Sheffield United overcame a resilient A.F.C Bournemouth side on Sunday to move to within two points of Chelsea in fourth place (though the Blues do have a game in hand).
Against the Cherries, Blades striker Oliver McBurnie was the focal point, dominating his opposition aerially by winning 12 duels as he had an excellent afternoon as Sheffield United all but secured their Premier League status, moving on to 39 points. Next in their sights will be maintaining momentum to try and land a European campaign for the first time in the club’s history.
Much of Chris Wilder’s sides play was directed through the 23-year-old Scot, who managed 42 touches, significantly more than strike partner Billy Sharp’s 27. Though the pair both attempted the same number of shots (three), along with two on target, McBurnie was unable to find the back of the net, while Sharp doubled his tally for the season by scoring Blades’ first goal. The Scot also troubled Eddie Howe’s defence by twice dribbling around Bournemouth players, highlighting the striker’s capabilities with the ball at his feet – suggesting he isn’t merely a target man.
However, McBurnie’s distribution was occasionally wayward with just 44 percent of his 25 passes finding a teammate, though winning 12 aerial duels suggests that he was often attempting to flick on high balls. The 23-year-old put his teammates through on goal with two key passes but was unable to collect his first assist of the season as both opportunities were squandered.
While McBurnie gave the ball away on three occasions, twice via being dispossessed and one unsuccessful touch; overall, he did an excellent job of bringing others into the game in challenging circumstances.
Defensively the striker also put in a shift. As well as making one tackle, McBurnie also got back amongst the Blades defenders to made two clearances, which underlines his incredible work ethic from the front. While he was unable to add to his tally of four Premier League goals this season, McBurnie played an integral part in ensuring Sheffield United’s top-flight status is all but assured with 12 games left to play. After the victory over Bournemouth, the Blades can now focus on attempting to reach Europe for the first time.
