Sheffield United failed to hold off Bournemouth as the Cherries came from 2-0 down to earn a hard fought point.

The Blades seemed likely to secure their fourth win of the season as they ended their three match scoreless streak thanks to efforts from Gustavo Hamer and Jack Robinson but Andoni Iraola’s men were clinical from their corners.

Despite the three points being in reach Sheff Utd can be happy with moving away from 20th for the first time since 22nd December.

How the match unfolded

Bournemouth had one change as Chris Mepham replaced the injured Marcos Senesi. 

Chris Wilder made four changes from the 6-0 defeat at home to Arsenal, Oliver Arblaster, George Baldock, Ben Osborn, and Ben Brereton Diaz all coming in. 

In the 13th minute a Cherries short free-kick into the penalty area led to a penalty as Dominic Solanke was fouled by Tom Davies.

But the Bournemouth No 9 failed to score his 15th goal of the season as he lost his footing just as he was about to kick the ball which was skewed high into the stands.

Bournemouth continued to apply the pressure but it was Sheff Utd who opened the scoring thanks to Hamer, as he smashed the ball in from a rebound of Neto’s save from Jayden Bogle to score their first goal in four matches.

Andoni Iraola’s men continued to dominate but could not level the score before half-time despite Ryan Christie’s lovely ball finding Antoine Semenyo, whose header was saved by Ivo Grbic.

The home team’s momentum looked as if they would soon equalise but against the run of play the Blades doubled their lead thanks to a scrappy corner where Neto failed to clear Robinson’s left foot swing off the line.

Two minutes after Solanke clawed one back for Bournemouth but VAR ruled out his redemption goal due to a handball by the striker before poking it in.

Bournemouth’s first goal came from a corner as an unmarked Dango Ouattara leaped to meet Christie’s inswinging cross with a powerful header.

Sheff Utd continued to soak up the pressure as they sat deep in a low block, heavily limiting the quality of Bournemouth chances but the Cherries found success from another corner.

Enes Unal had his shot across goal cleared off the line, but when the ball went back in Unal volleyed into the bottom corner.

Luis Sinisterra came close to a winner as he drove into the penalty area but he narrowly missed the post with a low left footed shot.

The single point has shifted Sheff Utd into 19th who sit one point above last place Burnley while Bournemouth remained in 13th.

Club reports

Bournemouth report | Sheff Utd report

Match officials

Referee: Rob Jones. Assistants: James Mainwaring, Nick Hopton. Fourth official: Darren England. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith.