Bryan Robson felt that his team did well against Arsenal, but pointed to defensive errors that had again been one of the reasons for the League Cup defeat. Speaking after the match he said: "I thought we competed well in the first-half although I thought, after looking at the video, that Ian Bennett might have done a bit better with the first strike, considering the angle and distance. "But the second goal killed us really. We had spoken at half-time about being compact, maybe holding them until the later minutes and then, with a possible change or two, having a go at them. "But they sliced right through us when our marking was non existent and there is no way back from that against a team like Arsenal. "I can't complain about our attitude or commitment, the lads worked hard but they were just too good for us. Arsenal are a great team and they pass the ball about so well, even with their second string players on the park."
Sheffield United 0 Arsenal 3 (Attendance: 16,971 )
Blades Line-up: Bennett, Bromby, Morgan, Armstrong, Lucketti, Carney, Montgomery, Tonge (Gillespie 74), Stephen Quinn (Webber 63), Sharp, Stead (Alan Quinn 63).
Man of The Match: Nick Montgomery.
Arsenal Line-up: Fabianski, Justin Hoyte, Song Billong, Diarra, Gibbs, Diaby (Perez 88), Denilson, Silva, Walcott (Lansbury 83), Bendtner, Eduardo (Barazite 85).
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Eduardo Da Silva struck twice and Denilson added another in a one sided encounter, as Arsenal ended United’s cup run, winning the match 3-0. Eduardo let fly from the edge of the area after eight minutes to put the Gunners in charge before doubling their advantage with another precise finish early in the second half. Denilson's deflected long-range effort sealed a comfortable victory for Arsenal. United for their part gave to much respect to their visitors and, lacked the fighting ‘no surrender’ instincts that we would undoubtedly have seen in the last few years. With two upcoming home league games in the space of a week, United boss Bryan Robson made several changes to his starting XI, retaining just four of the side which kicked off Saturday's Championship draw with Hull City. There was no place in the squad for leading scorer James Beattie, with Jon Stead and Billy Sharp given the nod up front. As expected, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger shuffled his pack, with Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo all starting in attack, Gilberto Silva was handed a place in midfield and Lassana Diarra at right-back. Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the opening seven minutes but a moment of brilliance from Eduardo soon changed that. Bendtner slid the ball across to his strike partner on the left edge of the area and the Brazilian-born Croatia international hammered an unstoppable drive past Ian Bennett at his near post in front of a half-full Shoreham Kop.
Wenger opted to start with Walcott down the right flank and the 18-year-old's pace and trickery posed plenty of problems for the Blades defence. He got in behind Chris Armstrong and found Bendtner who squared to Denilson, but the midfielder's Brazilian technique deserted him as his shot soared well over the bar. The Blades threatened briefly and Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, perhaps questionably, opted to punch one dangerous cross when catching it appeared the easier option. With the Pole's handling less than convincing at times, it was no surprise the Blades looked at their most dangerous from set pieces.
They could count themselves unfortunate when Chris Lucketti's dangerous header across goal from Nick Montgomery's floated free-kick came to nothing. United were almost made to pay moments later, however, when Armstrong sold his goalkeeper short with a backpass but Bennett was able to beat the advancing Eduardo to clear to touch. Again, Walcott was the creator in the 34th minute when he slid the ball across the face of goal and only Lucketti's last-ditch challenge averted the danger with Bendtner ready to pounce. It was a case of deja vu early in the second half when Eduardo notched his second of the game with another clinical finish after 50 minutes. The striker raced onto Kieran Gibbs defence-splitting pass leaving the Blades defenders standing like statues, and calmly slotted beyond the onrushing Bennett into the bottom-left corner. The match was all but over at this point and, United spent most of the remainder of the time chasing shadows as the Gunners moved the ball around at will with some slick interplay. However, the Blades continued to work to prise an opening and were almost rewarded when Montgomery whipped a teasing cross in from the right but Stead could only divert the ball wide at full stretch. Walcott's profligacy in front of goal was apparent when he rounded Bennett but could only hit the post with the hard work done, but the game was put beyond doubt in the 69th minute when Denilson's 25-yard strike hit United skipper Chris Morgan and looped over the wrong-footed Bennett. The experience of Gilberto came to the rescue of Wenger's young side midway through the second period when the Brazilian retreated to the Gunners goal line just in time to hook Lucketti's goal bound effort to safety. Robson brought on Danny Webber, Alan Quinn and Keith Gillespie but the changes had little impact. Eduardo was denied his hat-trick late on when Morgan managed to divert another well-struck shot for a corner and he was forced to settle for a brace after being replaced by Nacer Barazite in the 85th minute. With the game wrapped up, Wenger's side were happy to soak up the pressure and claim victory. United will now be focused on winning their next two home league games, which are far more important to us all this season than any cup run and, the Blades fans need to get behind them this Saturday afternoon.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Arsenal:
Bennett 6 , Bromby 6 , Morgan 6 , Armstrong 6 , Lucketti 6 , Carney 6 , Montgomery 7 , Tonge 6 , Gillespie 6 , Stephen Quinn 6 , Sharp 6 , Stead 6, Alan Quinn 7 .
Boss Bryan Robson is convinced the Blades are improving following their 1-1 draw against Hull at the KC Stadium on Saturday. After a troubling start to life back in the Championship, Robson's men are now unbeaten in three games. United had not won away from home in 15 attempts until Tuesday night's success at Leicester and Robson was happy his side consolidated upon that effort at the KC Stadium. He said: "It was a hard-earned point and a solid performance from us, especially in the first half. But we didn't quite keep the ball well enough in the second half and we gave them too much possession. I'm fairly pleased because when you look back to our start and then to our last two away fixtures, we have now given ourselves something to work on. I'm just starting to get a decent understanding of the squad I've got to work with and what's best for them. Hopefully we are improving and with two home games coming up, we now need to build on that."
Hull City 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 20,185 )
Blades Line-up: Bennett, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Alan Quinn, Tonge, Armstrong, Stead, Beattie, Webber.
Man of The Match: Gary Cahill.
Hull City Line-up: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Brown, Delaney, Garcia (Featherstone 83), Ashbee, Livermore (Okocha 72), Hughes, Campbell (McPhee 77), Windass.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
The Blades continued their unbeaten run, this time with a useful 1-1 draw with Hull City at the KC Stadium.
Goalkeeper Ian Bennett was named in goal as Paddy Kenny failed to recover from a bruised shin. Alan Quinn and Jon Stead were also recalled to the starting eleven. Hull made just one change from the side which beat Barnsley with Ian Ashbee returning to the side. Jay-Jay Okocha returned to the bench replacing Stuart Elliott. Hull conceded a corner in the seventh minute, when Michael Tonge's cross was stopped by Wayne Brown. The Tigers conceded another and when the ball came into the box and, Blades striker James Beattie headed at the far post but with no luck. After 18 minutes, Hull striker Fraizer Campbell was sent scampering away after a pass from Dean Windass, but his early shot went straight into the hands of Bennett. Six minutes later, Campbell crossed from the left and, Windass headed over from close range. United had the chance on 27 minutes when Beattie was brought down by Brown. Alan Quinn delivered but Ashbee produced a good defensive header. Hull won a free kick seconds later after Richard Garcia was brought down by Tonge, who was booked for his challenge. David Livermore delivered and forced Bennett to palm the ball away for a corner which Hughes wasted. Stead was the next man to be shown a yellow card after a challenge on Hughes. From the resulting free kick Damien Delaney headed just wide. Just when it appeared Hull were taking charge of proceedings, the Blades hit back and took the lead in the 35th minute. Quinn produced a superb ball straight down the middle of the park for Stead, who finished coolly firing through the legs of the advancing Myhill to give United the lead. During added time, Hull forced a corner when Garcia's cross was headed behind by a Phil Bardsley with Windass at close hand, but the Tigers couldn't take advantage and at the interval United went in with a 1-0 lead. Hull created the first chance after the break when Sam Ricketts deep cross was met by midfielder Hughes at the far post, but he headed wide. The Tigers were awarded a free kick on the edge of the United box on 51 minutes when Garcia was brought down by Stead, but Livermore sent his low shot straight into the wall. Two minutes later, a quick throw-in from Hughes found Campbell just inside the 18 yard box, and as he looked to set up Windass, he was clipped by Tonge for a penalty. Windass stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Bennett the wrong way with a well placed kick. Moments later, Windass played the ball into Ashbee's path on the edge of the Blades area, and his low effort forced a diving save from Bennett. After 66 minutes, Campbell had an opportunity to put Hull in front when he was picked out by Hughes, but with time and space six yards out he headed wide. A minute later the Blades wasted two chances. First Stead's close range header was saved by Myhill, before Beattie headed the rebound wide. The referee who had made some bizarre decisions throughout the afternoon; all which went against United, made another poor decision after 70 minutes had passed. This time