Sheffield United showed courage and drive to draw 2-2 with Coventry City on Saturday, despite being reduced to ten men shortly before halftime. The duel at the Coventry Building Society Arena saw both sides trade blows in an action-packed match that was not without controversy.
Tyrese Campbell scored the Blades’ opening goal in the 14th minute, capitalising on Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s perfect low cross. The attacker timed his move perfectly, slotting the ball past Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins and sending the visiting fans into raptures.
Coventry, however, answered quickly. Josh Eccles sent an enticing cross past United’s Harry Souttar, allowing Norman Bassette to direct the ball into the net to tie the game in the 22nd minute.
However, Sheffield United recovered the lead just 12 minutes later. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi finished off a wonderful play with a brilliant left-footed shot that curled into the bottom far corner, giving the Blades a 2-1 lead at the break.
The game changed significantly soon before halftime when United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic was sent off for a violent argument with Norman Bassette. Ahmedhodzic reacted to what appeared to be some gamesmanship by the Coventry striker, which included a clip on the floor and some provocative gestures. The referee, Darren Bond, found Ahmedhodzic’s reaction sufficient to merit a straight red card, forcing Sheffield United to play the second half with ten men.
With the numerical advantage, Coventry increased the pressure after the intermission. Their perseverance paid off in the 80th minute, when Bobby Thomas got away from his marker, Harry Souttar, and headed home a well-placed corner kick to make it 2-2. Despite Coventry’s late assaults, the Blades’ defenders held firm to grab an important road point.
Chris Wilder on a hard-earned point for Sheffield United at Coventry
In his post-match comments on SUTV, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praised his team’s character: “Would we have taken a point here? Yes. But, especially with 10 men missing a couple players, I think it’s an excellent suggestion. I’m overjoyed for the travelling fans and their unwavering support till the end.”
Wilder confirmed that Ahmedhodzic was rightfully sent off for his first-half reaction, saying, “There are absolutely no complaints. Anel understands my disappointment, and we’re all disappointed since he’s had to rely on his teammates to get him out of a bind. We’ll handle it internally, but I’ve also spoken with the players about maintaining discipline in specific instances.
However, Wilder was unwavering in his criticism of Norman Bassette’s role in the incident: “The boy [Bassette] attempted to leave something on Anel early on. He went over twice in the box, attempting to trick the referee, and then initiated the [red card] situation. I am not sure why he held his face when he was touched on the neck. That kind of gamesmanship does not set well with us.”
Wilder also stated in his interview that Tyrese Campbell was forced to leave due to a tight hamstring.
The Blades now have a midweek home game against Oxford United, where they will be missing important defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, and they may not want to risk Tyrese Campbell given the short turnaround.
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