Sheff Utd 2 West Ham 2
Chris Wilder’s side entertained West Ham at Bramall Lane, still eight points from safety at the foot of the Premier League table. If The Blades are to stand any chance of survival, they needed to start winning games at home, starting with The Hammers.
Despite their troubles this season, you cannot fault the fans. They continue to turn up in their droves, offering passionate support, believing that their team can do the seemingly impossible. If Sheff Utd can display anywhere near as much spirit, they may well have a chance.
Danny Ings had the first chance of the game as he met a long throw in, to lift the ball over the advancing Foderingham but wide of the post. It was an early warning for The Blades’ defence if they needed one at all.
Moments later, the West Ham striker had another chance but his effort ricocheted off two defenders, looping up towards the back post. Cornet was there to volley the ball past the keeper to give the visitors the lead at Bramall Lane.
Credit: @WestHam
Wilder’s side have conceded the first goal in 17 of their 21 Premier League games this season, something that needs to be addressed. When goals are in short supply at the other end, you cannot give your opponents such a head-start.
The Blades have already made some moves in the transfer window and brought in Ben Brereton Diaz from Villareal. The striker is used to life up north, after having a successful four-year spell with Blackburn Rovers before heading to Spain.
Just before the interval, the ball was crossed to the back post where Osula tested Areola with a header. The keeper made a good save but as the ball came back out, Brereton Diaz smashed the ball home to equalise for the hosts.
Bramall Lane erupted as the home fans felt this could be the day that they take a huge step towards getting themselves out of the bottom three. They continued pressing in the second half and Brereton Diaz was slotted in, with only Areola to beat. Sadly, he scuffed his effort wide of the far post. Big chance.
As the visitors worked the ball into the box, a great turn by Ings, saw him turn the defenders. As the striker bared down on goal, he was bundled to the ground and the referee immediately pointed to the spot and VAR did not disagree.
James Ward-Prowse stepped up to continue his impressive debut season as he drilled the ball down the middle of the goal to give The Hammers the lead. The away end exploded into raptures as the midfielder scored right in front of the away end.
Credit: @SheffieldUnited
The Sheff Utd fans had a familiar look on their faces as it seemed their side were heading to another late defeat. To make matters worse, substitute Rhian Brewster flew into a challenge on Emerson and it all kicked off amongst both sets of players.
It was a wild, reckless challenge and the referee showed the player a yellow card. VAR reviewed it and told him to go to the monitor. After watching it again, he reversed his decision and showed Brewster a red card. Coufal was also booked for something he said after the event.
Ings then had the chance to put the game to bed but his effort was well blocked by the Sheff Utd defence. As the hosts piled forward, Coufal fouled McAtee and the referee showed him a second yellow card and gave him his marching orders.
As McAtee hoisted a cross towards the back post there was a coming together between Areola and McBurnie, which ended up with both players in a heap on the floor. The referee did not hesitate and pointed to the spot. VAR upheld the decision after a review.
West Ham fans were right to feel aggrieved as the replay showed that McBurnie struck the keeper in the face with an elbow and Areola didn’t really touch the striker. How the VAR studio saw fit to allow the penalty, you can only assume they had suffered some sort of head trauma in Stockley Park.
McAtee stepped up to the spot but then handed the ball to McBurnie. Areola had to be substituted for Fabiankski from the injury he had suffered. The Sheff Utd striker stepped up and slotted the ball into the far corner and Bramall Lane erupted.
In the final moments of the game, as the ball was crossed in, Bowen ended up on the floor demanding a penalty. The replay showed that Ahmedhodzic was not even looking at the ball, focussed on the player, as he wrestled him to the floor.
The concussed VAR panel reviewed it and decided there was nothing doing. It really begs belief as the laws of the game state, if a player is not looking at the ball and is solely focussed on the player pulling at him, it should be given as a foul.
Incompetent officials and VAR staff had gifted a point to Sheff Utd that they really should not have had. All West Ham will have to show for this is another apology from Patrick Stewart lookalike Howard Webb, but this is now getting tiresome.
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