Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 key players to watch – Who will respond?

4. Oli Norwood

For those that do not watch Sheffield United extensively, Oli Norwood might seem like a journeyman Premier League midfielder who is little more than average. But watch just one match of Chris Wilder’s side and you will quickly see how integral the Northern Irishman is to the entire United set-up.

Playing at the base of a three-man midfield, Norwood is the metronomic distributor that makes the United engine tick. His pass completion rate is exceptionally high, he sprays balls across the pitch with lovely technique and skill, and he takes many of United’s set-pieces alongside John Fleck, where they are very dangerous indeed.

Norwood also drops between the three centre-backs at times. United’s wide centre-backs push high up the pitch when in possession. Norwood subsequently drops alongside John Egan, the central defender of the back three, to provide cover against the counter-attack and help control United’s attacking moves. If Arsenal do not make life difficult for Norwood, he will pick them apart.