The current Premier League campaign has been one of a nightmare second season syndrome for Sheffield United. The Yorkshire outfit sunk to new depths on Wednesday night as the Blades made it 16 Premier League games without a win this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat at Burnley.
Chris Wilder’s team are rock-bottom of the table after picking up just two points this season. The defeat at Turf Moor leaves Sheffield United 11 points from safety.
Full time at Turf Moor. pic.twitter.com/J9bbKa9roL— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 29, 2020
Full time at Turf Moor. pic.twitter.com/J9bbKa9roL
The bottom of the table team has never really been completely out of games this season, as most of their losses of late have come by a single goal.
However, the Blades biggest issue this season has been scoring goals, as they have scored just eight times this season.
They were not exactly prolific in last season after winning promotion. Their solid defensive displays rather negated the lack of goals though. This season the Yorkshire outfit have not been as solid at the back.
The long-term absence of centre-back Jack O’Connell has been a key factor in the defensive slump. The former Brentford star was key to his team’s very distinctive style of play last season.
The over-lapping centre-backs employed by Wilder was something new to the Premier League. O’Connell was one of the key players in that system, as his presence also helped initiate attacks.
With the 26-year-old missing, there is a flaw in the system, which has meant the team has failed to perform to the same standards as last season.
The attacking side of Sheffield United’s play is mightily concerning, as even if they would have been solid in defence they still would have struggled to pick up wins due to a shortage of goals.
If a team doesn’t score goals they don’t win games it is that simple. The lack of goals has made Sheffield United’s chances of beating the drop this season look increasingly bleak.