A stunner, a precious point, a welcome return and a thumbs down: The big talking points from Sheffield United's win over Burnley

A striker's finish from defender John Egan helped Sheffield United come from behind to seal a point away at Burnley this afternoon.
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The game also saw a return for defender Jack O'Connell, who came off the bench in the second half after missing United's games since the season restarted with a knee injury. Our man Danny Hall offers six talking points from the Turf Moor stalemate.

What a finish

It was a goal any top striker would have been proud of, let alone a centre-half, and the way that John Egan opened up his body as the ball fell to him before powering it into the top corner past statistically one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, was sublime. It earned United a deserved point at Turf Moor and also saw Egan become the latest United player to earn the distinction of having scored in all four divisions of the English game. Defensively he was excellent as well, and looks more like the Egan we all recognise from before lockdown after a few less-than-exemplary afternoons since the Premier League restarted.

John Egan celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Sheffield United against Burnley at Turf Moor. (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)John Egan celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Sheffield United against Burnley at Turf Moor. (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
John Egan celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Sheffield United against Burnley at Turf Moor. (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Wilder still wants more

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I can't imagine how many times I have written that, or a variance of it, since Chris Wilder took charge of Sheffield United. He is notoriously demanding with his players, and was at it again here when he was given the chance to praise Egan for his finish. "It should have been his 10th goal of the season, not his first," came the reply. Wilder is happy with what Egan offers United, but clearly feels that offensive output is an area where the defender can improve. And the stats bear it out, too. In the four seasons before he signed for United, Egan was good for between three and six goals a season. His strike today was his second for the Blades, in almost two full campaigns.

A better game than the stats showed

In the first half, anyway. At one point, maybe around half an hour in, a graphic flashed up on Sky showing that there had been one shot on target for the entire game, and the second was one from about 30 yards for Burnley. But, to me at least, it didn't feel like that sort of game. There was plenty of attacking intent from both sides early on, some wayward finishing from Matej Vydra for the hosts and two teams with a lot of respect for each other, slugging it out. There were periods later in the game when the action slowed but at times it was a brilliant and bruising contest between two sides who don't give an inch.

Don't underestimate the result

A point away from home, in horrible conditions over in Lancashire, is a decent one, especially considering Burnley went ahead in the game. They don't often drop points from that position - Pope had, before today, more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the league and their two wins since their 5-0 Manchester City drubbing have been 1-0 wins - and according to Transfermarkt, have won 13 of the 17 games they have taken the lead in this season. United, meanwhile, are the fourth-best team in the Premier League at recovering after going behind.

Welcome back, Jack

For United fans, the sight of Jack O'Connell on the teamsheet for the first time since lockdown warmed the hearts and then he enjoyed a cameo, replacing Jack Robinson - who again let no-one down in the role. Robinson noticeably got further forward than he appeared to do in his previous games but - and this is no criticism whatsoever - still doesn't play the game like O'Connell. One trademark overlap from the substitute caused havoc in the Burnley box when his cross was deflected, and his return will be a timely boost for the Blades for the home straight.

Time for drinks?

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Once again, the half-half drinks break completely altered the flow of the game. This time, United were in the ascendancy before it and Burnley improved after it, leading to their goal just before the half-time break. Chris Wilder called it right - these breaks are now effectively a basketball-style 'time-out' for coaches and managers to speak to their players, because there certainly wasn't much need for a drinks break in the swirling Lancashire wind and rain!

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