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...
9. Andre Brooks 6
Tested Pickford’s handling in the first half when he cut through a couple of defenders and hit his shot well, with the England goalkeeper forced to parry rather unconvincingly. Showed some good moments in the middle as he held off Onana with his strength before he made way for Slimane before the hour mark | Getty Images
10. Ben Brereton Diaz 7
Ran his blood to water for the cause once again and was unfortunate that he didn’t have a second more time with a chance just before the hour mark which was snuffed out by Tarkowski. Was still closing down defenders in the 93rd minute before turning around and seeing no-one backing him up on the press. You certainly can’t accuse him of phoning it in ahead of his likely return to Villarreal in the summer and it’s the sort of commitment that will be appreciated by Unitedites | Getty Images
11. Cameron Archer 3.5
Kept his place despite a host of squandered chances in United’s last two games and had a couple of first-half sighters, curling one wide and then dispossessed by Pickford after being played clear on the angle. Could have used this mini-period after relegation as a sort of audition for Villa ahead of his return but with this sort of impact you can’t imagine Unai Emery exactly licking his lips ahead of next season | Getty Images
12. Subs: Max Lowe 4.5
Came on to replace Larouci on his return from injury and was solid enough down the left flank, nearly getting a touch on Brewster's cross | Getty Images