Bournemouth left it late but they eventually managed to break the hearts of the travelling Sheffield United supporters after the Blades took a 2-0 lead at the Vitality Stadium, only to draw 2-2.
Although United added another point on the board, which got them off the foot of the table, it does feel like a defeat in many ways given how dangerous they were in attack and the effort put in to the performance.
Player grades
Ivo Grbic: 7
This was an interesting performance from Grbic because he had some really shaky moments, like when he flapped at a ball as Dominic Solanke jumped with him. Ultimately he did make nine saves and he was under immense pressure late in the second half especially.
Jayden Bogle: 6
A tricky one to score; if I could praise his attacking work I’d have graded it a strong 7, but I think he was exposed defensively at times in the first half in particular getting dribbled past twice.
George Baldock: 7
Starting on the right side of back three, Baldock had to watch the runs of Solanke as well Marcus Tavernier. Overall he did a fairly good job replacing club captain Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Jack Robinson: 8
Robinson had an excellent game registering six tackles and interceptions combined. His long throw-ins were effective, and he even made an impact in the box himself as he fired home a close-range volley to put the Blades 2-0 up.
Auston Trusty: 7
Decent performance, but when you factor in his shocker against Arsenal it makes this performance even better because of the mental fortitude he has to bounce back from it. Sweeped up the danger of most thing that went in behind the defensive line.
Ben Osborn: 7
I actually think Osborn’s inclusion at left-wingback was an excellent decision by Chris Wilder. His energy and willingness to track runners helped United in their shape whilst also providing a strong outlet down the left in possession.
Tom Davies: 6
Would feel harshly done by as he gave away a penalty despite clearly touching the ball first, but his overall performance in the first half was outstanding from a box-to-box role. He was substituted at halftime however.
Oli Arblaster: 7
To say it was Arblaster’s full Premier League debut he did not look out of place whatsoever in United’s midfield. Covered the defence well, kept possession when needed to and broke towards the box on occasions. Had a great highlight where he dribbled through the defence and almost scored an excellent solo goal.
Gustavo Hamer: 8
Was absolutely class for the most part. There were some frustrations as he tried ambitious passes when Sheffield United needed to keep the ball. Hamer gave the Blades the lead and almost assisted Oli McBurnie. The Dutchman ended the game with a staggering five key passes.
Oli McBurnie: 7
McBurnie’s hold up and link up play with Brereton-Diaz was class, however he should have buried his headed chanced which goes down as a big chance missed.
Ben Brereton-Diaz: 6
Worked well with McBurnie as a front two, and the Chilean had license to drift wide into the channels where he could run at defenders and commit them. Had a decent impact on the game, but I have to mark him down as he had an opportunity to clear the ball at the near post from the corner where Bournemouth got there first goal.
Subs
Vinicius Souza 5, (Tom Davies, HT)
Anel Ahmedhodzic 5, (Bogle, 69)
James McAtee 5, (McBurnie, 69)
Will Osula N/A, (Brereton-Diaz, 80)
Oli Norwood N/A, (Arblaster, 80)
