Sheffield United

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Arsenal and Sheffield United in the Premier League.

• Sheffield United have lost each of their past three Premier League games against Arsenal by an aggregate score of 10-1. They had only lost two of their previous nine league games with the Gunners before this.

• Arsenal have won 6-0 at West Ham and 5-0 at Burnley in their past two Premier League away games – no side in English league history (top four tiers) has won three consecutive away games by a margin of five or more goals before.

• Sheffield United have lost 5-0 against Aston Villa and 5-0 against Brighton in their past two Premier League home games – no team in English league history (top four tiers) has lost three consecutive home games by a margin of five or more goals before.

• Arsenal have won all six of their Premier League games in 2024 by an aggregate score of 25-3. Only three teams have ever had a longer winning run from the start of a calendar year in the competition – Manchester City in 2021 (13), Liverpool in 2020 (8) and Manchester United in 2009 (9).

• Sheffield United have kept just one clean sheet in the Premier League this season, with their 66 goals conceded the most after 26 games in a top-flight campaign since Ipswich Town in 1963-64 (74).

• Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic has ended on the losing side in 16 of his 20 Premier League appearances so far. In Premier League history, only three players have lost more of their first 20 matches: Juninho Bacuna, Josip Drmic and Oliver Burke (all 17).

Srosh Khan
BBC Sport journalist

Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media before Sheffield United's Premier League game against Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Wilder had updates on Ben Brereton Diaz and George Baldock: "They trained yesterday and today, so I'm delighted we’ve got both those experienced boys back and involved with the group."

• On Baldock’s leadership and experience: “I think when you talk about Premier League experience, we’ve been lacking. We're absolutely delighted he's back in the group and he certainly gives us a big boost."

• He said there's no timescale on Cameron Archer's return to the team "He’s improving, as you would do with treatment. I'm sure that he won't be available before the international break, although I'll be delighted if he is."

• On Vinicius Souza's and Jack Robinson's heated exchange during the defeat by Wolves: "I get that [it's a big talking point] for media outside Sheffield, but it’s not really much of a talking point for myself involved with the football club. For me, it's not an issue as long as it got put to bed straight away."

• However, he added: "Obviously, [it's] the spotlight of the Premier League and we don't want that to happen and it’s not a good image. I totally get that and it was too close to comfort."

• On getting the balance right against third-placed Arsenal: "We can’t just sit back for 95 minutes. We might get pushed back in at times and we have to accept that, but we want to be a threat the other way and we want to put attacking players on the pitch as well."

• On the Gunners, he added: "The players they’ve got, how they’ve built and kept evolving to put them in a position where they are is not a fluke. They're massively in the title race but, for us, we are trying to dress it up as a cup match."

• On being tempted to select academy players: "I suppose there a few people who want us to chuck them in but I’ve just got to get the balance right. Maybe if we were playing with more belief and confidence that would ease them in a little bit easier, but it’s still a situation that’s a difficult one to deal with. If I feel the time is right, then I know I’m bold and brave enough to do it."

The key lines from all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Listen to the full news conference on BBC Sounds

Ben Meakin
Fan writer

The most positive news stories around Sheffield United this season have concerned the future - unsurprisingly, given the state of the present - and there was another bit of good news this week as the club confirmed a long-term deal for youngster Oliver Arblaster.

They may play different positions but the parallels with club legend Billy Sharp are hard to ignore. Like Sharp, Arblaster is a local lad, a Blades fan and already into his second decade with United despite not turning 20 for a few more months.

Fittingly, there also exists a heart-warming photo of Sharp celebrating a goal a few years ago by high-fiving the United ball boy - who is, of course, young Arblaster.

Arblaster, who had a successful loan to League One side Port Vale earlier this season, is not just highly thought-of, he stands on the verge of an opportunity to quickly become part of the first-team squad. With his new deal freshly inked, it is only a matter of time before he makes his Premier League debut.

And with United currently set to have only three senior midfielders on the books beyond this summer, there is every chance that Arblaster could lock up a starting spot of his own by the time the 2024-25 season kicks off.

Ben Meakin can be found at BladesPod, external

We asked you for your thoughts on Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson's on-field argument in Sheffield United's 1-0 loss to Wolves. Here are some of your comments...

Eric: It was handbags', nothing serious. Nice to see a bit of passion and pride in the club. People making mountains out of molehills.

Pete: As usual it's Sheffield United, so blown out of all proportion. You used to see worse in the playground years ago. At best it was handbags, but if it gives pundits a chance to criticise the Blades they go for it.

Rakka: Lovely bit of passion there lads. Don’t take it too far, and up the Blades!

Thom: Robinson is a loose cannon that we could do without!

Sheffield United duo Jack Robinson and Vinicius Souza were involved in a heated on-field argument during the first half of Sunday's 1-0 Premier League loss at Wolves.

Blades manager Chris Wilder said he was "not going to be too critical" of the disagreement... as long as it doesn't overstep the line".

On the BBC's Football Daily podcast former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker said: "You can have those moments but you keep it behind closed doors in the dressing room."

What are your thoughts?

