Sheffield United’s slide into the Championship continued this afternoon with defeat at Everton, although the Blades were in the game right the way through as the hosts won 1-0. Abdoulaye Doucouré was the matchwinner for the hosts with a first-half header from former Blade Dom Calvert-Lewin’s cross, while Andre Brooks tested Jordan Pickford’s handling and Cameron Archer saw a couple of chances go to waste.
The Blades fans were in fine voice throughout in their final away game of this wretched season, ahead of next weekend’s home clash with Spurs which brings the curtain fully down. Here’s how we rated United’s players on their final ever visit to Goodison Park...
5. Jack Robinson 5
Involved in a first-half flashpoint with Calvert-Lewin when he pushed over the former United man and then tried to take on half of the Everton side when they came to confront him before being they were wisely ushered away from a furious Robinson, with both men being booked for their part in the mini-melee. Photo: David Rogers
6. Yasser Larouci 5
Got a rare chance at left wing-back with Osborn joining the list of absences and was solid enough without anything particularly spectacular. Always an option down the left but then lacked the quickness of thought or mind to threaten Coleman. Replaced by Max Lowe after probably running out of steam | Sportimage
7. Oliver Arblaster 6
The usual moments of composure from the youngster but also some rare ones where he gave the ball away - which are inevitable, given his inexperience, but also surprising because of the excellent start he has made to life in the Premier League. Saw yellow for a foul on Garner that saw him catch the Everton man slightly late but luckily for United ref Attwell reached only for the yellow. On an afternoon when the much-maligned ref made a few laughable errors, he got that decision just about right after watching a few replays. Made way just after the hour mark for Sam Curtis | Getty Images
8. Gus Hamer 5
Couldn’t exert his usual amount of control on the game as it became a bit frantic in the middle with the giant Onana to contend with. Still looked bright in moments but wasn’t allowed to dictate the game or get any real time on the ball | Getty Images