Sheffield United reached the 30 points mark in impressive style against Tottenham at Bramall Lane yesterday. Many Blades fans may well have feared the worst when Jenas gave Spurs the lead after only three minutes, but goals from Hulse and Jagielka saw United eventually run out 2-1 winners.
In keeping with United’s recent games, the Blades managed to create a good opportunity in the very first minute. As Montgomery and Tongue battled for the ball on the edge of the box, it broke free to Stead in the area, but the striker was nudged off the ball by Chimbonda as he set himself to shoot.
However Spurs gave the Blades a lesson in clinical finishing a minute later, as JENAS was put through to lob over Kenny, who’s positioning was shocking!
The Blades could have been 2-0 down straight after as they failed to learn from their first mistake. A slip by Armstrong allowed Tainio to break forward and put in Keane, but the striker dragged his shot just wide of the post.
Hulse next went close for the Blades in a pulsating first half. On 22 mins Kazim-Richard’s cross was met by the head of the striker but the ball hit the underside of the bar and was cleared for a corner.
Hulse made no mistake from a corner five minutes later though to bring United back into the game. Kazim-Richards corner was met at the far post by HULSE and his header evaded everyone on the line and finished in the opposite corner.
The goal gave the crowd a huge lift and they were on their feet again two minutes later as Stead’s shot whistled just past Robinson’s left post.
Spurs replied with some neat one-touch football on the edge of the box that ended with Jenas hitting his shot awkwardly into the ground and wide.
As the second half got underway, Hulse was cursing his luck again, as he hit the woodwork for a second time. Once again a Kazim-Richards corner found the striker and his flicked header beat Robinson but not the bar.
The home side were in front on the hour mark though, thanks largely to the work of Stephen Quinn. Quinn picked up the ball on the edge of the box and dinked it past Tainio who clumsily bought the winger to the floor. JAGIELKA stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it past Robinson to send the Kop wild.
United could have sealed the game on 82 minutes as a great cross from Stead was just missed by the outstretched boot of Quinn on the six-yard line.
The final 10 minutes saw some nervy moments for the home side but Spurs, thanks to heroic defending from the Blades, failed to test Kenny.
The final whistle was met by a huge roar from the home fans, which grew even louder as the West Ham and Charlton results were announced.
Player Ratings
Kenny
6/10
Should have done better with their goal, he basically invited Jenas to lob him, but caught some important crosses in the second half.
Armstrong
6/10
Did well in the last 15 minutes but his distribution was poor throughout and nearly gifted them a second goal.
Geary
8/10
He keeps defying the odds and today was no different.
Lucketti
8.5/10
Superb again. Won everything in the last 10 minutes!
Jagielka
8/10
Solid as usual and did the simple things well.
Montgomery
8.5/10
I just love Monty’s attitude! His passing was poor at times but his head never goes down and his legs never stop running!
Tonge
8/10
A much improved display. His run into the box late on was the Tonge of old!
S. Quinn
9/10
Superb performance. Won the second goal, nearly scored a third and went on some brilliant runs.
Kazim-Richards
7.5/10
Perhaps his best performance in a Blades shirt? Was poor in first 20 minutes but did really well after that and put in some great crosses.
Hulse
8/10
Took his goal well and could have had a second, and third.
Stead
8.5/10
Might not have scored but worked his socks off and linked up well with the midfield.
Fathi
6/10
Didn’t see too much of the ball and gave it away a number of times when he did. Still, a tough game to come on as a sub and he worked hard and ran down the clock in the last few minutes.
Bromby
N/A
Was only on for two minutes but made one headed clearance and got booked for kicking the ball away.