Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has called Sheffield United the “best home team in the division.”
This came after his side had lost 2-0 to the Blades at Bramall Lane at the weekend. Goals in each half from Jack O’Connell and Mark Duffy secured all three points for Chris Wilder’s side.
“Sheffield United are one of the best, if not the best, home team in the division,” Warne was quoted by the Sheffield Star.
“Sheffield United are a really good side and, first-half, I thought we were causing them problems. We just keep ourselves together and then we go again. I’m not dwelling on it.”
Is Warne correct?
(Photo by Chris Vaughan – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Looking at the statistics, the Millers boss is entirely justified in his opinion of United. Following Saturday’s result no other team in the Championship has a better home record than the Blades.
From the 18 league matches played at Bramall Lane this season, they have won 12, drawn three and lost three. That totals 39 points, a tally only matched by Leeds United.
However, while United have scored 33 goals at home (the same as Leeds) they have only conceded 13 in comparison to the Whites’ 15.
In 18 games on their travels, the Blades have picked up 10 fewer points with 29 – coming from eight wins, five draws and five defeats.
On home soil, United’s goal difference of +20 is only bettered by Brentford (+21). Meanwhile, only Middlesbrough have let in fewer goals with 12.
That could prove extremely important in the promotion chase. By beating Rotherham 2-0 at the weekend they have now kept 10 clean sheets in their last 12 league outings. They also haven’t conceded at home since beating Derby County 3-1 on Boxing Day.
It has become something of a cliche in football to try and make a home ground into a fortress. Yet that could be exactly what sees the Blades in the Premier League next term.
