Ben Pearson says Bournemouth were braced for "physical" battle against Sheffield United

Ben Pearson, the Bournemouth midfielder, admits the Cherries were braced for a “physical” battle against Sheffield United on Saturday as Scott Parker’s unbeaten side went top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory.
Morgan Gibbs-White of Sheffield United tries to push forward past Ben Pearson of Bournemouth: Paul Terry / SportimageMorgan Gibbs-White of Sheffield United tries to push forward past Ben Pearson of Bournemouth: Paul Terry / Sportimage
Morgan Gibbs-White of Sheffield United tries to push forward past Ben Pearson of Bournemouth: Paul Terry / Sportimage

United went ahead in terrible conditions on the south coast, when Morgan Gibbs-White swept in his third goal in Blades colours in the second half.

But the Cherries hit back to win 2-1 with goals from Dom Solanke and Philip Billing, with Blades boss Slavisa Jokanović frustrated with the officials for both strikes.

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Solanke scored from the spot after referee Robert Jones awarded a penalty despite Enda Stevens’ challenge on the striker being outside the area, and Jokanović felt the flag should have been raised for offside in the build-up to Billing’s winner.

And Pearson told the Daily Echo: "It was a tough game. I think we knew it was going to be physical like that. We sort of prepared for the physical battle.

"As much as [United] want to play, they like to mix it up as well. I think the conditions didn’t help either with playing through the thirds.

"It was a lot of second balls, a lot of spinning it in behind and playing for territory. So we competed well and had glimpses of quality when you need it as well."

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Defeat sent United into the latest international break on the back of two successive away defeats, ending their mini-resurgence which saw them go five games unbeaten.

“I think everyone knew it was a big game,” Pearson added.

"Obviously United have just come down… they’ve got good players and we knew it was going to be a test.”

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