Sheffield United, often considered one of the founders of English football, have a mammoth history dating back to 1889, when they were founded as an offshoot of Sheffield United Cricket Club. Since then, they’ve enjoyed various spells in the topflight and have come up against Chelsea over 80 times. We take a look at the key Sheffield United vs Chelsea F.C. stats to accompany our timeline of the two clubs’ meetings.
The Early 1900s
You would have to go back to before the First World War for the first time Chelsea and Sheffield United came up against each other, with Sheff Utd coming up as 4-2 winners in 1907. Ever since then, results have largely gone back forth but Chelsea do hold the greater record, especially over the past few decades.
Chelsea have been victorious 42 times against the Blades, whereas the Sheffield outfit have enjoyed success a few more times, with 28 victories against the Blues. There have also been 17 draws spread out over the last century and more, including many memorable ties at Stamford Bridge and Bramall Lane.
Record Wins
Chelsea’s heaviest win over the Blades is surprisingly before the Premier League and Abramovich era, and can be dated back to the 1961-62 season, where Chelsea ran out 6-1 winners. However, this win was in vain as Chelsea ended up getting relegated that season, finishing bottom of the old League One, ending a 32-year-old stay in the top tier of English football.
Conversely, Sheff Utd’s biggest victory over Chelsea came all the way back in the 1907-08 season, their first meeting – although this score has been repeated several times.
The Premier League Era
Unsurprisingly, given the incomparable levels of investment in either team, and Chelsea’s multiple Premier League and Champions League titles since the rebranding of the top division of English football for the 1992-93 season, Chelsea’s record over Sheff Utd has been very strong.
Chelsea have enjoyed success against the Blades in six of their 12 Premier League meetings, drawing twice and losing on four separate occasions to the Yorkshire club. Their last meeting in the Premier League was in the 2023-24 season, as the two teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane. The season eventually saw Sheff Utd relegated from the Premier League, whereas Chelsea finished 6th under Mauricio Pochettino.
Shared Players
Over the seasons, there has not been much transfer activity between the two clubs and only 12 players have pulled on the jersey for both teams. Most recently, Alfie Gilchrist joined the Blades on a season-long loan from the Blues and has enjoyed a very productive season so far for the Championship side as they look for promotion back to the top-flight.
Looking back, Chelsea legend Gary Cahill enjoyed a solitary season in Sheffield back in 2007, whereas Nigel Spackman and Graham Stuart both enjoyed productive periods for both teams.
Chelsea and Sheffield United will not ever be considered great rivals, or even particularly related footballing teams when looking at their head-to-head record and players who have played for both sides. However, they are two of the oldest teams and most well-known clubs in English football and will enjoy many more battles to come in future seasons.