“Worst I’ve ever seen in a half of football” – Pundit on Blades’ performance vs Arsenal | OneFootball

The Blades were well and truly put to the sword by on Monday night by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Within a minute of kick-off Sheffield United were firmly on the back foot as the Gunners hit the post and had a shot stopped on the line. United were shortly behind after Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the 5th minute.

Ten minutes later Arsenal lead 3-0 through an own goal by Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Martinelli’s strike. The flood gates were open and the Gunners went in to halftime leading 5-0, Sheffield United had barely had a kick all half.

Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher did not mince his words regarding United’s performance during his comments on Monday Night Football.

“I think it was a disgrace in terms of a half of football. It is one of the most one-sided games I’ve ever seen. You have to consider, they’re coming into this game off the back of losing two more games 5-0, conceding five against Brighton. That’s shocking, it really is.”

He added: “It probably is one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen. I can’t think of anything worse I’ve ever seen in a half of football.”

After Monday’s game against Arsenal concluded, the Blades have suffered three consecutive home defeats by a margin of five goals or more. This dismal run on their home turf is truly staggering.

Even before Arsenal sealed a 6-0 victory, a seasoned ex-Premier League player turned pundit, Stan Collymore, wasted no time in sharing his insights into what has caused Sheffield United’s lamentable performance.

Stating on social media: “Arguably the worst team to ever play in the 32 years of the Premier League. No pleasure saying that, but if you can’t do basics then this is the outcome.”

Arsenal embarrassed Sheffield United

In the first half, Sheffield United registered zero shots on target compared to Arsenal’ seven, 20% possession, and 74 accurate passes to the away sides 420, per SofaScore.

Heading into the game the home fans feared a heavy defeat and that’s exactly how it transpired. Any chance of causing an upset would have likely come through Manchester City loanee James McAtee. But by the 29th minute, United’s best player had only completed a total of one pass, highlighting the dominance from Arsenal.

Thankfully the Blades conceded just once in the second half as Unitedites were dreading a historic defeat during the interval.

If there was one statistic to underscore the demolition job which unfolded at under the floodlights at Bramall Lane it’s this one: Arsenal centre-back William Saliba finished the game with 169 total passes completed, while Sheffield United as a team completed 142 – 27 less than the Gunners defender.

My view

At this point I’m actually numb to the feeling of embarrassment. United have now lost 8-0, 5-0 (four times), and now you can add a 6-0 to that list.

Up next for the Blades is a trip down south to Bournemouth. In the reverse fixture the Cherries completely destroyed United by three goals to one, but it could have easily been more than the three.