Watford boss, Nigel Pearson, piled the praise on Sheffield United following his side’s 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.
Pearson has overseen a change in fortunes for the Hornets. After seeing off Manchester United, he saw his side pick up a vital point at the high-flying Blades yesterday.
Nigel Pearson has praised Sheffield United. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Gerard Deulofeu had given Pearson’s side the lead midway through the first half. However, an Ollie Norwood penalty saw the Blades take a share of the spoils.
By their own admission, United were not at their best. But that didn’t stop Pearson from singling Chris Wilder’s team out for praise at the full-time whistle.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“It’s a fabulous brand of football. I think it’s very refreshing for the game,” Pearson said (Sheffield Star).
“Like I say, I love their brand and the way they go about things. But every brand of football has got a weakness. And our goal maybe exploited the one their brand has got, which is the swift counter-attack.”
Respect is being earned as the season progresses
At the beginning of the season, there was a feeling of disrespect towards Sheffield United. We’ve already covered comments from the likes of Adrian Durham, Garth Crooks, and Danny Mills. All three of those pundits have seemingly written United’s chances off.
However, as the season enters its second half, we are seeing a change in attitude. Not least, from opposition managers.
Previously, Steve Bruce set his Newcastle team up to simply not lose. It worked too, as the Magpies ran out 2-0 winners at the Lane.
Steve Bruce saw his Newcastle United team win at Bramall Lane. (Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It was similar from Watford today. The Hornets were playing for time from the 60th minute. Indeed, the likes of Troy Deeney were seen openly on camera smirking and winking at buying time.
This, though, should be taken as a mark of respect for the Blades players. No longer cast aside as a team to be relegated, clubs are now consciously trying to prevent Sheffield United play.
That, if anything, should be the biggest compliment going. If Nigel Pearson is willing to point out how good things look on the eye when it comes to Sheffield United, then that is a giant nod to how far things have moved along.
