Sheffield United’s unbeaten start to the league season was ended this evening with a 2-0 defeat at the home of local rivals Leeds United. The Blades weathered the hosts’ storm in the first half before second-half goals from Pascal Struijk and sub Mateo Joseph sealed three points.
United did not offer enough attacking threat of their own on a night of real frustration as a jubilant home crowd savoured victory over their rivals in their own bid for promotion. Here’s how we rated United’s players on an evening that won’t live long in the memory of Unitedites...
9. Oliver Arblaster 6
United's skipper fell to his knees in the second half after a volleyed effort deflected off Rodon and went wide, the youngster thinking the shot was destined for the back of Meslier's net instead. Had some uncharacteristic moments where he lacked a bit of composure but kept going right to the end for his side. Had a late penalty appeal turned away when his cross hit the hand of Tanaka from very close range and was booked for protesting the subsequent foul to the linesman | Sportimage
10. Callum O'Hare 4
Not his night again as he struggled to get any sort of control on the game and was instead left chasing shadows for most of it before he made way just after the hour mark | Sportimage
11. Kieffer Moore 4
A lovely early flick sent Burrows free but the opportunity came to nothing, and he was the most relieved man in Elland Road later in the first half during a strange passage of play which saw him lose control of the ball at his feet twice before passing straight to Gnonto, whose deflected shot was gratefully gobbled up by Cooper. Let out a cry of frustration late on when another run was ignored, which rather summed up both his evening as United's as a whole | Sportimage
12. Subs: Tyrese Campbell
Came on for O'Hare and gave United more of a threat in behind, at least initially. Also used: Gilchrist, Peck, Rak-Sakyi, Brewster Photo: Andrew Yates