Post by deadbat on Dec 30, 2018 11:05:18 GMT
United made it two wins from two at the Lane over the Xmas period as they saw off Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in a game that was not as comfortable as the score line suggested. In a game that was marred by an appalling refereeing performance from Anthony Taylor; both teams had a man sent off. There were numerous baffling decisions by an official that seemed determined to be noticed one way or the other! United were not at their best and for the first hour, Blackburn had more of the ball even if they did not do that much with it. After Chris Basham’s second yellow card, United had to sit in for a period but after Richie Smallwood’s straight red for a wild tackle, United took over. Sharp with a double and McGoldrick saw the Blades power away from their Lancastrian rivals and another three points were in the bag.
United named an unchanged side yet again whilst Blackburn who had been stunned by two late goals down the road at Leeds a few days previous made some big changes. They had 7 new players in the line up and surprisingly left out three attacking threats in Dack, Graham and Armstrong on the bench.
The changes for Rovers seemed to work early on as they were showing energy and pressing to win the loose balls. United struggled to get their football going and lacked any real fluency at all. O’Connell took a blow to his head and had to receive treatment before carrying on; this in his 100th straight league start. Basham was then booked for a tackle that seemed clean as Premier League referee Taylor wanted to set his mark on the game early. Blackburn continued to press United and this meant they managed to win a lot of the 50/50’s early on but neither side created much. From a corner the ball dropped to Duffy who hit a half volley 5 yards wide of Raya’s far post.
Blackburn’s first chance came when referee Taylor gave a free kick and Mulgrew’s effort was deflected wide. From the corner former United target Lenihan hooked over the bar. Palmer was then adjudged to have been brought down by Fleck and Mulgrew had another chance. This time he hit the base of the post with Henderson beaten.
United responded not long after and hit the woodwork themselves. The ball was worked wide and Stevens came onto it on the angle and his powerful shot smashed the bar. The same player was in soon after but his shot was saved from Raya after another enterprising run. Norwood was then booked for a foul and Taylor continued to stop the game frequently much to the chagrin of those inside the ground. Blackburn continued to move the ball around well but looked a bit punchless at the top of the field and even though United had not been at their best; they had another chance when Sharp nipped in and took it round the keeper but Raya got back to save on the angle. Blackburn had another free kick on the angle but the ball was headed up and over just before the half time whistle.
The second half saw Egan adjudged to have held back Brereton and he was booked. The free kick was into the wall but referee Taylor adjudged Basham to have used his hand in stopping the ball and reached for a card and in doing so it ended the defender’s game with it being his second yellow. Both cards seemed so soft and thus changed the nature of the game.
Coutts came on for Duffy as United looked to keep more of a solid shape. Blackburn continued to have more of the ball and were moving it about but not threatening too much as United looked to just sit in. Palmer was finally booked for diving after attempting to con the referee twice in the same game.
Dack and Armstrong came on for Palmer and Brereton as Rovers looked to find some attacking threat to back up the good play and hard work behind them. Rovers did get a chance when good work down the left saw the ball come over and Williams shot was well saved down low from Henderson. Sharp was booked for a late foul but soon after he was the victim. Smallwood dived in rashly and took out Sharp and his own player (both needed treatment) and referee Taylor was brandishing a red card again and thus evening things out. United took advantage and sensed new life.
Fleck and Norwood started to get on the ball and the front two now started to link better. The opening goal came when after Blackburn failed to clear Fleck headed forward and then McGoldrick cleverly nodded into the path of SHARP. The striker took his time and almost sat the keeper down before drilling in at the near post. It was a big moment in a tight game.
Buoyed by this, United came again and Baldock nearly found McGoldrick. Blackburn went on the attack but more cynical play got its comeuppance as Rothwell attempted to win a penalty by diving but rightly play was waved on. As the ball was cleared Stevens hit a superb angled ball and SHARP was onside and in on goal. He hit it first time and it flew into the corner. Raya got a hand on it but the power was too much. The goal was similar to Sharp’s goal against Hull in the League Cup. The goalscorer celebrated in front of the Kop as most of Bramall Lane saluted the free scoring striker who once again was the difference.
Soon after United had a third. This time some neat play in the build up saw Stevens, Norwood, Coutts and then Fleck involved who nipped in and stayed on his feet despite contact from a defender. The midfielder smartly hooked across and MCGOLDRICK cleverly breasted home right in front of goal. Game, set and match. United now were zipping the ball around and Blackburn had clearly completely gone.
Washington and Clarke came on for the two goal scorers Sharp and McGoldrick who both got a standing ovation. Both subs could have scored with Clarke heading just over when he maybe should have scored from a corner. Soon after, a neat one two leading to a chance for Washington after Clarke played him in but he poked wide.
The final whistle came after 4 minutes of stoppage time were played and United’s player and fans celebrated solidifying their position in the play off pack.
