[ad_1]
Publication date: Sunday, September 27, 2020 3:32 AM
Chris Wilder says Sheffield United has strong enough character to stop the rot after losing a third straight Premier League game without scoring.
Having started the season with losses to Wolves and Aston Villa, the Blades this time lost to Leeds in the Yorkshire derby.
Wilder’s men were not without opportunities, with Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier making several important saves. Aaron Ramsdale was also in good shape, but Patrick Bamford headed home late to condemn the hosts to defeat.
However, Wilder believes that his side caused more danger than his rivals.
He said Match of the day: “We had the best opportunities. We should score the first goal, they had a couple of long-range chances and a couple of free throws in dangerous areas.
“They are a decent team, a team with a lot of energy and pace, and I thought we matched it. It’s about creating opportunities and putting them at the bottom of the net. We did the first bit, but we couldn’t do the second.
“They found a bit of magic in [Jack] Harrison though I think it’s a foul on Sander Berge.
“If we score the first goal, the complexion of the game changes.”
‘AMPADU WAS EXCELLENT’
Wilder gave Ethan Ampadu his first Premier League start, although the Wales international had to play a different role than usual.
However, his manager was impressed by the way he fit into his defensive setup.
“It was totally new to play in a back three for Ethan [Ampadu] and I thought it was excellent, ”he said. “There hasn’t been much chance of integrating the players, so they have to move on, which they did.
“The form, organization and pace of work were good. You can’t create the opportunity that we’ve had today and be sitting on the crossbar, but once again, the opportunities to score and be clinical, what Leeds was and we were not, decide the game. “
‘WE HAVE ENOUGH CHARACTERS’
Before the game, Sheffield United confirmed that defender Jack O’Connell will have to undergo surgery for a knee injury.
Wilder says the news is another “big blow” to their side when things go against them, but is confident that they will find the right answer.
“Jack [O’Connell] He goes in for an operation Wednesday and will be out of season. It is a hard blow for him and for us.
“It’s not going our way right now, but it’s time to stand up, put your chest out and show who you are in many ways. Courage inside and outside of possession, brave as a team. We have enough characters there.
“It was a very close match and the players will think that he escaped.
“I would love one of those games where we get absolutely battered and the goalkeeper makes save after save and we split up and go through one.”
READ MORE: Marcelo Bielsa insisted Leeds deserved to beat Sheffield United, but declined to comment on speculation linking them to a move by Todd Cantwell.
[ad_2]
