Sheffield United made it three wins from three after thumping Burnley 5-2 at Bramall Lane.
Paul Heckingbottom started Stevens, Ahmedhodzic and McBurnie in place of Sharp, Basham and Khadra from Tuesday night. Osborn moved into the middle of the park.
The Blades started the game excellently, they set their marker down early and applied an aggressive press which Burnley struggled to cope with.
Burnley is one of the best technical teams in the league when they get the ball moving in their build-up play, but United didn’t allow them to do so for the most part.
United’s pressing and shape were superb. The front two set up to press the man on the ball whilst attempting to screen the centre-backs and the fullbacks. Leaving Muric in goal to attempt risky passes to the fullbacks, or to play it into the midfield, which was completely blanketed by United’s midfielders.
Even if the ball was played into Cullen etc, Fleck, Osborn and Norwood never allowed the pass receiver to take the ball cleanly – this was applied from minute 1 of the game.
On the occasions that the ball was with the fullbacks in the build-up, United tried to set up like this. Once again, the forwards press the man on the ball whilst screening passing lanes.
United’s midfield again would spy/shadow Burnley’s midfield, making sure they never had a yard of space if the pass did find their feet.
It was a great defensive set-up from Paul Heckingbottom and the coaching staff, and Burnley was rattled. The combative nature of Fleck, the super-energetic nature of Osborn and the experienced general Norwood coped with Burnley’s midfield expertly.
The only poor thing we did off the ball all game led to Burnley’s opener:
Several players stood watching the ball rather than engaging him.
Other than this moment, I cannot fault United’s shape. Super effective.