United – Another win and more goals for our strikers. We showed a different side to our game as we hung in there despite not being at our best. Odd one as we won 3-0 but it was not a 3-0 game and it is good, we had another game (Reading being one recently) where we not at our best but won the game. It definitely flattered us but then we had a lot more efforts at goal despite not controlling possession or territory like we normally do. We looked a bit weary and leggy first hour of the game and even 11 v 11 but they did not have too many chances. Their best opportunity came when the moron Taylor kept giving them free kicks constantly. He then of course gave them another advantage and you feared we would do well to get a point. We held in there and made sure we kept a solid shape but at this stage you felt the best we would do is just sit in and get a 0-0. The red card came for them came at a big moment as they had changed their shape and personnel but after this, they did not know what to do and we seized this opportunity. We got back on the ball and played higher up the field and suddenly started turning the defence round. We got more men forward and they struggled to hold us.
We scored a well assisted (McGoldrick) and taken (Sharp) goal and then Sharp scored a great second goal. After this it was all us and got the third with a lovely team goal. It could have been 4 or 5 after this as both subs had chances for us. They simply went and our confidence grew. Wilder kept the same team and they had more of a freshness and I felt the pressing and harrying put us off our stride and we did not pass or keep it like we normally do. The game was all a bit fragmented and not helped by the imbecile in charge of the game who needed to blow his whistle every few moments. We were not great though and I felt did not do the basics in terms of tackling/winning loose stuff and keeping it. We just were not quite at it. Still, we did not give them many chances for all this and had two decent ones (Sharp and Stevens). Second half was the same theme until the ref took over.
They actually were no better v 10 and even though had a lot of the ball were not opening us up. We were quite disciplined. We put the pedal down after the red card from them and really were quite ruthless and for once we are now taking chances when they come. We were clinical when it mattered. Another packed Bramall Lane and another three goals and another home win. We have finished the year really strong and are now well ensconced in the play off positions. With Dowell to come into the group and more additions hopefully on their way (even with Basham out for a game; we have a few players nearing suspensions – Basham and Norwood close to 10 yellows) we can keep up there. Norwich and Leeds both lost but I am more concerned with the 7th place than 2nd. That is typical United pessimism when we are 4 points off the top 2 but 6 clear of 7th place!
Blackburn – Credit to them and Mowbray. They were soundly beaten by us at their place and the manager and team said we were the best side they had played. They decided to freshen up the team and brought in several new players and left out three main attacking threats in Dack, Graham and Armstrong. It worked for an hour as they looked to have more energy and were better than us on and off the ball.
They had more possession over the game and certainly for the first hour had more of the ball. They set up quite defensively with the formation but actually grew into the game and looked more of an attacking threat than us first half without actually doing very much in terms of goal threats outside of set pieces. They had one shot on goal all game outside of the free kick.
11 v 11 they shaded it really but on chances we had as many of them really with Stevens and Sharp having two efforts at goal compared to the one for them from Mulgrew. After half time; referee Taylor kept giving them free kicks and you sensed one might go in – he had been given 4 or 5 sighters! The red card for us and you then thought they would push on and they changed the team putting on Dack and Armstrong. This actually killed some momentum and even when they had 10; they only had one chance with the Williams shot. They moved it side to side but did not really stretch us. Still you felt they were the side who may nick it due to the numerical advantage.
After Smallwood lost his head with a wild tackle; they seemed to lose any impetus they had. They gave the ball away and their confidence dropped. We scored and they just fell apart. The energy and zest they had completely sapped away and we were now the aggressors and it looked like we would score every time we attacked. They just went and you could see the brittle confidence which was exposed at Leeds with the late goals and again today. They look a side that if a team scores; can go under. The defence then made mistakes; the midfield stopped doing what they had and the attack was toothless.
It was odd though as for the first hour they gave us a good game, they may have set up defensively and the changes may have looked as if they wanted a draw and would play on the break but in affect, they actually did get men forward when they could. The referee made some bad decisions for them as well as us and probably just as frustrating. He killed any chance either team had of keeping the ball or any momentum by constantly blowing his whistle. Only real disappointment was their penchant for the simulation. Palmer did it three times and only got booked once. He was a disgrace really. The lad Rothwell then did an even worse one as we broke and scored the 2nd goal. Baldock was livid with him and still talking to the ref on the restart. Somehow, he did not get booked. Shame as they played ok but that let them down and then stupidity from Smallwood and they imploded.
They started the season well and were right up near the top 6 but have dropped off. They are relying on their great home form being maintained as they do not get much away from home. They have some decent players and with Dack, Graham and Armstrong some good attacking options. Weird to see a centre back, take all the free kicks and corners but clearly a major threat from them. Not sure they will get sucked into a relegation battle. They are closer to the bottom three (9 points) as the top 6 (11 points) now though and will want to get some results on the board or will get dragged down there like Wigan have and the other promotion side Rotherham after all three started well. Think Mowbray has done well there and picked up some good signings and got the best out of them (Dack a big example) but the fans will be disappointed in the huge outlay for Brereton who looks really poor for a 6-million-pound player.
