Swansea City's first home game of the new Championship season ended in a frustrating goalless stalemate against Sheffield United. The Swans came into the match full of confidence after a 2-1 win over Stoke City last weekend but were unable to reproduce that attacking verve.
Sheffield United hit the woodwork
Sheffield United came closest to taking all three points when Callum O'Hare rattled the crossbar shortly before half-time. Joe Rothwell also saw a rasping effort blocked as the visitors looked to capitalise on Swansea's impotence in the final third.
Lawrence Vigouroux had to be alert to palm away Sam McCallum's far-post header from a corner on the stroke of half-time. Moussa Yeo's goalbound effort was blocked early in the second half in a rare Swans opportunity, before Japhet Tanganga headed over at the other end from a corner.
Red card controversy
Vitor Matos made just one change to the side that won in the Potteries, with Adam Idah rewarded for his goal off the bench with a start. Idah showed promise but seldom looked like scoring during an opening half-hour of little goalmouth action.
Sheffield United captain Tanganga saw his name go into the book for what looked a heavy two-footed challenge on Melker Widell, with replays suggesting it could easily have been more. Ross Stewart, signed on a free transfer following his release from Southampton, was introduced from the bench late on to partner fellow substitute Zan Vipotnik up front.
Late drama and a disallowed goal
Aside from Vipotnik's tame late header straight into the arms of Sheffield United keeper Michael Cooper, the change did little to sharpen Swansea's attacking prowess. Widell hit the post late on but was denied by the offside flag, despite replays suggesting it was the wrong decision.
The Swans must now dust themselves down for a trip to Derby County next weekend.
