Sheffield United head coach Chris Wilder has backed his players to respond after two late Stoke City stunners condemned the Blades to a fourth defeat in five games in all competitions.
Chris Wilder doubled down on his belief that he can trust his first-choice set of Sheffield United players, insisting they “gave everything” before a late defeat at Stoke City this afternoon. The Blades led through Kalvin Phillips’ opener as they looked to go into the international break on a high.
But two late stunners from Stoke saw them suffer a fourth defeat in five in all competitions and led to more noise and criticism for Wilder and his players on social media. United tumbled out of the League Cup in midweek at Fleetwood and were looking to bounce back with victory.
Sign up to our Sheffield United newsletter
Phillips’ clever free kick looked to be the spark that the Blades needed before Jack McGlynn equalised with a stunner from long range with 12 minutes left, and sub Sam Gallagher scored an even better goal to win it four minutes from the end.
“It’s a tough one to take for us all, but it's the way it's going at the moment,” Wilder said. “Two wonder goals. We did a lot of things right, out of possession, but needed to be a little bit better in possession.
“Key moments. Fine details and fine margins have decided the last two games. I've doubled down in what I've said about that team today. A team that I can trust, that's given everything.
For the latest Blades news straight to your inbox, sign up for The Star’s free Sheffield United newsletter
The Star has a dedicated Sheffield United WhatsApp Channel to bring you the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click here to join
“I’ve been in the game a long time and can see into players' eyes. They put everything out there. We got our noses in front and had a couple of opportunities. We always know that, as the home team, they were chasing the game and trying to get back into the game.
“But out of possession, we restricted them. I thought the shape was good, they didn't really create anything of note and they've got some good players. They brought the big boys on and I thought we dealt with that as well.
“And then they find, obviously, two wonder goals that have decided the game. We quite easily could be sat here with six points from the last two games, quite easily. And I don't think we would have been unbelievably shocked.
“Then all of a sudden, they find a fantastic moment and then Sam's volley. To concede two like that in one game ... I don't think that will happen again all season, let alone in one game.”