James McAtee Stars as Sheffield United Beat Premier League Relegation Rivals Luton

James McAtee played an instrumental role in Sheffield United’s 3-1 win over Luton Town, scoring a first-half penalty in an action-packed relegation six-pointer at Kenilworth Road. 

Cameron Archer opened the scoring on the half-hour mark when he slotted past Town keeper Thomas Kaminski, and United doubled their lead through McAtee’s penalty after Reece Burke was controversially punished for handling in the area. 

Luton pulled one goal back after another dubious penalty decision resulted in Carlton Morris rolling in from the spot, but the Blades wrapped up all three points Vini Souza struck into the bottom left corner on 72 minutes. 

Chris Wilder’s side were determined to get back to winning ways after their humiliating 5-0 loss to Aston Villa last time out, and the Blades could have taken the lead inside the first 30 seconds when Gustavo Hamer flicked Jaden Bogle’s pass into the path of McAtee who curled inches wide of the post. 

Luton failed to heed the warning and could have easily conceded when Vini Souza headed over the top of the home defence. Archer had plenty of time to pick his spot but somehow dragged his volley wide, much to the amusement of the Town fans in the Kenilworth Road End.

Seconds later, Archer beat Gabe Osho to the ball on the left flank and raced past the Luton defender. The Blades striker then sprinted into the box and fired into the bottom left corner, silencing the home fans with a taunting celebration. 

Six minutes later, Sheffield United were awarded a penalty after Souza’s header struck Burke’s outstretched arm. The Town defender was unsighted and standing little more than a yard in front of the Blades midfielder at the point of contact. After a VAR delay, McAtee stepped up and struck into the bottom right corner, sending Kaminski the wrong way. 

Luton assistant manager Paul Trollope was sent off during the interval for dissent after he aggressively remonstrated with referee Chris Kavanagh, and the officials made another dubious decision seven minutes into the second half. Alfie Doughty’s corner from the left was met by the head of Elijah Adebayo, with the ball rebounding off the raised arm of Souza. Just like McAtee in the first half, Morris deceived the goalkeeper and rolled into the bottom right corner. 

Despite encouraging recent results, Luton lacked intensity from the outset against United. The Blades on the other hand played with a desire to prove the critics wrong and restore some pride in the shirt. And they achieved exactly that when Souza struck the fatal blow with 18 minutes remaining.  

Luton had committed more players upfield in search of an equalising goal, and when Osho failed to clear his lines after tackling Archer, Ben Osborn passed to Souza who was all alone on the edge of the box. The Brazilian took one touch out of his feet and lashed a right-foot into the bottom left corner. 

Luton were frustrated in their effort to get back into the game by the resolute Blades defence, but the Hatters did come close to scoring when Doughty’s corner fell at the feet of Adebayo, but Wes Foderingham rushed out quickly to smother the shot. 

In one final attempt, Tahith Chong cut in from the right flank and curled a left-footed shot narrowly wide of the far post, but it was a day that ended in disappointment for Rob Edwards and his team, having missed a prime opportunity to pull four points clear of the relegation zone.