Sheffield United coasted to three points against Preston North End in the opening game of the season, and the Blades wiped their two-point deduction away at the first time of asking, which was huge.
In hindsight United may have been slightly fortunate for their goals; one being a huge deflection and the other coming from poor distribution from the goalkeeper, but they were good value for their lead. Perhaps on another day they’d have added more as well.
Shortly after the visitors went in front, Callum O’Hare was running in on goal with Gustavo Hamer adjacent offering a passing option, but the debutant ignored the pass and instead overran the ball when he was in a perfect position to shoot.
In the second half, Kieffer Moore fluffed his lines from inside the six-yard box after Andre Brooks juked his way past a trio of Preston defenders and cut it back for the Welshman.
Hamer spurned a great opportunity after his excellent lobbed goal – the Dutchman was in prime position inside the box to pull the trigger but he instead opted for the more difficult option which was to square it to Moore which was cut out.
Chris Wilder on Sheffield United victory over Preston
In the end though it was quite a straightforward victory for the Blades and Chris Wilder was delighted to get the new season off to winning ways, he explained on SUTV.
“Really good. Delighted for everybody. Delighted for the supporters after what was an incredibly difficult season where we all had to suffer. New start, new beginning. I thought the way we played was outstanding. I was a bit disappointed in the first half because I thought we had control from the two thirds but in the final third we were a bit loose so we needed a little bit more out of our front four. We gave the ball away cheaply round their box and they countered well and we had to defend well as well.
“Keeping the ball out the back of the net is a skill so to get that and the attitude into the players was great. Tough first 5-10 minutes of the second half and that second goal was always going to be a big one and delighted we got it and then I think we were pretty comfortable.”
It was clear to see from the opening minutes that Sheffield United had far too much quality and composure in the middle of the park for the home side, and they were able to control the majority of the game. Wilder hailed the double pivot of Vinicius Souza and Oli Arblaster.
“I thought the two midfield players were magnificent. I thought Blaster and Vini Souza were incredible in there. They dominated that area of the pitch and allowed us to get our full backs out and control the game.”
