Crystal Palace put in an a truly woeful performance to lose 1-0 at Sheffield United.
The newly-promoted Blades were far more committed than Roy Hodgson’s side who were toothless in attack.
United should have taken the lead in the first half when David McGoldrick’s shot from close range was saved by keeper Vicente Guaita after an error by Patrick van Aanholt.
But they went ahead in a scrappy game in the 47th minute after Guaita’s excellent sprawling save from Luke Freeman fell into the path of John Lundstram who lashed into the back of the net.
Palace failed to respond for the entirety of the second period and were totally devoid of ideas against a side that many tip to get relegated.
Palace: Guaita, Ward, Dann, Kelly, Van Aanholt, Meyer (Schlupp 64), Milivojevic, McArthur (Wickham 82), Zaha, Townsend (McCarthy 70), Benteke.
Not Used: Hennessey, Kouyate, Ayew, Cahill.
Sheffield Utd: Henderson, O’Connell, Egan, Basham, Stevens, Fleck (Freeman 28), Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock, McGoldrick (Jagielka 89), Robinson (McBurnie 55).
Not Used: Sharp, Osborn, Moore, Besic.