Opponent man of the match – They were workmanlike rather than outstanding but the midfield pressed well and were decent on the ball. The lad Reed they got from Norwich is neat and tidy and Travis also had a decent game for an hour. I felt Bennett may have been their best player. Decent touch and carried it well. I was glad they left Dack out but he was not in the game at all when he came on as we went away from them.
Weak link – I thought Brereton was really poor and not a threat at all. He did not even really run about much. However, Smallwood’s stupidity makes this award an easy one. 0-0 and with a man advantage; you felt they could go and win and he make a ridiculous tackle. It was high and wild and maybe one of the few things the ref got right. You certainly do not give him an opportunity to even things up. I felt after we scored; the defence fell apart and errors came in all over the field. I watched the lad Lenihan who we bid for and he was ok but clearly inferior to the three lads we have at the back and we have kind of moved on; in a good way from potential signings like this.
Henderson 7/10 – Actually did not have too much to do. Faced a number of free kicks and one of course hit the post. He did make a great save from Williams from close range. This was a big moment. After this they again had long range efforts but nothing that caused him any real problems. Showed how good he is with his feet (Leeds error notwithstanding) as he was given a number of passes back and on goal and he dealt with them comfortably.
Baldock 7/10 – Not quite as good as the other day but decent enough. They caused a few problems with their shape as kind of matched us up with wing backs and were able to pen both wing backs into our own half. Second half had to defend and often had to almost mark two as they doubled up down this side and he was now a more orthodox right back but made some good interceptions. He did make some better runs forward after the game became 10 v 10 and started to become more of an attacking threat again.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Excellent performance again. He rivalled Sharp for man of the match (due to Sharps goals). He was good defensively with interceptions and tackles but got forward well. His crossing was better and also had two or three marauding runs that led to chances/opportunities. Hit the bar with a great shot on the angle that was very unlucky. Assisted on the second with a great diagonal ball.
Egan 7/10 – Solid enough. First half he went a bit long with the ball as they put us under pressure. He dealt with attacking threat well but they did not play Graham or Dack which would have probably been a relief as Brereton was not the same threat that they would have posed. He came into his own after they had the man advantage and felt he was good at winning those crucial headers/blocks when he needed to in this spell.
O’Connell 7/10 – 100 straight starts shows his durability. He rarely ever gets injured of course but also shows his form has been quite consistent. Today I felt he was steady and that they only had one chance when Henderson made the save (both him and Egan were slow to deal with the ball over) with most of their other efforts from long range. The last two games in contrasting games; we have held two sides to mainly long-range efforts. His play with the ball has been quite mixed recently with some decent stuff and then some overplayed passes/long balls. We do seem to be getting it forward a bit quicker these days.
Basham 6/10 – Feel a bit bad marking him down but only played 50 minutes and thus explains his mark rather than the sending off. Not even sure either yellow were fouls. He got the ball on the first one but Taylor was in full Premier League mode (will say he dived in but it was a nonsense) and then the second not sure how he can get out of the way. He barely moved his hand and it more hit him. Another nonsense and two of the softest yellow cards you would wish to see. Outside of this he was ok but not quite with the same zest he has had and like many seem surprised by pressing player of Blackburn and did not have as much time on the ball.
Fleck 6.5/10 – First half he was really quiet and also when he had the ball a bit sloppy or safe with it. Did not run forward with the ball and they controlled the midfield for long spells, winning a lot of the loose balls and 50/50’s. I felt our midfield looked weary. He gave them two free kicks with daft fouls that led to chances for Mulgrew. They did keep a good shape after we were reduced to ten men and then when it was 10 v 10; he started to play and was suddenly involved in a positive way. Won tackles, carried the ball and he featured in some of our good moments. Assisted in the build-up on two of the three goals. He needs to start games this way and at the moment his performances are too up and down; even within games.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Like Fleck thought he was not great for the first hour. I felt we did not see anywhere near as much of the ball and gave away possession and struggled as they pressed us. He gave the ball away a few times amongst some lovely passes. I felt he was just a bit sloppy today and as much as everyone was criticising Duffy around me; he gave the ball away quite a few times. Still showed some lovely touches and passes of course but when teams press him and do not give him time he struggles to have as much impact. Got another booking and close to a suspension (got 8 has he?) and can be a bit rash at times. For the final stages
Duffy 5.5/10 – Not his best game again. Never hides and keeps trying things but he gave it away and made several telegraphed passes too. We have won two games now at home where he has probably been our poorest player in both games! That puts to the myth that we need him to play well to win. Now has some genuine competition from Dowell and has to up his game if he wants to keep his shirt. Still feel we are a better player when he plays. Even when he does not influence things quite as much; he draws men as he does show great movement and gets into dangerous areas.
Sharp 7/10 – He was not the same as Boxing Day and saw little of the ball. I felt he was not really in the game and Blackburn’s defence and midfield swarmed around our forward players. Before the red card I was asking for Washington to come on as Sharp looked tired (booked himself for a bad tackle) and we were crying out for fresh legs. After the ref evened things, up; Sharp came alive and became inspired. He found new life and legs somehow! He scored a well taken first and then an even better taken second. Already bettered last years tally and drew level with Ricky Lambert for most goals by any player since 2000. Just keeps on scoring. As Blackburn fans said; they bought Ben Brereton for 6 million and he is not really fit to lace Billy’s boots (copyright Roy of the Rovers!)
