Sheffield United 0-5 Brighton – Report

Mason Holgate’s early red card left Sheffield United in a tough spot during Sunday’s match at Bramall Lane against Brighton & Hove Albion, ultimately resulting in a home loss as the visitors capitalised on their numerical advantage with a clinical performance.

United underwent two changes for the encounter with the Seagulls, as Larouci and Osula stepped in for the injured Norrington-Davies and Archer. Foderingham retained his position in goal, while the inclusion of youngster Billy Blacker marked his debut in the matchday squad.

Lineups

Blades: Foderingham, Hamer (T. Davies 79), Ahmedhodžić, Robinson, Bogle, Souza, Osborn (Norwood 79), Larouci (Brooks 63), McAtee (Brewster 79), Holgate, Osula (Trusty 30).

Unused: Grbić, McBurnie, Arblaster, Blacker.

Brighton: Verbruggen, Lamptey (Moder 45), Webster (Juilo 45), Dunk, Gilmour, Groß, Welbeck (Estupiñán 81), Mitoma (Fati 76), Adingra, van Hecke, Buonanotte (Ferguson 66)

Unused: Steele, Baleba, Veltman, Baker-Boaitey.

First half

The Blades began on a positive note as Bogle tested Verbruggen with a well-placed shot just 75 seconds into the game. However, Foderingham remained vigilant at the other end, swiftly reacting to a threat when Ahmedhodzic deflected Adingra’s cross towards his own goal. Unfortunately, the afternoon turned sour in the 13th minute when Holgate’s yellow card was upgraded to a red after a VAR review for his challenge on Mitoma.

Capitalising on their numerical advantage, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, albeit amidst controversy. Buonanotte was credited with the goal after Dunk and Webster kept a corner alive, though there were suspicions of a foul on Foderingham. Despite the setback, Hamer sought an immediate response but was thwarted by Verbruggen after outmaneuvering Dunk and Lamptey.

However, in the 24th minute, Welbeck capitalised on a rebound, slotting home after Foderingham initially denied Mitoma’s close-range effort from a Groß delivery. While the visitors dominated possession, United almost found the net before halftime, only for VAR to disallow the goal for offside, involving Ahmedhodzic and Osborn in the buildup.

Second half

United displayed resilience for a short period after halftime, seemingly containing the opposition’s attacks until the last quarter of the game. Unfortunately, Robinson was unlucky to deflect a Mitoma cross into his own net, initiating the onslaught. Shortly after, Adingra struck with a powerful first-time volley at the near post from a Groß delivery.

The Ivory Coast forward then secured a fifth goal with the help of a deflection off Trusty, following Ahmedhodzic’s header wide from a cross by Robinson at the opposite end

The Blades remain rooted to the bottom of the table, seven points from safety, meanwhile United’s goal difference has taken another major hit.

Reaction

After the match Chris Wilder addressed the game-changing moment as Mason Holgate was sent off.

“I understand that but it was a very very strong challenge and the game’s moved on. Some people won’t want the game to move on and expect physical contact, excessive force but winning the ball and challenging in that way is deemed not acceptable so really we’ve got no excuses and nowhere to hide,” he told SUTV.

He later added: “He’s apologised to the boys. He understands it and he’s an experienced pro. He’s got it wrong.”