Chris Wilder hails 'exceptional' Sheffield United duo and makes Jordan Ayew admission after Bristol City win
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was really pleased with several individual showings in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bristol City.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was delighted with Oliver Arblaster and Kalvin Phillips following their contributions to Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bristol City, describing the pair as “exceptional and outstanding”.
Arblaster scored the only goal of the game at Ashton Gate, rifling home an excellent strike just five minutes into the contest. After Gibson Yah could only partially clear Michael Cooper’s ball into the penalty area, the midfielder fired home his first goal in more than two years to settle the contest.
United were the better side throughout the afternoon and deservedly secured all three points, delivering a strong response to Wednesday night’s gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
After both started on the bench in midweek, Arblaster and Phillips were drafted into the starting XI, joining forces in midfield in place of Sydie Peck and Joe Rothwell. Keeping things neat and tidy while adding bite to United’s midfield, the pair impressed Wilder, who was delighted with their contributions.
Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I don’t think people are being disrespectful. In football, there is a return to training after an ACL injury, which takes a long time, followed by a return to playing and then a return to consistent form.
“I thought he was really good when he came onto the pitch on Wednesday night. He didn’t get on the pitch last Saturday at home (vs Lincoln City).
“I thought both him and Kalvin were really good today.
“Blast is good, but that's from a top knee surgeon that talked about that. We were talking about it this morning. Hopefully, it's a great boost for his confidence.
“Him and Kalvin were exceptional and outstanding. I thought everybody contributed. The subs made a difference as well.”
Wilder was also full of praise for Jordan Ayew after he came into the starting XI to make his first start for the Blades since arriving on a free transfer last month.
“I’m delighted for Jordan,” Wilder added. “I thought his performance was really good.
“It allowed us to go and press and get after them.”