Oli McBurnie once again proved his worth to Sheffield United by scoring a last minute equaliser against Chelsea.
Chelsea took control early on, with Thiago Silva calmly converting Conor Gallagher’s corner in the 11th minute uncontested. However, Jayden Bogle quickly equalised with a near post effort. But the visitors regained the lead in the second half through Noni Madueke, until Oli McBurnie’s injury-time goal at Bramall Lane brought parity once again.
Sheffield United deserved more than just the one point in truth. Despite only having 32% of possession, the Blades conjured up the most shots at goal and had by far the better expected goals tally. United finished the game with an xG of 1.38 compared to 0.24 for Chelsea, per SofaScore.
Oli McBurnie was a handful against Chelsea
McBurnie was a handful for the Chelsea defence all game, winning 16 of 22 total duels, the most by any player on the pitch. And he almost got a fourth assist of the campaign when he set up Ben Brereton-Diaz in the first half.
That 93rd minute goal moves United’s number nine onto six Premier League goals this season.
Oli McBurnie’s late equaliser marked the third time Sheffield United have salvaged a draw in the 90th minute in a Premier League match. Remarkably, all three instances, including matches against Manchester United in November 2019 and West Ham United in January 2024, have been courtesy of McBurnie’s goals.
There is still a question mark looming over McBurnie’s future as he has not yet penned a contract extension with the Blades.
The result on Sunday means that the Blades have now drawn three consecutive games, but it could’ve been even better as they lead by two goals against Bournemouth and Fulham, and arguably should have beaten the Blues as well.
Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie on the Blades’ home games
After the game, the Sheffield United number nine told BBC Radio Sheffield: “The last few games, we have been there or thereabouts. The boys put in excellent effort against Liverpool and now it is nice to get something for the fans.
“We always say, at home, we fancy ourselves against anyone, but that hasn’t always been the case this season. We need to make here a tough place for others to come.”
“There is still plenty of games to play and it is about building on the performances. We are not looking too far ahead.”
Have Sheffield United left it too late?
Following a string of heavy home defeats, including a 6-0 loss to Arsenal at the beginning of March, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will find satisfaction in the response displayed by his team.
Sheffield United have probably left it too late now but at least they are still trying. With seven games to go, the Blades are nine points from safety, but they do have a game in hand on Burnley, Luton Town and Nottingham Forest. And, they still have Burnley and Forest to play at Bramall Lane.
There is still a question mark over Everton as they still face another point deduction. The Toffees are on 29 points, so even if they do get a ten-point deduction then they’d jump down to 18th as things stand, due to goal difference.