McGoldrick 7/10 – Don’t think it was his best game today and like with Sharp; the ball was not really sticking up top and they did not quite offer the same work ethic as Boxing Day. He was not linking play like he had done but did not have the same service either as Blackburn harried us well. After it went 10 v 10; he started playing and was excellent for the last 20 minutes after the red card; he became more influential. He assisted on the first with a clever header and scored the third. He may be due a rest but Wilder may ask for one more big push before he rotates a lot for the cup game.
Subs –
Coutts 6/10 – He was brought on to help us keep the ball more but for the next 15 minutes he was chasing their players around as many others were as they pinged it side to side. After the red card, he got on the ball more. Kept it simple when he had it. Not sure he was that influential in many of the moves we had and still seems still off the pace. Today watched a couple of Blackburn players just run past him and he looked stuck in quicksand almost and could not get his legs going. However, he did win the tackle in the build up to their red card and also involved in the the third goal too. Needs 90 minutes and will get that in the cup you think.
Clarke – Looked lively in brief spell he had on. He linked well twice with Washington and also nearly scored with a header from a corner.
Washington – Very bright. Chased down two balls to win possession and then won a corner. Also linked with Clarke and led to a shot on the angle that just went wide. I was calling for him to come on at 0-0 but Wilder kept with Billy and McGoldrick and it paid off.
Wilder 7.5/10 – Strange one really as for the first hour they were the better team and the changes they made had freshened them up and give them some energy that we seemed to lack. They were first to the ball and pressed us. We did not keep it very well but more than that we did not seem to have the life we had Boxing Day and seemed a flat performance. The ref did not help but we also were not quite at it and at 0-0 when Bash went off, nearly every United fan would have taken a point at this stage. I was crying out for change and fresh legs as the front two looked very tired and were not in the game. We needed something different up the top of the field I felt and Blackburn were having it too easy in getting out. He kept with the same team and then the red card of course changed things. After this his front two came to life and had a second wind and both then made the difference. Been a great week for those two with goals and the influence on both games. Wilder has kept faith when he could have changed it round. He has been bold keeping the same team with so many games in a short space of time. With a 10-day break after Wigan till the next league game; I think he will go with the same team and ask for one more big push (Cranie for Basham you would think) before resting most of the team for the Barnet game (I think he will make close to eleven changes).
Referee – Anthony Taylor. Simply abysmal. The best way to describe him was ‘a look at me..I am Premier League’ ref. Not in a good way. Thought the game was all about him. Constantly stopping the game, booking people often for very little and giving free kicks all game. The game never got going and it was down to him. Not even sure it was that dirty a game. He was ridiculous. The Basham first yellow summed it up. It was a decision that was almost like him saying ‘in my premier league we have to book people for that.’ It was like he needed to be in the game and wanted people to see he was reffing and in control. It was pathetic.
Sadly, the football league is a bit different (know that sounds odd and a bit ridiculous but more seems to be let go). It was barely even a foul – maybe you could make a case as he left his feet but that is all he did. He was not high and won the ball. This set the tone. After this he was booking people left, right and centre. Gave them 5 free kicks on the edge of the box. He may as well have gone to Mulgrew and asked him where he wanted his next attempt from. He was doing his best for them at times. The second yellow for Bash was equally bonkers. He had his hand by his side and there is nothing he could do. He could not wait to get his yellow out again. The red for them he also could not wait to send him off. It was as if he was excited to be back in the game. This one was a poor tackle and you can see why he went but again if he had not sent ours off, I am not sure he sends the Blackburn lad off either. Even Billy said he did not think it was a red. Mind you Smallwood got as much of his own player as Sharp!
The diving from their players was never penalised. The lad Palmer should have got a yellow early on and finally got one second half. Rothwell’s was just blatant cheating. This was also ignored. He then started even booking people on the bench (one of Blackburn’s staff). Mowbray’s comments about him just coming and thinking he could go through the motions were right. He seemed to have no idea how to control the game and felt the best way to do that was to keep blowing his whistle or carding people. He was that bad he got booed off by both sets of fans at the end. Sums it up when the home team who have won 3-0 have their fans lustily giving him the bird at full time. Even his assistants would not walk off with him! Maybe they were embarrassed with his performance. Although one guy gave the worst non-award, I have ever seen. The ball went out for a throw and he clearly had no idea so put his flag straight up in the air – neither left or right. He gave a throw to no one! He then shrugged and looked at his incompetent mate Taylor and between them they just guessed. To think Taylor is seen as one of the top refs. Maybe he just had a bad day but his marks from both managers will tell him how bad he was. He was dreadful.
