Chris Wilder’s Reaction After Sheffield United Claim Victory at QPR – Wilder Blasts Ref For Penalty Decision | OneFootball

Sheffield United showcased their attacking prowess and defensive resilience to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance, creating their first clear chance and taking it within minutes. Vinicius Souza delivered a pinpoint right-footed cross from the left flank, finding Ben Brereton Diaz, who timed his run perfectly and directed a header into the net. The goal marked his third in eight games for the Blades and set the tone for a high-intensity contest.

QPR thought they had found an equaliser six minutes before halftime when Michael Frey turned in Koki Saito’s headed pass from close range. However, the assistant referee raised the offside flag, cutting the celebrations short.

United extended their advantage early in the second half with a moment of brilliance from Tyrese Campbell. Nine minutes after the restart, Brereton Diaz turned provider, laying off the ball to Campbell, who executed a clever spin to create space before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top-right corner. The breathtaking goal gave the Blades a commanding lead and left the home side with a mountain to climb.

However, the game took another twist in the 70th minute when QPR substitute Paul Smyth sent a cross into the box, striking the arm of Sheffield United’s Harrison Burrows. The referee pointed to the spot, and Michael Frey made no mistake, confidently converting the penalty in the 72nd minute for his seventh league goal of the season.

Sheffield United had opportunities to restore their two-goal cushion, with substitute Tom Cannon breaking quickly down the left before cutting the ball back to Brereton Diaz, who blazed over the bar from 10 yards out. Rhian Brewster also came close to sealing the win, only to be denied by a perfectly timed challenge from Morgan Fox.

The victory puts United just three points behind league leaders Leeds with 11 games remaining, strengthening their promotion push. The Blades also hold a five-point cushion over Burnley, who have a game in hand due to FA Cup action.

Sheffield United Boss Reflects on Victory at QPR

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: Tyrese Campbell of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers FC and Sheffield United FC at Loftus Road on March 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

The Blades’ manager, speaking to SUTV, praised his team’s performance, highlighting their quality at both ends of the pitch:

“This has never been an easy place to come. QPR have won seven of their last eight at home, so we knew it wasn’t going to be straightforward. We managed to score a couple of superb goals, and even though they missed some chances, we defended well when we needed to. [Campbell’s] goal was an amazing goal.”

Wilder spoke about individual contributions and the need to manage player fitness after recent injury concerns:

“Good contributions from everybody. We had to protect [Hamer], so he did 60 minutes. [Campbell] did 65. Tom Cannon is still not 100%, but he gave us an outlet in the second half. A bit disappointed we didn’t go 3-1 up [with Brereton Diaz], and [Fox] made an unbelievable challenge on Rhian late on.”

The Sheffield United boss was frustrated with the penalty decision, believing it was harsh on Harrison Burrows, with the penalty denying Wilder’s men with a 19th clean sheet of the campaign. He said, “I don’t agree with the referee’s decision at all. I don’t know what Harrison is supposed to do. He’s turned his back, and they’ve smashed the ball against his arm. In a way, I’m frustrated with him for turning, but as a fullback, you need to be face-on. Both technical areas were left scratching their heads at some of the referee’s decisions today.”