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Sheffield United picked up a vital three points against Cardiff City to keep pace with Burnley ahead of Leeds United playing Oxford United.
It was a big win amid a ‘worrying’ week for the Blades and Chris Wilder last week, following three defeats in a row. Neil Warnock’s claim regarding Wilder continues to age well with the South Yorkshireman’s passion evident on the touchline.
Experts backed a Sheffield United victory after a testing week for the club. They have bounced back and Wilder has hit out at his critics in the midst of it all. Cardiff posed them some problems in the game but not enough to fight their way back into it.
The Blades boss had every right to feel aggrieved at recent EFL decisions ahead of the showdown, but it was all immaterial after Gus Hamer opened the scoring and sent them on their way midway through the first half and Ben Brereton-Diaz wrapped up the points late on.
- READ MORE: EFL experts back Sheffield United play-off win despite ‘tinpot’ Chris Wilder behaviour verdict
Sheffield United player ratings vs Cardiff City following 2-0 victory for Chris Wilder
Callum Robinson was unavailable and therefore unable to haunt the Blades who ended up being comfortable despite the nervy start and finish. Here, we look at the current Sheffield United players who secured a huge three points at Bramall Lane.
Michael Cooper — 7
As safe and secure as ever, the Sheffield United brick wall was impenetrable. He wasn’t made to work for it but did what was required.
Hamza Choudhury — 7
The recently capped Bangladeshi international was against a tricky customer in fellow Leicester City loanee Will Alves, but he was largely solid outside of a silly booking.
Anel Ahmedhodzic — 7
The Bosnian continues to be one of the cornerstones of this side and was assured again against Cardiff.
Rob Holding — 6
Not as comfortable as some of his defensive teammates but came through the game well considering the lack of football and sharpness over the last few years.
Harrison Burrows — 7
As ever, an important attacking outlet for the Blades. Harrison Burrows adds so much quality to this side from both open play and set-pieces.
Sydie Peck — 7
After a slow start to the game, Sydie Peck put in another Peck-like performance. He was connecting the midfield to the attack and carrying well to break lines.
Vini Souza — 8
His sheer presence alone was enough to raise the standards of those around him. His defensive display was excellent to weather the Cardiff spells of pressure.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi — 6
Outshone by those around him but still a threat in transition and looked like almost making something happen on a number of occasions.
Rhian Brewster — 5
Unable to make anything like the impact he is capable of and rightly hooked when he was.
Gus Hamer — 9
The star of the show, the match-winner, and the Blades’ key player struck in the first half and remained a source of plenty of creativity throughout proceedings. His goal and effort that hit the post summed up the character of a big player coming up big with a big performance.
Tyrese Campbell — 6
Had a big say in the Hamer goal, but nowhere near as influential as those around him. Like Rhian Brewster, he was rightly hooked off. Both decisions were vindicated after Ben Brereton-Diaz scored via Kieffer Moore’s assist.
Subs: Callum O’Hare — 6, Kieffer Moore — 7, Ben Brereton-Diaz — N/A, Femi Seriki — N/A, Jack Robinson — N/A.
Burnley’s victory was a sign of champions ahead of Sheffield United and Leeds United games
The Blades travel to Turf Moor on Monday and know a win is not enough to overtake Burnley. It could see them catch Leeds or overtake either in the final two, bud Burnley are relentless currently.
A 30-match unbeaten run is the test for them to get past. They have to win to stand any chance unless Leeds fall apart again. Burnley came from a goal down to win yet again, which has become a habit for them recently.
Watford took the lead and forced the Clarets to weather their storm before Zian Flemming and Josh Brownhill goals turned the game around. They weren’t at their best but found a way, dug deep, and ground it out.
It’s a game of huge magnitude now, but the primary winners of it may well end up being Leeds, should they see off Oxford United and Stoke City prior to that.