Ben Osborn ‘embarrassed’ by Sheffield United’s Premier League predicament

Midfielder Ben Osborn says he is embarrassed by Sheffield United’s start to the season.
By Stuart Rayner
Published 27th Dec 2020, 20:30 BST
Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd looks on dejected after the final whistle (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd looks on dejected after the final whistle (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)
Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd looks on dejected after the final whistle (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)

The Blades are the only side in the top four divisions yet to win in 2020-21, and their two points from the opening Premier League 15 games is on a par with the worst starts in English league football.

Barrow and Newport County had two points each after 15 Fourth Division games in 1970-71, as did Southport five years later.

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“It’s embarrassing at the moment,” admitted Osborn after the 1-0 Boxing Day defeat to Everton. “Everyone is going to fight. We just need someone to get a break or hit a little form in front of goal.

Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd tussles with Seamus Coleman of Everton (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd tussles with Seamus Coleman of Everton (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)
Ben Osborn of Sheffield Utd tussles with Seamus Coleman of Everton (Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage)

“I’ve been in these situations before, when you can’t see a win coming and then you nick a 1-0. Then you kick on. We just have to stop people scoring.”

There were very few chances for either side at Bramall Lane on Saturday, but a momentary lapse was capitalised on by Gylfi Sigurdsson in the final 10 minutes to deny the Blades their first clean sheet in 19 matches across all competitions stretching back to last season.

They kept 13 in last season’s Premier League.

“I thought the minimum on Saturday was to get a clean sheet even if we’re not playing that well on the ball,” said Osborn. “Then I’ve turned around, seen him (Sigurdsson) with that much time, I couldn’t believe it.

Ben Osborn of Sheffield United in action against Everton (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)Ben Osborn of Sheffield United in action against Everton (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
Ben Osborn of Sheffield United in action against Everton (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
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“When we concede, the lads are still pushing forward and giving everything. We just aren’t taking half-chances when others are.

“It felt like – well, similar to – Leicester. We didn’t play great but I’m thinking, ‘This is a draw.’ Then it gets taken away from you like that and it’s sickening.

“It’s back to basics.”

Tomorrow the Blades are at a Burnley side who themselves lost 1-0 in Yorkshire this weekend, at Leeds United.

“Hopefully we can get a result for everyone at the club,” said Osborn.

Report: Page 2

Related topics:Ben OsbornPremier League

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