Sheffield United defeat Luton to gain valuable points in survival fight
The hosts had won four points in their previous two league games with eight goals scored in the process, while the visitors were thumped 5-0 at home by Aston Villa last weekend.
However, the unpredictability of the PL showed in the first half as the Blades raced into a 2-0 lead.
Cameron Archer had missed a good chance before opening the scoring on the half-hour mark, finishing neatly into the bottom corner after a solo run for his fourth goal this season, and first since December.
James McAtee then doubled the Blades’ advantage from the penalty spot, coolly slotting into the bottom corner despite Thomas Kaminski getting a touch on the ball after Reece Burke handled in the box.
Luton did have chances themselves to get on the scoresheet, with Gabriel Osho heading wide from a free-kick and Elijah Adebayo seeing his effort well-blocked, but Sheffield United held on to to lead an away PL match at HT for the first time this campaign.
Such as the Blades’ frailties at the back though, having conceded the second-most goals of any team competing in a UEFA top-flight league this season before today, Luton were given a lifeline just seven minutes into the second half.
In an almost identical incident to the visitors’ penalty, the Hatters were given a spot-kick for handball, and Carlton Morris rifled home his sixth goal of the campaign, giving Wes Foderingham no chance of saving it.
The striker was denied his brace by a smart Foderingham save midway through the second period, but it was Sheffield United who would seal victory as Vini Souza opened his Blades account with a delightful finish, catching out Kaminiski who had come off his line.
Luton pushed late on, but ultimately came up short as Chris Wilder’s men recorded their first away victory against today’s opponents since 1994 - a thrilling encounter that finished 6-3.
There were not quite as many goals in this match, but Rob Edwards will be disappointed his side lost on home turf as they stay just outside the relegation zone in 17th, while the Blades remain bottom but will take heart from their impressive performance.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vini Souza (Sheffield United)