Alan Biggs: The two things Sheffield United need to storm Premier League again

It’s a huge ask, arguably an unfair one over the course of a season in which dips in form are inevitable.

And yet, incredibly, this didn’t happen last season. So Wilder has only that measure of their standards...although let’s be honest, you’re still not beating Liverpool and Manchester City, the Blades last two opponents of an incredibly tough start.

Against that, the manager will almost certainly feel that certain players have been below the levels they have set themselves.

This is harsh, maybe cruel. But let’s look into that. Who do we think?

Well, the root of the lack of creativity and dearth of goals isn’t hard to find. Where did it come from last season? Wide areas, overloads and better deliveries than are currently being provided.

All sorts of reasons. Principally the absence of Jack O’Connell, a huge miss that unbalances the whole system.

Probably fair to say also that the wing backs, mainly George Baldock and Enda Stevens, have been a touch below their normally impeccable standards.

Centrally, Ollie Norwood hasn’t directed the flow quite as effectively as before. And a recovery of John Fleck’s fitness and form is vital to posing a greater threat.

This is not to single out because other players forward and back will be questioning themselves; that guaranteed mentality is part of the strength of this group.

It’s just to pinpoint the areas where the Blades previously tipped those fine margins in their favour - and can do again, in my opinion, once the quality of opposition evens out.

Certainly, while one point from seven games can be seen as alarming, and the way ahead is immensely difficult, there is no reason for pessimism at this stage.

But two things need to happen. All or most players at 100% and a productive transfer window in January to infuse the extra quality required.