Everton 1-0 Sheffield United – Report

In a closely fought game at Goodison Park, Everton secured a crucial 1-0 win against Sheffield United thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s seventh Premier League goal of the season. Despite a spirited performance from the visitors, it was Everton who emerged victorious in this tight contest on Merseyside.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has made two changes to his squad for the penultimate game of the Premier League season, with Vinicius Souza and Yasser Larouci returning to the starting XI. Max Lowe also returned to the match day squad after a long absence.

Everton: Pickford, Tarkowski, McNeil (Andre Gomes 69, Warrington 90), Onana, Calvert-Lewin (Chermiti 79), Doucoure (Dobbin 69), Young, Coleman, Gueye, Branthwaite, Garner.

Not used: Virginia, Keane, Danjuma, Beto, Godfrey.

Blades: Foderingham, Trusty, Hamer, Archer (Brewster 80), Brereton-Diaz, Robinson, Bogle, Souza, Arblaster (Curtis 63), Larouci (Lowe 55), Brooks (Slimane 55).

Not used: Grbic, Norwood, McAtee, Osula, Sasnauskas.

Both teams had early chances, with Jack Robinson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin testing the opposition goalkeepers. Dwight McNeil provided a dangerous cross for Doucoure, who failed to convert from close range. Doucoure had another chance later on but his effort was denied by a superb save from Wes Foderingham.

However, Doucoure finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute after good play from Calvert-Lewin.

Cameron Archer took advantage of the opportunity, breaking in from the left flank, but unfortunately curled his effort wide of the far post. As the first half progressed, Jordan Pickford’s quick reflexes were put to the test, first denying Archer’s attempt with a timely intervention from his line and then thwarting Andre Brooks’ angled shot with a decisive save, showing his prowess as England’s number one goalkeeper.

Despite United’s resistance, Everton maintained their lead until half-time.

The second half saw United push for an equaliser, Brereton-Diaz found himself in a promising position on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort sailed high and wide, failing to trouble the Everton defence.

Sheffield United began to grow in confidence as Cameron Archer saw an effort blocked by James Tarkowski. And then an attacking move threatened to expose Everton’s defence, but Vinicius Souza’s deep cross eluded everyone in the box, denying United a clear opportunity to equalise.

In the closing stages of the game, Cameron Archer and Gustavo Hamer came close to scoring. However, Everton’s defense held firm as Hamer’s header flew over the bar and Archer dragged a shot wide in the 80th minute and that was his last act of the day as he made way for Rhian Brewster , who returned.

Toffees substitute Chermiti showed flashes of quality to create a couple of chances but failed to find the target with his effort after bouncing clear of several United defenders.

In the end, it was Everton who claimed all three points, leaving Sheffield United at the bottom of the table. Having yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League, the Blades broke an unwanted record – becoming only the second team to concede 101 goals in a Premier League campaign (Swindon Town in 1993/94 being the other) .