Sheffield United lost 3-2 to Portsmouth in a Championship match on Wednesday, playing with 10 men for nearly an hour. The result extends a worrying run of form, with the Blades having lost four of their last five games.
Portsmouth took the lead through Zak Swanson after 41 minutes and doubled their advantage shortly after the break. Adrian Segecic tapped home a cross from the outstanding Ryan Kavuma-McQueen in the 54th minute. Sheffield United responded with two goals in eight minutes, with Japhet Tanganga and Thomas Cannon finding the net from assists by Tahith Chong and Kalvin Phillips. Portsmouth won it late, however, with Ebou Adams scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute.
Fan reaction to performance
The team's spirit while a player down was noted by supporters. One season ticket holder, Wottsamaddahu, said the effort was what fans pay to see. "Great performance by 10-man Blades for nearly an hour showing great team spirit playing for the shirt, which as a season ticket holder you want for your money," they said.
Other fans voiced frustration with the team's ongoing issues. Another supporter, John, was critical of certain performances and suggested a player had been affected by a heavy challenge. "Wilder continues to deflect any criticism. Peck ineffectual again. Blaster looks frightened of any contact, not the same player since he got clattered by Bannan," John said.
Patrick Bamford remains the team's top scorer this season with four goals. Attention now turns to a quick turnaround, with an away trip to face Bristol City this Saturday.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder criticized the officiating after his side's 3-2 defeat at Portsmouth on October 14. Wilder questioned the quality of refereeing after Hamza Choudhury's red card, his third player sent off in the last two games with that official. "That is three players that have been sent off in the last two games he's refereed us," Wilder said. The loss was Sheffield United's fourth consecutive defeat.
