Sheffield United vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Sheffield United FC 0 - 6 Arsenal FC
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
22:07
Arsenal become the first side in English football league history to win three successive away matches by five or more goals following their comprehensive 6-0 drubbing of Sheffield United. The Gunners, who had an xG of 2.25 compared to their opponents' 0.23, also closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points with 11 games remaining. The damage was done during a ruthless first-half display at Bramall Lane, where Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were all on target, while Jayden Bogle put through his own net. Ben White also got in on the act after the break as Mikel Arteta's side made it seven straight wins in 2024. They will look to continue their blistering form at home to Brentford on Saturday. The first English league side to concede five or more goals in four straight home games, United remain 11 points from safety and will desperately try to rally themselves when they travel to Bournemouth this weekend. Thanks for joining us. Until next time, goodbye!
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
22:00
FULL-TIME: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-6 ARSENAL
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
22:00
As well as their impressive attacking exploits, Arsenal's defensive ones also deserve a mention. Barring a last-gasp United goal, this would be the Gunners' 11th clean sheet in the Premier League this season, the most by any side.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:56
Taking their goal tally to 68 today, Arsenal have never scored as many after 27 games in a Premier League season. They have also netted 31 already in 2024 while conceding just three - and 17 without reply in their last three away games.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:54
There are going to be at least five minutes of stoppage time at the end of this game.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:53
Jesus threatens for the Gunners as he looks to jink past a couple of United defenders, who eventually snuff him out. Although, the offside flag is subsequently raised against him.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:53
Although the damage was done in the first half, United do deserve credit having been a lot more stubborn at the back since the restart. Despite White's goal, they have managed to largely keep their opponents at bay.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:49
The hosts are looking to end a disappointing day on a high as they attack down the right flank. Bogle has space to explore and makes his way into the area, but his eventual shot is a poor one and well wide of the target.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:49
GOOD SAVE! Jesus and Havertz link up well with the Brazilian taking aim from a tight angle. His curling shot looks like it could creep into Grbic's bottom-left corner, but the United goalkeeper manages to tip it away.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:44
United look for a consolation with Osula leading the charge from the halfway line. The substitute lets fly from outside the area, but his effort is always rising.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:44
Kiwior has a free header as he connects with Odegaard's ball into the box. However, he cannot steer it towards goal and test Grbic.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:40
A neat throughball gets Jesus in behind. The Brazil forward looks to square it for a team-mate, but the hosts manage to clear. He may have been better off shooting himself there.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:36
It is not hugely surprising to see Arsenal take their foot off the gas slightly in the second half. The Gunners registered 16 shots during the first half, but have only mustered four since the restart.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:35
Substitution Declan Rice Leandro Trossard
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:33
Vieira chases Cedric's long ball over the top of the defence down the right side. He manages to connect, but is unable to keep it in play.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:33
We are into the final quarter of this contest. United will be praying for the final whistle to put them out of their misery.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:28
This is a worry for Arsenal. Martinelli goes down again, though he appears to be in a bit more distress this time around. It looks like he will be unable to continue, but the Gunners will hope it is nothing too serious.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:26
Substitution Benjamin William White Cédric Ricardo Alves Soares
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:26
Substitution Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Thomas Teye Partey
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:26
Substitution Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva Gabriel Fernando de Jesus
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:25
Substitution Anel AhmedhodžiÄ Oliver Luke Arblaster
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:25
