Enes Unal’s equalizer in stoppage time saved a point for Bournemouth and kept Sheffield United from winning three crucial points in their struggle to stay in the Premier League.
Shortly after having a header from a similar position taken off the line, the Turkey international, who was on loan from Getafe, scored his first goal for the team in the opening minute of added time.
The goal was harsh on Sheffield United, who had led 2-0 at Vitality Stadium until the 74th minute and had shown significant improvement from Monday’s humiliating loss to Arsenal at home.
Thirteen minutes after Dominik Solanke had missed an early penalty for the Cherries, Gustavo Hamer scored the first goal of the game when Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto parried Jayden Bogle’s low attempt into his path.
After being caught late by Tom Davies, Solanke won the penalty kick, but he stumbled in the run-up, causing the ball to rocket high over the crossbar after striking the striker’s standing foot.
Midway through the second half, Neto slammed a corner onto Solanke’s head, setting Robinson up for a close-range effort that went over the line but touched the inside of the post. This gave the visitors a second goal.
After handling the ball within the six-yard box, Solanke’s goal was disallowed by the video assistance referee. Dango Ouattara’s forceful header gave the Cherries hope, and Unal finished the comeback.
How Bournemouth pulled off a late comeback…
After Tom Davies carelessly swept Solanke off his feet, the Cherries were granted a spot-kick with just 14 minutes played, their second penalty of the season. As he prepared to kick the ball, Solanke lost his footing and sent it over the crossbar with his standing left foot, missing the mark for his 15th Premier League goal of the year.
Two minutes later, Hamer gave the visitors the lead as they were playing deftly into the hands of Ben Brereton Diaz and Oli McBurnie.
After Jaydon Bogle broke free down the right, the Blades midfielder was there to score from the rebound after Neto deflected his first attempt.
From a corner, McBurnie gave the home goalie a straight nod as Wilder’s team consistently gave Bournemouth trouble.
Neto had to be alert after the break to block Oliver Arblaster’s shot, but it was the goalkeeper’s error from the ensuing corner that allowed United to double their lead in the sixty-fourth minute.
Robinson was the beneficiary of Neto’s corner against Solanke’s back, as the Blades captain scored with a shot inside the post. The goal decision system indicated the ball had crossed the line before the Bournemouth goalkeeper deflected it.
After a protracted VAR review, the unfortunate Solanke’s close-range shot was disallowed for a handball, giving Bournemouth the impression that they were back in the game.
Shots began to pile up on the Blades goal from that point on, and sixteen minutes from time, Ouattara, completely unmarked, headed in Ryan Christie’s corner from four yards to give the Cherries a goal back.
When Turkey international Unal scored a goal at the far post to level the intense match in stoppage time, the strain finally paid off.
What comes next?
In four days, Bournemouth will play their next Premier League match at home against Luton on Wednesday. Start time: 7:30 p.m.
Sheffield United’s next game is at home against Fulham on Saturday, March 30, following a two-week break. Start time is 3 p.m.
Sources:
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