Sheffield United played Birmingham at Bramall Lane on 15 August in the first round of the Championship, and the match ended 0-0. Neither side could find the net despite both creating one big chance each. The result keeps both clubs unbeaten after five games.
When chances came they were not taken
And here's the thing about a game like this — you watch for the moments that matter, not the passing triangles. Sheffield United had 118 attacks against Birmingham's 112, but only managed one shot on target in 90 minutes. The visitors had slightly more possession at 55 per cent and pressed forward with 32 crosses, yet their goalkeeper made just one save.
The statistics tell a familiar story. Birmingham's expected goals stood at 0.77 while Sheffield United's was 0.29, but neither side could convert. Both teams had the same number of aerial duels won — 67 each — and the same number of fouls. By then it was clear this would be decided by nothing more than concentration.
Eight substitutions came in quick succession after the break, with Sheffield United bringing on Romelle Donovan and Thomas Cannon together in the 60th minute. Birmingham responded with Joe Rothwell and Jay Stansfield, then Sam McCallum and Patrick Bamford. The managers were trying something, though to be fair, trying is not the same as succeeding.
Sheffield United sit 15th in the table with six points from five games, one win and three draws. Birmingham are 10th with seven points, also one win and four draws. The gap remains narrow, and neither side has yet tasted defeat.