Sheffield Derby, one of the most famous rivalries in English football, is hailed for its highly competitive and high-scoring outcomes. Both Sheffield Wednesday and United have remarkably won the contest 48 times each whereas 44 of their meetings ended all square.
This fixture, however, was infrequent in recent years due to United’s presence in League One and Wednesday, an admirable Championship force, kept on pushing for a Premier League promotion for past few campaigns. Their Sunday afternoon meeting at Hillsborough materialized due to the Blades’ promotion to the second-tier of English football and Chris Wilder’s men were upbeat to continue their great run of form against the age-old rivals.
The Owls, under Carlos Carvalhal, narrowly missed out on Premier League promotions in past two campaigns. They, however, had a slow start in their new season and were determined to uplift their display against Sheffield United at historic Hillsborough.
The game, as predicted, was no short of excitement but the outcome proved to be a massive surprise as the new boys of the league grabbed a sensational 4-2 win from an adverse away outing.
Below are the Sheffield United players rated from their massive victory.
Jamal Blackman: 6
The Chelsea loanee conceded twice and could have done little to deny either of Gary Hooper and Lucas Joao’s strikes. Remained untested otherwise.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 6.5
The Spurs loanee impressed with his physical presence on the right-hand side of the Blades ‘three-man backline’. Should have done better to deal with the Owls’ equalizer which however did not last long.
Jake Wright: 6.5
Wright was solid in the first half with blocks, interceptions, and crucial clearances. He, however, was taken off around the one-hour mark, a couple of minutes before Joao’s equalizer which lasted for few seconds only as Mark Duffy, his substitute, scored from a difficult angle to restore the lead.
Jack O’Connell: 7
The young defender did exceptionally well in the left centre-back role and contained hitman Steven Fletcher for the majority of the game.
George Baldock: 6.5
Baldock did a decent job in the right wing-back role as he had a balanced display from attacking as well as defensive perspectives.
Paul Coutts: 7.5
Was solid in the middle of the park. Screened the ‘back three’ and won back possession a number of times.
Chris Basham: 8
A solid display by the Englishman who was combative throughout the game to break down the Owls attacks in the middle of the park. He never allowed the home side to take control of the midfield and worked extremely hard to secure a famous win.
John Fleck: 8.5
His stunning strike earned the visitors an early lead within three minutes into the game. He impressed with his passing skills, dribbling as well as defensive traits throughout 90 minutes.
Enda Stevens: 8
The left wing-back was the architect of Sheffield United’s second of the afternoon as his long ball over the defence found Leon Clarke inside the box who made no mistake to double the lead.
Davis Brooks: 8.5
The youngster had an impressive outing as he played his part in United’s opener and his runs often troubled the vulnerable Wednesday defence. Was taken off in closing minutes to be replaced by John Lundstram.
Leon Clarke: 9.5
The former Sheffield Wednesday flop silenced the home crowd with a brace and an assist. He wasted a couple of simplest of opportunities but did extremely well to score the second and fourth of the afternoon. Also, set it up for Mark Duffy who scored a spectacular goal to restore the lead seconds after coming on as Wright’s replacement.
Substitutes
Mark Duffy: 7
Duffy had a heroic introduction as he scored a spectacular goal and restored the lead for the visitors seconds after coming on as a substitute.
John Lundstram: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
