'Brilliant' David McGoldrick does so much more for Sheffield United than score goals

McGoldrick was on target twice during the 3-0 victory over Frank Lampard’s side, ending his long wait for a top-flight goal as United maintained their push for a place in Europe despite only being promoted from the Championship last term.

Although Wilder has always insisted the Republic of Ireland international is judged on more than finishing alone, McGoldrick admitted beforehand that the manager had sought to reassure him about his importance to the cause on several occasions as the drought threatened to continue.

United’s manager, who recently underlined that message by awarding McGoldrick a new contract, described the player’s efforts against Chelsea as a “deserved” reward for his contribution to a squad which finished the match sixth in the table.