Sheffield United ended a run of four consecutive defeats as they produced a clinical display to sink Tottenham 3-1 on Thursday evening.
The game sprung into life just after the half-hour mark when patient play from the Blades saw Chris Basham get to the byline and draw a clear pass to Sanderbridge, who fired a shot past Hugo Lloris into the bottom corner. Took a touch.
QUE performance of one. pic.twitter.com/YOg2HwI2K5
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 2, 2020
Spurs thought they had restored parity almost immediately, only for Harry Kane to have his strike ruled out by VAR after Lucas Moura inadvertently handled the ball in the build-up.
Just like in the first half, the second started with Spurs pressing, yet another clinical blade counter took the wind out of their sails for the away side. More clever play in wide areas saw Enda Stevens cut the ball back to Lys Mousset, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
The game was scrapped as a contest as an even tougher Spurs allowed Bridge to steal away and the result of a square for Ollie McBurney was beyond doubt. Kane’s late consolation did little to boost morale on the Spurs bench as Mourinho’s men were soundly beaten on the night.
Key talking point
Chris Wilder was forced to field on an under-strength side with John Fleck, John Lindstrom and Jack O’Connell all missing through injury.
However, despite only seven substitutes being named out of a possible nine, the passion and unity that has propelled Sheffield United into the top half of the table was still evident.
thrilling? pic.twitter.com/S5oVtfzMb3
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 2, 2020
With their Premier League status already secured for another season and European football starting to look like a distant dream, it’s up to them to take on one of the so-called ‘big boys’ of English football. It would have been easy to feel regret.
But his approach to the game encapsulated Wilder’s mentality.
Despite their opposition boasting a far more talented crop on paper, Sheffield United produced a team display that will no doubt give Wilder more comfort than any individual masterclass, with every ball. Fighting for and proving they are a long way from their first season. In the top flight.
Starting XI: Henderson (6); Baldock (7), Basham (7), Egan (6), Robinson (6), Stevens (6); Constellation (9*), Norwood (7), Osborn (7); McBurney (8), McGoldrick (5).
Alternative: Mossett (6), Freeman (N/A).
⚽ Sander Bridge scores his first PL goal with his first shot on target in the competition (his 8th appearance)
? It’s Chef Utd’s first goal since the PL restart with only their 6th shot on target in 4 matches pic.twitter.com/SuXgN6WwPi
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) July 2, 2020
In the absence of Flack and Lindström, Sheffield United needed a big performance from their club record signing – and they got just that.
The Norway international has enjoyed an impressive first campaign in England since arriving in January, although his display against Spurs showed just the kind of players Sheffield United have in their ranks.
His all-round play looked superb, applying a high press whenever the Spurs midfield had a chance to settle on the ball, his tireless work ethic becoming a hallmark of the home side’s game.
Unbelievable
Today’s man of the match ??? pic.twitter.com/6MwzUH59Y1
— Sheffield United (@Sheffield United) July 2, 2020 Key Conversations
Serge Aurier endured a tough night on the right / Michael Regan/Getty Images.
Jose Mourinho’s decision not to include Dele Alli in the starting XI was the main talking point before the game, but after the game nobody was talking about Spurs’ attacking options – it was their defense that was the talk of the town. was the subject of
Mourinho has built his career on a strong defensive unit, yet Spurs do not have the players to build such a backline.
Serge Aurier’s display defined his England career so far. Disorganized in the final third – regularly taking the ball out of play when given the time and space to deliver a cross – and utterly hopeless in their own half. The Ivory Coast international’s disappointing display was topped off as he stood by and watched Sheffield United tear Spurs apart for his side’s second goal of the evening.
Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 27 Premier League goals since Jose Mourinho became manager. The only teams to concede more in that period are Everton (29), Norwich (32), West Ham (36), Bournemouth (39) and Aston Villa (40).
Not names Mourinho would be proud of. ? pic.twitter.com/IWduu6sew1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 2, 2020
With Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen watching from the bench, Mourinho has got a huge transfer window ahead of him if he is to make Spurs top-four contenders again, let alone Premier League title contenders.
Starting XI: cry (6); Aurier (3), Sanchez (5), Dyer (5), Davies (4); Sissoko (6) Celso (7*); Bergwijn (6), son (5), Lucas (6); Kane (6).
Alternative: Lamela (7), Ndombele (5), Ali (6), Vertonghen (6).
Little was said from Spurs’ point of view, with defensive errors and sluggish forward play resulting in a forgettable evening.
Lo Celso was a rare bright spark in a dreadful Spurs performance / Michael Regan/Getty Images
While Tottenham’s performance lacked quality, Lo Celso at least showed a willingness to receive the ball in midfield and offer forward ball to counter Sheffield United’s high press.
The Argentina international offered industry in the center of the pitch, although in all honesty was stifled by a brilliant Blade display.
A busy Premier League schedule sees these two sides back in league action twice next week.
Sheffield United face a trip to Turf Moor on Sunday to take on a Burnley side who are enjoying some fine end-of-season form and a late European charge ahead of the home clash against Wolves. is hoping
Meanwhile, Spurs host Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton on Monday night, with a trip to relegation-threatened Bournemouth to follow.