Where the key to Sheffield United’s Premier League success lies in 2019/20 – opinion

Sheffield United have been nothing short of sensational in the Premier League this campaign. The English top-flight’s surprise package are sixth in the table, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal. It has been an incredible feat by manager Chris Wilder to guide his side to challenge for the Premier League’s European places, and a large part of the reason they sit amongst the elite is their home form.

In the last seven home matches, the Blades have lost just once at Bramall Lane, which has quickly become an absolute fortress. The only side to have toppled Sheffield at home on that run is Newcastle United, albeit in slightly fortuitous circumstances, after a Jonjo Shelvey goal which was initially flagged for offside then overruled. Even in their only loss in that streak the Blades dominated proceedings and would have got a point or more out of the game had it not been for an outstanding Martin Dubravka display in the Newcastle goal.

Aside from that one blip Wilder’s side have won four and drawn two of their last seven home games, accumulating a massive 14 points from 21 available. It is remarkable that against teams below them in the Premier League Sheffield United have lost just twice at home all season, the other defeat coming in the form of a 1-0 loss to Southampton. In total, they have picked up at least a point in 57 per cent of their matches at Bramall Lane this term, and it is becoming a ground no side will enjoy visiting.

The Blades have only accumulated two fewer points on their travels, but a large proportion of their results have been draws. Overall, 63 per cent of Sheffield United’s wins have come in front of their own fans, and it will have been a considerable boost to the morale of the players and supporters. If they can continue the excellent run they are currently in the middle of on home turf, then ending the season in a Europa League place is a realistic possibility.