Sheffield United set an unwanted Premier League record this afternoon as their sorry season continued with a 3-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. It was a familiar story for the Blades, who could have easily been four or five goals ahead at the break but spurned a host of golden chances after Ben Brereton Diaz had put them ahead from the spot against his former side.
Forest levelled through Callum Hudson-Odoi’s finish, with the former Chelsea man sealing victory for his side after skipper Ryan Yates had volleyed Forest ahead in the second half. Forest’s third was the 100th goal United have conceded in the league this season - the first time that figure has been reached in a 38-game Premier League season.
To compound United’s frustration, defender Anel Ahmedhodzic was sent off deep in injury time for a second yellow card. Here’s how we rated United’s players on another afternoon to forget at Bramall Lane ...
9. Gus Hamer 7.5
The shining light on another disappointing afternoon for the Blades. Hamer was unfortunate not to see a superb early pass result in a goal and another assist as he sent Archer free but the striker just couldn't get it out of his feet in time and the chance went begging. Whistled a low drive not far wide a bit later on before forcing Sels into a really smart save with a well-struck effort that would have screamed into the Forest net if not for the fingertips of their goalkeeper. Was also on hand defensively to snuff out a Forest chance after Robinson had been caught out | Getty Images
10. Ben Brereton Diaz 6
Won, and then subsequently converted, the penalty that gave United the lead, opting against not celebrating against a former club and giving it the works in front of the Forest fans as he wheeled away in delight. Had a golden chance for 2-1 10 minutes before the break when he should have either tested Sels or squared to Archer for a tap-in, but he did neither as Murollo blocked and the chance went begging. Went down in the second half under the challenge of Murillo and seconds later Forest had scored, with VAR ruling that there was no infringement and the goal stood. He kept going to the end and earns a point for his goal but not squaring to Archer was a pivotal moment in the game | Getty Images
11. Cameron Archer 3
Had a quiet start to the game but could have changed that when Hamer's pass sent him through on goal, but he never looked in full control of the situation and the ball was nicked away from him at the crucial moment. Was perfectly entitled to ask his strike partner why he didn't play him in for a tap-in but there have been plenty of times this season when the shoe has been on the other foot, so he can't complain too much. He later missed two huge chances, one saved by Sels when one-on-one and putting another over the bar from six yards out when it looked easier to score. Snatched at a second-half chance that Sels gathered comfortably before being replaced, to end a day he won't remember in a hurry | Getty Images
