Burnley 2-1 Sheffield United: Brownhill Breaks Blades’ Automatic Promotion Dreams With Brace | OneFootball

A 2-1 defeat at Turf Moor for Sheffield United sealed Leeds United’s and Burnley’s place in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The Clarets took the lead via a huge element of luck as a deflected clearance span to Cullen whose effort was saved only for the rebound to fall to the near post which saw Josh Brownhill pounce. But, the Blades responded when Gustavo Hamer pushed the ball onto Tom Cannon who spun in behind the Burnley defence and fired it into the roof of the net.

Just when United had grown into the first half, a clumsy error from Anel Ahmedhodzic gifted the home side a chance to go back in front. Burnley skipper, Brownhill sent Michael Cooper the wrong way and doubled his tally.

Chris Wilder made a number of personnel and tactical changes. Kieffer Moore and Tom Cannon came in for Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell to play as a front two. Jack Robinson replaced Rob Holding, and Ben Brereton Diaz lined up on the right instead of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Lineups

Burnley: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill (Worrall 88), Anthony, Roberts, Flemming (Barnes 88), Edwards (Laurent 62), Pires, Cullen, Mejbri (Sarmiento 79).

Unused: Hladky, Sonne, Redmond, Koleosho, Banel.

Blades: Cooper, Hamer, Moore, Burrows (McCallum 75), Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Brereton Diaz (Rak-Sakyi 60), Souza (Seriki 75), Choudhury, Cannon (Campbell 60), Peck (Brewster 81).

Unused: A. Davies, Gilchrist, Holding, O’Hare.

First Half

United almost drew first blood inside the opening minute when Tom Cannon burst behind the home defence and teed up Kieffer Moore, whose effort was well denied by Burnley keeper James Trafford. Moments later, Moore forced another strong save from Trafford after latching onto a clever Burrows free-kick and unleashing a fierce left-footed drive.

Despite United’s bright start, it was Burnley who broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. A slip from Burrows allowed Marcus Edwards space to deliver a teasing cross, which took a fortuitous bounce off Moore and landed perfectly for Josh Cullen. Though Cullen’s initial effort was blocked by Cooper, Burnley captain Josh Brownhill was on hand to hammer home the rebound from close range and put the home side ahead.

But the lead didn’t last long. Just nine minutes later, the visitors hit back through Tom Cannon, who rifled his first goal for the club into the roof of the net after a swift move involving Hamer, who picked up the assist with a precise layoff.

The hosts regained their advantage just before half-time. Anel Ahmedhodzic clumsily brought down Hannibal inside the box, leaving the referee little choice but to point to the spot. Brownhill stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty, sending Cooper the wrong way to hand Burnley a 2-1 lead at the interval.

Second Half

In the second half, Burnley appeared content to sit back and protect their advantage. However, their lead was almost wiped out on the counter when Hamer and Cannon combined to release Brereton Diaz, who fired over as he broke towards goal.

With time running out, Chris Wilder turned to his attacking subs of Tyrese Campbell, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Rhian Brewster in search of an equaliser. But Burnley’s defensive discipline, the best in the division, proved too strong. The hosts expertly saw out the game, keeping the Blades at arm’s length and securing all three points.