Have your say on the incident here

We asked you for your thoughts on Sunday's Premier League match between Wolves and Sheffield United.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Tim: I know a lot of fans are complaining about the performance, but we have struggled all season against teams who 'park the bus'. We did enough in the first half to win the game, and the result confirms we are fighting on two fronts - for European qualification and in the FA Cup.

Jase: A comfortable first half with lots of possession and a great goal, but better finishing by United could have dented that. Second half we were a shambles; lethargic and not running to create space. Sheffield were lucky not to take at least a point. Our changes came far too late. Hwang Hee-chan was off pace and Mario Lemina's legs were heavy.

Paul: Fortunate to pick up three points after a flat performance but up to eighth. Wolves remain under the radar, but Europe is now an outside possibility.

John: It’s been such a positive season but any criticisms I could have of the team came in that second half. Never woke up and were lucky to not be punished. Still, a win is a win, and I’d never have believed we’d have an outside chance of Europe at the start of the season!

Sheffield United fans

Peter: Terrible. Team-mates nearly fighting - get rid of them and get rid of Chris Wilder.

Andy: Thought we were great and I was disappointed not to at least get a draw. We just have to get our heads down and battle away.

Mike: Overall a better performance from the Blades but yet again a straightforward cross into our box wasn't dealt with and we conceded. We should have significantly strengthened the defence in January but missed the opportunity.

Green: Awful in the first half but created lots of chances in the second half. Not clinical enough - really need Ben Brereton-Diaz and Cameron Archer back.

We asked you for your thoughts on Sunday's Premier League match between Wolves and Sheffield United.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Tim: I know a lot of fans are complaining about the performance, but we have struggled all season against teams who 'park the bus'. We did enough in the first half to win the game, and the result confirms we are fighting on two fronts - for European qualification and in the FA Cup.

Jase: A comfortable first half with lots of possession and a great goal, but better finishing by United could have dented that. Second half we were a shambles; lethargic and not running to create space. Sheffield were lucky not to take at least a point. Our changes came far too late. Hwang Hee-chan was off pace and Mario Lemina's legs were heavy.

Paul: Fortunate to pick up three points after a flat performance but up to eighth. Wolves remain under the radar, but Europe is now an outside possibility.

John: It’s been such a positive season but any criticisms I could have of the team came in that second half. Never woke up and were lucky to not be punished. Still, a win is a win, and I’d never have believed we’d have an outside chance of Europe at the start of the season!

Sheffield United fans

Peter: Terrible. Team-mates nearly fighting - get rid of them and get rid of Chris Wilder.

Andy: Thought we were great and I was disappointed not to at least get a draw. We just have to get our heads down and battle away.

Mike: Overall a better performance from the Blades but yet again a straightforward cross into our box wasn't dealt with and we conceded. We should have significantly strengthened the defence in January but missed the opportunity.

Green: Awful in the first half but created lots of chances in the second half. Not clinical enough - really need Ben Brereton-Diaz and Cameron Archer back.

Image source, Getty Images

Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson should have had their heated exchange in the dressing room and "away from the public eye".

The two Blades players squared up to each other during the first half of their defeat to Wolves, in a moment of embarrassment for the visitors.

"You can have those moments but you keep it behind closed doors in the dressing room," said Reo-Coker on the Football Daily Podcast.

"You can exchange words in a respectful manner and not let it boil over like that because once you do that in front of your opponents and away from home, it means they have got you.

"I'm not against it, but I would rather it was handled in a better way away from the public eye.

"Sheffield United fans will look at that and say they're two players showing passion, commitment and care to each other, but the better way to do that is behind closed doors."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Jason Mohammad introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's Premier League match between Wolves and Sheffield United.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to BBC Radio 5 Live's match commentary in full on BBC Sounds:

Wolves v Sheffield United

Image source, Getty Images

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "We didn't just stay in the game in the second half, we were more than a match for the opposition.

"I thought the players showed tremendous character. The team gave everything today, but we need to find that better moment, which they found for that goal and which we could not find for the second half.

"We are up against a team which turned Spurs over last week, an established Premier League club which doesn't need to build through the season. I want to make sure we can compete, but also have a threat at the other end."

On the clash between Souza and Robinson: "I'm not going to be too critical as long as it doesn't overstep the line."

Speaking to Sky Sports about the clash between Jack Robinson and Vini Souza in the first half: "You can imagine my response to that. It is a passionate game, we don't want to see that every week but if it takes something like that to get them going, I'm happy."

• Pablo Sarabia's opener was Wolves' 40th goal in the Premier League this season - with today being their 26th league this is the quickest they've hit 40 goals in a top-flight campaign since 1971-72 (23rd game).

• Sheffield United have now conceded 66 goals after 26 matches played in the Premier League this season, the most any Premier League team has ever conceded at this stage and the most at this stage of a top-flight season since Ipswich Town in 1963/64 (74 after 26 matches). The Blades have also conceded 27 goals in the first half of Premier League matches this season, the most of any team in the competition.

