Sheffield United’s return to Bramall Lane following the FIFA Club World Cup break was an impressive one, with a 4-0 thrashing of Stoke City. Sheffield United were happy to welcome their fourth straight Championship victory on a relatively cold autumnal Saturday afternoon. This victory surged them up to 18th place in the league standings. Between the formational shifts and the attacking firepower displayed by the Blades from the opening whistle, this match-up quickly turned into a match to remember.
The home team was in the driver’s seat from the start, firing their first goal in just 10 minutes on the clock. Mark McGuinness, making a significant impact, netted his first goal for Sheffield United, giving the team a boost of confidence. Soon after, Gustavo Hamer found space on the edge of the box to loft a brilliant curling shot into the top right corner. Stoke’s ‘keeper Viktor Johansson instinctively tipped it over the crossbar to keep the Blades from going two goals ahead.
Key Moments in the First Half
Regardless, as the opening 45 continued, Sheffield United controlled the play. Femi Seriki found himself in a prime position down the right wing, set up beautifully by Peck. Seriki’s attempt joined the list to double the lead, putting Sheffield United comfortably in the driver’s seat. It was Patrick Bamford’s second goal against Stoke this season. His spectacular second goal, which made it 3-0 before half-time, was a reflection of his increasing impact in the team.
As solid as their overall form was, McGuinness should have had more than his one personal goal in the first half. His efforts were a harbinger of a squad that was generating chance after chance. Stoke’s Andre Brooks almost had a way back into the game. Then he was brought down in the box following a terrific backheel from Tyrese Campbell. Johansson came up with a massive stop himself, leaping low to his left and batting Brooks’ shot wide for a corner.
Securing the Victory
After the half Sheffield United turned up the heat. In the 77th minute it was Peck who, after a foul, fired a penalty kick straight down the middle with no hesitation to close the score 4-0, adding gloss to an already dominant display. The penalty was awarded after Brooks was brought down inside the area, showcasing the Blades’ ability to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes.
This success story has overshadowed Sheffield United’s incredible resurgence. More importantly, it gives them confidence heading into the gauntlet that will be the Championship season. They have won all four of their games in terrifying fashion to jump out to a 4-0 record. In that period, the team found incredible cohesion and attacking flair, largely on the right wing. They’re already halfway towards guaranteeing their spot in the league!
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