Post by deadbat on Feb 24, 2019 11:53:14 GMT
The Blades got a huge three points in the big promotion game at the Hawthorns on the Saturday evening SKY tv game. A Kieran Dowell header saw off the Albion as a tremendously disciplined and committed away performance saw United deservedly take the spoils. West Brom failed to score at home for the first time this season and that said a lot about yet another make shift United defence with Enda Stevens in particular playing superbly in an unfamiliar position. Dean Henderson made a crucial late save but a goal would have been cruel on United who were excellent throughout and made a big statement in the promotion race.
Manager Wilder made changes again using his newly improved deeper squad with Sharp and McGoldrick coming back in for Hogan and Madine. Dowell also came back for Duffy. Basham was back on the bench but O’Connell and Baldock were not risked. Olly Norwood started despite the fear of another booking earning him a ban and missing the derby game at Hillsborough.
West Brom had a wealth of attacking options and started with the returning Dwight Gayle from suspension after diving alongside Jay Rodriguez. One loanee, Jacob Murphy missed out through injury but two others Montero and Johansen on the bench. Former England internationals Gibbs, Barry and Livermore all started for the home side who had won two on the bounce to put themselves right back in the automatic promotion mix.
After the Liquidator theme had just about finished as the teams kicked off, United settled well and were moving it about confidently with Freeman well advanced down the right and Johnson doing likewise down the left. West Brom actually had the first chance but Rodriguez’s header was well off target. United quickly went back on the attack and Sharp nearly played in McGoldrick. United were dictating play and after a smart move they took the lead on 14 minutes.
Norwood advanced with the ball and released it to the advancing Freeman. The wing back’s pass may have been a touch heavy but the overlapping centre back Cranie did superbly to keep it in and scoop it across. DOWELL got across his man and looped his header expertly over Johnstone who had no chance. The Blades fans at the other end of the ground went berserk as it was advantage United.
United came again and it was nearly two as good work from Dowell fed Johnson with a neat back heel and the loanee hit a right footed curling shot that Johnstone did well to push behind. West Brom had not really mounted any attacks but Holgate came inside and shot wide after a rare break but United were soon back on the offensive and McGoldrick smartly jinked inside but shot rather than squared and Johnstone parried the ball.
Gayle had his first chance but could not react quick enough and then Harper had a shot blocked as the home side started to come into the game more after United had controlled things. Just before the break United Johnstone held a Norwood corner wit Egan threatening but it had been a very assured first half from the Blades.
After so many defensive changes in recent weeks; it would not have been great news to the Blades fans when John Egan did not re-emerge after the break and Richard Stearman came into the heart of the defence as his replacement.
Stevens made two timely interceptions and then Cranie did the same with a good block as the home side tried to show more urgency. Gayle nearly got in but his cross shot was saved by Henderson as United were now being pushed back more but the home side were not really cutting the Blades apart. They kept their composure and shape and tried to play when they could but were not having as many attacking opportunities as they had in the first half.
McGoldrick had worked hard but Madine came on for him whilst Albion made changes with Montero coming on Phillips and the stricken Hezagi also coming off for Adarabioyo in an enforced change.
Sharp then had a half chance with a flicked header after lovely football from United led to the chance but West Brom now were pushing more men forward and Stearman had to be solid to make a headed clearance. Stevens and then Johnson also got vital foot ins as the home side tried to probe.
Basham replaced Cranie as the game entered the final quarter of an hour and United were holding form. Madine had a chance to seal it as he broke after Dowell’s good run but his shot was straight at Johnstone when he maybe should have done better.
Rodriguez had the ball in the net but was rightly chalked off for a blatant hand ball. It was a poor moment for the West Brom striker who had committed a similar offence to chalk a draw up against Villa earlier in the season and not great especially after Gayle’s theatrics a week ago. The same man tried to con the referee into a penalty when he ran into Stearman but the ref was rightly having none of it.
Edwards replaced Livermore as the game entered the final few minutes and United’s fans willed the team on and cheered every tackle, clearance and pass. The referee deemed there would be five additional minutes to be played. United kept the ball when they could and some tremendous work from Sharp and then Fleck helped see the clock tick down.
Madine got booked for holding his man back and the last chance came with a long punt that skimmed off Stevens head and Montero was in on the angle but Henderson came out superbly to smother the ball. The final whistle went not long after and United celebrated a huge three points. The team came over in unison to the jubilant away end as chants of ‘The Blades are going up and now you’re going to believe us!’ reverberated around the Birmingham night air.
