Ahmed Fathi made his Sheffield United debut in his side’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, whom Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido’ and Hossam Ghaly play for.

Follow up:

Rob Hulse’s goal for Sheffield in the 27th minute cancelled out Jermaine Jenas’s opener before Phil Jagielka poked home the winner two minutes after the hour mark.


With 72 minutes on the clock, it was time! Ahmed Fathi and Mido stood side by side ready to enter. Mido gave Fathi a small hit on the back of the head and a smile, though the former Ismaili star didn't find it quite as amusing and was looking fully concentrated and a little nervous.


The Sheffield United faithful sung Fathi's name enthusiastically as he entered.


Fathi came on and ran. Within seconds he had taken a shot-cross which caused no danger. But he was generally on the run, rather headless, chasing the ball anywhere in the midfield but particularly on the right. He made a few fine and tough challenges and cleared the ball anywhere, twice going straight to opposition.



Mido found himself a physical presence immediately, and took the ball a few times and laid it around to team-mates. With Defoe, Keane and Berbatov on the pitch, Mido looked to be playing just behind them. Spurs blasted the ball up for the Egyptian, who was tackled toughly numerous times, including by Fathi.


Fathi was creating space for himself on the right, but by this time the Blades were looking to hold on, and his team-mates barely looked across. He was also a little quiet and his calls for the ball lacked conviction, but it's something that will grow with his confidence.


He received huge cheers when he won a corner in stoppage time on the right, and helped to play the clock down in the corner of the pitch. Sheffield United took the three points and Fathi will look forward to his next game. The Blades seem a perfect side for him at the moment. Like him, they are not the most proven players in England and this leads them to play with chunks of energy and enthusiasm while also showing off their technical ability.


Meanwhile, suspended Hossam Ghaly should return to the line-up after the lacklustre midfield performance from Tottenham. Having said that, Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon will be welcomed back too.




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