As much as it pains me to say it, yesterday can be described as nothing but embarrassing for everyone associated with Sheffield United FC. Take nothing away from Swansea, who were superb, but the Blades just never looked interested. The Blades out-fought and out-battled Arsenal only a week earlier, but on Saturday the roles were reversed. It was United’s players who looked like over-payed, spoilt, arrogant brats! Swansea thoroughly deserved their victory, while United’s squad deserved fining.
The first chance of the game fell to Rory Fallon, who broke clear of United’s defence after a stray pass from Hurst. Fallon’s shot was weak but still caused Gerrard to palm the ball away when it would have been easier to catch.
In a poor first half, it took till 37 minutes for another chance of note. A free kick from Butler took a deflection off the Blades wall and dipped onto the roof of the net.
United finally created a couple of decent chances at the end of the half. First Montgomery’s cross was headed just over by Quinn and then Hurst was put through by a neat flick from Webber, but his shot was saved by Gueret from close range.
United should have been in front after only two minutes of the second half. Nade latched on to a long ball and layed it off to Hurst on the edge of the area, but the youngster placed his shot against the outside of the post when he really should have scored.
Rather than spur them on, the missed chance sent the Blades into self-destruct mode. Minutes later a cross from Tate found Akinfenwa in the middle and, as his strike was blocked by Bromby, Butler sent the rebound through Gerrard’s legs to send the travelling fans delirious.
Five minutes later the Blades found themselves 2-0 down. As Akinfenwa’s run was stopped by Sommeil but the defender only deflected the ball into the path of Butler who beat the appalling Gerrard again with a low shot that the keeper should have done better with.
United finally replied, first with a free kick that was met by the head of Quinn but saved by Gueret, and then with a Montgomery strike that was blocked on it’s way to goal.
Swansea were in dreamland shortly after though, as they stretched their lead to 3-0. Another quick break saw Butler race into the box and get brought down by Geary. It was a rash challenge by the defender but replays showed that Butler was already going down before minimal contact was made. Nevertheless, Britton slotted the penalty home to increase Swansea’s lead.
The only notable action in the remainder of the game was a shot by Stephen Quinn that whistled just wide and an effort by Akinfenwa that the striker also pulled wide of Gerrard’s goal.
The final whistle was met with huge cheers from the away end and huge jeers from the rest of the ground. Swansea’s players and fans efforts showed what the FA Cup is all about, while Warnock and his player’s were left to reflect on a heartless performance that showed total disrespect to both Swansea and the competition.
The Blades hopes of playing at the new Wembley will have to wait at least another year.
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