Sheffield United’s inevitable relegation from the Premier League was confirmed as Wolves sealed their fate with a 1-0 victory at Molineux on Saturday.
Willian Jose’s first Premier League goal at the 12th attempt condemned the Blades to a sixth successive league defeat which leaves them rooted to the foot of the table, 19 points from safety with just 18 points left to play for.
Sheffield United’s two-season stay in the top flight ended with a performance packed full of heart, but crucially lacking end product, as an arduous campaign saw the Blades become the fourth team in Premier League history to be sent down to the Championship at the 32-game mark.
For Wolves, back-to-back league victories for the first time since February moves them to within four points of the top half.
More to follow.
Blades back in the Championship – Match stats
- Sheffield United are the first team to finish as high as 9th in the Premier League and be relegated the following season since Birmingham City (9th in 2009-10, relegated in 2010-11).
- Only Sunderland in 2005-06 and Derby in 2007-08 (11 points each) have had fewer points on the board after 32 games in a Premier League season than Sheffield United this term (14).
- Wolves have secured their first league double over Sheffield United since the 2013-14 League One campaign.
- Sheffield United have equalled their record number of league defeats in a single season (26 – also in 1975-76 and 2010-11), while the Blades have lost 16 Premier League games by a single goal this season, the most 1-goal defeats in a single top-flight campaign since Ipswich Town in 1985-86 (also 16).
- After a run of 35 Premier League games without a goal or assist, Adama Traore has now scored (1) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last three games in the competition.
- In his 12th Premier League appearance for Wolves, Willian José scored his first goal for the club, with his 15th shot attempt in the competition.
What’s next?
Saturday 24th April 7:45pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Sheffield United host Brighton on Saturday Night Football at 8pm – live on Sky Sports Premier League – before Wolves entertain Burnley on Sunday at 12pm.
