Wes Foderingham stands out as one of the top-performing Premier League goalkeepers. Not only does the Sheffield United goalkeeper rank in the top ten based on overall performance according to WhoScored, he also leads in shots saved.
These statistics underline that Foderingham needs to be supported better by his defence. Having said that, while a goalkeeper being the best performer may suggest excessive workload, it shouldn’t diminish Foderingham’s impressive displays. He single-handedly kept the Blades in the games against Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. The latter saw his back line collapse in the last few minutes of injury time going from 1-0 up to 2-1 down.
The priority of Paul Heckingbottom should be improving the cover for the goalkeeper. With 156 shots faced in seven matches, averaging 22.3 per game [FBref], if those numbers continue the Blades could be on the end of another embarrassing defeat just like they suffered against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane. Questions will continue to be asked about the summer addition of defensive coach Mark Hudson.
The Blades’ defensive fragilities will be tested across the next couple of matches; they face Manchester United at home on Saturday and then they’re away at Arsenal the following game.
