Sheffield United squandered the opportunity to move three points clear of Leeds United at the top of the Championship table, as a late Bristol City equaliser earned the visitors a deserved point at Bramall Lane.
The Blades took the lead through Tyrese Campbell’s third goal in as many games, but were unable to hold on for the win as Mark Sykes struck late on to secure a 1-1 draw for Bristol City.
The result was a disappointing one for Sheffield United, who had been looking to take advantage of Burnley’s slip-up at home to West Brom earlier in the day. Instead, the Blades remain top of the table, but only by virtue of their superior goal difference.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was left frustrated by the late equaliser, which came after the Blades had failed to gain control of the ball in the closing stages. “It’s nonsense, really,” Wilder said. “We should have seen the game out. We had the chances to kill it off, but we didn’t take them.”
The Blades had started the game slowly, struggling to get into any sort of rhythm in the first half. However, they began to gain momentum in the second half, and eventually took the lead through Campbell’s well-taken goal.
But despite their best efforts, Sheffield United were unable to hold on for the win. Bristol City’s late equaliser was a deserved one, given the visitors’ dominance in possession and territory throughout the game.
The result was a disappointing one for Sheffield United, but they will be looking to bounce back quickly. The Blades face a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including a derby clash with Sheffield Wednesday and a trip to promotion rivals Leeds United.
In order to achieve their goal of promotion to the Premier League, Sheffield United will need to be more clinical in front of goal and more resilient at the back. They will also need to be able to see out games and hold on for wins, rather than conceding late equalisers.
The Blades will be looking to put things right in their next game, and will be hoping to return to winning ways. With the Championship title race heating up, Sheffield United will need to be at their best if they are to achieve their goal of promotion to the Premier League.
Here are the player ratings for Sheffield United’s draw with Bristol City:
Michael Cooper: 7
The former Plymouth man made some outstanding saves throughout the game, including a stunning stop to deny Sinclair Armstrong a certain opener for Bristol City. However, he was unable to prevent the visitors from scoring a late equaliser.
Femi Seriki: 7
Seriki had a solid game at the back for Sheffield United, making some important interceptions and clearances. However, he was unable to prevent Bristol City from scoring a late equaliser.
Tyrese Campbell: 8
Campbell scored his third goal in as many games for Sheffield United, and was a constant threat to the Bristol City defence throughout the game. He was unlucky not to score more goals, and was a key player for the Blades.
Gus Hamer: 7
Hamer had a solid game in midfield for Sheffield United, making some important tackles and interceptions. However, he was unable to prevent Bristol City from dominating possession and territory throughout the game.
Rhian Brewster: 6
Brewster had a quiet game for Sheffield United, struggling to make an impact on the game. He was substituted in the second half, and will be looking to do better in the Blades’ next game.
Leave a Reply