referee Mason missed a foul on Chris Armstrong and it resulted in a corner. Hughes delivery was cleared for a throw in, and from that, Delaney's hooked cross was flicked on by Windass to Garcia, who crashed a header against the bar from six yards out. Moments later United had a corner and Beattie rose to meet Quinn’s delivery but to no avail. On 82 minutes, the Blades were close to a second goal when Webber got the better of defender Brown, before squaring a ball which left the keeper stranded. It hit Delaney and rolled agonisingly towards the Hull goal until Delaney recovered to clear with Beattie lurking close at hand. In the final moments, neither side could create any real chances. And both sides settled for a share of the points.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Hull City:
Bennett 6, Bardsley 7, Cahill 7, Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 6, Alan Quinn 7, Tonge 6, Armstrong 7, Stead 7, Beattie 6, Webber 6.
Bryan Robson has demanded his players maintain their standards after turning in one of their best displays of the season. Danny Webber's strike early in the second half at Leicester secured the Blades their first away win of the season and Robson admitted he had at last seen something like his side's best form. Robson said: "I said to the players in the dressing room that is what I expected of them when I arrived at the club. "All I want now is the players to play like that for the rest of the season so we can start to climb the league." Robson also reserved praise for the travelling fans, adding: "The fans were brilliant right from the off. "They got behind the players and kept going throughout the game. They were terrific in both their noise and numbers considering the position we find ourselves in the league."
Liaoning FC are interested in bringing Li Tie home for a second stint at the Chinese club.
According to reports in China, Liaoning's general manager Cheng Penghui is keen to help end Li's miserable spell at Sheffield United, where the 30-year-old has only managed one appearance since joining the club at the start of last season. Despite recent reports that the Blades plan to hold onto Li until the end of the season, it is understood the club may let the midfielder go earlier if the price is right. "I am definitely interested in having Li Tie back at Liaoning," Cheng said to the Chinese media. "However it depends on a number of factors such as the transfer fee. If Sheffield United price him above our budget, then we are unable to commit to a deal." The Blades are believed to be favour a loan move for the China international, but Liaoning have stressed they want to make the move permanent.
Manager Bryan Robson has acknowledged that his players' lack of self-belief was currently his main concern at Bramall Lane. The Blades lie fifth from bottom in the Championship with just two wins from 11 matches, while a late James Beattie penalty rescued a point at home against Preston on Saturday. Robson said: "We have to be resilient and believe in what we want to do. We have some good players here who are low on confidence at the moment." Robson also called on his players to start talking more during matches. He added: "Communication is important, because I feel we are a quiet team, it's up to each individual to stamp their authority on the game and help their team-mates."
Bryan Robson hopes United's 1-0 win at Leicester, their first away win this season, will kick-start his side's Championship campaign. Commenting after the 1-0 win at Leicester, Robson said: "Hopefully this is a turning point. We now have to build on this performance and the one against Preston at the weekend because there is a lot more to come from this team, especially when we start to get our injured players back. "For me it was a really good professional performance from the players. "We defended really well and worked for each other and tracked their runners. "I have always felt that the longer you go in an away game without conceding a goal the more you come into the game, and that is what happened. "And after we scored I thought we could have had one or two more. "It did not look like we would ever get a 1-0 this season, especially away from home. But that performance was terrific.
Leicester City 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 21,146 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny (Bennett 39), Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Armstrong, Tonge, Gillespie (Stead 83), Shelton, Webber, Beattie.
Man of The Match: Danny Webber.
