"It was nothing" - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder plays down Plymouth Argyle flashpoint | OneFootball

Chris Wilder was involved in an argument with Plymouth players following Sheffield United's defeat at Home Park.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted his side are facing an uphill battle to win automatic promotion after their loss at Plymouth Argyle, as he played down a late incident in the tunnel.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats ahead of the trip to Home Park, the Blades know they can’t afford many more slip-ups if they are to secure a top-two finish.

However, despite taking the lead against Argyle thanks to a Jesurun Rak-Sakyi goal, Sheffield United were beaten once again, as the hosts equalised through Ryan Hardie before Muhamed Tijani won it with minutes to go.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder reacts angrily to Plymouth Argyle defeat

With Burnley picking up all three points last night, and Leeds beating Preston, it means Wilder’s men are five points behind the top two, with just four games to go.

So, it was a huge game, and things appeared to boil over at full-time, as Wilder was involved in a heated discussion with two Argyle players, and that carried on in the tunnel as players from both sides were pushing and shoving.

Yet, speaking to Sky Sports, Wilder insisted the incident was "nothing", although he acknowledged it was a costly defeat for his Sheffield United team.

“It was nothing really. They’re celebrating a big win and unfortunately our supporters are in the stand right next to the tunnel! So, yeah, we get everybody in. I’ve spoken to their manager, he’s as good as gold, and understands the situation, just as much as I do, and the referee and the assessor.

“Emotions run high in a game of football, for their boys as well, it was a huge win, as if we’d have won the game it would’ve made it double difficult for them to stay in the division. So, they’ve given themselves a fighting chance and we’ve given up a massive opportunity to stay in touch and close the gap to Leeds United and Burnley.

“We’re not in a great position because of a week full of poor results, and we have to accept that and own that - and we will. We will reset Monday and go again on Friday.”

Sheffield United have lost momentum at a crucial time

Firstly, you have to say it was a good interview by Wilder, as he had clearly calmed down after full-time, and he was right not to be drawn on the incident in the tunnel.

As he says, the most important thing was the result, and he didn’t make excuses for another poor display from his Sheffield United side.

Ultimately, the last three performances and results haven’t been good enough, and it will be a real worry for the Blades that they have lost momentum at the most important part of the campaign.

Wilder's men must put things right with a win over relegation-threatened Cardiff City at Bramall Lane on Good Friday, before seeing out the season with clashes against Burnley, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers respectively.