Anel Ahmedhodzic’s strike in the 79th minute proved decisive, allowing the Blades to leapfrog Leeds – who are in action today – significantly enhancing their prospects for automatic promotion.
“Luton provided their fans with plenty to cheer about with their style of play,” Wilder remarked.
“They put us under pressure, played aggressively and posed a challenging task to contend with.
“We implemented some adjustments for the second half and needed to discover a method to seize control of the match, creating a few chances as well. However, it was evident that we were going to face tough moments, and we successfully managed to navigate that to secure three points.
“It was a superb finish. We lost a couple of players – Tom Cannon and Gus (Hamer) – so we had to adapt the setup slightly.
“We modified personnel, but the unity within the group is remarkable, and that’s the reason we’re currently in this position.
“Each day we arrive, the standards we set are high, and every match we participate in reflects that, which is something I truly appreciate about the team.”
The struggling Hatters appeared to be the superior side in the opening half, with Thelo Aasgaard’s shot from 20 yards skillfully dealt with by the retreating Michael Cooper.
Luton subsequently won two corners, the second taken short to Liam Walsh, whose tempting cross was headed off-target by Elijah Adebayo.
The hosts almost took the lead after 15 minutes, as a fantastic team move culminated in Aasgaard curling the ball against the underside of the crossbar, with Izzy Jones’ follow-up blocked by a fortunate Cooper.
Aasgaard then delivered an exquisite cross that Adebayo volleyed over from close range; however, the home side continued to fire when opportunities arose, with Walsh shooting over the bar while in a good position.
As the first half drew to a close, the Blades crafted their finest moment. Tyrese Campbell had a clear chance but was denied by Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, who made a save with his legs.
Aasgaard attempted another shot that soared into the stands, while in the second half, United came close, but Jack Robinson’s header at the back post was an easy save for Kaminski.
A flurry of opportunities followed for both teams; Carlton Morris’ glanced header from Alfie Doughty’s cross was palmed away by Cooper, while Campbell’s low cross was struck against the crossbar by a lunging Ben Brereton Diaz from just a few yards out.
The former Villarreal forward should have ultimately opened the scoring midway through the half when a cross fortuitously fell at his feet but he sent it soaring over the top.
As the match progressed to its conclusion, it felt as though Luton’s squandered chances might come back to haunt them. After Kaminski thwarted a header, the Blades clinched victory when Ahmedhodzic slotted the ball home, with Hatters fans and players appealing for an offside flag that never arrived.
Luton Town: Kaminski, McGuinness, Naismith (Alli 90), Bell, Jones, Walsh (Bowler 90), Nakamba (Baptiste 76), Aasgaard, Doughty, Morris, Adebayo (Brown 69). Unused substitutes: Krul, Walters, Andersen, Johnson, Nordas.
Sheffield United: Cooper, Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, McCallum (Burrows 66), V Souza, Choudhury, Rak-Sakyi (Peck 46), Brewster (Holding 46), Brereton Diaz (O’Hare 78), Campbell (One 66). Unused substitutes: Faxon, T Davies, Norrington-Davies, Brooks.
Referee: Lewis Smith (Lancashire).
