Chris Wilder’s words on victory over Derby plus his decision to make midfielder step-in Sheffield United captain | OneFootball

Sheffield United continued their impressive start to the Championship season, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Derby County at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The result extends the Blades’ unbeaten streak to six games and marks their third consecutive victory, all of which have come with clean sheets. Gustavo Hamer’s sublime free-kick early in the second half proved to be the difference in a tense match.

Blades chief provides injury update on Oliver Arblaster and discusses handing captain’s armband to Vinicius Souza

Oliver Arblaster was forced to sit out the match due to an injury sustained the day before the game. Speaking on the midfielder’s absence, manager Chris Wilder expressed his hope that the injury is minor but admitted they wouldn’t know more until it settles down. With Arblaster out, young midfielder Sydie Peck was handed his first Championship start. He partnered step-in captain Vinicius Souza in the heart of midfield, delivering a solid performance.

Wilder praised Souza’s leadership, giving insight into why he was awarded the captain’s armband, he told SUTV: “I didn’t think Soutts or Gus needed the armband, but Souza’s performances in preseason have been outstanding. It was a proud moment for him, and I’m delighted that his first game as captain resulted in a win.”

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Vinicius Souza of Sheffield United gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Watford FC at Bramall Lane on September 01, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder praises the Sheffield United performance from a defensive point of view

Wilder was pleased with his team’s overall performance, especially the clean sheet, although he acknowledged a lack of fluidity in the first half. “We were a little bit loose in the first half, gave the ball away too cheaply, and never really found our rhythm,” he said. “But in the second half, we upped the tempo, and while I never thought we were in danger, we needed a moment of brilliance: and Gus provided that.”

He added that Sheffield United’s defensive display was key to the win, with the team fending off Derby’s limited attacking opportunities. Wilder also addressed the pre-match expectations, saying he had heard various predictions of big wins but never expected an easy match against Paul Warne’s well-drilled Derby side.

With their unbeaten run intact and sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the Championship table, fifth with four points off the top, Sheffield United are building strong momentum. The squad’s defensive solidity, highlighted by three consecutive clean sheets, is laying a solid foundation for a potential promotion push. However, Wilder will be eager to see improvements in attacking areas and decision making as the season progresses.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United and Moussa Sissoko of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Watford FC at Bramall Lane on September 01, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

As for Arblaster’s return, Wilder remains cautiously optimistic: “It was an innocuous situation, but we’re hopeful it’s a short-term issue. Whether he’ll be ready for the next game is something we won’t know until later in the week.”