Leicester Line-up: Fulop, N'Gotty (Porter 61), Kisnorbo, McAuley, Chambers, Clemence (Newton 18), Wesolowski, Sheehan, Stearman, Fryatt, Campbell (John 32).
Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).
United finally got their first away win of 2007, kept a clean sheet and recorded their first win at the Walkers Stadium against Leicester. The Blades started with the team that finished Saturday's draw with Preston. Luton Shelton and Danny Webber joined Beattie in attack, and Michael Tonge returned to the midfield.
After a cagey opening five minutes, the Foxes created the first opening of the encounter when Alan Sheehan curled his effort from the edge of the area over the Blades bar. Four minutes later, Gareth McAuley tried his luck from 25-yards with a low drive but United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny gathered the ball at the second attempt. Matty Fryatt almost capitalised on Keith Gillespie's miss-kick two minutes later, but as he attempted to cut back onto his right foot, Phil Bardsley slid in with a covering tackle to avert the danger. Leicester were the dominant team at this point, and McAuley headed wide from Sheehan's deep cross after 12 minutes. The Blades hit back when Webber shot from the left, before Sheehan blocked and, Marton Fulop gathered the loose ball. Leicester were forced into a change on 19 minutes when captain Stephen Clemence was replaced by Shaun Newton. After 25 minutes, Bardsley's shot from 25-yards and goalkeeper Marton Fulop turned the ball around the post for a corner. Four minutes later, a move involving Newton and Sheehan forced defender Gary Cahill to turn the Irishman's cross behind for a corner, before Fryatt beat Matt Kilgallon but curled his effort wide. Leicester made their second substitution after 32 minutes, when Collins John replaced the injured DJ Campbell. Richard Stearman was booked on 38 minutes after bringing down Michael Tonge. Moments later, Kenny collided with Cahill. The Blades keeper was unable to shake off the knock and limped off to be replaced with Ian Bennett. There were five minutes of stoppage time and, Leicester had the final chance of the half when Fryatt latched on to John's lay-off, but his curling shot flew past the upright. Three minutes into the second half and, Bardsley saw his 20 yard shot shot saved by Fulop. United scored the opener after 56 minutes. Initally Gillespie's shot was blocked, and Bardsley's low cross from the right was turned home from close range by Webber to give United the lead.
Leicester made their final change in the 61st minute with Levi Porter replacing Bruno N'Gotty. After 68 minutes, Beattie beat Patrick Kisnorbo to the ball, but with Fulop advancing, put his effort over the bar. Followed by Cahill heading narrowly over from Gillespie's free-kick after 70 minutes. Gillespie made way for Jon Stead twelve minutes later, before Beattie’s headed goal was ruled out for offside by the linesman. United saw out the remaining minutes for victory to the delight of the travelling faithful. It was not just the win, but the gritty determination the Blades had shown tonight - and a clean sheet with some top defending. Now we need to build on this performance.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Leicester:
Kenny 6, Bennett 6, Bardsley 7 , Kilgallon 7 , Cahill 7 , Naysmith 6 , Armstrong 7 , Tonge 7 , Gillespie 6 , Shelton 7 , Webber 7 , Beattie 7 , Stead - .
Lee Hendrie is in no doubt that United can put their dismal run of form behind them and start climbing the table. The Blades are currently close to the Championship drop zone and are still without a win away from home this season. However, Hendrie thinks they will turn the corner: "It's all about consistency in this league, because anyone can beat anyone on their day and we are confident of putting a good run together to climb the league. "We need a bit of luck, but we really should be winning games with the players we have." The Blades midfielder thinks the strength in depth at Bramall Lane could be a major factor in an upturn in results. "It gives everyone the hunger to compete and regain their shirt. Healthy competition is good for any club."
Sheffield United 1 Preston North End 1 (Attendance: 23,661 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie, Alan Quinn (Tonge 76), Stephen Quinn (Webber 46), Armstrong, Beattie, Stead (Shelton 46).
Man of The Match: Chris Armstrong.
Preston Line-up: Lonergan, Jones, Chilvers (St. Ledger 21), Mawene, Hill, Sedgwick, Davidson, Nicholls, Carter (Whaley 85), Hawley, Gallagher (Agyemang 66).
