Sheffield United’s two-year stay in the Premier League ended on Saturday night, after they were officially moved to the championship after a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Blades needed to avoid defeat to mathematically keep all hopes of a miraculous escape alive, but a second-half strike from Willian Jose condemned them to their 26th league loss of the campaign.
The defeat at Molineux ends our Premier League journey. pic.twitter.com/9PAgBxWcrt
– Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) April 17, 2021
And Sheffield United’s failure to pick up a few points leaves them 19 behind 17th place Burnley, ending their chances of avoiding relegation and confirming their return to the championship next season.
The loss to Wolves confirms what has been known for many months now, as Sheffield United’s miserable start and continued poor form throughout the season gave them the most uphill climbs as they tried to climb the table.
This season is fading in sharp contrast compared to last year, where Chris Wilder’s side woke the viewers with his exciting and impressive football style. The Blades finished the 2019/20 campaign in ninth place in the Premier League table and appeared at the height of European qualification for most of the season.
Sheffield United suffered a dip in form towards the end of the campaign, and that decline has passed into this season, leaving them with a shocking four wins in 32 attempts. The gloomy second season saw Wilder lose his job in March, with Paul Heckingbottom stepping in to watch the final weeks.
Another one of those nights Pool / Getty Images
Blade fans will have fond memories of their time in the top flight, after recording some famous victories against Premier League heavyweights in their debut campaign and winning praise for their bold football style.
The Yorkshire side must now regroup and will look to jump straight back into the Premier League the first time they ask, as Norwich City have done, after their promotion was confirmed on Saturday afternoon.
