Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder remains “positive” despite defeat to Southampton at the weekend.
A second half goal from Moussa Djenepo was enough to secure all three points for the visitors at Bramall Lane.
Wilder watched on as his side had 17 shots in the game, but couldn’t find the back of the net. At least not officially, as Oli McBurnie had an effort ruled out for offside. When it was reviewed by VAR, John Egan was shown to be in an offside position when McBurnie scored.
“It was a positive performance. To create 17 chances like we did, in the Premier League, is in one way great,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.
“But obviously not to score and not to come out of the game with something is a major disappointment for us. We’ve got to wise up a little bit. There’s enough quality in that changing room to finish and create at the top of the pitch.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“We’ve been on the receiving end of a poor result but certainly, not from my point-of-view, a poor performance.”
Why Sheffield United can take positives from Southampton defeat
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Not only did McBurnie have a goal chalked off, but the Blades had legitimate claims for a penalty when James Ward-Prowse handled the ball in the area.
They also could be accused of lacking a clinical touch. As good as goalkeeper Angus Gunn was, both David McGoldrick and John Fleck arguably should have done better with their chances.
Egan was at fault for the Djenepo goal, according to Wilder, with the defender failing to react quick enough to the weaving run from the forward.
Things became even tougher for the hosts when Billy Sharp was sent off late on. Wilder had no complaints about the decision as Sharp clumsily brought down Stuart Armstrong.
That is now five points from their opening five games. The result leaves them 15th in the table with just one win during that time,
