‘Painful season’ has left Sheffield United players damaged, says Wilder after 6-0 thrashing

Chris Wilder suggested his Sheffield United players have been left “broken and damaged” by a “painful” Premier League season after a 6-0 home defeat against Arsenal on Monday night (4 March).

The Gunners dominated from start to finish against a Blades team who looked well beaten after Martin Odegaard, Jayden Bogle’s own goal and Gabriel Martinelli had put them 3-0 behind inside 13 minutes.

Kai Havertz and Declan Rice put the irrepressible Londoners 5-0 ahead at half-time and Ben White crashed home their sixth before the hour mark.

“It’s been a painful season. There are a lot of broken and damaged players out there, this is what the league can do to you,” Wilder said.