Sheffield United captain makes an admission after draw with Watford

Oliver Norwood of Sheffield United celebrates his goal during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: 26th December 2019. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The former Northern Ireland international made the admission following the Boxing Day fixture at Bramall Lane, which left Chris Wilder’s side sixth in the Premier League table.

“It’s a frustrating one,” Norwood, the United captain, said. “We weren’t at the levels we’ve set this year and it showed.

“It was a disappointing day but we came out of it with a point. Our unbeaten runs goes on and we move on.”

United entered the game searching for their fourth straight victory in the competition following wins over Norwich City, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion. But they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils when Ben Foster, the Watford, goalkeeper, produced a superb save to deny John Fleck after Norwood had cancelled-out Gerard Deulofeu’s opener from the penalty spot.

“We know we weren’t at it as players,” Norwood said. “The gaffer didn’t have to tell us.

“We have to be better to pick up results. We set those standards since the start of the season, since we began in the Premier League.”

“Watford are a good side in the division with an experienced manager, but we’re not that fussed about other teams,” he added. “We focus on us and what we do well.

“But we didn’t do it well enough out there this time.”