Report and highlights as Chris Wilder's substitutes make the difference
Monday 10 February 2020 06:12, UK
Sheffield United's charge towards the Champions League places gathered momentum as a 2-1 win over Bournemouth took them to within two points of Chelsea in fourth.
Chris Wilder's men did it the hard way at Bramall Lane, coming from behind after Callum Wilson handed the improved Cherries a deserved early lead (13).
Billy Sharp's goal just before the break (45+1) restored parity before John Lundstram, who had lost his place to new signing Sander Berge, sprang from the bench to send the Blades fifth in the Premier League with a neat finish after linking with fellow substitute Lys Mousset.
United have now scored six Premier League goals from substitutes this season, more than any other side in the division, while the result leaves Eddie Howe's Bournemouth just two points above the drop zone.
For the first 30 minutes it was hard to tell who was pushing for Europe and who were the relegation strugglers as the visitors - obviously buoyed by back-to-back wins - played with great energy, quality and bite to win the second balls.
Ryan Fraser looked like a player with his confidence restored after an inconsistent campaign and he was the instigator of the opening goal.
A poor pass out by Sheffield United's record signing Berge put his team in trouble and Dan Gosling fed Fraser, whose low cross was attacked by Harry Wilson and although that effort was blocked away, Callum Wilson was on hand to thrash home.
Bournemouth could have immediately doubled their lead when Fraser's cross left Philip Billing on his toes and somehow he failed to make contact with the ball from close range.
Wilder's team grew into the half and pinned Bournemouth back towards their own goal.
Oliver Norwood saw a deflected strike drop agonisingly wide of a post before Aaron Ramsdale made a fine save from Oli McBurnie.
It looked as though the Cherries would survive through to the break but the pressure finally told when a corner was kept alive by Enda Stevens and Sharp was on hand to poke home from close range. Both his goals this season have come against Bournemouth.
The visitors composed themselves after the break and looked tidy in possession with Nathan Ake and Simon Francis standing up well to balls coming into their box from wide areas.
A thunderous strike from Fraser after a superb set up from Callum Wilson drew a sensational save from Dean Henderson, who was at full stretch to deny the winger.
The Blades looked to be running out of ideas but the introduction of Lundstram and Mousset kicked them into life and on 84 minutes, they combined for the winner. With Bournemouth briefly unorganised, Mousset charged down the left and fed Lundstram, who sent a composed strike into the far corner.
Once again the Blades showed their mettle. It's amazing how far they've come in a short space of time.
He's back. And in this kind of form, Bournemouth have a player capable of getting them out of trouble. This was the Ryan Fraser of last season, lively, intelligent and full of quality and guile. He was the best player on the pitch and was so unfortunate to be on the losing side. No player made more key passes (4) than the winger and it was his quality that laid the platform for Bournemouth's opening goal.
It's a timely reminder for Bournemouth and potential suitors that Fraser's existing deal expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a free transfer to Liverpool and Arsenal. On this showing, clubs of that ilk will be getting in touch.
Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder: "I'm not a comfortable manager, we're not a comfortable team. We want more. We've enjoyed our first year back in the Premier League, we've played a part in it and there are some big games coming up. We've had to turn a decent side over today. They've got some dangerous players. I thought our back three were excellent."
Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe: "The way we started the game, you wouldn't know we're in the position we are in. We passed the ball very well, showed good composure, scored a really good goal, could have scored more. The early signs of the game were very good and generally I thought the performance overall was pretty good. The two goals we conceded were out of keeping with the overall performance. The second goal was a really poor one."
Sheffield United host Brighton at Bramall Lane next, although not until Saturday, February 22 after their mid-season break.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth also embark on a week without a fixture as they have 13 days to prepare for a crucial home fixture with Burnley.
