Defender makes an admission about Sheffield United's form and luck ahead of Chelsea clash

The Blades' wait for their first win of the season continued at the weekend, when they lost 1-0 to Manchester City at Bramall Lane.

Manager Chris Wilder told his side afterwards that they must show more quality on the ball if they are to improve their fortunes - beginning with this weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

And Lowe, who returned to the starting eleven against City after being forced to miss the visit to Liverpool thanks to concussion protocols, believes that it's just a matter of time before United's luck begins to turn.

"We got into some really good areas," the former Derby County left-back said of Saturday's performance against City.

"Surely one's got to go in soon... that's how we're all feeling in the dressing room.

"The gaffer has told us that we need to take our chances; they got one and took it.

"That's why they're doing well and we're not at the minute. We need to look at that and improve."

Lowe, who worked under Chelsea boss Frank Lampard during their time together at Pride Park, added: "You can always practice on the training ground but when the opportunity comes, you've got to back yourself and be confident that you can hit the target and at least work their 'keeper.

"We didn't do that enough against City. Rammers [Aaron Ramsdale] pulled off great saves, as he has every game, to keep us in it and we have to work their keeper more.

"But there's no throwing in the towel at all. We're obviously disappointed not to come away with a result but the lads were on their knees in the last few minutes because we give our all.

"The effort is always there but the quality has to be there and that's what we're lacking."

Lowe's emergence at left wing-back - he impressed in the League Cup against Burnley and was handed a Premier League debut against Fulham, before being withdrawn with concussion - has enabled United to shift Enda Stevens to left centre-half, in place of the injured Jack O'Connell.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor