Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland: 10-man Black Cats beaten for the first time since February
Anel Ahmedhodzic was all things to Sheffield United as his new club moved menacingly into the Championship play-off places.
The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina defender, signed from Malmo during the summer on a four-year deal, was the goal hero with a thumping 33rd-minute header.
And then he was the creator supreme, driving into the heart of the Sunderland penalty box before showing intelligence to cross for Max Lowe to tap home a second.
Defender Anel Ahmedhodzic got a goal and an assist as Sheffield United defeated Sunderland
The Black Cats had 20-year-old Dan Neil sent off after just 31 minutes for a straight red card
The goals from Ahmedhodzic and Lowe were their first for the Blades and ended 10-man Sunderland’s long unbeaten league run dating back to February.
The Black Cats had been dealt a major blow in the 31st minute when midfielder Dan Neil lost possession to United’s on-loan Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
As McAtee threatened to break clear inside the right channel and advance towards Anthony Patterson’s goal, Neil hauled him down and was promptly shown a straight red card.
Moments later, United won a corner and Oliver Norwood’s left-wing delivery was greeted by Ahmedhodzic’s excellent header.
Bosnian international Ahmedhodzic headed home Oliver Norwood’s corner moments later
Blades wing-back Max Lowe doubled the hosts’ advantage two minutes after half-time
Sunderland’s marking was questionable, but the ubiquitous Ahmedhodzic was at it again two minutes into the second half.
He began a flowing move down the right flank which saw him collect possession inside the Black Cats’ penalty box and cut the ball back for Lowe to rifle home from less than six yards.
Yet Alex Neil has fashioned a side with guts. That the fiery Scot has transmitted his desire to Sunderland’s players since being appointed in February is undeniable.
The Black Cats came back strongly after falling two goals behind and were right back in the match in the 55th minute.
Lynden Gooch’s chip got the visitors back in the game, but they could not find an equaliser
Careless passing in the middle of the park by United saw Sunderland seize possession and Ross Stewart’s deft pass sent Lynden Gooch through on goal.
He showed deft precision to lift the ball over Wes Foderingham, much to the delight of the huge away support behind the United goalkeeper’s goal.
Red flares were thrown onto the field from the visiting end but Sunderland could not fashion an equaliser.
United almost claimed a third when Sander Berge’s deflected shot rebounded of a post.
