Sheffield United returned to winning ways with a battling victory at Bristol City this afternoon, with homegrown hero Oliver Arblaster netting an early winner from outside the box. Arblaster returned to the side in midfield.
And he justified the call with a brilliant volleyed strike which put United in early control of the game. They couldn’t extend their lead and make it a bit more comfortable, especially when City threw bodies forward late on, but held firm - even when City were given an extra nine minutes of added time in which to try and get back into the game.
Here’s how we rated the Blades at Ashton Gate...
2. Michael Cooper 7
Forced into making an early save when Hirakawa raced through but he didn't catch it as he'd have wanted to and Cooper made a big save, which became even bigger moments later when United went up the pitch and Arblaster volleyed them into the lead. He had to be alert just before the break to come and clear under pressure from Ballard, as Kitching looked troubled for the first time all day, and came for a cross around the hour mark which he didn't get near and Burrows had to scramble clear | ugc
3. Japhet Tanganga 6
Lined up at right-back, with Brereton Diaz tucking into a wing-back sort of role at times to offer more protection, and will have been mightily relieved when Hirakawa failed to capitalise on his mistake when Cooper bailed him out. Nearly got on the scoresheet for the second time in a couple of days when he rose highest to meet Brereton Diaz's cross but Tickle saved well | ugc
4. Mark McGuinness 6
The big man was in the wars a couple of times in the second half as he twice had to have running repairs from the physios after aerial battles, one of which forced him into the spillage of some claret and a fresh shirt. There were a couple of times he was outmuscled surprisingly for a man of his side but others where he was so easily dominant in the air. Made way for Donovan with 11 minutes of normal time to go | ugc