Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.
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BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Etihad Stadium
They may be bottom of the table and seven points adrift of safety with the worst goal difference by some distance of any top-flight team, but Sheffield United’s current mood is certainly not one of doom and gloom.
No Premier League team has stayed up after earning as few points as the Blades have from their first 20 games but, speaking after his side’s defeat at Manchester City, boss Chris Wilder seemed up for the fight, and says his players are too.
While it is clear the Blades need to improve to have a chance of climbing out of the bottom three, Wilder thinks that will happen in January, when he works with his squad, gets some key players back and makes some signings.
“We have got an important FA Cup tie [against Gillingham] that we are going to attack and then we have got Premier League games coming up at the back end of the window,” Wilder, who took charge on 6 December, said.
“Hopefully in terms of personnel we will have the likes of Anel [Ahmedhodzic] and Gus [Hamer] back, and James Mcatee too, who are three huge players for us and walk into our team.
“Plus we will have Tom Davies a little bit closer to fitness, a player who has got Premier League experience, and there will be more minutes for Rhys Norrington-Davies and Rhian Brewster, and also Olie McBurnie after the injuries he’s had.
“And then on top of that, we are looking at bringing two or three in.
“So, I 100% believe that the group will be stronger the next time we turn out in the Premier League [against West Ham on 21 January] through precious time on the training ground, through additions to the group and through players that will be available.
"We go again, and let’s have a right go in the second part of the season.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the daunting task of facing Man City: "It is when you walk out and they have five trophies staring at you! There is a reason they have those trophies. It's a really difficult one even for teams that are close to City. There's a big difference between the clubs in terms of what they put out and the quality they possess. I have full amount of respect for Pep [Guardiola] and the players and their attitude to the game. We tried to be pragmatic and stay in the game as the majority of teams do at the Etihad and we have to take those half chances in big moments and we didn't.
"I'm looking on reflection on six games and I've been delighted with the players' attitude and how they've worked with what we've had to do. Now we have an FA Cup game and a few days we can work on the training ground, I'm sure we can get better in the second part of the season.
"It was quite a long afternoon for everybody connected to Sheffield United. We have some young players that will learn from this experience. There's not a lot of Premier League experience in the group so we can take something from the game but I'm looking at the six games I've had in charge and we've had some incredible challenges. We're a bit disappointed that we've not taken more points, we've had a couple of missed opportunities.
"A bit of adjustment in January will make us stronger and better. They're strong together and that's easy to see, this is a group that have a great attitude and now we need to get better in our play in and out of possession.
"There's a fight in us, we have to be competitive and narrow the gap. There's a fight in us and I'm clearly seeing that and the supporters are too. We need to be better at the other parts of the game, away from the fight. We've conceded some poor goals but when the players walk off they have left everything out there."
On plans to do business in January: "Yes, we've had some meetings on recruitment. It's been very positive, hopefully in that players will move out and you don't want to carry anybody so there will be some going out and some coming in to make us better. It's the first time in the Premier League for a lot of these players and we'll take it game by game."
Manchester City have remained unbeaten at the Etihad in all competitions in 2023 (P28 W25 D3).
Manchester City’s 938 successful passes against Sheffield United is the second-most on record in a Premier League game (since 2003-04), behind their own record of 942 against Swansea City in April 2018. Indeed, their 81.8% possession figure was their highest in a Premier League game since May 2021 against Newcastle United (82.1%).
Of the 12 occasions a top-flight side has recorded fewer than 10 points from their first 20 league games of a season (including 3 points for a win), 25% of those occasions have been Sheffield United (6 points in 1975-76, 8 points in 2020-21 and 9 points in 2023-24).
Manchester City recorded their first clean sheet in the Premier League since beating Manchester United 3-0 in October, ending an eight-game run without one.
Phil Foden assisted both goals against Sheffield United – it’s just the third time he’s provided multiple assists in a Premier League game, previously doing so against Southampton in March 2021 and Leeds United in April 2022.
