Chris Wilder Reflects on Big Three Points For the Blades Down at The Den | OneFootball

Sheffield United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Millwall at The Den, with Rhian Brewster’s first goal of the season proving decisive. The Blades relied on solid defending and a touch of luck to claim all three points, as Millwall hit the woodwork twice in a tight game.

The decisive moment came in the closing stages of the first half. Defender Jack Robinson initiated a brilliant move, launching a precise long ball over the Millwall backline to Gustavo Hamer on the right flank. Hamer controlled expertly, surged forward, and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, where Brewster was on hand to tap home. It was a well-crafted team goal, marking Brewster’s long-awaited return to the scoresheet.

Despite the lead, the Blades had to survive a nervy second half. Millwall applied relentless pressure as they went direct nonstop, and they appealed for two penalties late on. However, Sheffield United’s rearguard, marshaled by a composed Harry Souttar and Jack Robinson, held firm to claim their 13th clean sheet of the season. The victory propelled Sheffield United back to the top of the Championship.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall FC and Sheffield United FC at The Den on December 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder Hails Sheffield United Match Winner Rhian Brewster

After the match, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reflected on a challenging but rewarding night for his side. He said, “We got the job done. We were by no means perfect. The performance sometimes suffers when you really have to dig in and get a result. This is a tough place to come and get a result; there’s been plenty of teams that have not got results here. To get that result was a big one, and we can go back up the road and enjoy our coach journey home.”

Speaking on the performance itself, Wilder admitted that the Blades played the safe option a bit too often, particularly in the first half. “I thought in the first half we played a little bit too much in front of them. We kept the ball well and controlled a lot of the play but we never really created and capitalised on those opportunities.” He added, “Two or three times we broke it up and had the chance to go forward but we came back and kept possession. I think that’s the time for us to go and create. And the first time we played a positive ball in behind and stretched the game, it was a great first touch and a fabulous ball by Gus [Hamer], and Rhian [Brewster] was there to slide it home.”

There were some slight injury worries for United however. Vinicius Souza was substituted very early in the second half because of a tight hamstring. Wilder stated: “Vini had a tight hamstring against Sunderland after 10-15 minutes, but he got through the game. He got through the game against West Brom, and we just said if you feel it tightening up we’ll take no chances.”

Femi Seriki and Tyrese Campbell dropped out of the matchday squad completely due to a minor calf injury and back injury. Anel Ahmedhodzic, who was eligible to play on Wednesday evening after serving his three-match ban, wasn’t risked because he rolled his ankle in training the day before, Wilder said.

Up next for Sheffield United is a return to Bramall Lane where they will host Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth Argyle.