When Sheffield United beat Luton Town at Kenilworth Road a few weeks ago, that result ensured the Blades would beat Derby County’s record lowest points in a Premier League campaign.
After that performance and result, supporters may have thought things would begin to fall into place after such a positive weekend. But that has not transpired.
The Blades have since conceded 12 goals in their last three games without reply. Worryingly they’ve registered just six shots on target in that time while conceding 22 shots on their goal. Supporters and neutrals are now wondering whether United have the worst team in Premier League history.
United manager Chris Wilder has since publicly expressed his frustrations with his side’s poor defending.
Sheffield United on course for worst-ever defensive record in Premier League history
Sheffield United’s leaky defence is set to eclipse Swindon Town’s notorious record of conceding over 100 goals during the 1993/94 season. The Yorkshire outfit has already let in 72 goals, averaging a staggering 2.67 goals per match, marking the worst defensive performance in Premier League history after 27 games.
This grim statistic places them second only to Doncaster Rovers’ 73 goals conceded in the fourth tier during the 1997/98 campaign. If this alarming trend persists, which seems highly likely given current form, Sheffield United could become the first Premier League team to breach the 100-goal concession mark.
To put this into perspective, Swindon’s record was amassed over a 42-game season, while Ipswich Town conceded 93 goals in a similar campaign. The highest tally in a 38-game season stands at Derby’s 89.
What’s next for Sheffield United?
The exodus of fans during the recent match against Arsenal, where the Blades found themselves trailing 3-0 within the first 15 minutes, is nothing unfamiliar. The club suffered an embarrassing 8-0 defeat at home to Newcastle many months ago.
With daunting fixtures against heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United looming, the prospect of further drubbings is a cause for concern. I think every single person involved with Sheffield United have resigned themselves to relegation now.
Their next challenge sees them facing Bournemouth away on Saturday.
