Sheffield United were brought back to earth with a thud after their 6-0 humbling by Carling Cup rivals Arsenal last night.

The day had started so full of hope for the Blades, following the news an independent arbitration had ruled in the club's favour over the Carlos Tevez affair, which could eventually lead to some £30million in compensation.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said: "Life has a funny way of bringing you down to earth.

"I have not really had a chance to speak to the chairman about it, so I'm not really able to speak about it tonight."