Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admitted after the shock 1-0 loss to struggling Oxford that his promotion chasers did not do enough to get anything from the game.
Siriki Dembele’s 38th-minute winner, following a long throw by Will Vaulks, gave Gary Rowett’s team a massive three points in their bid to beat relegation from the Sky Bet Championship.
However, the defeat for the Blades was a painful one for Wilder on his return to his old club, as Burnley overtook them to go to the top of the table.
Wilder said: “We were up against a team fighting for their life and they stuck it on us with long throws which were massive, and quality at the top of the pitch, and we never really dealt with that.
“We had one or two opportunities before they scored which we should possibly have taken.
“But that’s what happens when you’re up against an opponent you’re expected to beat and the crowd’s vociferous and right behind their team. When they get a goal in front in that situation it becomes a difficult afternoon.
“Gary’s an extremely talented manager and a good operator, and one (goal) was always going to be enough.
“They sat in, the pitch was dry, it was windy, so it wasn’t a fast game from our point of view and we tried to slow it down, which I didn’t enjoy.
“We played too slow, we were too ponderous, the ball speed wasn’t quick enough from us and allowed them to sit into their shape.
“Then I thought, from a technical point of view, the quality of our players…. we made so many poor decisions in terms of what to do with the ball, and technically poor decisions with loose passing, crosses behind the goal and not playing well as individuals.”
Defeat ended his team’s hopes of creating a new Sheffield United club record of seven successive away wins in the Championship.
Wilder added: “It is what it is. There was an opportunity there to gain three points but when you don’t do enough, and full credit to Oxford United and to Gary – they deserved their win – it obviously means an incredible away record comes to an end.
“I didn’t see this coming,” Wilder admitted.
Rowett said: “It was a massive performance. I thought from the word go we looked on it and up for the fight and up for making it a very competitive game.
“When you looked at the conditions and the opposition we were up against, we had to make it a little bit scruffy and a bit of a fight, and I thought we started on the front foot, very brightly.
“At this stage of the season it’s just about trying to get the results you need, not about how they come about.
“I thought the atmosphere was brilliant from the start and that makes such a difference to me, to the staff, to the players and the crowd got behind us because they saw a team fighting with less tools than the likes of Sheffield United – and we certainly made them work today.
“Jamie Cumming made a fabulous save (in the) first half and that’s a big moment that makes sure we don’t go behind.
“Siriki Dembele’s been excellent. At the start of the season Tyler (Goodrham) had that shirt, but I know what ‘Dems’ is capable of.
“He’s got so much talent and he’s put so much hard work and energy into that, playing very diligently for the team.
“He has got that danger about him and he’s won us the last two home games.
“It’s nowhere near job done. But this win gives us a fantastic opportunity and we have to now make sure we don’t under-perform on Wednesday.
“After such a big result like this, we’ve got to put in another big performance against a QPR side who will be fighting for their own points.
“I’m proud of my team today and their desire to keep a clean sheet.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
