Newcomer Sheffield United crowned their first Premier League game at Bramall Lane for 12 years with a hard fought victory over Crystal Palace.
The Blades were spurred on by a roaring home crowd, who were watching League One football three seasons ago, Chris Wilder’s team added to their point at Bournemouth last weekend with a win thanks to John Lundstram’s early second half goal.
The Blades are being tipped by many to get relegated, but they created the better chances and stood firm against a Palace side who earned more points away from home at Selhurst Park last season.
The hosts should have gone ahead in the first half when David McGoldrick’s close range shot was saved by Vicente Guaita in the Palace goal.
But Lundstram, who had set up that chance, gave them the lead early in the second half as he smashed in from 10 yards after Luke Freeman’s shot was stopped.
A frustrated Palace side were limited to very little chances, as Wilfried Zaha making his first start of the season after a proposed summer move away fell through was shackled by an industrious Blades defence.
By Abiodun Apena
The communicator blog
