What an all-action, thrill-a-minute contest this meeting between Sheffield United and Brighton proved. Top billing was shared by João Pedro, whose hat-trick featured two penalties and took his team into Sunday’s fifth-round draw, and the bustling handful named Will Osula, scorer of the Blades’ second and creator of Gustavo Hamer’s first.
Jayden Bogle also played a significant role, but unfortunately, he was responsible for giving away both penalty kicks, which was not his intention. Despite the defeat of his team, it is clear that since taking over for Paul Heckingbottom on December 5th, Chris Wilder has revitalized the Blades into a determined team that was able to bounce back from a 2-0 deficit and stay in the game even after conceding Pedro’s third goal, which turned out to be the visitors’ fourth. Unfortunately, Danny Welbeck’s goal in added time ultimately sealed their elimination.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team displayed a stylish and sophisticated style of play before and after conceding a goal from Osula’s header. Their composure allowed them to secure a well-deserved victory.
Brighton made the initial move with a header from Evan Ferguson that surpassed Ivo Grbic, but was immediately called offside. Then, the Blades’ goalkeeper dove to his left, but was unable to stop Facundo Buonanotte’s powerful 25-yard shot that gave Brighton the lead and delighted their fans who were supporting them on their travels.
Grbic was among the five players that Wilder swapped out after the tumultuous 2-2 tie against West Ham on Sunday, mirroring De Zerbi’s five changes after Monday’s goalless match against Wolves. Bert Verbruggen was one of these five players, and when Osula made his way through, he had a chance to score the equalizer. However, his shot was blocked, as was Cameron Archer’s attempt on the rebound.
Ben Brereton Díaz, who scored against West Ham on his Premier League debut, skipped along the left, turned infield, and sliced the ball over to Hamer on the opposing side of Brighton’s area but a clumsy miscontrol followed.
Bogle made a mistake in his timing when he challenged Pedro, resulting in his team giving up a first penalty and allowing the opposing team to score a second goal. Pedro’s move into the area created an opportunity, causing Bogle to resort to fouling the Brazilian player. Despite a review by VAR, the goal was still counted, much to the disappointment of the home fans who were now facing a potential defeat only 28 minutes into the game. The situation was made worse when Pedro had another near miss soon after.
Their emotions were about to shift, however, when the Blades deviated from the expected outcome by succeeding on their right side. From Osula’s cross, Verbruggen passed the ball to Hamer, who then shot it into the top of the net.
Wilder’s team had control, overwhelming Brighton. Suddenly, a Bogle ball was sent from the right and Osula rose up to head it in, resulting in an equalizer. Would the second half be just as exciting? The answer was a definite yes.
The Blades showed aggression, but Brighton had a smoother playing style. De Zerbi’s team received their second penalty kick seven minutes into the second half. Bogle was once again in trouble, this time for a handball while defending against Ferguson. The referee, Sunny Singh Gill, quickly awarded the penalty without hesitation. After a VAR review, Pedro confidently stepped up and scored to the left of keeper Grbic.
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There were additional turns in the chaotic performance. Bogle was heavily involved and his next attempt was to rush towards a deflected pass from Diaz and strike at the goal, but it was unsuccessful. Pedro’s third goal, which was Brighton’s fourth, was an exceptional low 20-yard shot and added to the overall high level of skill displayed in the game.
Wilder’s Blades maintained pressure, but were unable to score against Brighton once again. Welbeck’s impressive dribble and finish ultimately sealed the game, although substitute James McAtee did come close with a shot that hit the bar in the final moments of the thrilling match.
The previous meeting of these protagonists in the competition ended goalless in January 1987, with the Blades triumphing 2-1 after the replay at the Goldstone Ground. A 19-year-old Wilder enjoyed his debut in the first meeting but he will not have enjoyed the result of this latest encounter.
Source: theguardian.com
