The Media Review: Sheffield United

Not every Sunday paper decided that Albion’s fourth-round FA Cup tie away to Sheffield United was worth covering, but those that did were richly rewarded, with a seven-goal thriller and a hat-trick from Joao Pedro.

In The Mail on Sunday, Ross Heppenstall noted that four of Albion’s five goals, in fact, came from Latin Americans. “South Yorkshire is no substitute for South America; a bitterly cold afternoon at downtown Bramall Lane cannot compare to the beaches of Brazil,” he wrote.

“But after Joao Pedro's hat-trick – following a stunning opener from Argentinian teenager Facundo Buonanotte – the possibilities for Roberto De Zerbi’s men seemed endless.

“Seventh in the Premier League through to the last 16 of the Europa League and now in the FA Cup fifth round, Brighton are on the march.

“They were made to work for victory here, though, as Sheffield United displayed admirable fight and spirit to come back from two goals down and level matters before the break.

“But the Seagulls, who reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season, showed their class and were not to be denied.

“Brazil international Pedro, 22, scored twice more to take his season tally to 18 and substitute Danny Welbeck put gloss on the victory with a late fifth.

“Argentina international Buonanotte opened the scoring with an exquisite opener in the 14th minute, firing left-footed into the top corner from 25 yards.”

The absence of a game at Old Trafford or the Etihad sent The Observer’s man in Manchester, Jamie Jackson, on a rare trip across the Pennines and he liked what he saw: “What a thrill-a-minute goal-fest this meeting between Sheffield United and Brighton proved.

“Roberto De Zerbi’s more artistic team were a picture of cultured play before and after being pegged back by Osula’s header and their calm propelled them on to emerge as deserved victors.

“Brighton fired the first salvo via an Evan Ferguson header that beat Ivo Grbic but was instantly flagged offside. Next, the Blades keeper flung himself left but was helpless to repel Facundo Buonanotte’s 25-yard rocket that opened the scoring and had the travelling Seagulls fans in party mode.

“Then João Pedro’s dip-then-turn into the area opened up the field, the desperate Bogle’s solution was to fell the Brazilian. After a delay for a VAR check, Pedro scored to the audible disgust of the home faithful.

“Could the second half be as entertaining? The resounding answer was yes. The Blades were punchy but Brighton were silkier and De Zerbi’s men claimed their second spot-kick seven minutes after the break.

“Pedro’s third – Brighton’s fourth – was a peach of a low 20-yard finish and was the latest touch of class in a display that oozed quality.”

On the BBC Sport website, Tim Oscroft also enjoyed the performance of our record signing. “The season just keeps getting better for Brighton and especially for Pedro, the 22-year-old forward that manager Roberto de Zerbi admitted he knew nothing about when he joined after two and a half years with Watford,” he wrote.

“He has now scored 10 times from the penalty spot this season - more than anyone in the top five leagues in Europe - and showed a cool head when facing United debutant Ivo Grbic from 12 yards at Bramall Lane.

“Pedro sent the Croatian, recently signed from Atletico Madrid, the wrong way on each occasion when opting to go first to his right and then to his left.

“And his hat-trick was clinched when he took just enough time to control a pass from James McAtee on the edge of the area before shooting low past Grbic into the bottom corner.

“Brighton were untroubled after they had gone back into a two-goal lead and Welbeck underlined their dominance when he shot underneath Grbic from a tight angle deep into stoppage time at the end of the match.

“Seventh in the Premier League with more FA Cup and Europa League ties to follow, Brighton seem to have a lot to be excited about in the second half of the season.”

James Shield of The Sunday Telegraph heard the travelling Albion fans in full voice at the Bramall Lane end.

“‘Que sera sera, whatever will be will be,’ chorused Brighton supporters following their team’s emphatic victory at Bramall Lane,” he wrote.

“With Joao Pedro in such prolific form – the Brazilian’s hat-trick against Sheffield United took his goal count for the season to 18 in as many starts – few would bet against Roberto De Zerbi’s team reaching the FA Cup final at Wembley later this year.

“The win over Chris Wilder’s side, whose contribution to what proved an enthralling fourth round tie was greater than the scoreline might suggest, also showcased the tactical prowess of Brighton’s manager.

“Despite spending much of the afternoon in a state of perpetual agitation, De Zerbi’s subtle adjustments and constant cajoling helped steer the visitors through a contest which, just before the interval, seemed destined to swing in Sheffield United’s favour.

“Signed from Watford at the end of last term, Pedro is the latest gem unearthed by Brighton in the transfer market. Although two of his efforts came from the penalty spot, the forward exuded confidence, quality and poise throughout.

“When another promising youngster, Facundo Buonanotte, produced a spectacular long-range shot to fire Brighton in front, Pedro’s first – after he was brought down by Jayden Bogle – appeared to have left De Zerbi’s side in complete control. But Gustavo Hamer and Will Osula dragged United level before the interval.

“Pedro pounced again, when a handball by the hapless Bogle was spotted by the referee, before he threaded a low drive between debutant Ivo Grbic and the Croatian’s near post. Welbeck increased the hosts’ misery when he stretched Brighton’s lead during the closing stages – prompting Wilder to bemoan United’s profligacy but also laud the squad De Zerbi has constructed.”