Has anyone noticed that Sheffield United did not lose a league match to London clubs this season? Arsenal(Home 1-0, Away 1-1), Chelsea(Away 2-2, Home 3-0), Crystal Palace(Home 1-0, Away 1-0), Spurs(Away 1-1, Home 3-1), West Ham(Away 1-1, Home 1-0) all felt the edges of The Blades. That's quite remarkable in my book.
Sheffield United sits in 8th place in the English Premier League, 2 places outside Europa League spot(barring FA Cup outcome), however, their position outside European qualification doesn't depict or tell how much hard work The Blades have put in this season.
Playing again in the premier league for the first time in 12 seasons, few would have thought United would beat an immediate drop to the Championship. However, for those who follow Chris Wilder's managerial journey, they would point out that Wilder's reputation precedes him.
Renowned for his success at the Non-league side Oxford United having helped the Conference side gained promotion into League Two just two seasons after his appointment. Wilder then swapped Oxford for relegation-threatened Northampton Town and helped The Cobblers to gained promotion into League One soon after. Wilder's hunger for challenges saw him yet again swapped Northampton for boyhood club Sheffield United in League One back in 2016. His technical abilities have helped The Blades promoted from League One, Championship and currently to 8th place in the premier league.
The manner at which Sheffield United take the ball to her opponent can only be described as fearless especially for a newcomer. Setting up mostly in a 3-4-1-2 formation, The Blades exploit the wide areas of the pitch to good effect. And the liberty at which their centre-halves join in the offensive play, one would expect them to be vulnerable at the back, however, it's the contrary, only the champions Liverpool(29) had conceded lesser goals than The Blades(35) this season.
If Sheffield United missed out on Europe, Chris Wilder and his wards deserved a pat on the back for putting in a good shift all season, especially on the fast ones the pulled on London's top Guns. Seems London turfs is becoming Sheffield's hunting ground.
Thank you all.
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