'Ineffectual at best', ''One of the few positives' - Sheffield United player ratings from 2-0 Crystal Palace defeat

Sheffield United endured another difficult afternoon in the Premier League this season as they were outfought and outplayed by Crystal Palace in a 2-0 win for the visitors.
Chris Basham and John Fleck of Sheffield United look dejected after conceding their side's second goal scored by Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace  (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)Chris Basham and John Fleck of Sheffield United look dejected after conceding their side's second goal scored by Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace  (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
Chris Basham and John Fleck of Sheffield United look dejected after conceding their side's second goal scored by Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)

Here’s how we rated United’s players against the Eagles.

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Made a superb save to deny Benteke when the Palace man looked nailed on to score his second, but later dropped a corner and was grateful for the referee's whistle for a foul in the aftermath. Had no chance with either goal as they were deflected past him

Unfortunate to see his block of Benteke's early shot loop up over Ramsdale and into the back of the Blades net. Always seems to relish a battle against Wilf Zaha and was a threat going forward too, often latching onto a long pass from Egan and scuttling away

Chris Basham 5

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Had a decent chance to drag United back level but his volley could only find the side netting after Norwood's corner had been headed down into his path. Was often just in the right place at the right time to nick the ball away from a Palace striker

John Egan 4

Allowed Eze to wander through United's backline too easily in the opening moments of the game, but redeemed himself a little with a good block to deny Zaha a sight of goal. Missed a great chance to get United back on terms in the second half

Kean Bryan 4

Back in the starting line-up after missing the Spurs debacle, but didn't cover himself in glory either in the build-up to Benteke's opener as he chased the ball and was caught out of position. Laughably punished for a superb challenge to dispossess Eze

Enda Stevens 4

Looked a threat at times down the left flank, his crosses creating half-chances for McGoldrick in the first half and Burke in the second. Did well to block Ayew's goal-bound effort moments after he came off the bench

Ollie Norwood 4

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Fired a late free-kick narrowly over the angle of Guaita's crossbar after Jebbison was fouled by Eze. Great arced cross would have seen Jebbison mark his debut with a goal, had Kouyate not got across to head away. Used ball well at times but United midfield was dominated by Eze

Sander Berge 4

Made his first start since December after coming off the bench at Spurs and after an ineffective first half - although he was far from alone in that regard - he could have turned the game in the second, but was too honest in not going down after contact from Mitchell in the Palace box. Replaced by Osborn

John Fleck 4

Took a painful-looking whack in a challenge with Ward on the left touchline, which saw the Palace man booked. Will have been relieved when he was robbed by Benteke on the edge of his own box, but the striker's shot cannoned off the post.

David McGoldrick 4

Had appeals for a penalty turned down in the second half after a challenge from Ward, who replays showed had got the ball cleanly. Good pass almost set Jebbison free, but Guaita was alert to the danger and raced of his line to claim

Oliver Burke 3

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Ineffectual at best. Was left chasing shadows for much of the first half, apart from one header that went way wide of Palace's goal, and always seemed on the periphery of the game until he was replaced by Jebbison for his senior debut

Subs

Ben Osborn 5

Came on for Sander Berge just before the hour mark, and United badly missed his energy from the start. Almost set up a dream debut for Jebbison, but his cross was a touch too high for the youngster to get over the ball and head it home.

Daniel Jebbison 6

Handed his Premier League debut with 25 minutes or so of normal time remaining, replacing the ineffectual Burke. Had the type of chance he would have dreamed about in his sleep from Osborn's cross, but he couldn't get over the ball and it went over the Palace bar.

John Lundstram 3

Came on for the last 10 minutes of normal time in place of Bryan, but that was ample time for his customary half-attempt at a tackle as Eze waltzed through the Blades defence to score Palace's second.

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