Premier League GW21 - Sheff Utd vs West Ham

Sheff Utd vs West Ham | Picture Credits: West Ham Website

Sheffield United and West Ham played a terrific match at Bramall Lane that perfectly captured the essence of Premier League drama. West Ham wanted to secure a European spot as the Blades tried to go up the ladder from the bottom. Everything was in place for an exciting showdown.

Sheff Utd:

With just two wins this season, the hosts' first season back in the top flight has been miserable. They are currently eight points from safety. Since the Blades have won both of their league games this season at Bramall Lane, the home crowd will be hoping for another much-needed victory today. This is the team's first Premier League game of 2024 following a possibly confidence-boosting 4-0 away success against League Two side Gillingham last weekend.

West Ham:

In contrast to their hosts, West Ham lost 1-0 on the road against lower-division Bristol City in their most recent FA Cup match. Though they are currently sixth in the Premier League, ahead of teams like Manchester United and Chelsea, the Hammers are still in terrific shape. With three wins in a row during that stretch, a run of four league games without a loss has been beneficial. Three more points here might reduce the deficit to just three points with three games remaining against fifth-place opponents Tottenham.

Line Ups:

SHEFFIELD UNITED (3-4-3):

Wes Foderingham; Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty; Jayden Bogle, James McAtee, Vinicius, Gustavo Hamer; Ben Brereton, William Osula, Andre Brooks.

SUBS: Femi Seriki, Oliver Norwood, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Rhian Brewster, Jili Buyabu, Cameron Archer, Oliver McBurnie, Ben Osborn, Jordan Amissah.

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1):

Alphonse Areola; Vladimir Coufal, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Kurt Zouma, Emerson; Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse; Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals, Maxwel Cornet; Danny Ings.

SUBS: Ben Johnson, Divin Mubama, Lukasz Fabianski, Kaelan Casey, Angelo Ogbonna, Lewis Orford, Aaron Cresswell, Oliver Scarles, Callum Marshall.

Bramall Lane Stadium | Picture Credits: Shefffield United

First Half: Cornet's Impact and Brereton's Debut Delight

Opportunities were created on both sides in the opening exchanges, as Jarrod Bowen of West Ham tested the Blades' defence. But the real breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Maxwel Cornet, starting for the first time in the league, took advantage of a loose pass to give West Ham a 1-0 lead. Just before half-time, Sheffield United made a big comeback. On his Premier League debut, Ben Brereton equalised the score at 1-1 after pouncing on a rebound after a header was saved.

The score was tied at one as the halftime siren went off. Sheffield United had momentum going into halftime thanks to Brereton's important goal. The Blades wanted to use that fresh energy to their advantage and swing the game in the second half.

Second Half: Late Penalties and Red Card Drama

In the second half, Brereton's one-on-one attempt went wide, costing Sheffield United a tremendous opportunity. Gustavo Hamer made a careless challenge that resulted in a penalty kick for West Ham in the 78th minute. West Ham's lead was restored at 2-1 as James Ward-Prowse stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the net. Drama broke out in the last moments as Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United was sent off for a late challenge. But Vladimir Coufal of West Ham also saw red, bringing both sides down to ten men.

In a stunning turn of events, Alphonse Areola fouled Oli McBurnie while contesting a cross, and Sheffield United was given a penalty in the ninety-eighth minute. With steely nerves, McBurnie took a stride forward and hammered the ball into the bottom-left corner, tying the game at 2-2.

Bramall Lane Witnessed Premier League Theatre

A thrilling 2-2 tie at Bramall Lane came to an end at the final whistle. Sheffield United responded passionately to Cornet's early goal for West Ham, igniting an emotional rollercoaster. Red cards and late penalties did not secure the elusive winner for either side. Despite picking up a crucial point, Sheffield United is still at the bottom, and West Ham loses the opportunity to get closer to the top five. The Premier League left fans excitedly awaiting the next installment of this compelling season after delivering another dose of surprising excitement.

Cornet's goal gave West Ham a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: West Ham Website

Diaz scored a goal and levelled the score right before the half time | Picture Credits: Sheff Utd Website

Ward-Prowse's brilliant penalty goal increased West Ham's lead to 2-1 | Picture Credits: West Ham Website

McBurnie's late goal in the second half, equalised the score again | Picture Credits: Sheff Utd Website