Fulham 3-1 Sheffield United: Analysispublished at 18:04 7 October 2023
18:04 7 October 2023
Harry Poole, BBC Sport
The numbers do not make for pleasant reading. Winless, with seven defeats from eight games following promotion back to the Premier League.
The Blades were the last side in the top-flight to lose as many as seven of their first eight in the competition, doing so in 2020-21, when they went on to be relegated.
However, Bournemouth are also winless, while the gap to Luton Town immediately outside the bottom three remains just three points.
But Heckingbottom, who will be proud of his players for continuing as they did following the serious injury to Chris Basham, knows his side must begin collecting points before their situation worsens.
With an international break to reflect on this start, immediate concerns of the staff, players and supporters will of course be with Basham, who received warm applause as he was stretchered off and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd.
Fulham 3-1 Sheffield United: Key statspublished at 17:53 7 October 2023
17:53 7 October 2023
Sheffield United have now lost seven of their first eight Premier League games this season (D1). The Blades were the last side in the top-flight to lose as many as seven of their first eight league games, doing so in 2020-21 (D1 L7).
Marco Silva is only the second Portuguese manager in the Premier League to register 50 wins, after Jose Mourinho (217).
Two of Fulham’s three Premier League wins this season have been against newly promoted sides, after they sealed a 1-0 win over Luton Town. It’s also the first time the Cottagers have scored at least three goals in a Premier League game since a 5-3 victory over Leicester City in May.
Seven of Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s 11 Premier League goals for Fulham have been the game’s opening goal, including each of his last three.
Antonee Robinson’s own goal was the second Sheffield United have benefitted from in the Premier League this season – the joint-most (level with Tottenham and Liverpool).
Full-time: Fulham 3-1 Sheffield Unitedpublished at 17:18 7 October 2023
17:18 7 October 2023
Bottom side Sheffield United's search for a first win of the season continues, as Tom Cairney's bizarre strike helped Fulham to victory in a match overshadowed by a severe injury to Blades captain Chris Basham.
The game at Craven Cottage was stopped for 13 minutes, midway through the first half, as Basham received treatment. The centre-back raised a thumb to the crowd as he was stretchered off to applause before being taken to hospital.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid eventually scored a deserved opener for the hosts after 54 minutes, slotting past Wes Foderingham following an excellent pass by Andreas Pereira.
Sheffield United, far more competitive after regrouping at the interval, were rewarded for a positive response to that setback when Antonee Robinson diverted substitute Yasser Larouci's cross from the left into his own net.
But Foderingham was left helpless when Fulham substitute Cairney slipped as he took aim from the edge of the area, causing his attempt to loop up and hit the underside of the crossbar, before going in off the United goalkeeper.
Willian put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, as Fulham rose one place to 12th, while Sheffield United remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?
Fulham v Sheffield United: Sutton's predictionspublished at 11:06 7 October 2023
11:06 7 October 2023
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
His opponents for this weekend's fixtures are YouTuber KSI and boxer Tommy Fury.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Sheffield United are bottom of the table but will take some heart from the fact they did not lose heavily to West Ham after being taken apart by Newcastle.
I still struggle to see how the Blades will get anything out of this game, though. Fulham have been up and down so far this season and don't score many, but I've got Raul Jimenez in my Fantasy team and I am backing him to deliver.
'I'd rather struggle in the highest level than be the king in the second tier'published at 18:20 5 October 2023
18:20 5 October 2023
Former Sheffield United forward Carl Asaba addressed the problems facing Paul Heckingbottom's side this season, but told the latest episode of the Blades Heaven podcast: "I'd rather struggle in the highest level than be the king in the second tier."
He believes perspective is needed and that people must remember Sheffield United are playing in the top tier.
Heckingbottom on VAR, Brewster and Fulhampublished at 15:51 5 October 2023
15:51 5 October 2023
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking to the media before his side take on Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Here are the best lines from his news conference:
Heckingbottom said the club are "nowhere near where we need to be" and "want to stay" in the Premier League after working so hard to be there.
John Egan is "going to be out for a while" and will see a specialist tomorrow with Heckingbottom describing it as "another big injury".
Asked about Jurgen Klopp's comments that Tottenham v Liverpool should be replayed, Heckingbottom said: "I've heard the audio... within a couple of seconds everyone knows there's an error. Those moments where we can see [the wrong decision has been made], I think there maybe be scope to change the rules to be able to intervene in a set period of time because something has categorically gone wrong and everyone can see it. From our point of view we want consistency and we're striving for that and I think VAR has got a place to play in that but it's how it is implemented and used. I want consistency, everyone wants consistency. The instance with Liverpool, it was a goal, everyone could see it was a goal."
On positive injury news, Heckingbottom said: "We've got Rhian [Brewster] coming through, getting closer and making steps towards it [coming back]." He hailed his mentality and attitude as "top class" and described him as the team's "biggest supporter" while out injured as well as saying that he has "matured a hell of a lot" over the last few years.
He added that United will have "one or two" coming back after the international break.