Worryingly for United - but encouragingly for Arsenal - there is still half an hour to play at Bramall Lane. With goal difference likely to be a crucial factor in this closely fought Premier League title race, the Gunners are doing their own no harm whatsoever here.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:23
The Gunners are well on course to become the first English football league side to win three successive away matches by a margin of five or more goals. You would not expect them to slip up from here.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:21
Arsenal go in search of that sixth goal with Vieira leading the charge. He crosses towards Martinelli, who hooks the ball towards goal, but United are able to clear their lines on this occasion.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:20
Assist Kai Lukas Havertz
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:19
Goal Benjamin William White
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:17
Rice whips a fierce free-kick towards goal from a tight angle, and Grbic does well to hold onto the ball with several Arsenal players close by and ready to pounce.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:15
The Gunners have the opportunity to threaten again as Vinicius brings Havertz down just outside the box. The hosts must maintain their concentration levels here.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:13
There is a slight concern for Arsenal as Martinelli goes down clutching his face after he was accidentally caught by Baldock's trailing arm. Although, the winger is soon back on his feet.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:10
United get the ball rolling again in the second half.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:07
Substitution James John McAtee George Henry Ivor Baldock
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:07
Substitution Oliver Robert McBurnie William Idamudia Daugaard Osula
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:07
Substitution Thomas Davies Andre Chance Brooks
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:07
Substitution Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka Fábio Daniel Ferreira Vieira
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:03
Completely outclassed during that first half, United enjoyed just 20.1 per cent of the possession and faced 16 shots from their opponents while recording just one of their own. The Blades also completed just 74 passes during those opening 45 minutes, with Arsenal defender Saliba (80) managing to better that tally. You feel it will be damage limitation for Chris Wilder's side upon the restart.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
21:00
In record-breaking fashion, Arsenal were simply irresistable during that first half as they steamrollered to a comprehensive 5-0 lead over a despondant Sheffield United. Despite an xG of just 1.84, Mikel Arteta's side took just five minutes to break the deadlock through Martin Odegaard, while a Jayden Bogle own-goal and Gabriel Martinelli made it 3-0 inside the opening quarter of an hour. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice also got in on the act during the Gunners' most prolific first half in a Premier League match. As for their opponents, whose xG was a mere 0.03, they are the first side in English football league history to concede five or more goals in four straight home matches.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:53
HALF-TIME: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-5 ARSENAL
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:51
With 18 in four matches, Arsenal have now scored as many away Premier League goals in 2024 than Manchester United have across the entire campaign.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:48
There are going to be five additional minutes at the end of this first half. The hosts will be desperate for the half-time whistle.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:48
While this has been superb for Arsenal, United have subsequently achieved an unwanted record. Indeed, the Blades have become the first side in English football league history to concede five or more goals in four successive home matches. It could yet get worse for them as well.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:44
No side in Premier League history has ever gone into half-time with a 5-0 lead. Although, there is a huge possibility Arsenal could achieve that here. They are showing no signs of slowing down.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:42
Winning on their last two visits, Arsenal arrived here having never won three successive away matches against United. Barring the most spectacular of collapses, you would expect them to achieve that feat today.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:40
Goal Declan Rice
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:40
Still, the Gunners threaten. This time, Martinelli leads the charge with a dangerous burst across the penalty area. He shoots with his left foot, but the attempt is deflected away and behind for a corner.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:38
There is still time, of course, but Arsenal are well on course for their seventh straight Premier League victory of 2024. Only Manchester City (13 in 2021), Manchester United (nine in 2009) and Liverpool (eight in 2020) have had a longer winning run from the start of a calendar year. Those sides all went on to win the title, so could that be a good omen for the Gunners?
