Oli McBurnie scored a penalty in the 103rd minute to earn Sheffield United a 2-2 draw and potentially crucial point against West Ham.
The Premier League’s bottom club looked set to be left empty handed and rueing missed chances after James Ward-Prowse had struck from the spot for the visitors. But West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola clattered half-time sub McBurnie following a cross into the box and he picked himself up to convert the penalty.
Incredibly there was more drama to come, with Anel Ahmedhodzic seemingly pulling Jarrod Bowen to the ground in the Sheffield United area just before the final whistle, but the decision went the other way, to David Moyes’ disbelief.
By that stage both sides were down to 10 players, with Rhian Brewster and Vladimir Coufal sent off in stoppage time as desperation set in for both teams.
Earlier Ben Brereton Diaz marked his Premier League debut with an equaliser for the Blades on the stroke of half-time, cancelling out Maxwel Cornet’s first goal for the Hammers.
But the Chilean dragged a one-on-one chance badly wide in the second half as Sheffield United failed to turn their possession and territory into a second goal.
They were then hit against the run of play when Danny Ings – West Ham’s standout performer on the day – was brought down by Gustavo Hamer and Ward-Prowse sent Wes Foderingham the wrong way.
But there was the late, late twist to come and while Sheffield United stay bottom they are into double figures with 10 points and seven from safety. West Ham remain sixth, five points behind Tottenham in fifth.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Sheffield United’s next game is at home to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday January 27; kick-off 3pm.
The Blades then travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday January 30; kick-off 8pm.
West Ham are next in action at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Thursday February 1; kick-off 7.30pm.
The Hammers then travel to Manchester United on February 4, live on Super Sunday; kick-off 2pm.