If it wasn’t for an inspired performance by Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal, Sheffield United would’ve earned their first win of the Premier League campaign. However, both sides had to settle for a point.
Player grades
Wes Foderingham: 7
Although he conceded two goals, Foderingham’s performance between the sticks once again showed that he is a Premier League quality goalkeeper. Thus far, he has not been helped out much by his defenders and that was the theme of the first goal. United’s defenders are falling asleep inside their penalty area, which is alarming.
Foderingham prevented 1.68 goals [SofaScore] on Saturday afternoon.
George Baldock: 6
I’m giving Baldock this low of a score because he was the defender that was sleeping for the first goal, and he actually had a chance to redeem himself after Foderingham excellently denied Abdoulaye Doucoure, but Baldock’s reaction was poor by his own standards. An easily avoidable goal that gave a team with zero momentum [Everton] a kickstart.
Nevertheless, he did show some brilliant attacking play in the final third and registered two key passes and four of six successful dribbles.
Anel Ahmedhodzic: 6
Didn’t think he had the best game when playing at right centre-back and very nearly gave a penalty away in the second half. However, when he shifted to the middle, I thought he defended Beto really well. He was active in the duel against the big striker.
John Egan: 6
Had a great chance to score from a header. Had a decent first half, blocking shots and at times being the last line of defence. That being said, I thought he was too conservative up against Beto. When he was in one vs one situations, he seemed content to let Beto receive the ball as long as he had his back to goal. But that allowed Beto to turn him or lay off midfielders to run into space.
Jack Robinson: 7
Robinson had another decent performance, and for me looked the more composed defender when playing out and that reflects in his pass completion 88% [SofaScore]. He also won 100% of his duels.
Yasser Larouci: 5
Signs of improvements, but still a few dodgy moments defensively. One thing I liked about his performance was that he seemed alert when the Blades were in a mid block. He read where Everton was trying to pass out and intercepted a couple of times to launch counter attacks. But the issues are when he has to defend in deeper positions. He seems to ball watch a lot, which exposes space behind him.
Oli Norwood: 7
Solid performance from Norwood. There were times where I’d have liked to see him offer himself when the ball was with our back line – he seemed to rest rather than rotate on occasions. However, when he got on the ball he was composed and accurate. Sent Archer through, almost assisted Hamer with a clever cutback and his switch of play was a weapon. Out of possession he stayed busy as well.
Vinícius Souza: 7
Another good showing from the Brazilian. Screens the defence excellently and always up for a physical battle which he wins more often than not, thus regaining possession for the Blades from second ball phases.
Gustavo Hamer: 8
Very intelligent footballer – he recognises when to play quickly. Excellent delivery for the first goal to hit Oli McBurnie with an early cross who then teed up Cameron Archer for the first goal. And Hamer was involved in the second goal after chesting it down and a short volley over his shoulder to set up Archer for a one-vs-one with the defender.
Oli McBurnie: 7
Worked hard off the ball and showed great chemistry with Archer. He occupied the space underneath the Everton backline which allowed his strike partner the opportunity to run one-vs-one with a defender. Intelligent performance which was highlighted by his assist. Desperately unlucky to be superbly denied by Pickford in the final few seconds.
Cameron Archer: 8
Great debut, capped off with an outstanding first-timed finish for the first goal. Massive contribution to the second goal and his effort deserved that bit of luck. One thing that stood out for me was just how adept he was at using his body to roll defenders and make them off balance.
Subs
Chris Basham 5 (John Egan, 68)
Luke Thomas 5 (Yasser Larouci, 68)
Bénie Traoré 5 (Cameron Archer, 75)