United – Tremendous win and you can feel the belief now seeping across the team and fans. The reaction at the end showed what it meant. It was more than three points really as you sensed it was another game where the belief has grown, we can do it. The togetherness at the end was like I remember under those cup runs under Warnock and the Bassett promotion days. Everyone was united and the chants at full time as the players came to the team with fists aloft meant you did start to think whether we are going up.
This was a proper away performance. Attacked when we could; created chances and scored. We then kept it when we could do but for the most part it was an organised, committed and resolute performance. The level of hard work from all the players was immense. Everybody took responsibility and nobody shirked covering space, tracking men, tackling and doing all the gritty things. As a result, we won more 50/50’s, more second balls and limited the best attack in the division to barely a chance of note all game. We have seen United play some lovely football at times and take teams apart but today it was a different kind of performance. We did play some good stuff at times but overall it was about organisation, bodies on the line but intelligent, well thought play to keep a lead we deserved. It really was a fantastic performance.
Not one player played really badly. Johnson had some dicey moments and Norwood was a bit wasteful but even those two worked really hard. Stevens was magnificent at the back. He might even be as good at centre back as left wing back and has looked so assured. Cranie was superb too; making lots of great covering tackles and interceptions and both Egan/Stearman headed away everything that came their way. Freeman also did a good job against a tough opponent and showed one of his best defensive performances in a United shirt. Fleck was back to his best again following up last week and and Dowell scored and was a threat. The front two/three (when Madine came on) all worked hard to press and hold the ball up. Just a brilliant team performance. As Wilder said, we have maybe done better with the ball in other games and 2nd half I felt we could have put the game to bed and made bad choices when we did attack but the defensive work we did on and off the ball for 90 minutes was unreal. We made a good side look a bit clueless until that late chance and even though we had our hearts in our mouth on the handball goal; not sure they cut us open much at all.
With players coming back such as Basham, O’Connell, Baldock and of course Norwood not getting suspended yet; we are well set for a week on Monday. We have to go there and play like we are doing. If we keep these level of performances up, I have no doubt we can keep winning games and am confident even in big derby games against Wednesday and Leeds we can go to both places and win. I certainly do not think Leeds will look forward to us going there and being away in both of these games might strangely suit us as teams have to attack more. It is a crucial period and if we are in touch with the top two by the end of that Leeds games; then we have 8 to play and I think we could do it. Now we are looking at the top two rather than 6th place which says it all to our ambitions. To listen to Norwood’s cool and calm interview at the end and Dowell talking about us going for the league spoke volumes of the quiet confidence emerging in this group. Whatever happens we need to get behind them. We might do it, we might not but Wilder has once again got this club so United in everything we do. A proper team who plays the right way. They work so hard but play good football. We are a joy to watch at the moment. We are going to teams just out of the top flight and beating them deservedly with a side that ultimately looks so together and confident.
We go into next week with nothing to fear. They will want to help put a dint in our season but they will be very jealous of where we are. They have not lost yet under Bruce (have to play Brentford this week which will be tough) which actually makes me more confident a very average team are due a tip. If we play like we have been and can do; we will be fine. We should have everyone fit and some real dilemma for selection. I expect Duffy back and also Basham and O’Connell to come back in which is harsh on Cranie and Dowell. I also think Madine will get the nod over McGoldrick as it will be a tough, physical type game. The only one I am not sure on is Baldock if he is fit. Freeman will say he has played well two games and deserves the shirt but the Newcastle lad they have Aarons is quite quick on that side so I would probably go Baldock but it’s a tough one. I will be glad when it is out of the way and then we can just concentrate on the rest of the way. Really the games against Leeds and Bristol City are bigger ones but this on paper is one of our weaker opponents we have left to play so we should just see it as an opportunity to get another win.
WBA – Really poor. As Moore said; they never got going. We started well, scored and could have had a few more. They sparked to life for a brief period just before half time and had a few half chances and more of the ball but nothing clear. We went in with a deserved lead. After the break I expected them to really pin us back, using the wide pace they had and the dangerous attackers. I sensed it would be a bit like the Alamo. It ended up nothing like. We kept our shape, slowed the game down and used the ball when we could. Overall, we just made ourselves nice and solid and they could not break us down. They made changes but even Montero who caused us problems opening day, only got away once. They had the disallowed goal and then that late chance which came out of a punt forward but in general play they did not pull us apart. At the Lane Barry controlled midfield but today we won midfield with Fleck the stand out player in this area. The defence looked shaky as we put them under constant pressure and they made some awful choices with the ball simply kicking it out on more than one occasion. Rodriguez and Gayle are two Premier League strikers really but they barely had a sniff all game.
