Sheffield United exceeding expectation

Sheffield United have shown that Championship teams can thrive in the Premier League. They have come up for the first time since 2007 and have been superb and sit in 6th place. They have played five out of the “big 6” and only lost to Liverpool 1-0, drawing three and beating Arsenal. They had to show character on the weekend in their 3-3 draw with United when they gave up a two-goal lead to go behind and then equalise in the 92nd minute. The result leaves them above United, Spurs, and Arsenal with more than a third of the season gone.

The team is working so well because they are a unit that knows each other well. They have not had many changes and have only used 16 players so far this season, with half of the first XI starting every match so far this season. The club also did not spend big even though they broke their club transfer record they still only spent where necessary.

There are no egos in this team which is another major factor in why they are playing so well. Some of these players were in the team that went down to League One and won with 100 points. There are other players that have played non-league football on their way up to the Premier League. This gives the team the tightness that is needed to succeed.

Another major factor for the is their resilience and they know how to come back in a match. On the weekend it was the 5th time they have been able to salvage a point from losing positions. They also have the third-best defence in the league with only Liverpool and Leicester conceding fewer goals.

Due to their small squad December and January will test the Blades as they have seven matches in December. Then from the end of December to the end of January, they have a run of facing Manchester City twice, Liverpool and Arsenal which will be a testing period for them. However, if they come out of December and January still fighting for a place in the top six, it will be a huge achievement for the newly-promoted side.