Sheffield United player ratings vs Sunderland as ‘sublime’ 10/10 denied perfect Wembley outing in cruelest fashion

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On a sunny Saturday afternoon at Wembley, we watched the Blades take on the Black Cats and produced Sheffield United player ratings from the unbelievable Championship play-off final.

It was Sheffield United who got off to a rampant start in the early stages of the Championship play-off final, putting Sunderland on the back foot with intense pressure and the perfect level of aggression.

In the very first minute, Kieffer Moore looked to be heading the ball into the net before Anthony Patterson pulled off a stunning save. That moment did lead to Luke O’Nien suffering a game-ending injury, further harming Sunderland’s chances.

The inevitable then happened 25 minutes in, with Gustavo Hamer leading a rapid counter-attack from the Blades before threading through an inch-perfect pass for Tyrese Campbell, who chipped the ball over Patterson with great composure.

Chris Wilder’s men had the ball in the back of the net a second time in the first half, too, but Harrison Burrows saw his strike chalked off after a VAR review.

The Black Cats put up more of a fight after the break, prompting United to showcase their more resilient, organised defensive side.

However, Sunderland got themselves back in the tie with a superb Eliezer Mayenda goal against the run of play. And then, in the dying moments of injury time, it was Tommy Watson, who will join Brighton this summer, who secured promotion for Sunderland against the odds.

• READ MORE: The £146m reason Premier League clubs were all be backing one team in Sheffield United and Sunderland clash

Sheffield United player ratings from Championship play-off final

Michael Cooper – 6

Had absolutely nothing to do in the first half. Still barely put to the test in the second, until he was unable to do anything about Eliezer Mayenda’s incredible finish.

Hamza Choudhury – 8

Impressive pushing forward and taking advantage of a Sunderland side being penned into their own half. Equally as impressive with his pressing and front-foot play. As the Black Cats became more of a threat going forward, he kept them at bay, reading everything perfectly.

Anel Ahmedhodzic – 7

Just like his goalkeeper, the big Blades defender was not challenged at all in the first 45 minutes. Showed his impressive awareness in the second half, though, winning a number of duels and quelling the growing Sunderland pressure. That is, until it all fell apart late on for the Blades.

Jack Robinson – 6

Sheffield United skipper was able to sit back and do very little in the first half. However, as Sunderland grew into the game he increasingly looked to be in trouble at the back and couldn’t handle the Black Cats attack.

Harrison Burrows – 6

Had the ball in the back of the net thanks to a brilliant long-distance strike, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Another one who really began to struggle as the game went on, and really didn’t handle Patrick Roberts’ introduction well.

• READ MORE: Sunderland and Sheffield United desperate to avoid unwanted play-off record at Wembley today

Rhian Brewster – 5

As strong as United were in that first half, you have to say Rhian Brewster was fairly anonymous. Picked up a yellow for a reckless challenge in the second half. United’s poorest performer on the day by some distance.

Sydie Peck – 6

Solid if unremarkable. Played some really nice progressive passes into the final third as he grew into the game. But, his inexperience did start to show at times as United got overrun in the middle of the park.

Vini Souza – 7

A titan in the middle of the park as always, winning the midfield battle against Dan Neil by a country mile. After Sunderland’s equaliser, Souza was the key to keeping United calm and composed.

Gustavo Hamer – 10

Pulling the strings early on. The engineer of the first goal of the game with a fantastic breakaway run and a sublime through ball. At the heart of everything United did on the day. A real shame to see his game come to an end early in the 71st minute, but he was integral to the Blades throughout, both on and off the ball.

It’s clear to see why he was the best player in the Championship this season. It all fell apart once he left the pitch.

Kieffer Moore – 8

A brilliant header in the opening minute denied by an incredible save from Anthony Patterson. Offered brilliant hold-up play to bring others into the game. Out of possession, tirelessly pressed from the front to keep Sunderland on their toes.

Tyrese Campbell – 8

Applied a superb finish to Hamer’s pass to open the scoring; cool as you like when it mattered most. Worked hard from there, but didn’t get much more of a sniff at goal. Will have made his late father very proud indeed.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United and Sunderland make play-off history at Wembley Stadium

Substitutes aplenty for Sheffield United

Callum O’Hare – 7

On for Tyrese Campbell with around 25 minutes to go. Looked really bright, immediately picking up the rhythm of the game and looking to assert himself on the occasion.

Andre Brooks – 7

Replaced Rhian Brewster on 65 minutes. Had a couple of tantalising opportunities thanks to preying on uncertainty in the Sunderland box but just couldn’t quite finish them off.

Ben Brereton Diaz – 5

Offered very little. In complete contrast to his fellow subs, Brereton Diaz just didn’t seem to get with the pace of the game at all and had to make way before the final whistle with an injury.

Tom Cannon – N/A

On in the closing stages. Did nothing of note.

Tom Davies – N/A

A 90th minute sub for the Blades. Had little chance to make an impact.

Femi Seriki – N/A

On in the dying moments. Unfair to give him a rating.