Sheffield United’s outside play-off hopes took another huge hit this evening as they squandered the lead at Norwich City to lose 2-1. The Blades needed a big result after drawing with struggling West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.
But they couldn’t get it at Carrow Road despite taking the lead through Jairo Riedewald. They then couldn’t re-establish the same dominance after the break and Norwich got back into it through a header from a corner from Jack Stacey, which always looked to be the home side’s most likely route back into the game.
Then late on Amankwah Forson curled home the winner after Femi Seriki was robbed of the ball in midfield, leaving 750 or so hardy Blades with a long journey home and more doubt about where United’s season goes from here.
Here’s how we rated the Blades players on the night....
9. Jairo Riedewald 7
Showed typical class and calmness to put the Blades ahead when O'Hare picked him out in the middle - lesser players would have snatched at it first time or ballooned it over the crossbar but he took his time, took a touch to lift it up and volleyed it home before celebrating calmly. But it was a huge moment in this game and unfortunately United couldn't hold on | UGC Photo: UGC
10. Callum O'Hare 6
Another goal contribution as he took his time and picked out Riedewald with a pass of real composure and there were a few times when he picked up the ball in space but with no United players anywhere near him, so intelligently retained the ball rather than risking it aimlessly or pointlessly booting it clear for it to come straight back. Had a golden chance late on with a free header from a corner which he couldn't divert on target | UGC Photo: UGC
11. Tyrese Campbell 5
Led the line alongside Cannon but couldn't really get into the game and his evening was summed up when he had a chance to really run at Darling but he seemed to second-guess himself and took the safe option when last season's Campbell would have run at the former United target and probably given him something to think about. Replaced by Chong just after the hour mark | UGC Photo: UGC
12. Tom Cannon 6
Scuffed an early chance on his left foot but did superbly for Riedewald's goal to press McLean down the United left and then hold him off to find O'Hare. The striker had a golden chance late on to put the Blades back ahead when he met Burrows' deep corner but he put it wide, having earlier had a decent sight of goal but not managing to make the connection he'd have wanted with his effort as Kovacevic made a comfortable save | UGC Photo: UGC