Manchester City ended a stellar year on a high note by beating a battling Sheffield United side to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Rodri gave the defending champions an early breakthrough when he latched on to Phil Foden's neat pass and fired into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area.
The Blades' packed defence meant City had to wait to add a second but Foden was the provider again when it arrived midway through the second half, with his low cross despatched by Julian Alvarez.
Were you at the match or did you take it in from home?
City fans - what did you make of the game?
Submit your post-match thoughts here, Sheffield United supporters
There are six games being played in the Premier League on Saturday and we will bring you every moment of the action.
Follow all the incidents and reaction here.
All times are GMT.
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
For the fixtures taking place over the turn of the year, from 30 December to 2 January, he takes on Shed Seven singer and song-writer Rick Witter, who is a Manchester United fan.
Shed Seven's new album, 'A Matter of Time', is released on 12 January.
Sutton's prediction: 3-0
Sheffield United are bottom of the table but I think we've seen some improvement since Chris Wilder took charge at the start of December.
I am not sure it will do them much good at Etihad Stadium, though. Manchester City became world champions over Christmas but they had a decent festive period at home too, with their win at Everton and the teams above them dropping points.
The Blades were competitive against City at the start of the season, and only lost to a late Rodri goal, but their challenge here is to hang on in there this time too.
I don't see them doing it, and it could end up as an avalanche if City score early.
Rick's prediction: I was dreading doing this one! I love Sheffield and I wish the Blades well here but this is pretty much nailed on to be a comfortable home win. 3-0
Manchester City have never lost a Premier League game against Sheffield United (W8 D3), winning each of the past six in a row.
Sheffield United have never scored in five Premier League away games against City - only Birmingham (seven against Manchester United) have visited a side more without ever scoring in the competition.
There have been just 14 goals scored in 11 Premier League meetings between Manchester City (12 goals) and Sheffield United (two) - an average of 1.3 per game. Of all fixtures to have been played at least 10 times, only Bolton v Southampton (1.2) has seen fewer goals-per-game.
Sheffield United have lost their past nine league games against reigning top-flight champions since beating Leeds United 2-1 in April 1993. Away from home, they’ve lost their past 11 such games since beating Arsenal 1-0 in August 1971.
Manchester City have dropped six points from winning positions at home in the Premier League this season - two more than they dropped across 2021-22 (two) and 2022-23 (two) combined.
Sheffield United remain without a win away from home in the Premier League this season, though they did hold Aston Villa to a draw last time out on the road. They’ve only scored more than once in one of their past 39 top-flight away games (18 goals in total), beating Manchester United 2-1 in January 2021.
Chris Wilder has spoken to the media before Sheffield United's match against Manchester City on Saturday.
Here are some of the main lines from his news conference:
On team news ahead of Saturday's match, Wilder said: "There's a couple of suspensions and a few players that have knocks and bruises that we'll look at. Tom Davies is back on the grass which is great news. We'll go with what we've got and be as competitive as we can be."
Wilder says Rhys Norrington-Davies and Rhian Brewster "aren't in a position to start games at the moment" but says there's potential for them to get more minutes in the New Year.
On Wes Foderingham's mentality after recent criticism, Wilder said: "He'll feel it. He has to get over that as everyone has. Everybody to suffer and we can't shy away from it. He'll be the first to admit there's situations we can handle a bit better, but this is the life and times of a goalkeeper."
On whether he's considered replacing him in the starting line-up, Wilder added: "They can't be knee-jerk reactions, but players have got to play well to get in and stay in the team. I've got to put my best team out at Man City."
On his opponents, Wilder said: "You've got to have a plan and a structure in and out of possession. You can't go gung-ho or toe-to-toe with them because of the quality they've got. Pep [Guardiola] is the best manager in the world and one of the all-time greats as well. The way they dominate the ball, you have to bring your A-game to the table. We understand how the game is going to go, so we all have to understand and accept that."