Crowd – Did not have seem noise or atmosphere of the other day but the team were a bit flat and the players needed to lift them more. Once again more poor officiating led to the crowd getting more involved and after the cards came out and we went down to 10; the fans backing grew louder and more supportive to the team. I felt they did a good job of lifting the team and helping them stay with it. After they had the red and the goals came, the noise levels lifted again. It was not quite Boxing Day levels but vocal enough. 27,000+ too which was another really healthy crowd. Be close to 4,000 Blades fans at Wigan on New Year’s Day too so hopefully the backing will help us to another victory.
United named an unchanged side yet again whilst Blackburn who had been stunned by two late goals down the road at Leeds a few days previous made some big changes. They had 7 new players in the line up and surprisingly left out three attacking threats in Dack, Graham and Armstrong on the bench.
The changes for Rovers seemed to work early on as they were showing energy and pressing to win the loose balls. United struggled to get their football going and lacked any real fluency at all. O’Connell took a blow to his head and had to receive treatment before carrying on; this in his 100th straight league start. Basham was then booked for a tackle that seemed clean as Premier League referee Taylor wanted to set his mark on the game early. Blackburn continued to press United and this meant they managed to win a lot of the 50/50’s early on but neither side created much. From a corner the ball dropped to Duffy who hit a half volley 5 yards wide of Raya’s far post.
Blackburn’s first chance came when referee Taylor gave a free kick and Mulgrew’s effort was deflected wide. From the corner former United target Lenihan hooked over the bar. Palmer was then adjudged to have been brought down by Fleck and Mulgrew had another chance. This time he hit the base of the post with Henderson beaten.
United responded not long after and hit the woodwork themselves. The ball was worked wide and Stevens came onto it on the angle and his powerful shot smashed the bar. The same player was in soon after but his shot was saved from Raya after another enterprising run. Norwood was then booked for a foul and Taylor continued to stop the game frequently much to the chagrin of those inside the ground. Blackburn continued to move the ball around well but looked a bit punchless at the top of the field and even though United had not been at their best; they had another chance when Sharp nipped in and took it round the keeper but Raya got back to save on the angle. Blackburn had another free kick on the angle but the ball was headed up and over just before the half time whistle.
The second half saw Egan adjudged to have held back Brereton and he was booked. The free kick was into the wall but referee Taylor adjudged Basham to have used his hand in stopping the ball and reached for a card and in doing so it ended the defender’s game with it being his second yellow. Both cards seemed so soft and thus changed the nature of the game.
Coutts came on for Duffy as United looked to keep more of a solid shape. Blackburn continued to have more of the ball and were moving it about but not threatening too much as United looked to just sit in. Palmer was finally booked for diving after attempting to con the referee twice in the same game.
Dack and Armstrong came on for Palmer and Brereton as Rovers looked to find some attacking threat to back up the good play and hard work behind them. Rovers did get a chance when good work down the left saw the ball come over and Williams shot was well saved down low from Henderson. Sharp was booked for a late foul but soon after he was the victim. Smallwood dived in rashly and took out Sharp and his own player (both needed treatment) and referee Taylor was brandishing a red card again and thus evening things out. United took advantage and sensed new life.
Fleck and Norwood started to get on the ball and the front two now started to link better. The opening goal came when after Blackburn failed to clear Fleck headed forward and then McGoldrick cleverly nodded into the path of SHARP. The striker took his time and almost sat the keeper down before drilling in at the near post. It was a big moment in a tight game.
Buoyed by this, United came again and Baldock nearly found McGoldrick. Blackburn went on the attack but more cynical play got its comeuppance as Rothwell attempted to win a penalty by diving but rightly play was waved on. As the ball was cleared Stevens hit a superb angled ball and SHARP was onside and in on goal. He hit it first time and it flew into the corner. Raya got a hand on it but the power was too much. The goal was similar to Sharp’s goal against Hull in the League Cup. The goalscorer celebrated in front of the Kop as most of Bramall Lane saluted the free scoring striker who once again was the difference.
Soon after United had a third. This time some neat play in the build up saw Stevens, Norwood, Coutts and then Fleck involved who nipped in and stayed on his feet despite contact from a defender. The midfielder smartly hooked across and MCGOLDRICK cleverly breasted home right in front of goal. Game, set and match. United now were zipping the ball around and Blackburn had clearly completely gone.
Washington and Clarke came on for the two goal scorers Sharp and McGoldrick who both got a standing ovation. Both subs could have scored with Clarke heading just over when he maybe should have scored from a corner. Soon after, a neat one two leading to a chance for Washington after Clarke played him in but he poked wide.
The final whistle came after 4 minutes of stoppage time were played and United’s player and fans celebrated solidifying their position in the play off pack.
United – Another win and more goals for our strikers. We showed a different side to our game as we hung in there despite not being at our best. Odd one as we won 3-0 but it was not a 3-0 game and it is good, we had another game (Reading being one recently) where we not at our best but won the game. It definitely flattered us but then we had a lot more efforts at goal despite not controlling possession or territory like we normally do. We looked a bit weary and leggy first hour of the game and even 11 v 11 but they did not have too many chances. Their best opportunity came when the moron Taylor kept giving them free kicks constantly. He then of course gave them another advantage and you feared we would do well to get a point. We held in there and made sure we kept a solid shape but at this stage you felt the best we would do is just sit in and get a 0-0. The red card came for them came at a big moment as they had changed their shape and personnel but after this, they did not know what to do and we seized this opportunity. We got back on the ball and played higher up the field and suddenly started turning the defence round. We got more men forward and they struggled to hold us.
