Sheffield United’s recent run of form came to a frustrating end last Friday night as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion. The Blades had gone six games unbeaten heading into the fixture, but any confidence built during that spell never really showed at The Hawthorns.
It was a flat performance from United who struggled to get going from the first minute and never truly looked like troubling the home side. West Brom were sharper and stronger, while the Blades lacked urgency and creativity in the final third. Unsurprisingly, Chris Wilder was visibly unhappy afterwards, making it clear that the performance fell well short of what he expects from his team.
He told BBC Sport, “I’m really annoyed and angry. As annoyed and angry as I’ve been for a long, long time.
“I didn’t see it coming, I thought first half we were pretty good but you have to be more clinical. Everyone in the ground smelt the atmosphere before and the vulnerability of the opponent and that is when you have to be at your ruthless best.”
Sheffield United Must Find An Instant Positive Reaction
That defeat leaves United sitting four points above the relegation zone as we approach the end of 2025, a position that would have seemed unthinkable just a few months ago. After finishing third last season and suffering heartbreak in the play-off final against Sunderland in the dying moments, this campaign was meant to be about pushing on. Instead, a terrible start under Ruben Selles makes the margin for error very minimal.
The unpredictability of the Championship is why many fans keep a close eye on long-term outcomes, in the promotion or relegation races, or how clubs stack up when you bet on football outrights.
Saturday’s home game against Birmingham City now feels like one of those moments where a response is a must as we head to the turn of the New Year. Being in and around the top six as January approaches can make a huge difference when it comes to attracting new players, and the Blades certainly need improvements in several areas.
Blades Tie Down Dutch Midfielder to New Contract
Sheffield United have already managed to tie down influential midfielder Jairo Riedewald to an extended contract which keeps him at Bramall Lane until the end of the season. Plus, there is an option to extend for a further year.
Wilder is also hoping to reach a contract extension with experienced striker Patrick Bamford who has already netted twice in just six appearances since signing on a short-term deal until January after spending several weeks training with current league leaders Coventry City.
