Chris Wilder hails Sheffield United's structure and quality after long unbeaten run was ended by Manchester City

Chris Wilder believes that the fact his Sheffield United side took their unbeaten away run deep into December - and only surrendered it at Manchester City - is testament to both the Blades' structure and quality.
Chris Wilder appluads the fans following Liverpool's visit to Bramall Lane earlier this season: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder appluads the fans following Liverpool's visit to Bramall Lane earlier this season: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder appluads the fans following Liverpool's visit to Bramall Lane earlier this season: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The Blades were unbeaten since January 2019 - when they lost to Swansea, ironically to an Oli McBurnie goal - and extended that run for almost a year, after being promoted to the Premier League.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at City brought it to a disappointing end after two key decisions went against Wilder's men.

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First, Lys Mousset's opening goal was ruled out for offside by VAR, before referee Chris Kavanagh blocked off John Fleck in midfield seconds before City's opener.

The Blades will now look to bounce back on Thursday when they face champions-elect Liverpool at Anfield.

"It was a bit flat in the manner that the run went," Wilder admitted.

"We set up to frustrate and then try and get the balance right when attacking, and I thought we did.

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"We missed some good chances and the manner of the first goal changed the momentum of the game as much as the goal itself.

"But the team came flying back again. We had two or three chances but against a team like City, you're always vulnerable going the other way.

"But to take it deep into December shows a bit of structure about us and the quality we’ve shown through the run. It was always going to be tested in these two games, but we've got to get back on the bike at Liverpool."

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