They will see it as a big opportunity missed to reel us in. Unlike us, their home form is going the wrong way and you could sense the frustration in the crowd which was odd for a team that had just won at Villa and QPR. The confidence drained away and you sensed at full time they knew it was a pivotal loss. Wilder is right there is loads of time left. They play Leeds next week and suddenly they win that and it turns back the other way for them but they are way too inconsistent at the moment in terms of putting big runs together consistently like the top 3 are doing. I felt they would go up after the week they had and if they had beat us, the momentum would have been massive but now I am not so sure after watching us beat them quite comfortably in the end. It shows how much we have grown since that defeat in mid-December (only lost once to Swansea since that) and it was like an inverse of that game in terms of how we professionally saw them off like they had to us.
If we did get them in the playoffs, I would not want to play them though just because of the attacking threat and as good as Bristol City have been and Boro are a big strong side still who have picked up since they lost us; they are the team I would fancy to win the playoffs if they were in that scenario. I think one big factor is Moore is quite inexperienced compared to the other managers at the top of the league and he has not even been a manager for a full season yet.
Opponent man of the match – Not sure anyone was great. Holgate showed some good attacking threat and could see why Everton paid a lot of money to take him from Barnsley. Very rapid and good on the ball. Outside of that Rodriguez came deep and showed some nice touches but mostly struggled to get in the game. Montero should have come on even earlier than the 64th minute. Murphy missing out was a plus for us as another one with pace but we had quite a few missing of course!
Weak link – Gareth Barry was really poor today and the opposite of at the Lane and had no affect on the game. Similarly, Livermore was ineffectual too. The lad Harper was the best of the three really. The strikers never got in the game and had little service but the defence looked very shaky. Dawson struggled with the ball on the floor but the lad Hegazi was wretched for the hour he played and was the weak link. He shinned it out twice; got out skilled and muscled by both Billy and Didsy and looked a bit of a liability.
Henderson 8/10 – May seem high for someone who did not have much to do but made that tremendous save right at the death when not only did he save it as he made himself big but spread himself so much he managed to hold it too. He made another save from a Gayle cross shot but outside of that his general play; kicking, handling and organisation was top notch. His reaction on full time was like Stuart Pearce in Euro 96 as the pundits on TV said! He was properly pumped up and redemption after the Villa game for him with now three straight clean sheets. When you look at the three keepers with the new Leeds lad looking a bit shaky, Krul up and down and Henderson; he might be a key advantage we have for the run in.
Freeman 8/10 – One of his best defensive performances in a United shirt. Faced with Gibbs and at times Phillips; two fast and tricky players; he did really well and kept his shape, made good tackles and interceptions. Got forward when he could but definitely showed another side to his game today. Very lucky not to get seriously injured about that poor Gibbs tackle which could have been a red card easily. After the Barnet game I worried about his fitness and general attitude but come right back bang on it the last few games and real competition for this slot now.
Johnson 6.5/10 – He will get seen as the weak link and at times he did some odd things. He really had not got much of a football brain and often kicks it the opposite way where other players run! However, I will give him his due today he did ok. He kept to his position for the most part and was fairly disciplined. Got caught square a few times but the final stages of the game he got his foot in or made some clearances. Also nearly scored with a right footed effort first half which was a decent shot. Not sure he will play next week but he has been ok the last two games. Not spectacular and still makes some poor choices but he has been fairly disciplined.
Stevens 9/10 – Superb. I never thought I would say this but he might be even better at left centre back than left wing back. We may have a great problem moving forward as he has been superb the last two games here. He can come onto the ball more and read the game better in this position. He made several calm and assured interceptions. Only knock is his flicked header led to the late chance. Great to have him tied down long term as Premier League clubs will surely be looking at him – hopefully he can get there with us!
Egan 8/10 – Only played 45 minutes but was excellent marshalling the team and winning the key headers and clearances when it came his way. We were not under too much pressure first half but he mad sure we were nice and solid and for the most part we played so high up the field we looked like the home team. Apparently got a tight calf. Wilder says he should be fine for next week.
