Sheffield United's search for a first regular-season win continues after a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday. Chris Wilder's side took a second-half lead through Kalvin Phillips but conceded twice in the final quarter of an hour to extend their winless run to eight matches.
Phillips put the Blades ahead six minutes after the restart, finishing from inside the box. The midfielder had been booked earlier for time wasting. His goal gave United hope of ending their poor start, but the game turned against them late on.
Jack McGlynn equalised for Stoke in the 78th minute, set up by Junior Tchamadeu. Eight minutes later, Sam Gallagher headed in Ethan Galbraith's cross to complete the comeback. The defeat means United have now lost their last two Championship fixtures, following a 1-0 loss at Fleetwood Town in midweek. Their recent form reads three wins and two losses from the last five, a sequence of LLWWW.
Wilder made five changes to his starting lineup, handing a start to Patrick Bamford alongside Ben Brereton. The manager was forced into a defensive reshuffle late on, bringing on Romelle Donovan for Jamal Baptiste with two minutes remaining. The visitors finished the game with four yellow cards, with Oliver Arblaster, Liam Kitching and Rhys Norrington-Davies all cautioned.
United struggled to create clear chances, managing only eight shots with three on target. They also conceded 15 fouls and had just one corner.
The Blades must now regroup during the international break. Their next fixture is at home to Lincoln City on 10 October. Wilder will also be hoping for positive news on the injury front, with several players including Tahith Chong currently sidelined. The latest squad availability is listed on our injuries page.
