Sheffield United 1 Birmingham City 1: Managers' reaction as Blades and Blues share spoils

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Sheffield United couldn’t extend their lead at the top of the Championship table this afternoon as they drew 1-1 with Birmingham City at Bramall Lane.

Oli McBurnie opened the scoring for the Blades in the second half but they were pinned back soon after by Troy Deeney’s equaliser.

Here’s the story of the game, with reaction from John Eustace and Paul Heckingbottom.

Blades v Birmingham

highest to head a corner goalwards, but it’s comfortable for Ruddy

Egan across to clear

as a good pass gets Brum in behind on the right and a dangerous cross is booted clear by the United No.12

from the Blades as they work the ball left and right before a couple of crosses are cut out by the Birmingham defence, Ndiaye was on his heels a little for the first one as it was booted clear before Ruddy claimed the second one after it left the boot of Berge

to an early opener as Khadra’s wicked cross goes just wide of goal, Trusty got a touch and it’s a Blades corner

And we’re underway

as Birmingham kick off as the GCB rings around Bramall Lane ... it’s good to be back

Countdown to kick off is underway

from the Blades you feel with the gut instinct that Khadra will fill in at LWB and look to get forward more than he defends - but it also gives the option of playing a four and unleashing the German further forward if the situation dictates at any point, so there is that tactical flexibility if required. I personally wondered if United would go to a four considering the amount of injuries but they’re seemingly sticking to their guns, which is admirable and taking the attacking and positive approach - they’re at home of course and can maybe afford to do that and we’ll see how it works out soon enough!

Here’s how the visitors line up ...

Here’s how the Blades line up..

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