Coming into the [fixture 16924822] game, Sheffield United were on the back of a crucial win against relegation rivals [team 10]. With three wins in their last five games, things were looking brighter for the blades. Maybe, the reality is they can’t do it now. Still, with the recent results, there was the slightest hope for another positive result against an in-form [team 18] side.
Sheffield United had [player 9726] in the back three along with [player 3305] and Basham. [player 6286] and McBurnie started upfront with the usual midfield three behind them. [player 2191] was on the bench along with Sharp.
The blues had collected 7 points from 3 games coming into this match. With a new system introduced by [coach 523937], confidence was increasing among the squad. Chelsea did start with a back three which saw [player 4460] replacing [player 95792] who was subbed off against [team 6] with a thigh issue. Chilwell came in for [player 1128] and [player 798] came in for Hudson-Odoi.
First-Half
It was an eventful start to the game as Chelsea’s three-game clean sheet record was threatened. [player 4746] played a beautiful pass into Burke’s path whose finish was disappointing as an early opportunity wasn’t taken. Chelsea responded well by getting on the front foot and soon created an opening. [player 73147] played a nice pass for Werner who clipped the ball over [player 9438] without any power behind it. Eventually, the ball was cleared the Basham.
[player 506] was involved again as he controlled the ball in a crowd and was brought down by [player 1601]. Referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot, and an automatic VAR check began. The [team 21] defender was deemed offside when the kick was taken, and as a result, the penalty was overturned.
Chelsea were struggling to move the ball effectively as a high press from the home side was forcing backwards and sideways passing. The blades’ press was forcing errors, and Chelsea were not in control of the midfield. However, credit to the away side for grinding the ball and working there out of trouble.
With half time approaching, Chelsea took the lead with a well-executed move finished off by Mount. [player 31823] made a run in the inside left channel where Chilwell’s pass was intended. The German then assisted [player 537121] with a lovely cutback which was finished off brilliantly by the young Englishman.
Chelsea finished the half on a high note. As for [coach 455400], it was the worst time to concede a goal. However, with the lead being just one goal, the game was far from over.
Second-Half
The start to the second half was slow, with not much attacking from any side. However, soon the game burst into life with both sides scoring in the space of an eventful four minutes. Sheffield United equalized, but it was rather a poor goal to concede for the away side. [player 31837] got across to cover Burke’s run, and at the same time, [player 99137] rushed out to collect the ball. Rudiger passed it back without knowing Mendy’s position. The keeper was wrongfooted and couldn’t stop the ball from crossing the line.
As Sheffield United looked to keep the momentum going, Chelsea were back in front in a blink of an eye. Werner intercepted a horrible back pass by [player 581158]. The German was then fouled inside the box by an onrushing Ramsdale. Initially, the referee looked away as per the assistant’s view who was the closest to the incident. However, after having a look himself, Kevin Friend award Chelsea a penalty. [player 129511] stepped up and scored again from the spot.
Sheffield United only had themselves to blame to give away a poor penalty. Since the moment the home side equalized, they gave away the ball cheaply in dangerous areas. Chelsea were quick to take advantage and had recovered the lead.
With Sheffield United pushing for another equalizer, Tuchel replaced [player 2875858] with [player 1193]. Chelsea shifted to a 3-5-2 in order to match Sheffield United’s midfield. Wilder then made two attacking changes in the space of a few minutes sending McGoldrick and [player 1384] on the pitch. With the time running out, [player 455354] was also sent on, and the blades were giving everything they had.
Outstandingly, Rudiger then blocked two quick shots from Brewster before Mendy made a big save to deny a spectacular overhead effort from Sharp. Chelsea dug in and fought well for all three points. Sheffield United only have themselves to blame for not getting anything for another game where they performed well.
