Mason Holgate’s reckless early dismissal severely hampered Sheffield United’s chances in their 5-0 defeat against Brighton on Sunday afternoon. The Everton loanee’s dangerous tackle on Kaoru Mitoma earned him a red card just 12 minutes into the match, leaving his team with a daunting task against one of the league’s top sides.
Despite holding out until early in the second half, Brighton’s late surge sealed the victory, echoing their previous five-goal triumph at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup just a few weeks ago.
Player grades
Wes Foderingham: 4
Made an impressive reaction save to thwart Ahmedhodzic’s early own goal attempt. There were several other commendable saves amidst Brighton’s unfortunate first goal, where Foderingham was obstructed but the goal stood. Questions arise about his strength against Buonanotte’s pressure during the incident.
Jayden Bogle: 3
He nearly provided United with a promising start in just the second minute when McAtee delivered a pass to him in space, but Verbruggen thwarted his angled shot. However, he faced a challenging afternoon contending with the energetic Mitoma, who consistently managed to create space for crosses. Mitoma’s delivery led to the third goal, with Robinson unfortunately deflecting the ball into his own net.
Mason Holgate: 1
The football club headed into this game in positive fashion after a brilliant away win at Luton, giving them one last lifeline in the relegation battle. But Holgate’s horror challenge very quickly changed the landscape and ultimately cost the team an opportunity to dig themselves out of this deep hole.
Anel Ahmedhodzic: 3
He demonstrated agility to intercept Adingra’s cross, preventing Welbeck from tapping it in, while Foderingham played his part in keeping the ball out. Additionally, he was involved in United’s offside “goal,” combining with Osborn to bundle the ball into the net, only to realise it wouldn’t count.
Late in the game, he had a prime opportunity from Robinson’s precise cross, but his header narrowly missed the near post. However, he nearly conceded a goal shortly after, committing a careless giveaway to Estupinan.
Jack Robinson: 3
He found himself in an unfortunate position as he inadvertently scored Brighton’s third goal, attempting to intercept Mitoma’s cross from the left but inadvertently deflecting it past Foderingham, making it 0-3. He nearly started to redeem himself with a well-delivered cross for Ahmedhodzic, but the latter’s header missed the target.
Yasser Larouci: 2
Decent at times, particularly when linking up with Osborn on the left side, amidst Brighton’s persistent pressure and harassment of any Sheffield United player in possession. But his defending and awareness was shocking.
Vinicius Souza: 3
It proved to be a challenging afternoon for all of United’s midfield, especially against a technically proficient side like this, and the task became even more daunting after Holgate’s brainless challenge.
Gustavo Hamer: 4
Ranked highly in terms of the number of touches and impact from a United perspective, consistently involved in the action when the Blades were on the ball.
Ben Osborn: 4
Seemed to have brought United back into contention just before halftime with a close-range poke-in, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul.
James McAtee: 6
Demonstrated excellent vision and skill by finding Bogle for his early opportunity, and assumed the role of a main striker after Osula’s early substitution. Showed relentless determination by pursuing every opportunity but was not a day where he could make an impact.
Will Osula: N/A
The unfortunate victim of the Holgate red card as he made way for Auston Trusty.
Subs
Auston Trusty 4 (Osula, 31)
Andre Brooks 4 (Larouci, 61)
Rhian Brewster N/A (McAtee, 79)
Oli Norwood N/A (Osborn, 79)
Tom Davies N/A (Hamer, 79)
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