Sheffield United gets last minute equaliser against Chelsea

On a challenging Sunday afternoon at Bramall Lane, Chelsea failed to secure a win against the Premier League's bottom team, Sheffield United. Despite leading until the final moments, a late goal by Oliver McBurnie ensured a 2-2 draw. Key performances from former Eredivisie players Gustavo Hamer, with a stunning assist, and Noni Madueke, who scored, were highlights for Chelsea. For Sheffield United, now trailing nine points behind seventeenth-placed Nottingham Forest, relegation seems imminent. Chelsea, on the other hand, sits in ninth place.

Chelsea pushing forwards

Chelsea's Mauricio Pochettino started Noni Madueke, marking his first Premier League start since February 12, alongside Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer, and striker Nicolas Jackson. Sheffield United saw Hamer in the starting lineup, with Oliver McBurnie and Ben Brereton Díaz leading the attack. Madueke nearly celebrated his return with an early goal, cutting inside from the right and forcing a save from Sheffield's goalkeeper Ivo Grbic. Chelsea soon took the lead when Gallagher's corner found Thiago Silva, who calmly finished into the far corner making it 0-1. However, Silva later played an inadvertent role in Sheffield's equalizer, losing the ball to McBurnie, who set up Brereton Díaz for a shot that was blocked. Chelsea's Palmer also came close to doubling the lead but was denied by the defense.

Chelsea fails to finish

Chelsea's goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, filling in for the injured Robert Sánchez, was tested more than he would have liked. Hamer's attempt was saved by Petrovic, but the Dutchman later provided a brilliant assist through Caicedo's legs to Jayden Bogle, who equalized for Sheffield. After the break, Sheffield had chances to take the lead, with Brereton Díaz and Hamer both coming close. Chelsea regained control and Madueke put them ahead with a powerful shot from the right, leaving Grbic with no chance.

Sheffield's last minute equaliser

Just when Chelsea thought they had secured the win, Sheffield struck back. Cameron Archer's backward header found McBurnie, who scored from close range, making it 2-2. Sheffield pushed for a winner in the final moments, but the match ended in a draw. Chelsea's draw with Sheffield United encapsulates their season's inconsistency, leaving them in a precarious position in the league standings. For Sheffield, the fight against relegation continues, but the spirited draw against Chelsea offers a glimmer of hope.