After conceding three goals inside the opening quarter-hour in Monday’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal, Sheffield United would have been fearing another poor start when Tom Davies gave away a penalty in the 14th minute.
However, to Bournemouth's frustration, Dominic Solanke’s standing foot gave way in the process of striking the ball, causing the Englishman to sky his spot-kick into the stand behind Ivo Grbić’s goal.
The visiting goalkeeper was then forced into action to make a strong save to keep out Antoine Semenyo’s fierce left-foot strike.
Bournemouth were ultimately made to rue those missed chances as the Blades netted the opening goal of a Premier League game for just the seventh time this season.
Jayden Bogle saw his initial effort parried by Neto, but Gustavo Hamer was on hand to thump home the rebound. Grbić subsequently backed up the midfielder’s fine work, making two important stops to thwart Semeyo and Justin Kluivert, ensuring his side took a lead into the break for only the second time in an away league game this term.
With the Cherries unable to make a significant impression in the early stages of the second period, Andoni Iraola turned to his bench for attacking reinforcements, introducing Luis Sinisterra and Enes Ünal.
However, rather than the hosts, it was the visitors who grabbed the all-important second goal in the 65th minute.
Neto was left red-faced after he punched a corner against the back of Solanke, presenting Jack Robinson with the simple task of hooking the ball into the awaiting net.
Solanke thought he had found a quick response, only to see his close-range effort chalked off for a handball infringement.
The home crowd finally had a legitimate goal to celebrate when Dango Ouattara rose high at the near post to nod in from Ryan Christie’s inviting corner.
Iraola’s men continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, which duly arrived in stoppage time. Ünal was in the right place to guide home his first Bournemouth goal and deny the 19th-placed visitors what would’ve been just their fourth league victory of the campaign.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jack Robinson (Sheffield United)
