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Sheffield United logo
Premier League | Gameweek 9
Oct 21, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

1-0

Mousset (30')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Chris Wilder defends Sheffield United approach

Only three Premier League clubs have scored less than Sheffield United this season.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has dismissed suggestions his side have been too defensive since winning promotion to the Premier League.

An ultra-expansive brand of football saw the Blades come up from the Championship but Wilder has adapted the way his team approach matches in the top flight.

United have still caught the eye with their play but goals have been a problem so far this season, with only bottom club Watford, Everton and Newcastle scoring fewer heading into Saturday's fixtures.

The goalless draw at Watford prior to the international break prompted some to encourage Wilder to revert back to his all-out attacking style when they host Arsenal on Monday, but the Blades boss insists it would be folly to ignore the threat posed by Unai Emery's side.

"It's not about taking the shackles off, I don't agree with that or the way it's put," said Wilder.

"I think we have gone for games – when we can. Against Liverpool, do we go bombing forward against one of the best counter-attacking teams in the world? I don't think so.

"Watford played eight at the back – and that is us at Watford who are an established team at this level with some excellent players.

"We were able to go for it a bit more in the Championship, but this is a different level. Every point we earn is precious.

"We've gone after every team we have played so far when we have been able to pick our times – even against Liverpool.

"We are competitive and we fancy our chances and we will do the same against Arsenal, while at the same time understanding the threat and pace and power that Arsenal have in the top end of the pitch.

"We want to get something from the game this time, having lost against Liverpool, and we believe we can do that. But we have to do it in the right way."

Wilder is waiting on the fitness of John Fleck, David McGoldrick and record signing Oli McBurnie before deciding his starting line-up against Arsenal.

Despite concerns about their availability, and the Blades' returns in front of goal, Wilder is not planning many changes to the team that got a point at Watford.

However, he has indicated there could be a reshuffle up front to try and exploit any weaknesses in the Gunners' defence.

"I believe in consistency and there has been continuity, that has helped us," said Wilder. "At the top of the pitch, I'm not so sure if it's about finding the right partnership, it's about those individual moments and the opposition."

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Mesut Ozil in action during the Premier League game between Watford and Arsenal on September 15, 2019
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310


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