In one of the most tense and nerve-wracking games of the season the Blades came away with arguably their best result. A neat turn and finish from Nade just before half time was enough to see Neil Warnock’s team beat Arsenal 1-0.
Another near sell-out crowd witnessed Arsenal make the more encouraging start to the game. Rosicky saw his shot palmed away by Kenny early on before a fantastic last minute tackle by Montgomery denied Baptista. Gilberto then saw his free header bounce off the turf and over the bar.
United replied with a long range effort from Kozluck, that took a flick off Nade, before going a couple of feet wide of Lehmann’s left post. Nade also twisted and turned on the edge of the box but sent his shot high and wide.
The first clear opportunity of the game fell to Quinn inside the box but he placed his tame effort straight at the feet of Lehmann.
The home fans were on their feet again minutes later but this time it was to jeer Van Persie. The Dutchman appeared to be tamely caught in the stomach by Morgan and then decided to react by rolling around on the floor. Another example of everything that’s wrong with Premiership football.
When the action restarted, Kenny made another smart save, this time from Rosicky, low down to his right.
The breakthrough came on 40 minutes, as a pass from Quinn found Nade, the striker neatly turned Toure and stroked the ball past the advancing Lehmann. It was a sweet moment for the French striker, scoring his first league goal for the Blades, as 30,000 Blades fans went mad.
The second half started with the Blades attacking the Kop and winning an early corner, which was cleared by Arsenal.
The real drama was only just beginning though, as on 60 minutes Kenny went down injured for the second time and had to be substituted. As the Blades had no goalkeeper on the bench it was up to Phil Jagielka to take over.
It was actually the home side who seemed to be spurred on by the injury as Quinn twice went close. His first effort was a long range strike that dipped just wide of the post, while his second went straight into the hands of Lehmann.
To say the Blades had an outfield player in goal, Arsenal took little advantage. In fact Jagielka dealt with most crosses like a seasoned pro.
Sheffield United were denied a second goal by the offside flag as Nade ran through and put the ball in the net. Replays suggested the striker was level with the defender on the near side.
As time slowly ticked away Jagielka was forced into his first real save. A fantastic tackle from Kozluck on Baptista cruelly fell into the path of Van Persie, but his shot was tipped over by Jagielka.
As five minutes of injury time came to a close Arsenal had one last corner. With all 11 Arsenal players in United’s box many Blades fans had their hearts in their mouths but the corner flicked off an Arsenal head and out for a goal kick.
As the referee sounded the final whistle the home fans went delirious as Bramall Lane witnessed scenes reminiscent of a cup final rather than a league game.
Arsenal may have been poor but take nothing away from the Blades. The performance was typical of the determination and belief in Neil Warnock’s squad.
It’s nice to know that sometimes, just sometimes, David can beat Goliath; and what a feeling when it happens!
Player Ratings
Kenny
7.5/10
Did well until he got injured. Made some smart saves.
Kozluck
8/10
Great performance from Kozzy, apart from cheaply giving the ball away at the end.
Armstrong
8/10
First start back from injury for Armstrong and a very impressive one.
Morgan
8.5/10
Battled for every ball and through himself at everything in last 5 mins.
Jagielka
8.5/10
Did well in all three positions. England’s new number 1?
Montgomery
9/10
Should have a statue made for him after this performance.
Leigertwood
6/10
Was doing well until he got injured.
Gillespie
7.5/10
Crossing wasn’t as good as normal but defended well.
A. Quinn
7/10
Lost the ball too much first half but, like Gillespie, defended well.
Nade
8.5/10
Finally saw the end product from Nade. Strong, skillful and a great goal.
Kazim-Richards
6.5/10
Caught offside too much but worked hard.
Davis
8/10
Threw himself at everything.
Tonge
8/10
Might not be his normal game but became a second Monty when he came on.
7.5/10
Little chance in front of goal but defended well.