We scored a well assisted (McGoldrick) and taken (Sharp) goal and then Sharp scored a great second goal. After this it was all us and got the third with a lovely team goal. It could have been 4 or 5 after this as both subs had chances for us. They simply went and our confidence grew. Wilder kept the same team and they had more of a freshness and I felt the pressing and harrying put us off our stride and we did not pass or keep it like we normally do. The game was all a bit fragmented and not helped by the imbecile in charge of the game who needed to blow his whistle every few moments. We were not great though and I felt did not do the basics in terms of tackling/winning loose stuff and keeping it. We just were not quite at it. Still, we did not give them many chances for all this and had two decent ones (Sharp and Stevens). Second half was the same theme until the ref took over.
They actually were no better v 10 and even though had a lot of the ball were not opening us up. We were quite disciplined. We put the pedal down after the red card from them and really were quite ruthless and for once we are now taking chances when they come. We were clinical when it mattered. Another packed Bramall Lane and another three goals and another home win. We have finished the year really strong and are now well ensconced in the play off positions. With Dowell to come into the group and more additions hopefully on their way (even with Basham out for a game; we have a few players nearing suspensions – Basham and Norwood close to 10 yellows) we can keep up there. Norwich and Leeds both lost but I am more concerned with the 7th place than 2nd. That is typical United pessimism when we are 4 points off the top 2 but 6 clear of 7th place!
Blackburn – Credit to them and Mowbray. They were soundly beaten by us at their place and the manager and team said we were the best side they had played. They decided to freshen up the team and brought in several new players and left out three main attacking threats in Dack, Graham and Armstrong. It worked for an hour as they looked to have more energy and were better than us on and off the ball.
They had more possession over the game and certainly for the first hour had more of the ball. They set up quite defensively with the formation but actually grew into the game and looked more of an attacking threat than us first half without actually doing very much in terms of goal threats outside of set pieces. They had one shot on goal all game outside of the free kick.
11 v 11 they shaded it really but on chances we had as many of them really with Stevens and Sharp having two efforts at goal compared to the one for them from Mulgrew. After half time; referee Taylor kept giving them free kicks and you sensed one might go in – he had been given 4 or 5 sighters! The red card for us and you then thought they would push on and they changed the team putting on Dack and Armstrong. This actually killed some momentum and even when they had 10; they only had one chance with the Williams shot. They moved it side to side but did not really stretch us. Still you felt they were the side who may nick it due to the numerical advantage.
After Smallwood lost his head with a wild tackle; they seemed to lose any impetus they had. They gave the ball away and their confidence dropped. We scored and they just fell apart. The energy and zest they had completely sapped away and we were now the aggressors and it looked like we would score every time we attacked. They just went and you could see the brittle confidence which was exposed at Leeds with the late goals and again today. They look a side that if a team scores; can go under. The defence then made mistakes; the midfield stopped doing what they had and the attack was toothless.
It was odd though as for the first hour they gave us a good game, they may have set up defensively and the changes may have looked as if they wanted a draw and would play on the break but in affect, they actually did get men forward when they could. The referee made some bad decisions for them as well as us and probably just as frustrating. He killed any chance either team had of keeping the ball or any momentum by constantly blowing his whistle. Only real disappointment was their penchant for the simulation. Palmer did it three times and only got booked once. He was a disgrace really. The lad Rothwell then did an even worse one as we broke and scored the 2nd goal. Baldock was livid with him and still talking to the ref on the restart. Somehow, he did not get booked. Shame as they played ok but that let them down and then stupidity from Smallwood and they imploded.
They started the season well and were right up near the top 6 but have dropped off. They are relying on their great home form being maintained as they do not get much away from home. They have some decent players and with Dack, Graham and Armstrong some good attacking options. Weird to see a centre back, take all the free kicks and corners but clearly a major threat from them. Not sure they will get sucked into a relegation battle. They are closer to the bottom three (9 points) as the top 6 (11 points) now though and will want to get some results on the board or will get dragged down there like Wigan have and the other promotion side Rotherham after all three started well. Think Mowbray has done well there and picked up some good signings and got the best out of them (Dack a big example) but the fans will be disappointed in the huge outlay for Brereton who looks really poor for a 6-million-pound player.
Opponent man of the match – They were workmanlike rather than outstanding but the midfield pressed well and were decent on the ball. The lad Reed they got from Norwich is neat and tidy and Travis also had a decent game for an hour. I felt Bennett may have been their best player. Decent touch and carried it well. I was glad they left Dack out but he was not in the game at all when he came on as we went away from them.
