3 positives & negatives from Sheffield United thrashing

Positive #3: A statement victory

Of course, all that matters is the three points, and you don’t get any extra points for a 5-0 win. However, what a 5-0 victory does do is send a message to your rivals, irrespective of who your opponents are.

Against weaker teams so far this season, such as Nottingham Forest, we have struggled and have largely failed to win convincingly. Therefore, an emphatic win in this game not only boosts the confidence at the club but suggests that our attack is starting to purr.

Not too much can be read into the performance. After all, Sheffield United are languishing in 20th place for a reason, but the 5-0 victory is a statement nonetheless.

Negative #3: No Gabriel Jesus

Similar to the Thomas Partey situation, Gabriel Jesus has been relatively injury-prone since arriving at the Emirates, and his absence from the squad in this game suggests his hamstring injury should be a cause for concern.

Nketiah performed superbly in the Brazilian’s absence, but Jesus is the superior player and we are unquestionably a better side when it is ex-City man leading the line.

Make no mistake, if we are to maintain another serious bid for the Premier League title, Jesus will be a pivotal player in making that happen.