Jack Robinson was one of many Sheffield United players who put in a resilient display in the side’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on the return of the Premier League. We have taken a closer look at his performance against Villa in the latest edition of our Unsung Hero feature.
Sheffield United moved into a European place as they now sit sixth in the division, but it wasn’t to be without controversy and if goal-line technology was functioning like it should, then the Blades could have picked up all three points.
This became a talking point after the game and seemed to take away praise from Robinson’s heroic performance in the back line. It was the Englishman’s first appearance in the Premier League this season, per WhoScored, as manager Chris Wilder has stuck with the back five that has worked this campaign. He had been plying his trade at Championship side Nottingham Forest for the first half of the season, before being snapped up by the South Yorkshire club in January.
He initially struggled to break into the team and wasn’t in favour at Bramall Lane. However a knee injury to commanding centre-half Jack O’Connell meant that Robinson was drafted in at Villa Park, and there must have been a lot of nerves as he was brought in for the first Premier League match in over 100 days, and one that many across the globe would have tuned in for.
These nerves clearly disappeared immediately though as the centre-back put in an outstanding performance, and it will give both Wilder and the Blades supporters added confidence as they wait to find out how long O’Connell is injured for.
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SofaScore gave Robinson a 7.7 rating, which was the joint second-highest out of the Blades players, and the joint-third best on the pitch. It is clear to see why he was rated so highly as he managed six clearances, three tackles and one interception, whilst also winning five out his six ground duels and six out of his seven aerial duels.
This was very impressive for a player making his Premier League debut for the club, and just highlights how good a defensive unit manager Wilder has at the club.
Pundits and the media may be slamming the awful technological mistake that happened in the game, but Robinson has emphasised that Wilder has good defenders on his bench as well as the starting eleven. Now the Englishman can hopefully get some well-earned game time in the absence of O’Connell and continue to be a strong cog in United’s well oiled defence for their final nine games. If they can keep defending like that, then there is no doubt they can push for a European place.
Blades fans, were you impressed by Robinson’s performance? Comment below!
