Sheffield United 4 Wigan Athletic 2: How social media reacted

Billy Sharp scored a hat-trick as Latics’ misery on the road continued at Brammall Lane.

Chey Dunkley unfortunately diverted former Latics striker Leon Clarke’s off-target shot into his own net in the 23rd minute.

Kal Naismith, who was brought on to replace the injured Gary Roberts in the 36th minute, made an instant impact by scoring the equaliser just three minutes later with a composed finish from Nathan Byrne’s right-sided delivery.

ButBilly Sharp fired home from close-range to restore Sheffield United’s lead before the interval.

Sharp, who now has reached double figures for goals this term, notched his second goal of the afternoon shortly after half-time, before completing his hat-trick on the hour mark.

Substitute Joe Garner did pull a goal back for the Latics in the 69th minute to spark temporary comeback hopes, but it proved to be merely a consolation as Wigan fell to their eighth away defeat of the season at Brammall Lane.

Wigan fans vented their frustrations on social media after Paul Cook’s side slumped to yet another defeat away from home.

@MurphyWigan: “Beaten again away with a half a team by a side miles better than us. Exactly what I expected. No complaints. #wafc”

@Bobsmit37918: “Bad result but that’s the best we have played away from home for a while #wafc.”

@ChezCon69: “So at what point do we (‘the supporters’) need to start worrying about our away form? Disappointed. Again. #wafc.”

@Laticschief: “Didn’t really expect anything given Sheff U are one of the best sides in league- but it’s a major concern how inept we are at defending away from home. #wafc.”

@JonnyFairc: “Fantastic overreactions on here this evening! Anyone questioning whether Cook should go needs to go and swill their head with some warm water. Where do some people seriously expect us to be finishing this season? #wafc

@brianke91840862: “4-2 simply just not good enough away from home, and the fact that Paul cook can say he isn't concerned about our away form is stupid, better sort it out now! Hopefully with our home run so far we can get a good result against Leeds #WAFC.”

@PeteMillward79: Sheffield Utd fans and well-regarded commentator @AlanBiggs1 positive about #wafc. This contrasts with our own fans. No defeat is good but a bit of context needs to be given to today: injuries rife, away at top team. Frustrations surely have to be about previous away games.”

@Josh_WAFC: “Not the worst result against top of the league away. Away form needs sorting but it could’ve been a lot worse.”

@GregFarrimond: “This away form is dreadful. Nothing wrong with saying that, nor does it mean you want the manager sacked. Overall we’re doing well this season but pointing out a major flaw where small improvements could make a massive difference doesn’t mean you’re having a meltdown #wafc.”

Sheffield United fans praised Paul Cook’s side for their performance at Brammall Lane after they admitted that it was refreshing to see a team try and win the match rather than sit back and hold out for a draw.

@mike__sufc: “Wigan were one of the best teams I’ve seen us play this season and was also probably one of the worst I’ve seen us play so far. Yet we win 4-2. Funny old game! #sufc #wafc.”

@parkgateblade: “Another good game at BDTBL Great to watch. Fair play to Wigan for being positive and not boring like most teams at the lane this season #sufc #wafc.”

@adzblade8: “Thought we was better against Stoke but a wins a win. Fair play to Wigan, refreshing to see a team come to lane and not sit back. Wonder if that’ll happen week On Friday.. anyway, on to the next one #sufc.”

@callan1889: “Thought Wigan gave us a game today and played better than some teams who we have played recently. Well done Billy very clinical today, that 3rd finish #sufc #wafc.”

@CTollerfield: McGoldrick plays very well as a number 10… competition for duffy imo. Fair play to #wafc, one of the better teams to come to BL this year.”

@Luke_1889: “Proper game of football that. #Wafc best team I’ve seen against us, only team that have come to actually play and not waste time.”