MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 01:17:22| >> :120:75173:75173:

John Egan dismisses talk of 'second season syndrome' at Sheffield United

The Blades finished ninth last season following promotion from the Championship.

John Egan has dismissed talk of Sheffield United suffering 'second season syndrome' but insists the club cannot rest on their laurels after taking the Premier League by storm.

United were installed among the relegation favourites following promotion from the Championship in 2019 before defying the odds to secure a top-half finish.

Chris Wilder's Blades began the new campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Wolves and will look to bounce back at Aston Villa on Monday evening.

Defender Egan, who has played a key role in the South Yorkshire side's remarkable rise, is unconcerned by suggestions the team may struggle to replicate the achievements of last term.

"All I hear about is second season syndrome, getting asked that. But as a player you don't even think about it, it doesn't even cross your mind," said Egan.

"I am sure that is the same for the rest of the players here.

"You just look forward to the next game, in the Premier League you can't look too far ahead or you can't look behind you because the next game is the most important game.

"Every team in this league is a really good team. It's the best league in the world for a reason so you have to prepare really well for every game.

"Last year we came up and everyone was saying, 'you're going to go straight back down' and we ended up finishing ninth, which was brilliant. But that's done now. A new league has started and we've got a big game Monday.

"If you start setting yourself targets and looking too far ahead it could come back to bite you."

Republic of Ireland international Egan looks set to go head-to-head with former team-mate Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

Forward Watkins, who played alongside Egan at Brentford, is poised to make his league debut for Villa following a club-record £28million move.

Centre-back Egan insists personal relationships will be put aside as he attempts to prevent his friend from following up a Carabao Cup goal at Burton with a memorable maiden appearance in the top flight.

"He was there when I was there so I get on quite well with Ollie. He did really well at Brentford, really well last season, after changing to a striker," said Egan, who signed a new four-year contract at Bramall Lane last month.

"Hopefully on Monday we can keep him quiet and then he can do what he wants.

"Whether you are playing against someone you know, or you don't know, the goal stays the same – work and try and get three points."

Blades boss Wilder is chasing another striker before the transfer window closes but does not expect to bolster his options before taking on Dean Smith's side.

He remains without French forward Lys Mousset because of a toe injury.

ID:415123: cacheID:415123:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4392:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Aston Villa goalkeeper Orland Nyland catches the ball over the line against Sheffield United on June 17, 2020
Read Next:
Chris Wilder still angered by explanation of goalline technology failure at Villa
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd21145230111945
2Leeds UnitedLeeds21126337152242
3Sunderland21117332171540
4Burnley2010822471738
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2011452517837
6Middlesbrough21104735251034
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2071122314932
8Watford199462725231
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds218582630-429
10Swansea CitySwansea217682322127
11Bristol City216962626027
12Norwich CityNorwich206863530526
13Millwall206772018225
14Derby CountyDerby216692626024
15Coventry CityCoventry216692730-324
16Preston North EndPreston2141162127-623
17Stoke CityStoke215792328-522
18Queens Park RangersQPR2141072127-622
19Luton TownLuton2164112337-1422
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2046102133-1218
21Cardiff CityCardiff2046101932-1318
22Portsmouth193882134-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2045111942-2317
24Hull City2137111930-1116


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!