Soccer-Sheffield United end winless run with last-gasp penalty against Wolves

Sheffield United claimed their first victory of the Premier League season as they secured a 2-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The decisive moment came in the 10th minute of added time when Oliver Norwood converted a penalty after Wolves’ Fabio Silva fouled George Baldock.

This win ended a six-game losing streak for Sheffield United in the league. However, despite the victory, they remain at the bottom of the table on goal difference, level on points with Burnley. Wolverhampton Wanderers currently sit 13th in the standings with 12 points.

United boss Paul Heckingbottom expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating that his team deserved it. He highlighted the dominant performance of his side and acknowledged Wolves’ strong defensive display during the match. He also praised his team’s improved aggression and forcefulness in the second half.

The first half of the match ended goalless, with heavy rainfall throughout the period affecting the game. Despite the pressure from the visitors, Wolves, they failed to score in the opening half. Wolverhampton Wanderers had the best opportunity to break the deadlock when Matheus Cunha’s shot was saved by Sheffield United’s goalkeeper, Wes Foderingham.

Sheffield United finally took the lead in the 72nd minute when Cameron Archer capitalized on a loose ball in midfield, ran towards the edge of the penalty area, and hit a shot that went in off the crossbar.

However, in the final minute of normal time, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde equalized for Wolverhampton Wanderers with a curling shot that deflected into the net. Despite this setback, Sheffield United showed resilience and secured the victory with Norwood’s penalty.

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Wolves manager Gary O’Neil expressed his disappointment at the result, believing that his team did not deserve to lose. He described the second half as scrappy and admitted that his side struggled to adapt to the conditions. O’Neil felt that leaving with a draw would have been a fair outcome based on the overall performance.

The match was reported by Tommy Lund in Gdansk and edited by Clare Fallon and Ken Ferris.