After an improvement since suffering a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, Sheffield United looked as though they had some fight left in them. But the recent loss against Brentford may have taken away any last bit of hope they had.
During the second half, an unfortunate goal by Oliver Arblaster and a composed finish by Frank Onyeka secured all three points for the Bees on Saturday afternoon.
The Bees were able to register their first win in ten Premier League games. Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s struggles deepened as they continue to languish at the bottom, drawing nearer to a rapid descent back to the Championship.
This result means the Blades are ten points from safety, with a game in hand on Nottingham Forest and other teams around them. Forest, who are 17th, face off against 16th placed Everton at the weekend. While Sheffield United host 19th placed Burnley. A win there would move them a point behind Vincent Kompany’s men.
With six games left Chris Wilder’s men are running out of time in their survival bid, but they do have a big opportunity to gain some momentum on Saturday whilst, at the same time, dealing a body blow to their relegation rivals.
Sheffield United still have two winnable home games left to play: this Saturday against Burnley, and then on the 4th of May against Nottingham Forest.
In the previous two matches at Bramall Lane, the Blades have earned a point each – but they really should have taken maximum points from both games.
After holding a two-goal lead versus Fulham, United’s signature late collapse occurred conceding two late goals. And against Chelsea they recorded a far greater expected goals tally than the visitors, but they only just scraped a point in the dying moments thanks to Oli McBurnie.
Sheffield United to get revenge over Burnley at Bramall Lane?
The reverse fixture against Burnley was the final nail in the coffin as far as Paul Heckingbottom was concerned, as he was relieved of his duties following a 5-0 defeat. But, United have a chance to set the record straight against last season’s Championship winners this Saturday at Bramall Lane.
In the last home game, against Chelsea, the recorded attendance for the late Sunday afternoon clash was 28,638. With the Burnley clash being o 3PM kick-off on a Saturday afternoon, I fully expect beautiful downtown Bramall Lane to be packed out, with a great atmosphere. Make sure you by your tickets for this hugely important game versus the Clarets.
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