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:36
We have only just passed the half-hour mark, but Arsenal have already registered six shots on target. That is higher than their season average in the Premier League of 5.9.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:33
While it gets better and better for Arsenal, it goes from bad to worse for United. Droves of supporters have already seen enough and are making their way for the exit gates.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:31
United look to hit back and a throughball releases Hamer in on goal. The winger is denied by Raya, but the offside flag is subsequently raised against him.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:31
Yellow Card Jayden Ian Bogle
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:27
Arsenal have now scored 300 Premier League goals under Arteta in what is his 161st match at the helm. Pep Guardiola (120), Jurgen Klopp (142) and Manuel Pellegrini (149) are the only managers to reach that tally in fewer games.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:26
Assist Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:26
Rice looks keen to get in on the act as he lets fly with a fierce drive from distance. There is plenty of venom in the England midfielder's strike and Grbic has to push it away to safety.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:24
The Blades desperately look to stop the rot and put a neat move together. It results in McAtee getting a shot away from distance, but it is always rising.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:23
It has looked like a training exercise for Arsenal, who have been utterly ruthless thus far. At the moment, it seems like a matter of how many goals they will actually score.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:17
Substitution Oliver James Norwood Benjamin Jarrod Osborn
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:17
Goal Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:14
Own goal Jayden Ian Bogle
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:13
Good block. The visitors are refusing to relent and Martinelli finds Saka in the box. Although, the well-placed Robinson does well to get in the way of his shot.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:13
Given their defensive vulnerabilities, Arsenal are the last side United would have wanted to face today. Indeed, the Gunners recently became the first team in Premier League history to score two or more goals in seven successive halves of football.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:11
Odegaard is clearly in the mood here. After playing a short corner to Saka, he receives the return pass and teases Vinicius before letting fly from the edge of the box. However, the skipper's attempt is wide of Grbic's right post.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:10
That was the 67th goal United have conceded in the Premier League this season. The only side to let more in at this stage of a top-flight campaign was Ipswich Town in 1963-64 (74).
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:06
Goal Martin Ødegaard
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:06
CLOSE! The Gunners continue to apply the pressure and White sends a teasing ball across the six-yard box, but Havertz is just unable to apply the final touch.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:05
OFF THE BAR! Arsenal are quickly into their stride as Saka plays a neat one-two with White to get in behind the defence. His square ball for Rice ricochets kindly back into his stride, and he is unfortunate to see his volley crash against the woodwork. Martinelli looks to follow up, but his first-time shot is cleared off the line by Robinson.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:03
Samuel Barrott is our referee today. He blows his whistle and the 100th league meeting between the teams is under way.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
20:02
The teams are making their way out onto the field. We are almost ready to go at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:58
One way or another, we may see history today. Arsenal could become the first side in English football league history to win three successive away matches by a five-goal margin or more. The Gunners have every chance of achieving that against their opponents, who are looking to avoid becoming the first English side to lose 5-0 in three straight home league games. The Blades could also have the unwanted tag of the first side in English football league history to concede five or more goals in four consecutive home outings.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:53
Meanwhile, it is unsurprising that Mikel Arteta names an unchanged starting XI from Arsenal's resounding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United last time out. The most significant team news comes from the bench, where Partey returns having been absent since October with a thigh injury. The recently returned Jesus also takes his place among the substitutes, but Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu miss out.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:47
Chris Wilder makes two changes from United's defeat at Wolves last weekend. Davies makes his first start for the club in midfield following a lengthy injury absence, while the in-form McBurnie is also back in the starting XI. Larouci and Brewster drop to the bench, where they are joined by the returning Baldock and Brereton. Mason Holgate serves the second of his three-match suspension, while a lengthy injury list includes the likes of Cameron Archer, John Egan, Chris Basham, Ryan Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, Daniel Jebbison and Anis Ben Slimane.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:37
SUBS: Aaron Ramsdale, Cedric Soares, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:37
ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:37
SUBS: Wes Foderingham, George Baldock, Yasser Larouci, Andre Brooks, Oliver Arblaster, Sydie Peck, Ben Osborn, William Osula, Ben Brereton.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:37
SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-5-1): Ivo Grbic; Jayden Bogle, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Auston Trusty, Jack Robinson; James McAtee, Oliver Norwood, Vinicius, Tom Davies, Gustavo Hamer; Oli McBurnie.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:37
High-flying Arsenal are looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points with what would be their seventh successive victory of 2024. By contrast, bottom side United have been in freefall in recent times. The Blades have suffered eight defeats in their last 11, including back-to-back 5-0 routs on home soil against Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, leaving them seven points adrift at the foot of the table, and 11 from safety.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:31
Hello everyone and a warm welcome to live text coverage of the Premier League clash between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal
19:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