Referee: Jarnail Singh (Middlesex).
James Beattie's ninth Championship goal of the season saved a 1-1 draw for Sheffield United against fellow strugglers Preston at Bramall Lane. Beattie converted from the penalty spot 12 minutes from time after substitute Sean St Ledger was adjudged to have handled in the area. Darren Carter had put Preston ahead with a first-half free-kick and United had looked bereft of ideas until referee Jarnail Singh pointed to the spot following St Ledger's challenge on substitute Danny Webber. It was United who almost went in front early on. Stephen Quinn's inswinging corner from the right after 10 minutes saw Beattie head over at the near post. Preston had a good chance when Carter flashed a left-foot shot from 12 yards high and wide from Karl Hawley's lay off. Beattie then headed over from 12 yards following debutant Phil Bardsley's right-wing cross before North End took the lead. Carter played a straight forward in-swinging ball into the Blades penalty area from the right wing nine minutes before the interval. United failed to clear and the ball bounced twice before eluding Youl Mawene and Karl Hawley and creeping inside Paddy Kenny's far post. Jon Stead and Stephen Quinn were replaced at half-time by Luton Shelton and Webber as Robson introduced pace to his attack. Two minutes into the half, Webber came inside off the left wing, played a one-two with Shelton before laying the ball off for Alan Quinn, whose shot from the edge of the box was deflected for a corner. Bardsley went close with a crisp long-range drive after 62 minutes. His half-volley dipped and forced Andrew Lonergan to save at full stretch. It provided a spark for United and Alan Quinn shot straight at Lonergan moments later. The route one approach continued, with the Blades relying on Kenny's clearances up field. Webber latched on to one after 78 minutes and ran at St Ledger, with the ball bouncing up and making contact with his arm. Mr Singh pointed to the spot and Beattie duly converted, with Preston boss Paul Simpson sent to the stands for voicing his displeasure. Lonergan denied Shelton from close range as United looked the more likely to grab a winner and, in the final moments United had another appeal for a penalty when St Ledger and Webber clashed yet again. This was more of a clear cut penalty appeal than the earlier which the referee had given. But this time the referee waved play-on. At the end of the match the United players were still aggrieved not to have been given the late penalty and surrounded the referee to protest. It is a result leaves United struggling in 20th place in the Championship and, six games without a win.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Preston:
Kenny 6 , Bardsley 7 , Kilgallon 7 , Cahill 7 , Naysmith 6 , Gillespie 6 , Alan Quinn 6 , Tonge 6 , Stephen Quinn 6 , Armstrong 7 , Webber 7 , Beattie 6 , Stead 6 , Shelton 7.
Manager Bryan Robson has declared Saturday's clash with Preston North End at the Lane 'a must win' game. Commenting about the match, he said: "They (Preston) are in the same boat as us at the moment and no doubt they will come and work hard and make things difficult for us. "It's important we play at a high tempo, with confidence to get the fans behind us, make no excuses - we must win on Saturday!"
The Blades have completed the loan signing of Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley.
Bardsley, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, has been brought in following an injury to Blades full-back Derek Geary. He will stay at Bramall Lane for three months and is looking forward to working with manager Bryan Robson. "Firstly I have moved down here for footballing reasons and Bryan Robson has given me the opportunity to come down here, play some games and hopefully improve the side," Bardsley commeneted. "He (Robson) is a fantastic character and a fantastic man and I'm eagerly anticipating working under him. "At my age now I need to be playing regular first-team football and I've had some experience with Rangers and Villa and a couple of months with Burnley which stood me in good stead, and I'm looking forward to progressing here too."
United have completed the loan signing of defender Phil Bardsley from Manchester United.
With full-back Derek Geary ruled out for up to six weeks, manager Bryan Robson has acted quickly to help fill the void. Bardsley spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, but failed to do enough to secure a permanent switch to Villa Park. Following The Red Devils' surprise League Cup exit at the hands of Coventry, Sir Alex Ferguson conceded his younger players would be departing on loan to retain their match sharpness. Robson, who is hoping Bardsley's arrival will allow Gary Cahill and Leigh Bromby to play in the middle of his defence, is not ruling out making the full-back's move a permanent switch.