On the transfer window and targets, Wilder said: "These players have got to go in the first team, and we're in a period where you have to make quick decisions in terms of what you want your team to look like. Some of the players that we're looking to bring in, we understand it's going to be limited but we will be looking."
On lifting the mood after defeat to Luton, Wilder said: "I want them to hurt and be emotional about it. We felt the pain of a defeat that I didn't think was deserved. If you look over the period, we've been close to five points extra to our total, but it isn't to be. I'd be disappointed if they didn't because they have to feel the hurt of not getting the result we were all after."
Rob Staton, BBC Radio Sheffield
The second half of the season for Sheffield United brings renewed hope for 2024.
Chris Wilder has galvanised the team and the old fighting spirit associated with the Blades is back in abundance. It remains a seriously tall order to keep United in the Premier League but it will not be for a lack of effort with Wilder in the dugout.
New signings are crucial but the extent of United’s business is unclear. It is unlikely there is going to be a big splurge. The one signing that would really excite the fans would be a loan return for Iliman Ndiaye but the latest chatter is he is keen to stay at Marseille for now, while other teams (such as Everton) are also monitoring the situation.
The squad is going to need resetting in the near future with ageing players and out-of-contract big names, so we’ll see if that work begins in January.
The early fixtures in 2024 are full of opportunity. Two Premier League games in January against West Ham and Crystal Palace at least offer an opportunity for points (with the usual caveat of nothing coming easy at this level). February includes rematches with Aston Villa and Luton, plus games against Brighton and Wolves.
By the end of that month, it will be intriguing to see if United have raised hopes of a great escape or whether attention will be turning to the future and rebuilding efforts.
We asked you for your thoughts after Tuesday's match between Sheffield United and Luton Town.
Here are some of the top comments:
Sheffield United fans
John: I thought United fought back very well but were robbed by two very poor refereeing decisions. It was never a corner leading to the first “own goal” then a clear foul on Jack Robinson caused his “own goal”. Total travesty.
Tom: We were unlucky today in some ways but overall I think our league position is a fair reflection of our quality. This side just isn’t able to compete at this level. We look lost in possession and terrified when defending. We seem incapable of hanging on to a lead. I can't wait for this season to be over.
Chipper: No pressing for long spells and soaking up pressure like it's the UV rays of the Algarve. We know we can't defend set pieces and it was inevitable that we would face balls into the box from wide areas. Architects of our own demise. Utterly useless.
J: Three major issues: 1) The standard of refereeing is beyond poor. At 2-1 up, a situation that was “goal kick or foul” was given as an impossible corner. Why do we have VAR? 2) These players cannot handle adversity. Once that happened and the first own goal dropped in, the lack of response was what caused the 3-2. 3) We’re just not good enough.
Luton fans
Harish: Absolutely delighted with this win after coming from behind, well deserved. In previous matches, Lady Luck was not with us, but she was definitely with us today. Come on you Hatters!
Stephen: Never say “die”. Leave it all on the pitch. Want-to-win mentality. These are essential ingredients in Rob’s magic. Luton are now “getting” Premier League football but the season is long, hard, remorseless and without compassion. Go again against Chelsea in four days. Come On You Hatters!
Alexander: I can’t believe we’ve won that. Absolute class and resilience from every man in a Luton shirt. Barkley with a deserved man-of-the-match performance as well. We can consider ourselves lucky with the two own goals but we didn’t put our heads down and kept the pressure up after going down. Chelsea, we’re coming for you. Unlucky Sheffield.
Sue: The last two wins were always on the cards as our performances just get better every game. Last week was for Tom Lockyer - now we're winning because we are really good.
BBC Radio Sheffield bring you post-match reaction to an unfortunate defeat for Chris Wilder's side on Boxing Day.
