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...
9. Kalvin Phillips 7
What a difference the Man City loan man makes to the United midfield. That's no disrespect to any of his teammates but a reflection of his undoubted quality which allows him to make things look so easy, whether in or out of possession. He snapped into tackles with almost an aura of invincibility and just had that extra second or two of time than anyone else on the field on the ball, naturally dropping deep to get it off the centre-halves and invariably use it well | UGC
10. Ben Brereton Diaz 6
Lined up nominally on the right wing but also offered some defensive help for Tanganga when needed by tucking in to an auxiliary wing-back role. He didn't set the world alight in either role but was solid enough and left hopping in frustration when first Tanganga and then McCallum failed to spot him in space at the back post for a shot. Lovely cross to Tanganga forced a smart save from Tickle which would have made the game a lot more comfortable at 0-2. Made way for One soon after | ugc
11. Jordan Ayew 6
A surprise name in the starting XI for many, if not most, fans both in the away end and following along at home but he got through a good 69-minute shift in a second striker role where he played a part in the United press and also showed a few signs of his undoubted quality with some of his touches, passes etc. Replaced by Bamford to a good ovation from the away end | ugc
12. Tom Cannon 6
Another selfless shift up top from the United No.9, who didn't really have the clear-cut chance he'd have dreamed of last night until the dying minutes when an effort was blocked but barely stopped running in an attempt to create something for either himself or a teammate. It didn't always come off, and at times he felt a little isolated from Ayew when he dropped deep, but generally his hold-up play was good. Subs: McCallum, Donovan, One, Peck, Bamford, Baptiste | ugc