Sheffield United fell to third in the Championship table after shooting themselves in the foot twice in defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The Blades missed an early penalty through Kieffer Moore which would have put them ahead before mistakes from Jack Robinson and Sydie Peck, either side of Luke O’Nien’s own goal, put Sunderland in front.
The Blades had a go from there, with sub Andre Brooks testing Anthony Patterson’s handling with a well-struck shot on the volley, but United ended a tough period of games against Burnley, West Brom and the Black Cats with just one point out of a possible nine, ahead of this weekend’s trip to Watford.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on the evening... who was your star man for the Blades?
9. Rhian Brewster 5
Played in the No.10 role but couldn't link up with Moore effectively enough for United's liking although he worked hard for the cause and did have some good moments going forward. His big chance came just after the hour mark when sub Burrows won the ball back high and played him clear, but he seemed to snatch at his shot a little and dragged it wide of the near post | Sportimage
10. Gus Hamer 7
Looked the player most likely to get United back into it after going 1-0 behind and that came to pass when his drilled cross was turned into his own net by O'Nien. Had some moments where he wasn't on the same wavelength as his teammates but looked threatening throughout, sending a late free-kick just over the Sunderland bar | Sportimage
11. Kieffer Moore 4
Games like this can be decided on big moments and he had one of the biggest early on when he was dragged down by O'Nien and won a penalty - only to see it saved by the legs of Patterson after seemingly dragging his effort a little. His evening didn't get much better from there either | Sportimage
12. Subs: Andre Brooks 6
Tested Patterson with a well-struck shot on the angle as United pushed for a way back into the game | Sportimage