It’s arguable that Sheffield United got more enjoyment out of their opening game of the new Championship season than they did throughout their brief and painful return to the Premier League.
The Blades’ last taste of victory came in November last season, but Chris Wilder’s vibrant side got off to an immediate positive start at Preston, Oliver Arblaster’s first goal for the club and an audacious finish from Gustavo Hammer giving them a deserved victory.
It was a very encouraging start for United, who had any number of excuses to go into the new season with a hangover. They could have cited low morale after finishing bottom of the Premier League last season with just 16 points, a never-ending acquisition spree, the loss of several veteran players and a two-point deduction for non-payment of payments for the 2022-23 season, which came into effect upon return to the EFL. But, to Wilder’s satisfaction and credit, the visitors showed no signs of self-pity.
United dominated the game with new signings Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore rattling the Preston defence throughout the first half. The early lead was largely down to good fortune but United’s superiority was never in doubt. Roars of discontent from the home fans as the half-time whistle blew reflected a struggling first half for Ryan Lowe’s side. Preston started brilliantly last season, leading the Championship at one point, and there was little chance of them repeating this feat.
Hammer, one of United’s few bright spots last season, burst into the home side’s defence and broke through. The threat appeared to be dealt with by a tackle from Liam Lindsay, but Moore’s cleverness allowed the move to remain open, freeing Andre Brooks on the right wing. The winger cut inside and fed Arblaster on the edge of the penalty area, whose shot bounced wide off Andrew Hughes and, thanks to poor footing from Freddie Woodman, flew inside the Preston keeper’s right post. United’s rabid supporters were in ecstasy, and with good reason: their only league win away from home last season was against Luton.
O’Hare had a golden chance to double the visitors’ lead but again went too far at the end of a flowing move, and Preston’s threat was limited in comparison but grew as the game progressed.
New Iceland midfielder Stefan Thordarsson has been central to this improvement, and it was his ball to Emil Riis that created the home side’s first real chance. The centre-forward had a good shot but it was eventually parried away by Adam Davies. A brave run from Thordarsson set up Brad Potts for a chance which was blocked by United captain Jack Robinson.
Sam Greenwood, on loan from Leeds, and defender Jack Whatmuff both came close to scoring for Preston early in the second half. But just as Rowe’s team were starting to gain momentum, they ruined it – literally, in the case of Woodman. The Preston keeper made a routine save from Brooks’ shot after another United counter-attack, but his attempted clearance was a huge flop. He slotted the ball straight to Hammer, who sent a sublime lob over Woodman’s head from 30 yards and into an unguarded net. The assist could have been worse. Deepdale were audibly astounded, but Hammer’s play was outstanding.
