Lundstram strike gives Sheffield Utd 1-0 win over Palace

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha in action with Sheffield United's Oliver Norwood and Luke Freeman REUTERS/Andrew Yates

(Reuters) - John Lundstram's second-half goal gave Sheffield United a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, in the first Premier League game at Bramall Lane for 12 years.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson restored Wilfred Zaha to his starting line-up after starting him on the bench for the scoreless opening-week draw against Everton, while Chris Wilder started with the same side that secured a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. 

Zaha, who has been linked with a move away from the club before the European transfer window closes on Sept. 2, was kept under control by the Sheffield defence as Palace once again struggled to create scoring opportunities.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke in action with Sheffield United's Chris Basham and George Baldock REUTERS/Andrew Yates

David McGoldrick missed a great opportunity to put the home side ahead just before halftime, but 25-year-old midfielder Lundstram made no mistake early in the second period, lashing the ball home after it was steered into his path by Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Lundstram's strike mean he has now scored a goal in each of England's top four divisions.

Employing a more direct approach to try to force an equaliser, Palace had plenty of possession, but the Sheffield rearguard dealt comfortably with their attacks as they sealed their first win of the season.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke in action with Sheffield United's Oliver McBurnie and Phil Jagielka REUTERS/Andrew Yates

Sheffield United will host Leicester City next weekend while Palace, who have yet to score in the league, face a daunting trip to Manchester United.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor)

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Sheffield United's John Lundstram celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's Vicente Guaita makes a save from Sheffield United's David McGoldrick REUTERS/Andrew Yates

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's James McArthur in action with Sheffield United's Enda Stevens and Jack O'Connell REUTERS/Andrew Yates

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Sheffield United's John Lundstram scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Sheffield United's John Lundstram celebrates scoring their first goal with George Baldock Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke in action with Sheffield United's John Egan and Luke Freeman Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Soccer Football - Premier League - Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - August 18, 2019 Sheffield United's John Lundstram celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith