Sheffield United injected renewed vigor into their Premier League survival campaign with a hard-fought victory over Brentford at Bramall Lane.
James McAtee, on loan from Manchester City, provided a touch of brilliance with his curling effort, securing the only goal of the afternoon as it nestled into Mark Flekken’s top corner just before halftime.
In the second half, Sheffield United had opportunities to extend their lead, with Cameron Archer and Anis Slimane coming close. However, their resilient defensive effort, coupled with a standout performance by goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, who made only a couple of saves despite Brentford’s pressure, sealed the crucial win.
Player grades
Wes Foderingham: 6
To be honest, I’m struggling to mark him any higher than this quite simply because he had very little to do.
Jayden Bogle: 8
Back-to-back amazing performances from Bogle. Aggression in the tackle and aerial duel these past couple of games. His pressing has been good, and his recovery runs have been quality.
Anel Ahmedhodzic: 8
Consistently found himself in the right positions to block, clear and intercept passes and, even when out of position, he demonstrated an ability to recover and execute his defensive duties. His performance was highlighted by his crucial block on Mee’s shot in the late stages of the game.
Jack Robinson: 8
Demonstrated remarkable composure when in possession, navigating even the tightest situations with ease. However, there was a moment in the second half where his calm approach nearly backfired, especially when Foderingham appeared set to come forward but hesitated slightly.
Auston Trusty: 8
Embraced United’s proactive style with an early challenge on Lewis-Potter, catching the winger instead of the ball, resulting in a yellow card. This put him on a precarious path for the remaining 75 minutes, but he adeptly managed the situation and seemed largely untroubled thereafter. Since moving to left-back, United look a lot more secure down the left flank.
Vinicius Souza: 7
Displays a combative nature in challenges while maintaining composure on the ball. It seems like he is relishing his revitalised role under Wilder, but he could’ve been badly injured in the first half by Onyeka.
Gustavo Hamer: 7
Unhesitant to attempt long-range shots, and he was unfortunate not to register an assist when his well-weighted pass set Osula free in the first half, leading to a shot that hit the side-netting. Ultimately secured an assist for McAtee’s goal, although the credit for the success lays more in the finish than the pass. Game after game, Hamer gives maximum effort, and now we’re getting to see his quality show since playing in his actual position.
Andre Brooks: 7
Another solid performance, helping cover the left side and the midfield areas. Glided across the pitch at times on the ball, his confidence is growing and that was shown when he delivered a cheeky nutmeg in the middle of the park and then was ultimately wiped out.
Cameron Archer: 8
Had a couple of chances where he could have taken a shot earlier but opted for an extra touch, leading to being crowded out. Unluckily, he missed out on being on the scoresheet with a close-range effort that was brilliantly blocked. Also could’ve had an assist when he found Slimane in the box.
Will Osula: 6
Put a shift in but he didn’t really have much of an impact. In saying that, he could’ve scored late in the first half when he latched onto Hamer’s through ball, but his shot went wide.
James McAtee: 8
Absolutely mental finish. He’s been close to coming on the scoresheet a few times this season, to score your first Premier League goal with that strike is something special.
Subs
Anis Slimane 7, (Osula 53)
Max Lowe 6, (Brooks 73)
Sydie Peck 6, (McAtee 81)