Sheffield United – Nottingham Forest 1:3: Callum Hudson-Odoi Scores Two Goals and Eases the Guests' Fears of Relegation

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice as Nottingham Forest secured a monumental 3-1 win over already relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Ben Brereton Diaz’s first-half penalty had increased the pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the fight to retain their Premier League status (17), but two excellent interventions from Hudson-Odoi ensured they continued had the leadership and control of their apex – flight fate.

The former Chelsea winger scored a great equalizer before half-time (27′) and finished the game with his second goal (65′) after Ryan Yates’ first Premier League goal had put Forest ahead (51′).

With Luton Town missing the chance to get past them after their 1-1 draw at home to Everton on Friday Night Football, that means Forest – with a far better goal difference – will be practically comfortable with another win over Chelsea next weekend can ensure safety.

At Sheffield United, Anel Ahmedhodzic was sent off in the sixth minute of added time for a second bookable offense after hitting his arm in a challenge with Nicolas Dominguez.

They remain bottom with 16 points and have now conceded 100 goals this season. That makes them the only two clubs, alongside Swindon Town, to have achieved this undesirable statistic in Premier League history – and they still have two more games left to equal the record.

How Forest remained in control of her own destiny

What a time for Forest to get their first win in five years. How they needed this. This was another tough afternoon for Sheffield United in the Premier League – but the first half was a riveting sight.

Sheffield United had earned the lead when a poor foul by Gonzalo Montiel on Brereton Diaz allowed the on-loan striker to dust himself off and convert his penalty into his sixth goal of the season.

Team news

Jack Robinson was back in Sheffield United’s starting line-up while Chris Wilder made just one change from the side that were beaten 5-1 at Newcastle. Mason Holgate made way and took a place among the substitutes. James McAtee and Rhian Brewster were also on the bench.
Nuno Espirito Santo made two changes to the Forest side that started in the 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City. Gonzalo Montiel replaced the injured Neco Williams while Ryan Yates returned in place of Moussa Niakhate, who took a seat on the bench and was supported by Taiwo Awoniyi.

Forest’s response was impressive as Hudson-Odoi curled in a cracker to restore parity.

Chris Wood smashed a header onto the crossbar from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross but the Blades had the upper hand in the first 45 minutes.

Cameron Archer wasted two great chances, first with Matz Sels parrying at his feet before the striker fired a shot from close range down and over the crossbar.

Sels was also at full strength to parry Gustavo Hamer’s long-range shot, while Murillo’s final attempt denied Brereton Diaz a second.

But just like in the recent 4-1 home defeat to Burnley, Sheffield United were punished for their profligacy – falling behind just six minutes after the restart.

Yates was in the right place to fire Willy Boly’s knockdown past Wes Foderingham. It survived a VAR appeal, with Brereton Diaz claiming he had been fouled by Murillo in advance.

Gustavo Hamer shot narrowly wide and United were inches away from an immediate response before Hudson-Odoi hit the outside of the post with a trademark run and shot.

It was a warning the hosts would not heed as Hudson-Odoi was picked out by Gibbs-White in almost the same position soon after, this time cutting inside to find the bottom corner.

By now the hosts looked defeated when Wood’s clever shot was deflected around the post by Foderingham after another inviting effort from Gibbs-White. With six minutes of stoppage time almost expired, Ahmedhodzic rose to catch Dominguez on the tip of his elbow, giving the Blades another miserable afternoon.

Forest are in control of their own destiny with two games to go.

What’s next?

Sheffield United visit Everton on Saturday May 11, kick-off 3pm, before playing their last Premier League game at home for at least a season Tottenham on Sunday, May 19th, kick-off 4 p.m.

Nottingham Forest Continue your survival mission at home to Chelsea on May 11th, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 5:30 p.m. Forest then travel to their relegation rivals Burnley on the last day on May 19th, kick-off 4 p.m.

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