Chris Wilder, the manager of Sheffield United, used one tactic that proved effective once more in the Blades’ triumph over Bristol City.
Sheffield United advanced to the home match at Bramall Lane after defeating Bristol City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final. The Blades took a three-goal lead.
Chris Wilder is not keen to get ahead of himself after a comprehensive victory at Ashton Gate, but it is one that puts one foot into the final for the Blades, who will just need to ensure that they weather the storm of a Bristol City side with nothing to lose in the reverse fixture.
The key moment in the clash was Rob Dickie’s red card for Bristol City, which swung the momentum in Sheffield United’s favour after the resulting penalty was converted by Harrison Burrows, a moment that Robins boss Liam Manning was fuming with.
However, another key man was crucial in helping Sheffield United record a seismic win in the Black Country, one that Wilder has become accustomed to using as an ace up his sleeve.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder’s decision to use Andre Brooks as super sub worked out once again
At the start of the second half, Sheffield United found themselves in a difficult situation; whilst they were on top of Bristol City in terms of possession and shots, they were struggling to carve open a clear cut chance.
With the impending potential that Sheffield United could have missed out on a golden opportunity to capitalise on their one-man advantage after Dickie’s earlier dismissal, Wilder rolled the dice by bringing on Andre Brooks from the substitute bench.
After his introduction in the 67th minute, it took just six minutes for the 21-year-old to get on the scoresheet. This is something that Blades fans have become accustomed to recently with the youngster, based on the fact that he completed a similar feat in the 2-0 win over Stoke City, where Brooks sealed the win with a left-footed effort that was struck past Viktor Johansson just seconds after he was brought onto the pitch.
Chris Wilder’s squad depth could be the difference-maker in Championship play-offs
Looking at the four sides battling it out in the Championship play-offs, Sheffield United have the advantage of squad depth out of the pack, which could play a crucial role in the Blades achieving promotion back up to the Premier League.
Sheffield United’s depth worked wonders against Bristol City, with Brooks’ cameo proving crucial to getting that second goal, whilst fellow substitute Callum O’Hare also popped up with the third goal after a devious flick to take the ball past Max O’Leary.
Wilder has implemented a brilliant mentality within his ranks as seen by their never-say-die attitude, and this, partnered with the star power they have on the bench, provides a brilliant ground for them to notch a return to the top flight.
