It’s fair to say that Sheffield United aren’t having the best of seasons and no one would blame any pundit for suggesting that Championship football is neigh, considering the lack of points the Blades have on the board at this stage of the season. Though we are now into the New Year, the Premier League hasn’t passed 50% of games played.
Sheffield United finished ninth last season and a better run towards the conclusion of the season could have resulted in finishing in a place to participate in the UEFA Europa League this season. However, they lost their final three fixtures and seem to be in a continuous rut that has seen the Blades go 17 Premier League games without a single victory.
Along with the Blades early exit from the Carabao Cup (at Burnley), the Blades are 21 consecutive games in all competitions without a victory. The last competitive fixture that they won was on 11 July 2020 when they beat Chelsea 3-0 with two goals from David McGoldrick and one from Oli McBurnie.
Following the clubs’ 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, Chris Wilder pointed out that injuries have dealt a big blow for the Blades this season and have struggled to come to terms with the absence of key players.
Blades boss Chris Wilder told BBC; “It was the perfect storm last season – players were at the top of their game and we had no injuries. Now injuries are hitting us quite hard… but we had enough on the pitch to get us a result. The result wasn’t decided when the team sheet came in. It was decided in the fourth minute and the last 30 seconds of the first half. This club, over the past three, four years, is not used to losing games. It’s difficult, it’s a struggle, it’s ruthless and murders you at times with what you’re up against.”
They take a break from league matters when they travel to Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup before hosting back-to-back home games with Newcastle and Tottenham. They then have a Manchester double as they face two tough away games with a trip to Old Trafford being the first on the agenda.
The Blades currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League with two points gained from draws with Fulham and Brighton and are currently twelve points behind Brighton in 17th place. A miraculous turn of events that would see United win a string of games can easily put them within touching distance of Premiership survival. Where that run will come from is anybody’s guess but its not impossible!