Sheffield United’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end at home to Norwich City this afternoon. The Blades picked up their first win in the Championship on Tuesday night but couldn’t follow that up with three more points at Bramall Lane.
There were some positive signs, though, even if they were indebted once again to Michael Cooper for keeping them in the game with some smart saves. Patrick Bamford had equalised after Anthony Musaba’s opener, before Mohamed Toure raced clear to restore their lead on the stroke of half-time.
Earlier debutant Liam Kitching had a header ruled out for an apparent foul on goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic, who seemed to run into Patrick Bamford and get the decision, and sub Mathias Kvistgaarden wrapped up the points on the rebound after Hamza Choudhury blocked former Blade Andre Brooks’ shot on the line.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on the afternoon...
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9. Ben Brereton Diaz 5
No shortage of effort on the left but he also couldn't find that moment of quality United were looking for, although he had a hand in Bamford's goal as he fizzed the pass into Campbell. He linked up nicely with McCallum a couple of times after the left-back came off the bench as well and showed great tenacity to chase down a lost cause and win a corner off McConville, before he made way moments later for Shackleton | Sheffield United
10. Patrick Bamford 6
A goal on his birthday for United's No.45 to drag the Blades level, and what a lovely one it was as well as he curled past Kovacevic, with enough power and direction to find the back of the net even from just inside the D. He dropped deep to try and get on the ball, perhaps trying to occupy the space between midfield and attack that was the domain of Callum O'Hare before he was sold on deadline day, even if some of his flicks to try and link up play didn't always come off. Had a chance to set up a big finish when he was sent clear by Arblaster late on but he just couldn't get away from his man and a big last-ditch tackle snuffed out the chance | The Star/Sport Image
11. Tyrese Campbell 5
Looked more threatening today running in behind than at other points of the season and did well for Bamford's equaliser as he controlled Brereton Diaz's drilled pass before laying off for his partner to curl the Blades level. Those repeated runs in behind are what United need from their striker, and he was close to getting on the scoresheet himself when he found enough space in a crowded box to shoot right footed but Kovacevic did well to get down and save | The Star/Sport Image
12. Notable subs: Kalvin Phillips 5
Came on at the break for Riedewald and looked to have got the Blades back on terms with a superbly-struck effort from long range that fizzed past the post with half of Bramall Lane on its feet ready to celebrate. Headed wide when Peck's corner fizzed across goal and to him, and didn't shy away from a tackle either. Hopefully he's available to start games soon as he makes a real difference