Chris Wilder expressed disappointment in Sheffield United’s naivety following their defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Despite the loss, the 56-year-old found encouragement in his team’s resilient first-half performance in west London. They effectively limited Chelsea’s opportunities and even had a chance to take the lead when Cameron Archer curled a shot wide from outside the penalty area in a rare offensive move by the Blades.
In the second half, Gustavo Hamer tested Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic with a dipping free-kick, but goals from Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson had already secured a comfortable lead for the Blues by that time.
Chris Wilder stated after the game via SUTV:
“In the first half we got it spot on. We limited them to very few chances in the first half. It’s just the naivety of our approach in the first 15 minutes [of the second half] when we went after [the ball]. We didn’t have to get after the ball.”
The Blades chief also commented on the improved goal threat, since his return, as well as the up turn in the defensive structure.
“Our xG has gone through the roof in terms of where it has been. We got the balance right today. We weren’t sat on the crossbar waiting to get beaten. There’s always going to be a threat the other way, but for a team in our position we were in a decent place.”
Sheffield United’s struggle to find the net persists, as they have failed to score in seven of their 17 league games this season, a statistic worse than any other team in the division. The challenges continue for United during the festive period, with upcoming matches against in-form Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City, bookended by a crucial home clash with fellow strugglers Luton on December 26.
