Although Sheffield United have a low total of ten goals in their opening 12 games, it actually compares closely with teams in a similar position to them. Only Burnley (nine) have scored fewer, and it matches the goal tally of Fulham and Luton, with just one less than Bournemouth, their upcoming opponent.
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has scored 55% of the Cherries’ goals this campaign, scoring six of their total 11 [SofaScore].
However, a concerning aspect highlighted on Match of the Day is that ‘own goals’ top Sheffield United’s scoring charts this season, accounting for three goals.
This surpasses individual player contributions, with Cameron Archer and Gustavo Hamer both scoring two, while Oli Norwood, Jayden Bogle, and Oli McBurnie each have one.
Injuries have played a role, with Oli McBurnie dealing with a hip problem, Rhian Brewster making only five appearances, and last season’s top scorer, Iliman Ndiaye, now with Marseille.
To survive in the Premier League, someone needs to step up and fill the goal-scoring void left by last season’s impressive Championship campaign, where Sheffield United scored 73 goals.
Sheffield United could follow the Everton blueprint to survive
Everton did prove last term that you don’t necessarily need a player to reach double figures in goals to survive, with their top scorer Dwight McNeil netting seven [SofaScore], but they did evenly distribute their 34 goals amongst midfielders and defenders.
That tally was the lowest goals scored total in the 2022/23 campaign, it was also aided by a bizarre 5-1 victory against Brighton at the back end of the season.
If the Blades are to survive this season they must find a way to get into, or as close to, double figures with Archer or McBurnie. And, they need to hope midfielders and defenders can chip in with one or two each.
