Chris Basham bemoans "criminal" goals Sheffield United conceded in defeat at Tottenham Hotspur

Chris Basham says the goals Sheffield United conceded in their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur were “criminal” after admitting the Blades were fortunate to only be a goal down at half-time.
Chris Basham of Sheffield United intercepts Harry Kane of Tottenham: David Klein / SportimageChris Basham of Sheffield United intercepts Harry Kane of Tottenham: David Klein / Sportimage
Chris Basham of Sheffield United intercepts Harry Kane of Tottenham: David Klein / Sportimage

United endured another miserable 90 minutes this season when Welsh international Gareth Bale helped himself to a hat-trick, with South Korean star Son capping the rout with a curling finish.

It could have been worse for the Blades, had Son not had a goal chalked off by VAR for a narrow offside, and it was a bittersweet evening for Basham, who made his long-awaited return from injury after over a month on the sidelines.

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“The goals we conceded from our point of view are a bit criminal really,” Basham admitted.

“Giving possession away and then conceding after our best part of the game, after a good 15 minutes in the second half.

“We were lucky to go in at 1-0 I thought because we didn't turn up first half and it wasn't a great performance, but we said ‘let's go out there and give it our best shot’ and I thought we did for 15 minutes.

“Then it comes down to the quality and composure and the speed and the flair of the players they have, and Gareth Bale and Son and people like that are always going to punish you in those situations.”

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United’s misery could have been compounded early in the second half, when John Fleck escaped punishment from VAR after catching Giovani Lo Celso on the side of his head with his studs.

Ryan Mason, the Spurs boss, could not believe that the Scottish international was not sent off for the challenge, which he described as “shocking” and led to the Argentinian midfielder needing an ice pack strapped to the side of his head when he was taken off later in the half.

“I’ve heard people saying Flecky might have got away with one,” said Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom.

“I’ve not seen a replay but, for me, there’s no hiding place on a pitch now because there are cameras everywhere.

“So I trust that, after taking a look, the referees have both done their jobs.”

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