Chaos reigned at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night as Sheffield United slipped to their seventh Championship defeat of the season and their fourth at home. But the Blades not only had to battle with visiting Southampton they were not helped by a shocking performance from referee Adam Herczeg. He denied Sydie Peck and United a late equaliser, claiming Saints' goalkeeper had been impeded when clearly he had not. Herczeg, responsible for a catalogue of errors, also dismissed Blades manager Chris Wilder in a heavy handed approach after an accidental incident after the half-time whistle. Despite all this, United produced their best performance of the season. Having taken the lead, they only has themselves to blame for seeing it overturned. But nevertheless, this was a performance which demonstrated United are edging closer to putting their derailed season back on track.

Summary:

• Referee Adam Herczeg's numerous misjudgments.
• Despite the defeat, there were noticeable signs of progress in Sheffield United's overall performance.
• The absence of Chris Wilder from the touchline could significantly affect United's upcoming game against Hull City.
• Tom Davies showcased his potential and received praise for his performance during the match.
• United's recent switch to a three-man defence doesn't seem to suit captain Japhet Tanganga playing as a right-sided centre-back
• The players exhibited a new-found confidence

Where are the goals going to come from? When Sheffield United finally get their season up and running, there is still an issue which hasn't been talked about. Talk this week of interest in striker Patrick Bamford, a free agent after terminating his contract at Leeds, if true, reveals concern behind the scenes about United's firepower. Something that Blades boss Chris Wilder can't start to address until the January transfer window.

The appointment of Portuguese coach Guilherme Ramos, yet another addition at Bramall Lane with a connection to Bulgarian football, raises more questions about the role of James Bord, the entrepreneur and former gambler who is now in the analytics business.

Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannon had warm words for Wilder this week but it's unlikely they will have been of much comfort after the home defeat to Charlton on his third return to the Bramall Lane hot-seat

SUMMARY

• Talk of interest in Patrick Bamford indicates a shortage of dependable firepower at the Lane.
• New coach Guillerme Ramos's appointment raises more questions about the influence of external connections in the club.
• Barry Bannon's words of encouragement cold comfort for Blades boss Wilder

Links referenced in this episode:

• viewfromthejohnstreet.com

Chris Wilder could hardly believe what he was seeing at a near sell-out Bramall Lane on his third return as manager. Having worked with his Sheffield United players for the best part of a week, there was little response. A 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic exposed all of the failings under sacked manager Ruben Selles as the rock-bottom Blades suffered their sixth straight Championship defeat.

Summary:

• United's disappointing performance against Charlton Athletic exposed a lack of cohesion.
• The Blades only managed a single shot on target.
• Chris Wilder expressed concern over the team's continual defensive lapses.
• The atmosphere fell flat, reflecting fans' frustration and disappointment.