Oli McBurnie scored a 93rd-minute equaliser as rock bottom Sheffield United twice fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Bramall Lane, denting the Blues’ European hopes.
Three days on from their dramatic 4-3 triumph over Manchester United, the visitors were looking to go within three points of the sixth-placed Red Devils with a game in hand, but the Blades were good value for their point.
Jayden Bogle had cancelled out Thiago Silva’s early opener, only for Noni Madueke’s powerful drive to put Chelsea on the brink of a third win in the space of four league games.
However, their defensive frailties were on full display in stoppage time, with McBurnie steering home from close range to give the weary home fans something to cheer and keep Chelsea rooted in mid table.
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Sheffield United had already conceded 80 goals for the season ahead of Sunday’s game, and within 11 minutes, it was clear why. Conor Gallagher hoisted a simple corner in from the right, and Silva was totally unmarked as he side-footed home from near the penalty spot.
The Blades had a golden opportunity to level 11 minutes later, with Moises Caicedo’s block preventing Ben Brereton Diaz from tapping into an empty net after McBurnie drew Djordje Petrovic off his line.
Encouraged by some scruffy play from Chelsea, the hosts continued to press and did level just after the half-hour mark, Bogle beating Petrovic at his near post after being released by Gustavo Hamer.
.@Jayden_bogle 🍯 pic.twitter.com/AsRLdEIRTh
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) April 7, 2024
Sheffield United should have completed the turnaround early in the second half, but McBurnie could only plant his header wide after shaking off Trevoh Chalobah, before Hamer lashed a powerful 20-yard effort just wide.
However, Chris Wilder’s side were made to rue those missed opportunities after 66 minutes, with Madueke driving inside from the right flank before crashing a fierce strike into the roof of the net.
Chelsea appeared to be cruising to victory as their hosts tired, but there was one final twist to come after the 90 minutes were up.
Substitute Cameron Archer flicked Ollie Arblaster’s cross into the danger zone, where McBurnie stayed onside to prod home and deny Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) April 7, 2024
