Defenders score highly in Sheffield United player ratings, but are denied the reward they want

BODY ON THE LINE: Sheffield United's Jack Robinson is fouled by Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson (left)
BODY ON THE LINE: Sheffield United's Jack Robinson is fouled by Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson (left)

On the balance of play it was certainly deserved but it was harsh on a wonderfully-committed defensive performance, as reflected by the player ratings.

Wes Foderingham – made some very good saves at times but his efforts to slow the game down did not pay off 7

Jayden Bogle – part of an excellent defensive effort 7

Chris Basham – shackled Maddison very well but lucky to escape a penalty and lost Richarlison for the equaliser 7

Anel Ahmedhodzic – did a really good job making light of John Egan's absence from the centre of the back three 7

Jack Robinson – threw himself in the way of shots and launched the long throw Gustavo Hamer scored from 8

Luke Thomas – a really good debut from the left-back, although he looked to be tiring long before the end 8

Gustavo Hamer – so composed to score the Blades' goal 7

Vinicius Souza – did an excellent job as the holding midfielder 7

James McAtee – barely touched the ball as the Blades struggled to get him into the game 5

Oli McBurnie – brilliant work at both ends of the field undermined by a second yellow card in stoppage time 6

Cameron Archer – like McAtee, did not see enough of the ball to make much impression 6

Substitutes:

Oliver Norwood (for McAtee, 69) – an audacious shot in a performance far more about defending well 6

Tom Davies (for Hamer, 79) – ran hard but booked for a reckless tackle 5

Auston Trusty (for Bogle, 86) – N/A

Unused substitutes: A Davies, Traore, Slimane, Larouci, Seriki.