We can’t really complain about coming away from home with a point in the opening game of the season. At a ground where Blues collapsed inside half an hour on their previous visit, they never looked particularly close to suffering the same fate this time. Equally, they rarely threatened to win the game, so a share of the spoils feels like a fair reflection of the contest.
Improving results on the road is one of the key objectives this season. Last weekend’s victory at Swansea provided a glimpse of what Chris Davies wants from his side away from home, with Blues showing resilience, determination and a willingness to dig in. They produced more of the same this evening, delivering a performance built on hard work and discipline.
It is not often that teams travel to Bramall Lane and enjoy more possession than Sheffield United, but Blues managed exactly that, finishing with 55%. Despite seeing plenty of the ball, however, they never really turned it into sustained attacking pressure. Out of possession, though, they were excellent. Jhon Solis was particularly influential in midfield, covering ground and disrupting the hosts’ rhythm, and there was rarely a sense that the game was slipping away from Blues.
August Priske may have a challenge on his hands with the match officials this season. He was penalised twice inside the opening seven minutes for challenges that appeared rather soft, before being fouled himself shortly afterwards only to have his appeals dismissed by the referee.
Chances were at a premium during the first half, with neither side managing to register a shot on target. Carlos Vicente and Alex Cochrane both saw efforts blocked, while Bright Osayi-Samuel curled a left-footed effort just wide of the post.
The second half offered a little more entertainment. Jay Stansfield had a couple of half-chances, while Vicente really should have done better after being released by Solis. With the opportunity to shoot, the Spanish winger instead inexplicably attempted to square the ball. Moments later, the hosts created their best opening of the game when Patrick Bamford was sent through, but James Beadle stood up well to save his effort at the near post.
Osayi-Samuel is finally beginning to look like the player Blues believed they were signing a year ago. His defensive work was impressive, but it was his relentless energy on the right flank that stood out most. He continually offered an outlet and worked tirelessly in both directions.
On the opposite side, Cochrane underlined his quality by delivering several dangerous crosses into the box. If he continues in this vein, Kristoffer Lund will have a difficult job dislodging him from the left-back position.
When Sheffield United did push forward, Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann remained composed and resolute. The hosts adopted a fairly direct approach, but it produced little reward for Chris Wilder’s side, with former Blues youngster Romelle Donovan and Tahith Chong both featuring from the bench.
Max Bird made his Blues debut as a second-half substitute and looked composed and tidy during his time on the pitch. He could prove to be an important addition as Blues look to strengthen their options and fill the gaps in midfield.
Ultimately, it was a solid day’s work from Blues. A point away from home, particularly against a side like Sheffield United, provides a respectable start to the campaign. Attention now turns to the first home game of the season, with Bristol City visiting next weekend.