Oli McBurnie's stoppage-time equaliser rescued a point for Sheffield United in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino's side missed the chance to move to within three points of Manchester United.

Noni Madueke's second-half strike, his first league goal in 2024, appeared to be sending Chelsea to another victory after their momentous comeback over Manchester United on Thursday. However, McBurnie popped up in the final moments to salvage a point.

Thiago Silva had given Chelsea an early lead from a corner after Sheffield United were caught sleeping before Jayden Bogle equalised after half an hour with the help of Dorde Petrovic's error. The hosts were in charge after that until Madueke's goal.

A point is not enough for Sheffield United, who had enough chances to win the game. They remain rooted to the bottom of the table and still nine points from safety with seven games to go.

Chelsea, meanwhile, take two steps back after appearing to turn a corner at Stamford Bridge in their last game. They could have fallen victim to the same fate had their opponents been more efficient late on. Pochettino's side are five points off sixth.

How the Premier League table looks now

Chelsea's extraordinary stoppage-time comeback win against on Thursday was heralded as a pivotal moment for Pochettino, who finally broke down some barriers with supporters amid the wild celebrations.

Although the atmosphere was far more subdued at Bramall Lane, Chelsea kept up that momentum as an Silva guided in Conor Gallagher's corner after 10 minutes completely unmarked. It's the type of error Sheffield United can't afford to make in their predicament.

The hosts stuck in the game, though, and were nearly handed an equaliser by Chelsea's goalscorer. Silva's blind backpass was picked off by McBurnie, who laid the ball off to Ben Brereton Diaz, but he was unable to make the most of the chance.

Sheffield United were winning the midfield battle despite two of the Chelsea contingent costing north of £200m. Nineteen-year-old Ollie Arblaster's composure in possession belied his age, but it was the magic of Gustavo Hamer that ultimately unlocked Chelsea.

His perfectly weighted pass through the legs of Moises Caicedo found Bogle toward the byline and the Sheffield United wing-back saw a chance to shoot from the angle, with Petrovic more concerned about a potential cut-back. His error allowed the equaliser.

For all the progress Chelsea made on Thursday, the fragility of the past two seasons came to the fore as Sheffield United brought the game to them. After the break, it was the hosts that felt more likely as they wrestled back control.

McBurnie flashed a header wide from Brereton Diaz's cross, while Hamer came close with a thumping effort that hit the side netting. Despite being in the ascendancy, Sheffield United's issues with discipline cropped up again but the officials showed them some leniency.

Jack Robinson was fortunate not to receive a red card for clattering Cole Palmer. Referee Robert Jones cautioned the wild challenge and VAR saw no reason to step in. Anel Ahmedhodzic then lunged in on Jackson but avoided a caution.

The lull in focus from Sheffield United was capitalised on by Madueke, making the most of a rare start in the Premier League by striking Chelsea back in front. His intervention was timely, with Chelsea far from convincing.

There weren't too many home fans leaving early as their side pushed for a late goal. McBurnie ensured their faith was rewarded as he equalised three minutes into added time. Far from being satisfied, the hosts pushed for a winner.

Had it not been for the hesitance of substitute James McAtee on the break, Sheffield United could have had one last chance. It would have been the most incredible Premier League comeback since Thursday.

Ultimately a point, while impressive for the Blades against this opposition, doesn't do enough to help Wilder's side in their fight for survival.

What's next?

Sheffield United are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they travel to Brentford; kick-off 3pm.

Everton return to Sky Sports on April 15, taking on Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday Night Football; kick-off 8pm.

Teams

Sheffield United Grbic, Holgate (McAtee 76), Ahmedhodzic, Robinson (c) (Costa 90+1), Bogle, Hamer, Arblaster, Osborn, Trusty (Archer 87), McBurnie, Diaz
Subs Not Used Foderigham, Larouci, Norwood, Slimane, Brooks, Osula
Booked Diaz, Robinson, Wilder, Arblaster, Ahmedhodzic
Goals Bogle 32, McBurnie 90+3

Chelsea Petrovic; Chalobah, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella (Badiashile 90+3); Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke (Mudryk 82), Gallagher (c), Jackson (Casadei 90+3), Palmer (Chukwuemeka 74)
Subs Not Used Bettinelli, Sharman-Lowe, Gilchrist, Sterling, Washington
Booked Chalobah, Cucurella
Goals Silva 11, Madueke 66

Attendance 28,638

Referee Robert Jones

VAR Paul Tierney