Pele will be Sheffield United's guest of honour for their Bramall Lane clash against Ipswich on 6th November. The appearance of the Brazil legend is part of the Blades bid to improve their ties with Sao Paulo. Pele will also attend Sheffield FC's 150th anniversary game against Serie A giants Internazionale at Bramall Lane on 8th November. United director Simon McCabe commented: "This is fantastic news for Sheffield United, all our fans, the city and, of course, Sheffield FC in their anniversary year. "As a club we have made remarkable progress in the last few years and have become a truly international footballing organisation with links in China, Africa, the Caribbean and now South America. "Pele's ears have been twitching about Sheffield United as we have developed our relationship with Sao Paulo. "He has heard so much about United that he now wants to see the club first hand and at the same time take time out to visit the first soccer club in the world - Sheffield FC."
Bryan Robson admitted after the match at Ashton Gate that his team are not as good as he originally thought. Speaking after another defeat, this time 2-0 against Bristol City, he said: "A number of our players are not as good as I thought they were when I took the job, and we have a lot of work to do. "I'm hoping to make a couple of loan signings soon, but we also need to get on the training ground and improve the players already here. "I didn't expect to be in such a lowly position after 10 games but we are where we deserve to be."
Bristol City 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 13,071 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Lucketti (Sharp 89), Morgan, Cahill, Armstrong, Tonge, Hendrie (Stephen Quinn 46), Alan Quinn, Carney, Beattie, Stead (Shelton 60).
Man of The Match: David Carney.
Bristol City Line-up: Basso, Orr (McCombe 67), Carey, Fontaine, McAllister, Sproule, Johnson, Elliott, McIndoe, Noble (Skuse 75), Byfield (Trundle 79).
Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).
Bristol City continued their impressive start to the season as they brushed aside a poor United side 2-0 at Ashton Gate. Goals from David Noble and Michael McIndoe gave City a deserved victory and condemned United to their fourth defeat away from Bramall Lane. Noble opened the scoring for City on the stroke of half-time by scrambling the ball in following a poor header back from Blades defender Chris Morgan. McIndoe made it two in the second half to make the three points safe and add to the ever-increasing pressure on United boss Bryan Robson. The result leaves the Blades just outside the bottom three and means they are now without a win in five. Robson reshuffled his side again, by giving midfielder David Carney his first start of the season and also recalled defender Chris Lucketti to the starting eleven. Following a lively opening by both teams, it was the Robins who almost broke the deadlock after 10 minutes but defender Liam Fontaine could only shoot wide following a well-worked free-kick. City continued to look the more threatening with Darren Byfield and McIndoe looking particularly impressive. And it was the latter who created a good chance for Bradley Orr in the 15th minute, but the midfielder's goal-bound header was brilliantly tipped on to the bar by United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. As the half wore on City grew more frustrated as their good play failed to produce any clear-cut chances until Noble pounced. United had a golden chance to level the game on the stroke of half-time but Alan Quinn's shot rebounded off the post. Tempers flared at the beginning of the second period and City defender Louis Carey could count himself very lucky not to have been shown a red card in the 47th minute when he appeared to grab Blades midfielder Quinn by the neck. United did improve after the break and started to show the fight and desire they lacked in the first half, but for all their efforts no clear-cut chances came their way. It was the Robins who looked most likely to score with United's defence looking exposed. City keeper Adriano Basso was forced into making a good save from Carney after an hour, and with the game opening up his opposite number Kenny produced an even better save to deny Ivan Sproule a minute later. The Robins doubled their lead with 20 minutes to go through a well-worked move which resulted in McIndoe heading past Kenny from close range. It was the Scottish midfielder's second goal of the season and capped off a fine individual display. Luton Shelton came on, but made no impression for United. And then Billy sharp entered after 89 minutes had passed! But, this was a wretched performance which was booed by the loyal Bladesmen at the end. United now find themselves in the lower reaches of the Championship and, if they don’t improve soon, it will be a relegation fight at the end of the season.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Bristol City:
Kenny 5 , Lucketti 6 , Morgan 5 , Cahill 6 , Armstrong 5 , Tonge 5, Hendrie 6 , Stephen Quinn 6 , Alan Quinn 5 , Carney 6 , Beattie 5 , Stead 6 , Shelton 5 , Sharp -.
