Alan Knill Issues “Positive” Verdict Despite Sheffield United Falling to Defeat Against Saints | OneFootball

Sheffield United were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Southampton in an action-packed Championship clash under the Bramall Lane floodlights. Despite Tyrese Campbell’s first-half opener, a Ross Stewart brace turned the contest on its head, leaving the Blades rooted to the bottom of the table.

The Saints made the brighter start and almost punished a defensive lapse early on when Ross Stewart closed down Michael Cooper, the United goalkeeper nearly gifting a tap-in after fumbling a back-pass.

United weathered the early storm and struck first in the 28th minute. Tyrese Campbell, denied moments earlier by a brave block from Southampton’s Jayden Quarshie, showed superb composure to round his marker before rifling an unstoppable strike into the top corner. The goal lifted the home crowd, but Southampton responded strongly.

Referee in the Spotlight After Controversial Decisions

Stewart twice tested Cooper with powerful headers before controversy struck on the stroke of half-time. The Saints striker tangled with Cooper and won a penalty, only for Adam Armstrong to blaze the spot-kick over the bar.

Justice seemed to prevail, but tempers flared immediately after the whistle as Blades boss Chris Wilder was shown a straight red card. Wilder, frustrated with the officiating, kicked a loose ball that accidentally struck a supporter in the stands. Though he quickly apologised, referee Herczeg had no hesitation in sending him off.

Blades Left Frustrated And Pointless Against Saints

Southampton striker Ross Stewart in action against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. (Image Credit: Southampton Football Club).

United almost doubled their lead early in the second half when Callum O’Hare was denied by Alex McCarthy after a clever Gustavo Hamer free-kick routine. That miss proved costly. From a Ryan Manning corner, Armstrong’s header rattled the crossbar and Stewart reacted quickest, drilling in the rebound to make it 1-1.

Minutes later, the same corner routine nearly undid United again, but Armstrong’s near-post header flew just wide. By the 58th minute, Southampton completed the turnaround in style. Stewart surged past Mark McGuinness before unleashing a thunderous 25-yard strike that arrowed into the top corner, leaving Cooper with no chance.

Sheffield United pressed for an equaliser, throwing on Tom Cannon and former Saint Danny Ings. In stoppage time, it looked as though their persistence had paid off when Sydie Peck rose at the far post to nod home Hamer’s corner. However, celebrations were cut short after Cannon was adjudged to have impeded Alex McCarthy, and the goal was disallowed.

The defeat leaves United still searching for their first home point of the season as they prepare for a trip to Hull City on Saturday, where they will face familiar former Blades in Oli McBurnie, John Lundstram, John Egan and Regan Slater.

Alan Knill Gives “Positive” Verdict Despite Sheffield United Losing to Southampton

Tyrese Campbell scores the opening goal for Sheffield United against Southampton at Bramall Lane. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Speaking to SUTV, assistant manager Alan Knill insisted there were positives despite the result:

“I think we have found the right positions but what we need to do is execute. Out of possession, we looked really good and solid and looked dangerous on the counter attack. You know the opposition is going to have the ball and you have to keep your shape and you’ll get the chances.

“Tonight gives a lot of positives. When we walked in it was bigger than we thought, we underestimated it. The players have been really good.

“The performances have been okay, not where we want to be but getting there. We were nearly really good tonight. A few more games of finding a shape we are comfortable in and we’ll get there.”

On Chris Wilder’s dismissal, Knill added:

“I think he was frustrated with a lot of the decisions and as we were coming off the ball was just there and he’s gone to kick it either against the wall or in the dugout and he’s put it into the stand. Obviously he was disappointed and went over to say sorry to wherever it landed.”