Blades striker, Oli McBurnie, got his third goal of the season yesterday as United saw off Brighton.
The win kept up the Blades’ unbeaten away record in the Premier League. It’s a run which stretches to nine games now. Furthermore, it was the 92nd game in a row where United have been leading at half-time and not lost.
Oli McBurnie was excellent for Sheffield United yesterday. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
After dominating in the main, McBurnie got a deserved goal for Chris Wilder’s men. The big striker latching on to a mistake by Adam Webster to fire past Matty Ryan in goal.
The Scot was given the nod ahead of top scorer, Lys Mousset. The 23-year-old has featured predominantly all season but has had to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks.
But McBurnie repaid the faith shown in him by his manager. He put in an all-action display to make Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster really earn their keep.
Oli McBurnie was up for the battle at Brighton. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Since signing for around £20m in the summer, McBurnie has divided fans somewhat. The fee has brought with it a big expectancy on his shoulders. However, he went some way to repaying that fee today with a vital goal.
Following the game, there was plenty of Blades fans on Twitter quick to sing his praises. In particular, a theme of the tweets was how McBurnie had outshone fellow summer target, Neal Maupay.
McBurnie > Maupay #BHAFC #sufc #twitterblades #BHASٍHU
— Declan Sean Kenny (@declankenny94) December 21, 2019
Getting stronger!! Reyt goal!! ⚔️
— TheBlades (@skibumg) December 21, 2019
McBurnie > Maupay confirmed
— jambon (@Ianbeverley) December 21, 2019
Some Blades fans just seemed please to see McBurnie prove people wrong…
Well done enjoy Xmas don't drink too much. I knew you would come good for us. I know it's difficult to get into an established team but you deserve it.
— Bry (@Bry67603269) December 21, 2019
Love it chief. Proper performance and deserved that start after Villa.
— Saudi Blades (@BladesDem) December 21, 2019
Quality finish from a quality player ⚔️⚔️⚔️
— wayne reynolds (@w1970r) December 21, 2019
Get in Oli. Never in doubt you were the man. Merry Christmas
— Martyn Price (@PriceMartyn) December 21, 2019
Our view
This was just reward for McBurnie today. He’s waited patiently for his chance as Lys Mousset has been the man in form.
His overall performance was excellent throughout. He won enough headers against two giant centre backs and got a deserved goal to show for his display.
Blades fans will soon start loving Oli McBurnie even more if he can keep this sort of form up.