The stats that show the tactical advantage Sheffield United could have in the Premier League next season

Statistics show that Sheffield United could fare well in the Premier League next season if they are able to replicate their impressive possession rates from the last campaign
Photo: Simon Bellis/SportimagePhoto: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Chris Wilder’s side were promoted to the top flight with some of the best possession statistics in the Championship last season as they topped the table for fewest unsuccessful touches.

They also had the second fewest number of dispossessions in the league – and their total figure for the season was better than half of Premier League sides.

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Over the course of their 2018/19 Championship campaign the Blades were dispossessed just 376 times, the second-best tally in the league behind Millwall (375).

That’s a complete contrast to league winners Norwich City, who lost the ball on 531 occasions – the worst in the second tier.

Meanwhile in the Premier League only six teams lost the ball on fewer occasions than the Blades: Burnley, Cardiff, Brighton, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Leicester.

That means United retained the ball on more occasions than Prem champions Manchester City and league runners-up Liverpool.

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The Blades also had the fewest unsuccessful touches in the Championship with 577 – Leeds United topped that table with an astonishing 796.

Compared to Premier League stats, that would put the Blades 9th in the top tier rankings.

Will United be able to match their possession stats from last season when they return to the Premier League?