Weak link – I thought Brereton was really poor and not a threat at all. He did not even really run about much. However, Smallwood’s stupidity makes this award an easy one. 0-0 and with a man advantage; you felt they could go and win and he make a ridiculous tackle. It was high and wild and maybe one of the few things the ref got right. You certainly do not give him an opportunity to even things up. I felt after we scored; the defence fell apart and errors came in all over the field. I watched the lad Lenihan who we bid for and he was ok but clearly inferior to the three lads we have at the back and we have kind of moved on; in a good way from potential signings like this.
Henderson 7/10 – Actually did not have too much to do. Faced a number of free kicks and one of course hit the post. He did make a great save from Williams from close range. This was a big moment. After this they again had long range efforts but nothing that caused him any real problems. Showed how good he is with his feet (Leeds error notwithstanding) as he was given a number of passes back and on goal and he dealt with them comfortably.
Baldock 7/10 – Not quite as good as the other day but decent enough. They caused a few problems with their shape as kind of matched us up with wing backs and were able to pen both wing backs into our own half. Second half had to defend and often had to almost mark two as they doubled up down this side and he was now a more orthodox right back but made some good interceptions. He did make some better runs forward after the game became 10 v 10 and started to become more of an attacking threat again.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Excellent performance again. He rivalled Sharp for man of the match (due to Sharps goals). He was good defensively with interceptions and tackles but got forward well. His crossing was better and also had two or three marauding runs that led to chances/opportunities. Hit the bar with a great shot on the angle that was very unlucky. Assisted on the second with a great diagonal ball.
Egan 7/10 – Solid enough. First half he went a bit long with the ball as they put us under pressure. He dealt with attacking threat well but they did not play Graham or Dack which would have probably been a relief as Brereton was not the same threat that they would have posed. He came into his own after they had the man advantage and felt he was good at winning those crucial headers/blocks when he needed to in this spell.
O’Connell 7/10 – 100 straight starts shows his durability. He rarely ever gets injured of course but also shows his form has been quite consistent. Today I felt he was steady and that they only had one chance when Henderson made the save (both him and Egan were slow to deal with the ball over) with most of their other efforts from long range. The last two games in contrasting games; we have held two sides to mainly long-range efforts. His play with the ball has been quite mixed recently with some decent stuff and then some overplayed passes/long balls. We do seem to be getting it forward a bit quicker these days.
Basham 6/10 – Feel a bit bad marking him down but only played 50 minutes and thus explains his mark rather than the sending off. Not even sure either yellow were fouls. He got the ball on the first one but Taylor was in full Premier League mode (will say he dived in but it was a nonsense) and then the second not sure how he can get out of the way. He barely moved his hand and it more hit him. Another nonsense and two of the softest yellow cards you would wish to see. Outside of this he was ok but not quite with the same zest he has had and like many seem surprised by pressing player of Blackburn and did not have as much time on the ball.
Fleck 6.5/10 – First half he was really quiet and also when he had the ball a bit sloppy or safe with it. Did not run forward with the ball and they controlled the midfield for long spells, winning a lot of the loose balls and 50/50’s. I felt our midfield looked weary. He gave them two free kicks with daft fouls that led to chances for Mulgrew. They did keep a good shape after we were reduced to ten men and then when it was 10 v 10; he started to play and was suddenly involved in a positive way. Won tackles, carried the ball and he featured in some of our good moments. Assisted in the build-up on two of the three goals. He needs to start games this way and at the moment his performances are too up and down; even within games.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Like Fleck thought he was not great for the first hour. I felt we did not see anywhere near as much of the ball and gave away possession and struggled as they pressed us. He gave the ball away a few times amongst some lovely passes. I felt he was just a bit sloppy today and as much as everyone was criticising Duffy around me; he gave the ball away quite a few times. Still showed some lovely touches and passes of course but when teams press him and do not give him time he struggles to have as much impact. Got another booking and close to a suspension (got 8 has he?) and can be a bit rash at times. For the final stages
Duffy 5.5/10 – Not his best game again. Never hides and keeps trying things but he gave it away and made several telegraphed passes too. We have won two games now at home where he has probably been our poorest player in both games! That puts to the myth that we need him to play well to win. Now has some genuine competition from Dowell and has to up his game if he wants to keep his shirt. Still feel we are a better player when he plays. Even when he does not influence things quite as much; he draws men as he does show great movement and gets into dangerous areas.
Sharp 7/10 – He was not the same as Boxing Day and saw little of the ball. I felt he was not really in the game and Blackburn’s defence and midfield swarmed around our forward players. Before the red card I was asking for Washington to come on as Sharp looked tired (booked himself for a bad tackle) and we were crying out for fresh legs. After the ref evened things, up; Sharp came alive and became inspired. He found new life and legs somehow! He scored a well taken first and then an even better taken second. Already bettered last years tally and drew level with Ricky Lambert for most goals by any player since 2000. Just keeps on scoring. As Blackburn fans said; they bought Ben Brereton for 6 million and he is not really fit to lace Billy’s boots (copyright Roy of the Rovers!)
