Blades August Review: Sharp form

During this two-week break from the Championship for internationals, we review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here’s our assessment of Sheffield United.

What we said in pre-season

“Sheffield United dominated League One, but apart from perhaps talisman Billy Sharp, last season’s stars are yet to prove themselves at this level. Centre-back Richard Stearman is the only new signing who bucks that trend, with lower league additions suggesting consolidation is the name of the game. 18th ”

Have they surprised us so far?

Yes. Tactical consistency was a key feature of their League One success and this year, eight players have started all five Championship games. Of those, two are new signings who were playing in League Two last year. Left-back Enda Stevens has stepped up to this level seamlessly and while Jamaal Blackman lacks the command of predecessor Simon Moore, he did make some good saves against Brentford.

The positives

Billy Sharp. The striker inspired his boyhood club to League One promotion with a remarkable 30 goals last season, more than any front-man at that level in five years. He has swiftly become the Championshp’s joint-top scorer with four goals already in August and is capable of scoring from all angles. No striker in the division has scored as many as his two from outside the 18-yard area, according to WhoScored.

The negatives

As well as Sharp has done, he is their only league goalscorer. 57 non-strikers in the Championship have had more shots per game than the non-striker who has had the most for Sheffield United, John Fleck with 1.8. Equally, 82 non-strikers average more shots per game than Jack O’Connell, a centre-back, who tops that list for the Blades with 0.6. Chris Wilder’s side need to add more strings to their bow and prove themselves against top 11 opposition – 12th place Derby being the best team they have taken points off.

Late business?

Clayton Donaldson joined from Birmingham, hoping to add physicality up top and rediscover his 14/15 form. The 33-year-old is joined by a defender 10 years his junior, Ben Heneghan having proved a hit in the SPL for Motherwell last term after his move from Chester.

The Football Lab’s Grade

A positive start, but it remains to be seen whether they have the staying power. B