Despite an encouraging first half an hour performance, Sheffield United’s fourth visit to the capital this season ended in another disappointment. In the second half, they conceded four goals without reply, resulting in a heavy defeat against Arsenal.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom implemented two changes for the match at the Emirates stadium. Anis Slimane was given his first competitive start for the Blades, while Oli McBurnie, who was dealing with a groin injury, was absent. Rhian Brewster started in attack, and Cameron Archer found himself on the bench, where he was joined by the fit-again George Baldock.
Lineups
Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, White (Tomiyasu 66), Saka (Nelson 73), Smith Rowe (Fábio Vieira 73), Martinelli (Trossard 66), Nketiah, Kiwior, Havertz, Zinchenko, Rice (Elneny 89).
Unused: Ramsdale, Gabriel, Ødegaard, Jorginho.
Blades: Foderingham, Trusty, Brewster (Archer 59), Hamer (Oné 83), Thomas, Norwood, Robinson, Bogle (Baldock 71), Souza, Slimane (Osborn 59), McAtee (Fleck 71).
Unused: A. Davies, Traoré, Larouci, Brooks.
First half
United had a strong start and effectively held off the hosts for much of the first 20 minutes. Robinson made a crucial clearance just in time as Havertz was poised to strike following a deflection from Rice’s initial effort from distance, and Saka’s touch let him down after a quick break down the left by Martinelli.
However, just before the half-hour mark, the home team broke the deadlock. Nketiah created the opportunity with his first touch and calmly slotted the ball past Foderingham after receiving a pass from Rice, who was in acres of space. As half-time approached, Foderingham remained alert, making a near-post save from Martinelli, and Trusty’s timely intervention saw him head behind Smith-Rowe’s goal-bound sliding shot.
Second half
United’s second half got off to a disastrous start when Nketiah scored after Foderingham had spilled Saka’s in-swinging corner. The goal stood after a VAR check, which confirmed White’s involvement in a challenge with the United goalkeeper and then Bogle in the second phase.
Before the hour mark, Nketiah completed his hat-trick with a long-range strike, effectively settling the contest. Osborn and Archer came off the bench, with Osborn receiving a caution almost immediately for a foul on Havertz.
White’s attempt was smartly denied by Foderingham, and Bogle was booked for a series of fouls, the last one on Trossard to stop the Belgian’s progress.
Baldock and Fleck returned to action, gaining valuable minutes. United’s final change saw Oné introduced for his senior debut as Hamer left the field.
The Blades’ day went from bad to worse as Fabio Vieira added a fourth from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR check, with Norwood, who was booked, judged to have fouled the substitute. Ten minutes of added time were indicated, and in the 96th minute, Arsenal scored a fifth from a corner, with Tomiyasu finding the net, although there was a possible handball in the build-up which was reviewed.
With Bournemouth’s victory over Burnley, Sheffield United are now the only side in the Premier League without a win, making the home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers a must-win otherwise things could start to look embarrassing.
