23 February MW 25
GOALS KEEP COMING
The goals show no sign of letting up, in fact with 807 scored in 250 matches, the rate has reached a giddy 3.23 per match. If that rate is maintained then the seasons’ total there will be almost 150 more goals scored than the record high of last season. The lowest overall Premier League tally was 931 in 2006/07 and that will be overtaken in just four weeks at the current rate. With the goals flying in left, right and mainly in the centre of the Sheffield United net, the Blades are leading the charts in a few categories.
SHEFFIELD UNITED TOPPING THE CHARTS
The eye-catching stat is in their goals conceded column which stands at 65 in 25 matches, after another 5-0 drubbing at Bramall Lane this time to Brighton. That is 2.6 goals a match, which, if continued, would lead to a total of 99 goals against. Considering Swindon Town are the only Premier League club to concede 100, Chris Wilder’s team only need to get marginally more leaky to join the century club. It should be noted that Swindon’s record was in 42 matches so their rate of goals conceded per match was 2.4. Sheffield United could surpass that Derby side of 2007/08 who let in 89.
Another mark that Sheffield United could add to their record-breaking tally is the worst goal difference. Only five clubs have had a minus goal difference of more than 50. Derby ‘lead’ the way at minus 69, followed by Norwich – 61 in 2021/22 and fellow East Anglians, Ipswich -57 in 1994/95 – another 42-match season. United’s GD is currently -43 and on course to reach -65, so watch this space.
In their loss to Brighton, Sheffield United Mason Holgate picked up their fourth red card of the season, the joint highest. When Jack Robinson put through his own net for the second time this season that was their fourth own goal, the most of any club. So they may be heading for relegation but they are making sure they are not going quietly.
The Football Mine 