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Sheffield United labelled ‘pathetic’ by Graeme Souness as Roy Keane says Chris Wilder’s men could go down as one of worst Premier League sides EVER
Roy Keane believes Sheffield United could be remembered as one of the worst Premier League teams ever, while Graeme Souness labelled the basement boys' first-half display in Sunday's 3-1 defeat against Tottenham 'pathetic'.
It has been a nightmare 2020/21 season for Chris Wilder's men who look destined for a return to the Championship, having only picked up five points from 19 outings so far.
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With the Blades two goals behind at the interval, the pair - who are never afraid of voicing their opinion - let rip into the relegation-threatened side while on Sky Sports punditry duty.
"I can't believe what I'm watching here. One thing I can't throw at Sheffield United is that you always feel they are a decent group and they'll have a go," Keane remarked.
"I can't believe how bad they've been. They obviously went a goal down after five minutes, and there's a real lack of quality which we know, lack of creativity.
"You'd think they'd be a bit upbeat after the result the other night. But looking at them today, their points total and everything else that's behind this team, they could go down as one of the worst teams to ever play in the Premiership.
"I can't believe what I'm watching, I can't believe how bad they've been."
TOP 10 WORST PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS TO BE RELEGATED
1. Derby - 2007/08 - 11 points, -69 goal difference
2. Sunderland - 2005/06 - 15 points, -43 goal difference
3. Huddersfield - 2018/19 - 16 points, - 54 goal difference
4. Aston Villa - 2015/16 - 17 points, -49 goal difference
5. Sunderland - 2002/03 - 19 points, -44 goal difference
6. Norwich - 2019/20 - 21 points, -49 goal difference
7. Watford - 1999/00 - 24 points, -42 goal difference
8. Sunderland - 2016/17 - 24 points, -40 goal difference
9. Wolves - 2011/12 - 25 points, -42 goal difference
10. QPR - 2012/13 - 25 points, -30 goal difference
And Souness gave an even more damning assessment of Wilder's side - calling out Oliver Norwood after his mistake led to Harry Kane doubling Spurs' lead shortly before half-time after Serge Aurier's fifth-minute opener.
He explained: "You're fighting for your life, you're at the bottom of the league and if that continues... now call me old fashioned but if I had done that in a game of football when I played eight of my teammates would have been digging me out at half-time.
"This is a team that can only be effective if they're aggressive in every part of their game.
"What is that challenge saying about a team? You're fighting for your life, you're at the bottom of the league.
Adrian Durham says Sheffield United are 'basically accepting relegation' if they stick with under pressure manager Chris Wilder
"That is pathetic, you're fighting for your life, you're going get relegated to the Championship, people will lose their jobs, you're playing for your teammates, everything about it is 'i've accepted my lot' from Norwood there."
David McGoldrick's header from a superb John Fleck delivery gave the hosts a lifeline shortly after the break, but Tanguy Ndombele restored Tottenham's two-goal lead with a stunning finish just minutes later.
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