Sheffield United relegated from the Premier League after 1-0 loss as Willian Jose bags his first Wolves goal

Sheffield United have been relegated from the Premier League in what is the joint-earliest relegation in the league’s history, spelling an end to a remarkable journey from the bottom of League One in 2016 to a ninth placed top-flight finish in 2020.

In the same day that Norwich City’s promotion was confirmed, the Blades’ relegation was also confirmed which meant Paul Heckingbottom’s side are the first team to finish as high as ninth in the Premier League and be relegated the following season since Birmingham City (ninth in 2009/10 and relegated in 2010/11) according to Opta.

Margins have been one of the deciding factors in United’s fate this campaign, losing 16 league games by a single goal this season, the most one-goal defeats in a single top-flight campaign since Ipswich Town in 1985/86.

The visitors didn’t look interested from the whistle, despite a win or a draw allowing them to live to fight another day in the Premier League – rolling over and letting nature take its course.

Chances came thick and fast for United, with Enda Stevens blowing a golden opportunity for his side right before Wolves went down the other end with Adama Traore who squared it to Willian Jose for the opener.

Oliver Norwood also went close for the Blades, but Rui Patricio denied the Northern Irishman from keeping the South Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League for at least another game week.

Heckingbottom says there’s a lot of hurt in that dressing room, & there has been for a long time. Concedes that tonight’s game encapsulates their whole season. “The players gave everything”, & adds this is the most unforgiving league in the world. #SUFC pic.twitter.com/XUbJ4R2rTE

— Joe Lyons (@JoeLyonsJourno) April 17, 2021

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo expressed his respect for Sheffield United as a club, especially in the way they came up like his own side did. “I have huge admiration. For sure they will bounce back,” he said.

After a sluggish start to the season, tricky winger Adama Traore has began to pick up the pace with a goal and two assists in his last three games against West Ham, Fulham and Sheffield United respectively.

After 13 apps, 901 minutes and 15 shots, Willian Jose opened his account at Molineux with a tidy finish but has appeared statue-like for the majority of his time in the West Midlands to date.

Just days ago, former Blades boss Chris Wilder, who helped his boyhood club reach the Premier League and finish ninth last season, issued an open letter to fans thanking them for helping him ‘living the dream.’

“I lived the dream of every Blades fan and I hope every one of them understands that I tried to represent them correctly in ‘giving them their club back’, a phrase that has been said to me quite a few times. And one I verbally believe we did!”

It’s no secret that Wilder helped United overachieve in their 2019/20 campaign, but not many would’ve predicted the demise that followed this season. Ultimately, this season’s failure was a combination of poor recruitment and disinterest from the players.

Injuries haven’t helped along the way, with Jack O’Connell, Jack Robinson and John Egan having spent excessive periods on the sideline leaving the Blades shorthanded at many points throughout the year.

For the club as a whole, they must now focus on rebuilding for next season and attempting to restore some pride in the squad after a disheartening campaign. Whether Heckingbottom remains or a new permanent manager is introduced, changes in the squad must happen and investment is key.

United will be hoping they can emulate Norwich City’s path back to the Premier League, but at the same time attempting to avoid becoming a ‘yo-yo’ team between England’s top two tiers.

History suggests this club isn’t one that should be playing in the Championship, and when you look at a ground like Bramall Lane – the same idea appears. The fans deserve better.