Spurs had been in fine form under the supervision of Cristian Stellini, winning all four of their previous games under his stewardship in Antonio Conte’s absence. Looking to extend that run, the visitors went close to taking the lead as Richarlison fired a shot narrowly over the bar.
The away side continued to apply pressure as they searched for the first goal, with Lucas Moura’s chipped cross clipping the top of the bar before being cleared to safety.
The Blades, who’ve lost five straight meetings with Premier League sides at this stage of the FA Cup, had the best chance of the half when Ismaila Coulibaly found himself through on goal, but the Malian was unable to find the target as he drilled his shot wide of the near post.
With their favourites tag perhaps weighing heavily, Spurs pushed for the opener after the interval and went close from a corner, but Ivan Perišić’s header was held by Wes Foderingham in the Blades goal.
None of Sheffield United’s last 14 FA Cup home games had ended level after 90 minutes, and with the game drifting towards extra time, the Blades ensured that record wasn’t about to change.
Iliman Ndiaye was the man who got the goal, as the Senegal international showcased some incredible close control inside the box before wrong-footing Fraser Forster to give the Blades the lead.
Despite the presence of Harry Kane and Son Heng-min, Spurs were unable to respond in the closing stages and saw another opportunity to extend their trophy drought go up in smoke.
Meanwhile, Paul Heckingbottom’s men continued their march in the FA Cup and are now just one win away from a semi-final at Wembley.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Anel Ahmedhodzic (Sheffield United)
