The game between Burnley and Sheffield United was built up as a vital match, with both sides aiming to finish in a European position come to the end of the season. Despite United creating the most chances, missed opportunities, ultimately, saw the game finish on an even keel.
Chris Wilder had got the better hand over his fellow manager Sean Dyche earlier in the season when United won 3-0 when two goals from John Fleck and one from John Lundstram stormed them into a three-goal lead.
United remained unchanged, and fielded the same XI which beat Tottenham in the previous game, however, they were boosted by the return of Jack O’Connell, who took a place in the bench.
Burnley was carrying several injuries, which included former Blade Matt Lowton. They were boosted by the return of Jay Rodriguez, who had missed their previous few games.
High winds threatened to make this game difficult for both sides but, in the early exchanges after just one minute, the Blades had the first sight of goal. From a throwing, McGoldrick’s flick-on fell loose to striker partner McBurnie and his clean strike was equally met by keeper Pope.
United continued to control play, until, on 9 minutes, against the run of play Burnley were gifted a chance when a neat ball from the left played in Vydra, who did enough to beat Henderson but the ball dragged wide of the far post. A minute later, at the other end, McBurnie’s bursting run and pull back saw Berge’s effort fail to blast through a crowded goal and the ball trickled out for a corner.
Several corners were won by the Blades as they continued possession in the final third. On 16 minutes they had an opportunity as Osborn’s cross from the left was left by Pope but Egan hesitated when a touch would have resulted in a goal.
Soon afterwards Steven’s drive at goal was pushed away by Pope, and the keeper easily caught the resulting corner.
The enforced water break midway through the half allowed Burnley to be more proactive but United soon got back into the swing of things.
McBurnie’s persistence in midfield saw him free up McGoldrick on 32 minutes, his long pass across field fell to Norwood, and his first-time cross was headed over by Berge. Two minutes later an inswinging corner from Norwood was headed over by Egan.
On 38 minutes Henderson saw called into action when he pushed away former United defender Phil Bardsley’s long-range effort. At the other end, Osborn’s ball in was connected by McBurnie but the ball narrowly fizzled over the bar.
Three minutes before the break, all of United’s work was undone when the hosts took the lead. A free-kick from the left was delivered and headed into the centre and TARKOWSKI got there first to stab the ball home.
It was least what United deserved but was seemingly punished for failing to convert chances of there own.
Half-Time: Burnley 1-0 Sheffield United
Despite going into the second half a goal down, United remained positive and continued with the good play. No changes were made at the break.
United continued to get balls into the box without any purpose, except when Baldock picked up on the far post but his recycled ball into the box was cleared away.
On 54 minutes United opted for their first change with Sharp and O’Connell, who was making his first appearance since the restart after the lockdown, replacing Norwood and Robinson.
United continued to play well but just couldn’t provide that finishing touch.
On 68 minutes, after a water break, Burnley introduced Chris Wood, and two minutes later McBurnie was replaced by Mousset. Rodriguez then fired wide after United played the ball back.
With 15 minutes remaining, Jack Rodwell replaced Chris Basham for his first Premier League appearance for the Blades, United changing the formation in the process.
The hosts threatened to double their advantage as Rodriguez’s thunderous long-range effort was half kept out by Henderson, but the ball was kept alive and in the rebound, McNeil volleyed wide.
On 80 minutes the Blades were level after a well-worked corner saw Osborn cross into the box and capped off with a fine volley at the far post from EGAN after Sharp’s flick-on.
The visitors pushed for a winner, with Berge driving from distance with three minutes remaining, with Pope equal to it.
United, perhaps, deserved more from the game but need to convert more chances in front of goal. The game wound down without any further chances for either club and the game ended all square.
Full-Time: Burnley 1-1 Sheffield United