Sheffield United displayed strong determination and gave maximum effort, but the difference in quality showed as they tasted defeat against Crystal Palace, upon their return to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
In the early stages of the second half, Odsonne Edouard secured the game’s crucial goal, while Will Osula had the Blades’ best opportunities, one in each half.
Blades: Foderingham, Baldock, Lowe (Larouci 80), Basham (Souza 80), Traoré (Hackford 87), Egan, Ahmedhodžić, Norwood, Robinson (Slimane 80), Osborn (Brooks 87) Osula.
Unused: Davies, Trusty, Marsh, Seriki.
Crystal Palace: Johnstone, Ward C, Mitchell, Guehi (Tomkins 90), Lerma, Ayew, Eze, Schlupp, Andersen, Edouard, Doucoure.
Unused: Matthews, Mateta, Clyne, Richards, Ahamada, Gordon, Riedewald, Rak-Sakyi.
First-half
United began the match with a positive attitude, winning an early corner. Osula attempted a left-footed shot on goal, which was deflected wide of the far post via a tiny deflection. The Danish forward received a booking from referee Brooks as Palace aimed to take control.
Around the 22-minute mark, the visitors believed they had taken the lead when Ayew headed in a rebound after Foderingham failed to handle a powerful dipping effort from Andersen. However, the referee gave an offside, after a brief VAR check.
The Blades maintained their combative spirit across the field, forcing a couple more corners before halftime. Egan’s header from the last corner was followed by Norwood’s distant strike, which was saved by Johnstone as the first half concluded.
Second-half
Palace broke the deadlock within five minutes of the second half as Edouard scored from close-range, courtesy of Ayew’s excellent cross from the right. Ahmedhodzic received a booking for stopping a counter attack, and Foderingham made the first of several timely interventions to block an Edouard header.
On the opposing end, the lively Traore seemed to set up Osborn in the area, but Andersen’s sliding block denied the chance, with Osula poised to capitalise. Edouard thought he had doubled his tally and Palace’s tally for the afternoon, but he made his run far too early. Foderingham was called into action once more to deny Schlupp’s attempt.
In the final 15 minutes, United intensified their efforts. Osula’s powerful shot hit the side netting, deceiving some supporters into thinking it had gone in. Meanwhile, Ayew’s forceful strike was thwarted by United’s goalkeeper.
Desperate to equalise, United made substitutions, including debuts for Larocui and Souza. However, despite multiple balls being sent into the box during five minutes of added time, Palace held on to secure the victory.
Reaction
After the match, Paul Heckingbottom told SUTV that he was pleased with his team’s efforts:
“We worked hard. We gave everything. But, we were short. I’m pleased with the effort, I’m pleased with the commitment. I don’t think on that performance you’d say there’s anything to scare us and that’s the message to the players.
“We know we were second best but there were also moments where if we’d have taken advantage, and got the first goal, we could’ve got a result against a well established Premier League side with lots of quality. Especially at the top end of the pitch.”
He added:
“I’m not disheartened and the players shouldn’t be. It’s a reminder we deserve to be here, that we can compete. Everything we do from this moment we’ll keep getting better. Bring it on. We’re looking forward to it.”
The Blades will next face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Friday night, both sides will be hoping to get their first points on the board.