On Tom Davies' fitness development: "We were very patient, we've been working hard with him, day by day, week by week, you could see his levels getting better and better to the point where he comes on and has a big impact in the game for us. So he's one of the ones who is a doubt."
On facing Fulham: "They've not changed since the season they went up in terms of approach, there have been subtle changes to it more around the personnel because they have gradually improved the squad. They were very strong in the Championship when they went up, improved and did really well in the Premier League and tried to improve again this season as well. We pretty much know the tactical set up of how it's going to be. A good team with some good players so we're going to have to be very strong without the ball and also really good with it to have our moments."
'You can lose - but improve'published at 08:18 5 October 2023
08:18 5 October 2023
Sheffield United's former striker Carl Asaba has issued support for the club's management but also wants improvement. Speaking about form and recent questions aimed at defensive coach Mark Hudson on the latest episode of Blades Heaven, he said: “These are exceptionally talented players. But focus. If you lose focus and are not applying yourself as you did, you will get beaten.
“They have to start showing they are learning from their mistakes. Anel Ahmedhodzic has arguably been at fault for a few this season. Anyone can make a mistake, if someone watches you and you do it a second or third time, you are not going beyond Sheffield United.
“If your players you are coaching are making the same mistake – people are going at Mark Hudson now – your defenders made that mistake last week, if they make it again, what do you tell them?
“We need the improvement. You can lose - but improve.”
'Support' and 'perspective'published at 16:18 4 October 2023
16:18 4 October 2023
Image source, Getty Images
Former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba has called for “perspective” and “support” for manager Paul Heckingbottom and the club’s players.
Speaking on the latest episode of Blades Heaven, Asaba said: “We are on a path. It’s not putting all your eggs in one basket, of course everyone wants to stay up bit it is being done in a responsible manner, sticking to core principles outlined two years ago – where young players will be fed into the system and we will see them grow. It doesn’t happen overnight.
“It is how quickly things have changed which has shocked me.
“It’s not like we have bought Zidane and have this or that player. This is a core Championship squad trying to transition. The players are trying to make the adjustment to be Premier League players.
“You have got to stay behind the manager. We can affect how our attitude is to a player or manager and it can have an impact on the pitch. The owner and board, what their attitude towards a manager and team are is different. We can’t sack Hecky. We have to support who is in front of us and trying their best for us. We have to keep it in perspective.
"I know it's painful. But the manager, he's trying. He is trying the best with what he is given."
Fulham v Sheffield United: Pick of the statspublished at 15:24 4 October 2023
15:24 4 October 2023
Fulham have won both of their Premier League home games against Sheffield United, beating them in 2006-07 and 2020-21, winning 1-0 both times.
Sheffield United won both of their most recent league meetings with Fulham in the 2021-22 campaign, last winning three in a row against the Cottagers between 1985 and 1988.
Fulham have scored just five goals in their seven Premier League games this season (0.7 per game). They had scored 12 goals by this stage last season (1.7 per game), while they averaged 1.4 goals per game across the season as a whole last term.
Sheffield United have faced 156 shots in the Premier League this season (22.3 per game), more than any other side. They're currently the only team on record (since 2003-04) to have faced more than 20 shots per game across a Premier League campaign.
'Heckingbottom’s achievements last year saved the club... the board needs to hold its nerve'published at 12:59 3 October 2023
Considering how good things looked after 98 minutes at Tottenham in mid-September, it’s been a bad few weeks for Sheffield United and rumours have swirled around the future of Paul Heckingbottom.
Chris Wilder has been mooted as the man to turn things around, although that conveniently overlooks how things ended for him last time.
These rumours have done a huge disservice to Heckingbottom, who has overcome so many obstacles just to get us to this position. He inherited a messy, floundering squad that was still reeling from that dreadful 2020-21 relegation, and has had barely any money to spend. Before this summer, he’d made only one permanent signing that cost a fee.
He’s dealt with an absurd injury list, two ultimately doomed takeovers and the club being placed under transfer embargo over unpaid suppliers. Oh, and he then saw Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge sold immediately before this season kicked off.
I dread to think what Sheffield United FC would currently look like had we not secured the chunk of TV money that our promotion has earned. I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say that Heckingbottom’s achievements last year basically saved the club from a slide down the leagues, probable administration and who knows what else.
My hope is that the board recognises this and holds its nerve - even as national media ramps up the pressure.
It was always going to require a miracle to stay up this season, and while a change of manager may well bring short-term improvements, realistically we might be talking about the difference between finishing 20th and 19th.
The noises coming out of the club this summer were about the importance of the long-term plan: offload players with expiring contracts, and use that money to secure younger players on longer deals.
Upending that plan with the knee-jerk removal of the man who’s underpinned it all would suggest that the board have lost sight of the bigger picture – if that was ever a true picture to begin with.
'Heckingbottom has done a fantastic job, but it can unravel pretty quickly'published at 09:43 3 October 2023
09:43 3 October 2023
Image source, Getty Images
After two years away, the Blades finished second last season in the Championship to regain their place among England's elite.