• Wolves have now won as many Premier League matches (11) this season after 26 games played as they managed in the entirety of their last campaign. They’ve only reached 11 wins quicker in the Premier League in two previous seasons (2018-19 after 25 matches & 2021-22 after 23 matches). Their 40 goals scored is also nine more than they managed last term (31).

• Wolves are now up to eighth in the Premier League table following today's victory, their highest placing in the competition since May 21st 2022 (also eighth, after 37 games).

• Vinicius Souza won four of his five tackle attempts today for Sheffield United. It is the seventh different Premier League match in which he has won 4 or more tackles this season, the most of any player in the competition.

• Rayan Ait-Nouri provided his first Premier League assist of the season for Wolves’ opening goal, with what was his first big chance created of the campaign and the 17th different chance he has created this term. Ait-Nouri had gone 55 league matches without providing an assist for Wolves before today.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This was a battling Sheffield United performance in every sense though once again it was another afternoon when their increasingly-slim survival hopes suffered another blow.

Chris Wilder's side sit bottom of the Premier League, eight points from safety and unless they can solve problems at both ends of the pitch quickly they will be playing Championship football next term.

On chances created against Wolves it really ought to have yielded at least a point, if not more.

James McAtee and Rhian Brewster both failed to convert excellent opportunities to score and at times it was easy to see why they are the lowest scorers in the English top flight.

Their frustrations almost spilled over during the first half when teammates Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson squared up to each other.

However, they were spared the further embarrassment of disciplinary action against either following a VAR check.

The result lifts Gary O'Neil's side up to eighth in the table and boosts their hopes of appearing in Europe next season.

It was far from a vintage display from Wolves, with Sarabia's header their only effort on target until a stoppage-time shot from Joao Gomes, in a contest that saw their determined opponents sit deep and attempt to counter with pace on the break.

And the manner of the Blades' performance, although not the outcome, will have pleased boss Chris Wilder, who saw his side carve out several good opportunities.

James McAtee had two of Sheffield United's best chances. However, the on-loan Manchester City midfielder saw a tame first-half effort easily saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa and he fizzed a second-half shot just wide of the bottom right corner.

McAtee's left-wing cross also provided Rhian Brewster with an opportunity to level, but the forward, who had already blazed well wide earlier on from a good position, was unable to turn his effort past Portugal goalkeeper Sa.

However, Wilder would not have been pleased at the sight of two of his players - Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson - squaring up and jostling each other during the first half.

It was a moment of embarrassment for the visitors, who remain eight points adrift of safety and appear to be seeing their slim survival prospects fade with each defeat.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?

Wolves fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Blades fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Wolves are hosting Sheffield United in the Premier League and kick-off is less than an hour away.

For team news and all the build-up, head to our live coverage here.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League visit to Wolves.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Wilder said there has "been progression with two or three of the players" but he will "leave it to the last minute" to see if they are fit for Sunday. He added that Tom Davies is fit to start and if John Egan was to return from injury before the end of the season he would have done "remarkably well".

• He is pleased youngster Ollie Arblaster has signed a long-term contract with the club: "I personally think a lot about him. I've known and watched his progression through the academy and even at international level so for him to be playing on that stage shows he's got a lot of quality. Local boy which goes down well with the football club and supporters. We're delighted."

• On responding to the 5-0 defeat to Brighton: "I'm not shying away from anything and I'll take full responsibility for what's happened. The situation we are trying to rectify is the quick goals going in and the trend that is happening."

• On Sunday's opponents: "An established Premier League club, some major players there, settled group. Big club who have had some fantastic results this season. Every opposition pose a huge challenge for us at this stage of the season and the way we are at this stage in terms of our standing."

• Wilder said Mason Holgate has to work to regain his trust after his red card last weekend: "He understood it straight away, he's not jumping through hoops. We understand the reckless attitude of the challenge and the out of control bit. He spoke to the group, me and the staff and have to deal with it."

Follow the rest of Friday's Premier League news conferences

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Wolves and Sheffield United in the Premier League.

• Wolves are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Sheffield United (W4 D4), since a 3-1 loss in the Championship in October 2002.

• Following their 2-1 win at Bramall Lane in November, Sheffield United are looking to complete their first league double over Wolves since 1989-90, when they were promoted from the Championship.

• Wolves have won five of their last eight Premier League games (D1 L2), although their two losses in this run have come in their last two matches at Molineux (v Manchester United & Brentford). Wolves last lost three consecutive home top-flight matches in October/December 2022 (4).

• Sheffield United have lost five Premier League games by a margin of five ore more goals this season, the joint most such defeats of any side in a single Premier League campaign (also Derby County in 2007-08). Only Darwen (7 in 1891-92) and Ipswich Town (6 in 1963-64) have lost more top-flight matches in a single season by five or more goals.

• Despite making just 16 appearances this season, Pedro Neto has provided nine assists with no Wolves player registering more in a single Premier League campaign (Adama Traore also 9 in 37 apps in 2019-20). Seven of his nine assists this term have either been for an equalising goal (3) or a goal to put Wolves into the lead (4).

• Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has kept just a single clean sheet in the Premier League this season, conceding the most goals (63) of any keeper in their first 25 appearances in the competition.