Match Summary – Sheffield United v Watford

Description

A battle between two of the Championships strongest squads. The home team Sheffield United are the favourites despite Watford’s 3 game 100% opening record.

Summary

Sheffield United fielded seven of their new acquisitions and got off to the perfect start as Callum O’Hare managed to squeeze the ball home off keeper Bachmann’s body. This meant the game had an open feel to it with both sides creating some good openings. Sheffield missed the chance to extend their lead after Kieffer Moore had his weakly taken penalty saved by Bachmann. Watford should have equalised through Bayo from Pollack’s long through ball. On the stroke of half time Watford escaped a second penalty shout after Cissoko inexplicably grabbed O’Hare’s ankle.

The second half lacked the quality of the first and with 20 minutes to go, Chris Wilder seemed more concerned about not giving anything away than trying to make the game safe. Watford tried to boost their attack with pace through their substitutions but as United dropped deep, they lacked the craft to exploit the opportunity. Both teams had their chances but the game rather fizzled out and Sheffield United claimed the three points after a bad tempered last few minutes.

Takeaways

– Sheffield United’s fresh starting eleven had plenty of attacking quality in the likes of Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare and Hamer.
– Young Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Arblaster ran the midfield.
– On balance, Sheffield United deserved the points after managing the game better but their quality suggested they made it more difficult than they might have done.