They will feel they should have more points but lost to late decisive goals against Nottingham Forest and reigning champions Manchester City and were ahead after 97 minutes at Tottenham only to lose 2-1.
But their promising performances were forgotten with an 8-0 home hammering by Newcastle last week.
"Sheffield United are a strange team," said former Premier League striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live, "They've been in games and pushed Manchester City close but then to get blown away... it's how they respond to that and how it has affected the dressing room.
"Heckingbottom has done a fantastic job in getting them up, but it can unravel pretty quickly. He overachieved last season and that's the danger when managers and clubs overachieve."
Which newly promoted team is most likely to stay up?published at 17:41 2 October 2023
17:41 2 October 2023
Newly promoted Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United have all struggled to get off the starting blocks this season. Luton grabbed their first win against Everton at the weekend, but the Clarets and Blades are still struggling on one point each at the bottom of the table.
BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking questions from supporters all day on our live page here.
NW asked: Based on what we have seen so far, which of the newly promoted teams look best equipped to stay up?
McNulty answered: I tipped Burnley to be the promoted team to stay up so I will have to stick with them, but I have my concerns because they don't seem to have adapted their style of play to face the better opposition in the Premier League, and I wonder where their goals will come from.
If Vincent Kompany can find answers to that, I think they have a chance. I fear the worst for Luton Town and Sheffield United, but what a win for the Hatters at Everton. All this talk of them ending up without a point, or in single figures, was nonsensical and disrespectful.
I also tipped Wolves to struggle, but after beating Manchester City they will have a real lift of confidence.
McBurnie calls frustration with Heckingbottom 'ridiculous'published at 13:51 2 October 2023
13:51 2 October 2023
Image source, Getty Images
Oli McBurnie gave BBC Radio Sheffield his thoughts on Sheffield United's start to the season: "It's frustrating because we know we should have more points on the board, but we can't make excuses and cry about anything. We need to address it quickly and that starts next week."
On fan frustration with Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom, McBurnie said: "It's ridiculous. The things the gaffer has done and the way that he goes about his business and what he's done with us...
"If you look at his win ratio and where he's taken us from with what he's had, I don't think there's many people in the country who could have done that.
"The boys are 1000000% behind him; I'm 1000000% behind him. He's top class."
West Ham 2-0 Sheffield United: What Heckingbottom saidpublished at 18:37 30 September 2023
18:37 30 September 2023
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "There were lots of things to be positive about but ultimately we gave the ball away in a poor area of the pitch with a loose pass for their second goal - and we made a defensive error for the first goal.
"The second half was much more like us, we gave them less space and we were much more compact when we attacked which allowed us to win the ball back more often.
"But when you are 2-0 down, you are waiting for that goal that could have made it a nervy finish for West Ham - we didn't get it and that makes the game easier for them.
"We have to be better. No one is going to feel sorry for us so we can't feel sorry for ourselves. Last week was a real disappointment and I wanted to make sure that was a one-off because no one wants to experience anything like that ever again.
"But we could easily have been sitting here on a lot more points, the late goals we've conceded, the late chances where opposition goalkeepers have made unbelievable saves - and that's how fine the margins are."
Analysis: West Ham 2-0 Sheff Utdpublished at 18:37 30 September 2023
18:37 30 September 2023
Michael Beardmore, BBC Sport
The only way was up for Sheffield United after last weekend's Bramall Lane capitulation against Newcastle - but this was arguably a pretty small step on a very long climb.
The defensive uncertainties that were punished so ruthlessly by the Magpies were again on show and the Blades were fortunate not to concede more than twice at London Stadium.
Paul Heckingbottom will have taken some positives - and his side did create chances against the Hammers but Oli McBurnie was unable to take the best of their opportunities that fell his way.
But the Blades are not alone in their struggles and that will give them hope of launching a survival bid as the season progresses.
However, next weekend's trip to Fulham already looks an important one - the Cottagers are not the team they were last season and Heckingbottom's men badly need a result before the international break.
To do so, they simply must patch up the Premier League's leakiest defence - that's 19 goals conceded in seven games now and this is the first time the Blades have let in two or more for six games running since 2011.
West Ham 2-0 Sheffield United: Key statspublished at 17:58 30 September 2023
17:58 30 September 2023
West Ham have won three consecutive Premier league games against Sheffield United for the very first time, they last won three successive league games against the Blades in September 1935.
West Ham became the 10th team to reach 350 wins in the Premier League, in what was their 1041st game in the competition.
Sheffield United have just one point after seven Premier League games this season (D1 L6). The last three sides to lose as many as six of their opening seven matches in a top-flight campaign have all been relegated.
Jarred Bowen has been directly involved in eight goals in his last nine Premier League games (six goals, two assists). He’s also scored seven and assisted six in his last 14 league games against newly promoted sides.
Vladimir Coufal became just the fifth player to assist a goal in three consecutive Premier League games for West Ham and the first since Michail Antonio in August 2021.
