Sheffield United Player Ratings vs Wigan: Here’s how the Blades fared
Sheffield United broke their two-game winless run to go top of the Championship with an impressive 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic at Bramall Lane. Billy Sharp scored a hat-trick for the Blades and performed very well on the day.
Chey Dunkley scored an own goal to give the home side the lead halfway through the first half, however, Kal Naismith restored parity six minutes from half-time. At the stroke of interval though, Sharp scored the first of his three goals.
The forward then netted two more by the 63rd minute to hand his team the control. Joe Garner did pull one back late on but Chris Wilder’s men won comfortably in the end.
Sheffield United Player Ratings
Dean Henderson (7)
Had no chance to save either goal but made a fine save before half-time when the score was 1-1. That turned out to be an important save.
Chris Basham (7.5)
Was a busy player throughout the game not just in defence, but also going forward, making overlapping runs. It was his cross which was bundled in by Dunkley, into his own net.
Richard Stearman (7)
Went about the business without fuss and he committed minimal mistakes. A calming influence altogether.
Jack O’Connell (7)
A commanding presence at the back and was unlucky when his header hit the crossbar.
Kieron Freeman (6.5)
The wing-back’s crossing was causing a lot of problems to the Wigan defence. However, Freeman couldn’t sustain that threat on a regular basis.
Enda Stevens (6.5)
Did not see much of the ball but created one good moment which could have resulted in the Blades’ second goal.
Oliver Norwood (6)
Couldn’t influence the game in the midfield. Wigan rather forced him to concentrate on the defensive work. To his credit, he kept trying.
John Fleck (7)
Fleck was uncharacteristically loose in possession in the opening few exchanges but quickly regained his composure once the game went on.
David McGoldrick (7)
Led the line well for the team, helping the runners get involved in the game. He also made dangerous darting runs into the box.
Leon Clarke (6.5)
Wasn’t his best night as he struggled to put the chances away. However, he worked tirelessly to create space for others in good positions.
Billy Sharp (9)
The striker scored three goals, which is single-handedly worthy enough. He was a nuisance to the defenders.
Substitutes
Paul Coutts (On after 61 mins) (6)
Came on to add fresh legs to the midfield.
Conor Washington (On after 88 mins) (N/A)
No time to impact.