Berge King, magic McBurnie and isn't VAR great - SEVEN talking points from Sheffield United's 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur

Eight days after defeat at Manchester United saw Sheffield United roundly written-off, a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur has lifted the mood around Bramall Lane considerably.

Goals from Sander Berge, Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie put the Blades 3-0 up, before a late consolation from Harry Kane.

Our man Danny Hall offers seven talking points from the game.

Don't mention the VAR (again)

Who said luck evens itself out over the season? Yes, United have still been stung by VAR more often than it has gone for them, but it was poignant today to see Kane's goal ruled out after the John Lundstram offside at Spurs earlier in the season. There'll be more debate about this decision than that one, because this has gone against one of the big-six, but both were correct to the letter of the law. Whether it's what we all want to see is a different argument but all teams know the rules at the start of the season, and agree to play by them. Lundstram was offside, the ball touched Moura's hand, and the only shame is that much of the post-match talk will centre on that, rather than how good United were.

Much more like it

THAT is the Sheffield United we know and love. Much more zip around their play, more energy, cutting out the mistakes (largely) and then coming up with the final ball when needed to finish off a move. United seemed more 'at it' from the very first whistle as they harried the life out of Spurs' midfield, with the terrier-like Ben Osborn leading the way in midfield on his first Premier League start.

Wait, his first?

It didn't look like it, did it? Osborn was excellent. We've seen a few glimpses of him at left wing-back and he has let no-one down out there, but given the chance to play his natural position this evening, he was excellent. He flew into tackles with a boyish enthusiasm, didn't seem to be overawed by the players he was up against at all and then, when the time came, showed his quality on the ball as well with the second assist for Mousset's goal. He probably has some way to go to keep a fully fit and firing John Fleck out of the side but, on this showing at least, the signs are very good so far.

The star men

McBurnie and Berge were excellent throughout, bookending a good day for the Blades with the first and third goals, and I was especially pleased for both after an unfair amount of stick was thrown their way since the restart. The inflated transfer fees of both players has unfairly also inflated expectation levels, and it is easy to forget they are two young men still making their way in the Premier League. But last week, Berge was being branded a waste of money and McBurnie was even hilariously called 'McSh***y' in a post on the S24SU fans' forum. It looked pretty ridiculous at the time and looks even more so now.

More bad luck

When all eyes were on the teamsheet to see if Jack O'Connell would return from injury, instead there was another surprise when John Fleck was missing as well. John Lundstram was always a doubt after damaging his shoulder against Arsenal but Fleck's absence, coupled with an injury to Luke Freeman, left Wilder only able to name seven subs. Wilder confirmed afterwards that Fleck, Lundstram and Freeman will be out "for a few weeks" which will again leave them light this weekend when they travel to Burnley - although it should give Osborn another chance to build on his excellent display here and maybe cement his place for the season run-in.

The Moose let loose

What a cameo from the Frenchman, who was too hot to handle for the Spurs defence. He showed within about 30 seconds that he was strong enough to compete with Moussa Sissoko, and quick enough to run the Spurs defence. His touch was superb, his movement brilliant and the easiest thing he did all night was tap in his deserved goal. The striker has had some personal issues this season but when he is in the mood, as he was tonight, he is another brilliant string to United's impressive bow.

Is Europe back on?

This is how fickle football can be. Just over a week ago, United fans were scrambling to do the sums and work out if their side was actually safe from relegation. Eight days and one impressive performance later, Europe is back on. United are back above Spurs in the table and are leading the race for seventh place, which could be enough to secure a European spot. With Wolves and Chelsea still to play, they may finish even higher yet. But for a newly-promoted team, widely written off in pre-season as cannon fodder, to be even contemplating European qualification is remarkable in itself and even if United somehow do fall short, it should not be held against them.

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