All the highlights from Sheffield United Vs Crystal Palace as an Ollie Norwood corner caused an own goal by Eagles keeper, Guaita. United remained unbeaten in the capital after Vicente Guaita’s own goal gave the Blades a 1-0 success against Crystal Palace.
In a tight encounter it was the ‘keeper’s blunder which settled the contest in the second half as he carried Ollie Norwood’s corner over his own line under no pressure.
The Blades had the better of the chances and stifled any late Palace pressure to once again record a clean sheet and complete a league double over the Eagles.
Blades boss Wilder handed record signing Sander Berge a full debut after the Norwegian international joined the Blades on Thursday. Berge was part of just one change from the last league outing against Manchester City after the ex-Genk ace replaced Mo Bešić.
The opening 10 minutes were largely uneventful, but United almost created an opportunity when a deep cross was headed into a good area by Oli McBurnie but it was just too high for Berge who made a late break into the box.
Berge was almost presented with another opportunity on 12 minutes. George Baldock made progress down the right, cutting back inside to buy himself some space. He rolled his pass back to Norwood whose low cross was controlled by McBurnie into the path of Berge, but he was quickly shut down as he was about to shoot.
Baldock was the first into the book on 18 minutes when he pulled back Wilfried Zaha, and shortly after the winger cut a low cross into the area which was cleared only as far as Luka Milivojevic, but the Palace midfielder smashed his effort over the bar.
James Tomkins was the first Palace player into the book after he chopped down John Fleck. Shortly after Palace created the first half-chance when a bursting run from Jordan Ayew created an opening for Christian Benteke, but the ex-Liverpool striker hammered his effort into the side netting.
James McArthur’s effort from distance was easily held by Henderson, before Billy Sharp collided with Tomkins which resulted in a VAR referral for foul play which was quickly waved away.
On 35 minutes there was a let off for Baldock as he committed another foul on Zaha. Despite fury in the stands, referee Andy Madley kept his cards in his pocket despite some protests from the hosts.
Zaha continued to be a thorn in United’s side, this time sticking in a dangerous early low cross right along the United six-yard area but there was no touch as Henderson watched it behind for a goal kick.
At the start of the second half Fleck saw a long-range effort blocked by Tomkins whilst Benteke scuffed a low shot straight at Henderson.
With United just starting to step up to another level, there was a helping hand from the Palace ‘keeper as the Blades took lead on 58 minutes.
After some good combination play between McBurnie, Fleck and Sharp, the latter’s cross from the by-line was deflected behind off a Palace defender. The resulting Norwood corner looked right down the throat of GUAITA, but the stopper dropped the ball over his line much to United’s delight.
Guaita was quickly called into action again as Baldock was felled close to the area. Norwood stepped forward to curl an effort over the wall, but this time the Palace ‘keeper clawed the ball to safety.
Henderson was called into action for the first time as Zaha pulled a low cross back for James McCarthy to shoot, but his effort was parried by the United custodian.
Boss Wilder freshened up his ranks by bringing on Lys Mousset for Sharp, and shortly after John Lundstram came on for Berge.
There was drama on 72 minutes when Joel Ward was handed a straight red for a challenge on Enda Stevens. After the decision went to VAR, referee Madley went to the pitch side screen and downgraded his decision to a yellow.
Inside the final 10 minutes and United created a wonderful opportunity to double the advantage. It was all about Stevens who surged forward before playing a neat one-two with Mousset to put him clear on goal, but his effort with the outside of his left boot was saved one-handed by Guaita diving to his left.
Stevens looked a good bet to score again with two minutes remaining. As Mousset took aim from the edge of the area, his effort took a wicked deflection re-bounding kindly into the path of the unmarked Irishman, but he turned his volley wide of the near post.
Wilder’s side comfortably saw out any late pressure, which included six minutes of stoppage time, to celebrate yet another away day success.
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