Sheffield United’s Defensive Nightmare: Breaking Premier League Records
Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign this season has been nothing short of a nightmare. After their recent 5-0 defeat to Brighton at Bramall Lane, the Blades have now set an unwanted record by conceding the most goals ever in the Premier League after 25 games. No team in the modern era has let in as many goals at this stage of the campaign, and it’s been over half a century since a team had such a poor start in top-flight history.
The defeat against Brighton was Sheffield United’s third consecutive home game in which they conceded five goals. This leaves them with a staggering -43 goal difference, putting them on track to surpass Derby County’s current record of -69 goal difference in their infamous 11-point season. With 65 goals conceded already, Sheffield United is averaging 2.6 goals conceded per game. If they continue at this rate, they could reach a tally of 98 goals conceded, setting an unwanted record in emphatic fashion. They might even break the 42-game season record of 100 goals conceded, which was set by Swindon Town in the 1993/94 season.
To make matters worse for Sheffield United, their heavy defeat to Brighton included an own-goal from Jack Robinson, adding to their tally of own-goals this season. The Blades have scored the most own-goals (4) in the Premier League this season, which is also a club-record. Robinson’s unfortunate own-goal made it 3-0 at the time, and despite a brace from Simon Adingra, Brighton ran riot and sealed a 5-0 victory.
Not only have Sheffield United struggled defensively, but they have also had difficulty finding the back of the net themselves. They currently hold the record for scoring the least number of goals in the Premier League this season. With their awful defensive record combined with their lack of scoring, relegation seems almost inevitable for Chris Wilder’s men.
In terms of their home defensive performance, Sheffield United’s record is equally alarming. They have already conceded 36 home goals this season, making it the third-worst ever in English top-flight history after only 13 matches. Only Darwen in the 1891-92 season (43 goals conceded) and Aston Villa in the 1935-36 season (41 goals conceded) have shipped more goals at this stage.
It’s evident that Sheffield United’s defensive woes have been their downfall this season. Their inability to keep goals out coupled with their struggles in finding the back of the net has put them on track to break several Premier League records. With time running out in the season, it seems increasingly likely that Sheffield United will be facing relegation unless they can turn their fortunes around quickly.