Sheffield United secured their promotion to the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Brom at Bramall Lane.
The Blades secured their return to the top flight after two years and nine days of relegation, with three games left to play. Burnley had already claimed the title the previous night, which meant that Sheffield United only needed three points to seal their promotion.
In the first half, Jed Wallace’s cross from the right was met by Karlan Grant, but he failed to direct the header on target. On the other end, Sander Berge’s attempt from distance sailed over the bar. West Brom goalkeeper Wes Foderingham saved Grant’s effort from the edge of the box, and Jack Robinson’s shot was gathered easily by Alex Palmer.
Gardner-Hickman had an acrobatic effort saved before the break, and Iliman Ndiaye had a penalty appeal waved away.
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In the second half, Sheffield United took control of the game, and they scored the opening goal in the 58th minute. After disposing of the West Brom defense, Ndiaye squared the ball to Berge, who made no mistake in front of goal.
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The Blades had numerous penalty appeals turned down as they looked for a second goal, and John Egan missed a chance to double their lead when he headed Berge’s cross wide.
Sheffield United finally sealed their promotion in the 76th minute when George Baldock’s volley was turned in by defender Anel Ahmedhodzic. From that moment on, West Brom struggled to offer anything in attack, and the home crowd celebrated their team’s promotion to the Premier League. The Baggies remain in ninth place, two points off the play-off places.
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom made three changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, with Tommy Doyle, James McAtee, and Oli McBurnie coming in. West Brom manager Carlos Corberan made only one change to the team that lost 2-1 at home to Sunderland, with Taylor Gardner-Hickman joining the starting XI.
Sheffield United’s return to the Premier League will be eagerly anticipated by their fans. The Blades have a proud history and will be looking to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in English football’s top flight next season.
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