After losing to Liverpool, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has warned his players home form has to improve.
The 1-0 defeat at the weekend was the Blades’ third successive loss at Bramall Lane. Their only positive result on home turf was the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on August 18.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s 70th minute goal was the difference on Saturday. His shot went through the legs of goalkeeper Dean Henderson to maintain the Reds’ 100 per cent Premier League record this season.
There is no shame in running the European champions arguably as close as anyone has so far this term. Yet Wilder doesn’t want his side to be nearly men.
“All our three defeats have been self inflicted,” the United boss told BBC Radio Sheffield. “We’ve be up against quality opposition – especially two out of the three at Bramall Lane – but they’ve been self inflicted.
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“From the players’ point-of-view – there’s another word I could use, but I possibly won’t, that ends in ‘x’ – have you got that to make a career in the Premier League?
“Because a lot of other things are right at this football club.
“I don’t want a hard luck story. I don’t want regrets and I don’t want us not to take opportunities when they arise.”
Sheffield United home form needs to match their support
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp praised the Blades both on and off the pitch following his side’s win. Klopp was particularly impressed with the atmosphere at Bramall Lane.
As expected, the United fans have been superb in their support this term. After waiting 12 years for top flight football they are going to enjoy the moment.
Unfortunately the results haven’t matched that. As well as Saturday, Wilder’s men have also lost at home to Leicester City and Southampton already in 2019/20.
Yet on the road they are unbeaten, having picked up thoroughly deserved draws at Bournemouth and Chelsea and winning at Everton.
Now they need to show the same form in their own back yard.
