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Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski score in stoppage time to give Tottenham a surprise victory over Sheffield United, 2-1.
Richarlison made a dramatic impact off the bench to rescue Tottenham, scoring one goal and setting up the winning one for Dejan Kulusevski in the 10th minute of stoppage time, stunning Sheffield United.
The Brazilian forward had recently returned from international duty in Brazil, where he had expressed the need for psychological support to deal with off-pitch challenges. However, he chose to play and proved to be a game-changer as Spurs turned the match around in a frantic 12 minutes of added time.
Tottenham trailed after Gustavo Hamer’s goal when the board displayed additional time. In a remarkable turn of events, Richarlison equalized with a header from a corner delivered by Ivan Perisic and then orchestrated the second goal for Kulusevski, who skillfully found the net past Wes Foderingham. This sparked jubilant celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou’s team had struggled to find their rhythm and were initially frustrated by Sheffield United’s stubborn defence. However, they refused to surrender, and the visitors ended the match with 10 men as Ollie McBurnie received a second yellow card, causing Sheffield United’s hard work and resistance to crumble.
Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham had been a formidable obstacle for Tottenham in the first half, making a series of impressive saves as the home team launched numerous attacks, with seven of their attempts on target.
The first of these passes zipped across the pitch, courtesy of Pape Matar Sarr. However, the most promising opportunity arose from Yves Bissouma, who exhibited explosive acceleration from a standing position just outside the penalty box, effortlessly slicing through Sheffield United’s yellow-clad defenders.
Bissouma found himself one-on-one with only the goalkeeper to beat but was unable to breach Foderingham’s defences, as the latter made a crucial save at his near post.
Sheffield United also tested Tottenham’s patience in alternative ways during the first half. On two occasions, they had players down with injuries – first Vinicius Souza, writhing in pain while clutching his head, and then Foderingham, who suffered a hamstring strain, necessitating extended treatment.
In both instances, the Sheffield United coach, Heckingbottom, used the breaks to gather his team for hydration and tactical discussions.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration with the fourth official and repeated his discontent when only three minutes of added time were announced at the conclusion of the first half. It was during this stoppage time period that Sheffield United missed a golden opportunity to take the lead.
McBurnie found himself unmarked as he arrived at the penalty spot to meet a corner kick. He rose swiftly and made solid contact with his header, but unfortunately directed it straight into the waiting hands of Guglielmo Vicario, who was positioned in the center of his goal.
The visitors would have won by two yards either way.
Their sole realistic opportunity. Vicario made a fantastic save on James McAtee, but the flag was raised because the ball was out before Jayden Bogle crossed. Earlier, strike partner McBurnie’s shot was accidentally blocked by Cameron Archer.
When Foderingham was knocked down by a collision with Micky van de Ven early in the second half, there was additional time-wasting criticism. There was no doubt that he had indeed been struck in the face and was due medical attention.
The home supporters, on the other hand, believed he was milking the situation when it took him so long to tie his gloves and take the free kick. Due to handling outside of his penalty box in the first half, Foderingham already had one yellow card.
Referee Peter Bankes was standing with his arms raised and his wristwatch in his hand. It developed into a sideshow with personality. Players from Sheffield United collapsed from cramps, the home crowd became furious, and the game lost all direction.
Heckingbottom was successful if his goal was to disturb Tottenham’s rhythms when he arrived.
His defending unit was also being pushed farther but remained steadfast. Cristian Romero could have done better with his header, but he blazed it wide. Manor Solomon cut in and curled a chance wide, and there were increasingly desperate penalty appeals.
Spurs struggled to respond effectively as the Blades increased their threat on the counterattack and won set pieces.
Jack Robinson, the center half, launched a long throw deep into the penalty box, from which Hamer scored. It was left untouched. Although McBurnie was the closest, the ball bounced all the way to Hamer, who was standing at the back post.
The Dutch-Brazilian midfielder produced an excellent finish by directing a half-volley along the ground, across Vicario, and into the goal off the opposing post. Since moving from Coventry in the summer, he had scored twice.
Brennan Johnson, who made his professional debut during Postecouglou’s triple substitution, appeared to have equalized when he flawlessly controlled a long Bissouma pass and rocketed it past Foderingham.
He was simply offside, which is unfortunate for the new signing. Richarlison followed suit and went over. Foderingham rejected Kulusevski.
The Spurs then got to work as the clock showed an additional 12 minutes.