pushy pair.
“I’ve come to terms with this division,” Wilder said. “It’s a passionate game and I’m a passionate manager. Their player thought I had the ball behind my back and I didn’t. So I’ve no problem. Lee [Mason] was right there in front of it and they took that decision.
“I want to win. They want to win, Andrew Surman wants to win. It would be disappointing if people didn’t show those emotions in a game where it should be.”
Lundstram grabbed the winner after starting on the bench, displaced by club-record signing Sander Berge and also with no breakthrough on contract talks.
Lundstram said: “There is always frustration there when you’re not playing. That is part and parcel of the game. When you come on, you want to take your chance. There is character in the dressing room, you can see how tight we all are and that goes on to the pitch.”
After securing the win, Wilder said he would prefer to play instead of going on a winter training camp to Dubai.
“I’m sorry I don’t agree with the break,” he said. “I want it to roll on. Others will have different views but I don’t see the point in it at this time.
“Players are fit and healthy and want to go again. The challenge of the 38-game season is rolling on to the next Saturday. We’ll maximise it in our way and hopefully go again a week on Saturday.”