Hear from Carl Asaba, Chris Wilder and Oli McBurnie as Blades Heaven dissects the two own goals scored in four minutes in the 3-1 loss to Luton Town.
Neil Johnston, BBC Sport
“We chucked it away,” said Chris Wilder without a moment’s hesitation after the Sheffield United boss was asked about what went wrong against Luton.
Leading 2-1 in the final stages, the Blades somehow managed to lose 3-2 and remain rooted at the bottom of the table.
It’s the second time in the space of a few days they have dropped points after conceding late at Aston Villa in the previous game.
Wilder now has the job of lifting his players after this highly damaging defeat.
It doesn’t get any easier with an away game at Manchester City up next.
“Don't take this as a dig against our opponents but there will be a lot of talk about character and getting themselves back into the game with a never-say-die attitude and all that, it's nothing to do with
That,” said Wilder.
"It's to do with our attitude to defending. It cost us on Friday night (at Aston Villa) and it has cost us tonight.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder speaking to BBC Sport: "We chucked it away. We got our noses in front. We don't go out and stop a cross. We are sat on the six yard line and things like that are going to happen if you sit that deep. It is the defending attitude and shape that has cost us.
"It will look a bit unlucky but it isn't unlucky, it is us and we chucked it.
"We had control of the game. We have to control our emotion as well. We got back into the game and then we just have to make decisions. It should have been 3-1 and them chucking players forwards.
"The game is hard enough for Sheffield United in the Premier League. It is hard enough at this level where games can easily be turned on the head and they have not had to work that hard to turn it around from 2-1 down to 3-2 up.
"We were not great in the first half. We were passive and they were aggressive. Their first goal was another disappointing one. We came in and a lot of people perhaps thought it was a deserved scoreline. We changed it around at half time and we got that reaction and we deserved to be ahead, we were the ones searching for the next goal.
"It is the mindset and when you are in this position where points are difficult to come by you want to protect, but it is not a time to protect."
Sheffield United conceded two own goals in the same Premier League match for the first time. They became the first team to do so overall since Leicester City v Liverpool in December 2022. No team has conceded more own goals in the competition this season than the Blades (3).
Luton Town came back to win a Premier League match after being behind for the first time. Prior to today, the Hatters had lost 11 and drawn two of the 13 matches in which they had went behind.
Alfie Doughty scored his first Premier League goal in what was his 17th appearance in the top-flight. He was Luton Town’s 12th different scorer in the Premier League this season (excl. own goals) – only Newcastle United, Everton and Arsenal have had more different scorers this season (all three with 14).
Sheffield United are only the second team to concede 47 or more goals after their first 19 matches of a Premier League season, and the first since Barnsley in 1997-98 (50 conceded).
Only against Birmingham City (6) has Sheffield United’s Oliver McBurnie scored more league goals than he has against Luton Town in the top four tiers of English football, with McBurnie netting five league goals against the Hatters.
Bottom club Sheffield United suffered a demoralising home defeat as Luton Town snatched victory in an extraordinary Premier League game at Bramall Lane.
A howler by Wes Foderingham gifted Luton the lead when Alfie Doughty's 17th-minute attempt slipped through the keeper's legs and into the net.
The Blades thought they had turned it around after the interval, Oli McBurnie equalising after Sam Allison - the first black referee to take charge of an English top-flight match for 15 years - played a smart advantage when James McAtee appeared to have been fouled.
With fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest winning earlier at Newcastle, the Blades - who are at Manchester City on Saturday (15:00 GMT) - needed all three points and captain Anel Ahmedhodzic fired them in front from close range after Luton failed to clear.
But two own goals in the space of four minutes - first a flicked header by Jack Robinson and then by substitute Anis Ben Slimane - allowed Luton to seal back-to-back Premier League wins after their 1-0 victory over Newcastle last Saturday.
Were you at Bramall Lane, or did you watch the match at home?
Sheffield United fans - how do you rate your team's performance?