Sheffield United 3 Cardiff City 3 (Attendance: 26,186 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Cahill, Armstrong, Gillespie (Carney 25), Hendrie (Sharp 64), Tonge, Alan Quinn, Beattie, Stead (Shelton 64).
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff: Kenny 7, Bromby 6, Morgan 7, Cahill 6, Armstrong 6, Gillespie 6, Carney 6, Hendrie 6, Sharp 7, Tonge 6, Alan Quinn 7, Beattie 7, Stead 7, Shelton 7 2nd October Bryan Robson thanked the Blades fans after the match with Cardiff. United were 3-1 down at one stage, this was compounded by some incompressible refereeing, but Robson felt that the fans helped his team back into the match. He commented: "I have to say that the fans were brilliant. Last Saturday they were frustrated when we fell apart and I can understand that, but tonight I think they liked our football, realised we had been hard done by and stayed behind us. "I could hardly believe we went in at half-time losing. But the lads showed great character in coming back and that was pleasing because no way did we deserve to lose that game." 1st October Manager Bryan Robson believes The Blades will start climbing the table once they stop conceding silly goals. Robson is backing his troops to turn around their disappointing start to the season.
"When you're conceding the type of goals that we're conceding then you're going to struggle," he told Sky Sports News. "That's what we've got to work on now. We've conceded far too many goals.
"Some have been down to individuals errors, but other goals have been down to rash challenges and it's something we've got to rectify very quickly. "All you've got to do is look at the league table and I think we've conceded more goals than anybody now, along with Southampton. "That's not good enough because it doesn't give you a platform to work from. "The pressure is always going to be on when you're at a club like Sheffield United. The expectations are high, so you expect that.
Man of The Match: Alan Quinn.
Cardiff Line-up: Oakes, McNaughton, Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi, Parry, Rae, McPhail, Ledley, Fowler, Hasselbaink.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff: Kenny 7, Bromby 6, Morgan 7, Cahill 6, Armstrong 6, Gillespie 6, Carney 6, Hendrie 6, Sharp 7, Tonge 6, Alan Quinn 7, Beattie 7, Stead 7, Shelton 7 2nd October Bryan Robson thanked the Blades fans after the match with Cardiff. United were 3-1 down at one stage, this was compounded by some incompressible refereeing, but Robson felt that the fans helped his team back into the match. He commented: "I have to say that the fans were brilliant. Last Saturday they were frustrated when we fell apart and I can understand that, but tonight I think they liked our football, realised we had been hard done by and stayed behind us. "I could hardly believe we went in at half-time losing. But the lads showed great character in coming back and that was pleasing because no way did we deserve to lose that game." 1st October Manager Bryan Robson believes The Blades will start climbing the table once they stop conceding silly goals. Robson is backing his troops to turn around their disappointing start to the season.
"When you're conceding the type of goals that we're conceding then you're going to struggle," he told Sky Sports News. "That's what we've got to work on now. We've conceded far too many goals.
"Some have been down to individuals errors, but other goals have been down to rash challenges and it's something we've got to rectify very quickly. "All you've got to do is look at the league table and I think we've conceded more goals than anybody now, along with Southampton. "That's not good enough because it doesn't give you a platform to work from. "The pressure is always going to be on when you're at a club like Sheffield United. The expectations are high, so you expect that.
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).
