Arsenal scored two quick-fire team goals to extend Sheffield United’s point-less start to the Premier League season – although the Blades did manage their first goal.
The Gunners did not really get going until the 60th minute when Bukayo Saka celebrated his first England call-up with a header from Hector Bellerin’s cross.
Three minutes later they doubled their lead with Nicolas Pepe’s good run and finish into the bottom corner – finishing off a move with 19 passes.
They looked completely in control until David McGoldrick curled home the Blades’ first league goal of the season.
But it was not enough to affect the outcome and United have now lost seven consecutive top-flight games for the first time since 1975.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal move onto six points from three games, having lost 3-1 to champions Liverpool last Monday.
Gunners get the job done
It was far from Arsenal’s best performance of the season – but they made it four wins from four games in all competitions, against teams other than Liverpool.
They could have been down to 10 men in the first half when David Luiz pulled back Oliver Burke as the Scot chased onto a poor back-pass, with Bernd Leno coming out of his box to clear, but the referee and the VAR team did not deem any punishment necessary.
It took 28 minutes for the game’s first attempt as Eddie Nketiah flicked a header towards goal. That was the longest wait for a shot in any Premier League game in 2020.
The Gunners had the better chances in the first half but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang forced a good diving save from Aaron Ramsdale and then hit an acrobatic volley at the goalkeeper.
Sheffield United had a red card let-off of their own as Sander Berge was only booked for a lunging tackle on Aubameyang, who was hurt but able to carry on.
Arsenal’s two strikes were worth the wait, the result of fine passing moves.
Aubameyang lifted a pass over the top to Bellerin, whose clipped cross was headed into the top corner by Saka at the far post.
And then substitute Pepe played a one-two with Bellerin before running at the Blades defence and slotting home via the base of the post.
Their main disappointment will have been losing a clean sheet and causing a few tense moments late on when the game looked safe.
Sheffield United’s worrying form continues
The Blades’ European dream was finished by three consecutive defeats at the end of last season – and that losing run has carried over into this campaign.
After failing to score in their opening three league games for the first time in their history, Chris Wilder spent a club-record £23.5m on Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster – although he was not registered in time to make his debut at Emirates Stadium.
They ended the game with six shots, as many as Arsenal, but few of them were clear chances.
McGoldrick’s high and wide effort was their only shot in the first half, but the Republic of Ireland striker did eventually hit the target with a fine 20-yard effort from George Baldock’s pass.
The 32-year-old has only scored three Premier League goals in his career, all against the big six – having netted twice against Chelsea last season.
But they would not have deserved an equaliser and begin a top-flight season with four defeats for the first time since 1966.
Will Wilder be involved in the transfer market on deadline day on Monday? He may have to be if they are to avoid second-season syndrome.
Match stats – Wilder’s worst run since Halifax in 2004
- Arsenal have won nine of their past 11 home Premier League matches (D2) since a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in Arteta’s first home game in charge in December.
- Sheffield United have lost seven consecutive league matches for only the second time in their history, with their other seven-game losing run coming between August and September 1975.
- Arsenal have won nine of their past 11 home league matches against Sheffield United (D2) since a 1-0 defeat in August 1971.
- Pepe’s goal for Arsenal came after a build-up of 19 passes, the most before a Premier League goal this season; indeed, of the nine goals scored this season with 10 or more passes in the build-up, four have been scored by the Gunners.
- Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has lost seven consecutive league matches as a manager for the first time since a run of 10 defeats in a row as Halifax Town manager between February and April 2004.
- Only Liverpool (34) have won more home Premier League points than Arsenal (29) since Arteta’s first home game in charge last December.
- This was Burke’s 18th Premier League appearance, with the Sheffield United player yet to end on the winning side (D3 L15). Burke has played more games in the Premier League without winning than any other player in the history of the competition.
- Sheffield United scored their first Premier League goal of the season, with McGoldrick’s goal their 31st attempt of the campaign.
What’s next?
Arsenal visit Manchester City in the league next Saturday (17:30 BST), while Sheffield United host fellow strugglers Fulham at 15:00 that day.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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