McGoldrick 7/10 – Don’t think it was his best game today and like with Sharp; the ball was not really sticking up top and they did not quite offer the same work ethic as Boxing Day. He was not linking play like he had done but did not have the same service either as Blackburn harried us well. After it went 10 v 10; he started playing and was excellent for the last 20 minutes after the red card; he became more influential. He assisted on the first with a clever header and scored the third. He may be due a rest but Wilder may ask for one more big push before he rotates a lot for the cup game.
Subs –
Coutts 6/10 – He was brought on to help us keep the ball more but for the next 15 minutes he was chasing their players around as many others were as they pinged it side to side. After the red card, he got on the ball more. Kept it simple when he had it. Not sure he was that influential in many of the moves we had and still seems still off the pace. Today watched a couple of Blackburn players just run past him and he looked stuck in quicksand almost and could not get his legs going. However, he did win the tackle in the build up to their red card and also involved in the the third goal too. Needs 90 minutes and will get that in the cup you think.
Clarke – Looked lively in brief spell he had on. He linked well twice with Washington and also nearly scored with a header from a corner.
Washington – Very bright. Chased down two balls to win possession and then won a corner. Also linked with Clarke and led to a shot on the angle that just went wide. I was calling for him to come on at 0-0 but Wilder kept with Billy and McGoldrick and it paid off.
Wilder 7.5/10 – Strange one really as for the first hour they were the better team and the changes they made had freshened them up and give them some energy that we seemed to lack. They were first to the ball and pressed us. We did not keep it very well but more than that we did not seem to have the life we had Boxing Day and seemed a flat performance. The ref did not help but we also were not quite at it and at 0-0 when Bash went off, nearly every United fan would have taken a point at this stage. I was crying out for change and fresh legs as the front two looked very tired and were not in the game. We needed something different up the top of the field I felt and Blackburn were having it too easy in getting out. He kept with the same team and then the red card of course changed things. After this his front two came to life and had a second wind and both then made the difference. Been a great week for those two with goals and the influence on both games. Wilder has kept faith when he could have changed it round. He has been bold keeping the same team with so many games in a short space of time. With a 10-day break after Wigan till the next league game; I think he will go with the same team and ask for one more big push (Cranie for Basham you would think) before resting most of the team for the Barnet game (I think he will make close to eleven changes).
Referee – Anthony Taylor. Simply abysmal. The best way to describe him was ‘a look at me..I am Premier League’ ref. Not in a good way. Thought the game was all about him. Constantly stopping the game, booking people often for very little and giving free kicks all game. The game never got going and it was down to him. Not even sure it was that dirty a game. He was ridiculous. The Basham first yellow summed it up. It was a decision that was almost like him saying ‘in my premier league we have to book people for that.’ It was like he needed to be in the game and wanted people to see he was reffing and in control. It was pathetic.
Sadly, the football league is a bit different (know that sounds odd and a bit ridiculous but more seems to be let go). It was barely even a foul – maybe you could make a case as he left his feet but that is all he did. He was not high and won the ball. This set the tone. After this he was booking people left, right and centre. Gave them 5 free kicks on the edge of the box. He may as well have gone to Mulgrew and asked him where he wanted his next attempt from. He was doing his best for them at times. The second yellow for Bash was equally bonkers. He had his hand by his side and there is nothing he could do. He could not wait to get his yellow out again. The red for them he also could not wait to send him off. It was as if he was excited to be back in the game. This one was a poor tackle and you can see why he went but again if he had not sent ours off, I am not sure he sends the Blackburn lad off either. Even Billy said he did not think it was a red. Mind you Smallwood got as much of his own player as Sharp!
The diving from their players was never penalised. The lad Palmer should have got a yellow early on and finally got one second half. Rothwell’s was just blatant cheating. This was also ignored. He then started even booking people on the bench (one of Blackburn’s staff). Mowbray’s comments about him just coming and thinking he could go through the motions were right. He seemed to have no idea how to control the game and felt the best way to do that was to keep blowing his whistle or carding people. He was that bad he got booed off by both sets of fans at the end. Sums it up when the home team who have won 3-0 have their fans lustily giving him the bird at full time. Even his assistants would not walk off with him! Maybe they were embarrassed with his performance. Although one guy gave the worst non-award, I have ever seen. The ball went out for a throw and he clearly had no idea so put his flag straight up in the air – neither left or right. He gave a throw to no one! He then shrugged and looked at his incompetent mate Taylor and between them they just guessed. To think Taylor is seen as one of the top refs. Maybe he just had a bad day but his marks from both managers will tell him how bad he was. He was dreadful.
Crowd – Did not have seem noise or atmosphere of the other day but the team were a bit flat and the players needed to lift them more. Once again more poor officiating led to the crowd getting more involved and after the cards came out and we went down to 10; the fans backing grew louder and more supportive to the team. I felt they did a good job of lifting the team and helping them stay with it. After they had the red and the goals came, the noise levels lifted again. It was not quite Boxing Day levels but vocal enough. 27,000+ too which was another really healthy crowd. Be close to 4,000 Blades fans at Wigan on New Year’s Day too so hopefully the backing will help us to another victory.