United staged a dramatic late comeback to rescue a deserved point from a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cardiff at Bramall Lane. James Beattie headed his eighth league goal of the season to put the Blades into a deserved lead midway through the opening 45 minutes. But Joe Ledley levelled matters for the Bluebirds with their first meaningful attack just after the half-hour mark, before Robbie Fowler netted from the spot in first-half injury-time. And despite an abundance of United pressure after the break, it was Cardiff who netted once again courtesy of Gavin Rae's well-taken effort on the hour. But Chris Armstrong's 85th-minute drive gave the Blades a glimmer of hope, before Chris Morgan headed a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage-time. There were four changes for the visit of the Bluebirds with Alan Quinn, Leigh Bromby, Michael Tonge and Armstrong coming into the team. Before the clash, Blades boss Bryan Robson admitted the pressure had got to his side as they attempted to live up to their tag as pre-season promotion favourites. But they flew out of the traps at the start of this encounter with a point to prove. And the Blades were rewarded in the 18th minute when Lee Hendrie delivered an inch-perfect in-swinging corner onto the head of Beattie, who directed the ball past the helpless Michael Oakes from merely four yards out. Not content with a slender one-goal advantage, United pressed in search of further reward. United had two penalties claims turned down when Quinn and then Stead were fouled, but the Referee waved play on. The Referee throughout the whole of the half made some unfathomable decisions which seemed to all go against the Blades. And against the run of play, Ledley drew Cardiff back on level terms. The United defence failed to clear a hanging deep cross from Fowler on the left-wing, and the ball fell kindly into the path of Ledley, who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the Blades penalty area. But the Referees’ biggest blunder was reserved for the final minute of the half, as Morgan was deemed to have fouled Roger Johnson in the penalty area. The crowd booed in disgust at the diabolical decision, but it was to no avail, Fowler sent Paddy Kenny the wrong way from the penalty spot. The Blades went in at half-time to applause from the Lane faithful and, the Boos and derision were saved for the Referee who trudged off last with his bodyguards. United started the second half in much the same fashion as the first and, were immediately denied two good calls for a penalty, despite the vocal backing of a ferocious Lane crowd. After 50 minutes, Kevin McNaughton fouled Quinn, but the Referee waved play-on and worse was to follow when he failed to spot a Cardiff defender blatantly kneeing the ball back to his goalkeeper to pick up for a back-pass in front of the Kop. Again he waved play-on much to the fury of the Lane crowd. The Blades continued to press forward and Beattie was unlucky to see his delicate lob nestle on the roof of Oakes' net. But with the Blades pushing more men forward and Cardiff looking dangerous on the break; it was no surprise when the Bluebirds extended their lead just before the hour-mark. Jimmy Hasselbaink picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and drove into the penalty area, but after seeing his initial effort blocked, the ball fell fortunately for Rae who slotted past Kenny. The strike forced Robson to change his tactics and introduce the attack-minded duo Billy Sharp and Luton Shelton. And Shelton almost made an immediate impact after he latched onto a short back-pass from McNaughton, only to lose his footing after he rounded the despairing Oakes. Armstrong's 85th-minute drive installed a host of late pressure in the closing stages as United poured forward, with three minutes of time indicated. And with the Kop roaring the Blades on, Morgan rose highest to rescue a share of the spoils with a close-range header deep into time added on. This has to go down as a match spoiled by an incompetent refereeing display; it ultimately denied United a certain victory tonight.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff:
Kenny 7, Bromby 6, Morgan 7, Cahill 6, Armstrong 6, Gillespie 6, Carney 6, Hendrie 6, Sharp 7, Tonge 6, Alan Quinn 7, Beattie 7, Stead 7, Shelton 7
Bryan Robson thanked the Blades fans after the match with Cardiff. United were 3-1 down at one stage, this was compounded by some incompressible refereeing, but Robson felt that the fans helped his team back into the match. He commented: "I have to say that the fans were brilliant. Last Saturday they were frustrated when we fell apart and I can understand that, but tonight I think they liked our football, realised we had been hard done by and stayed behind us. "I could hardly believe we went in at half-time losing. But the lads showed great character in coming back and that was pleasing because no way did we deserve to lose that game."
Manager Bryan Robson believes The Blades will start climbing the table once they stop conceding silly goals. Robson is backing his troops to turn around their disappointing start to the season.
"When you're conceding the type of goals that we're conceding then you're going to struggle," he told Sky Sports News. "That's what we've got to work on now. We've conceded far too many goals.
"Some have been down to individuals errors, but other goals have been down to rash challenges and it's something we've got to rectify very quickly. "All you've got to do is look at the league table and I think we've conceded more goals than anybody now, along with Southampton. "That's not good enough because it doesn't give you a platform to work from. "The pressure is always going to be on when you're at a club like Sheffield United. The expectations are high, so you expect that.