‘He’s miles off it’ – Sheffield United fans fume at ‘dreadful’ starter after what he did vs Middlesbrough
Sheffield United fans have slammed Oliver Arblaster after he struggled to make an impact in their 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough on Monday night.
United had reason to believe that they could match high-flying Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane in the midst of a four-game winning run on home turf in the Championship.
Kim Hellberg’s side would have been equally as confident about a win, however, following five consecutive league wins that had pushed them to within a point of league leaders Coventry City.
Boro seized the initiative early on in South Yorkshire as goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree gave them a 2-0 lead at the break.
Patrick Bamford reduced the deficit in the second half, while Joe Rothwell was sent off on his Blades debut, but their supporters were not best pleased with what they saw from Arblaster.
Arblaster failed to deal with Boro’s midfield and was taken off at half time
Arblaster has previously been linked to Brighton following some standout performances for the Blades in the Premier League.
He looked set to be an important player for the club last season in their promotion quest, but suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in November 2024 and was ruled out for a little over a year.
The 21-year-old returned to the fold under Chris Wilder in December, and was handed a seventh league start of the campaign against Boro, which did not go to plan.
Arblaster lasted just 45 minutes on the pitch as the visitors seemed to breeze past him and midfield partner Sydie Peck with ease to take a 2-0 lead into the interval.
He lost possession three times, failed to make a tackle or create a chance, and won one of three attempted ground duels.
United boss Wilder revealed after the match that Arblaster had to come off at half time as he was suffering from illness, with many supporters unsure why he was chosen to start the game in the first place.
Blades fans rip into Arblaster for his performance vs Middlesbrough
A 2-1 home to defeat to Boro has left the Blades sitting 16th in the second tier as it stands, seven points from the bottom three and eight points from the top six.
Arblaster’s return from injury was seen as a big boost to their promotion hopes, but many United supporters are now doubting his impact in the middle of the park.
Taking to X after Monday’s loss, one fan said: “Arblaster (was) responsible for both Boro goals. Watched the replays. Leaves the assister to close down a man 30 yards away. Schoolboy stuff. Second goal, leaves his man to run (through) and hit the post. He’s so far off this level. Why he’s starting is anyone’s guess.“
Another added: “Oliver Arblaster today has shown us why Wilder will always choose favourites. He today has cost us points. Letting McGree run riot. Jogging instead of running. Not jumping for headers. Not going in for tackles. Not even wanting the ball. Oli. To be a footballer…actually try.”
While one said: “Sad to see Arblaster getting run rings round him tonight! Big reality check! He’s miles off it and should (have) been subbed after 20 mins, he needs taking out of the squad and get back to where he was pre ACL! It’s awful! You just aren’t the same player no matter how hard you try.”