Sub Stearman 8/10 – As above – he came on and just did his job with no fuss. Helped us keep a high-ish line when we could but made sure we did not invite pressure by properly clearing it or using it when he could. There was some concern when Gayle ran across him and fell over – I thought it was another case of the WBA man trying to con the ref and was pathetic and rightly ignored. Another who after the Barnet game questions were raised but he has been really solid in the time he has played the last two weeks.
Cranie 8/10 – As with the rest of the defence a great performance. He has been a massive surprise in the games he has played. Just so quietly efficient and you could see why Wilder signed him. Just does hit job with no fuss. Solid at everything whether it be heading, sweeping up, making blocks or just the simple pass out. When West Brom fans look at the performances of their back line and the goals they concede; they may have been unwise not to sign him when he trained with them in the summer as a free agent. Made the goal with a superb scooped cross when the ball from Freeman looked overhit.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Might have been our worst player today! That shows how good the rest of the team was as much as about him. At times he use it well and was involved in the goal but I also thought he was a bit wasteful today in possession. He once again tried to do too much and needed to keep it simpler. Did dig in and do a better job defensively than he had done and stopped the midfield running off him but helped it was Livermore and Barry – he struggled with mobile midfielders running through. Massive plus that he did not get booked and now can play next week.
Fleck 8/10 – Excellent and as he was last week; right back to the Fleck of last season and the League One title campaign. Busy, combative, getting his foot in but also using it well when he had it and powering forward. First half he was really good finding little pockets and linking play really well. Johnson has helped him as he has an outlet with pace he can work with down that side. Has found a new life from somewhere and looks a key man again. His energy levels as he chased down people at the end to help close the ball down was superb to watch and drew huge cheers from the appreciative Blades fans.
Dowell 7.5/10 – Another promising performance. He gets in the box more than Duffy – don’t like comparing as they both have a different skillset – but he can give us that threat getting right up with the strikers or ahead of them. His goal was barely a half chance and he took it really well. After this he was busy and involved in a lot of our good play first half. Good he played 90 minutes too as will help his match sharpness. Really seems to be growing and getting accustomed to our slick attacking interchange. 2nd half not as involved but did a job for the team.
Sharp 7.5/10 – Worked incredibly hard. Only had one real chance; the flicked header after a lovely move but in general play he linked and held it up. Ran the ball down several times to help bring others into play or move us down the pitch in terms of possession/territory. Just put so much of a shift in for the team. Before with Sharp you felt if he did not score, he would not always be in games but the last few weeks he has actually done a great job against Boro and WBA just with his team play and work ethic pulling defenders all over the place. They must have been sick of him as he is a constant nuisance. Looked dead on his feet at the end but clearly elated as he punched the air.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Thought he started the game well and was involved in some of our attacking moves and good play. He linked well coming deep and showed some nice touches. Missed a decent opportunity when he shot when maybe should have crossed after doing well initially. Had to come deeper as they came on more second half and then we looked for a different outlet and brought Madine on.
Subs –
Madine – Won a few headers and hold up. Couple of poor decisions when he did have it (bad shot when he maybe should have passed or certainly tested the keeper more) but he did a good job and helped them not have an easy out and worked hard like the rest of them.
Basham – Played the final 15 and got a few good blocks in and headers as we kept our shape and stopped them penetrating much at all as we closed the gaps down the sides of Stearman.
Wilder 9/10 – Another different line up and once again we had to reshuffle during the game. This was a perfect away performance. We have been criticised that we have not beat the top teams but now since Xmas we have beat Derby, Boro and now WBA (and should have beat Villa). They now belief they can win these games and have done deservedly. Love the fact he has had to change the team and sometimes chosen to make changes but we have kept to the plan, the shape and the style. IT bodes well as I was concerned about the backs ups after Barnet but all to a man have come in and done jobs at different times. He underplayed it at full time – he knew inside it was massive but after the lows of Villa and then the highs he is doing a great job of making sure we don’t get too down after such disappointments but do not get carried away after such wins also. I think he knows we have a real chance but need to make sure we have a clean bill of health now to the end. If we can maintain these performances, we will take it right to the wire. We are clearly a side that is close to taking that next step and if things fall right then who knows where we could be in May time? To see him come to the fans at the end and take the acclaim from the packed away game are scenes you could never get tired of.
Referee – Oliver Langford. Think he did the Leeds game and was shocking but today he was ok. He spotted the hand ball – may have seemed obvious but many have missed such – one including the game man this season Rodriguez which Wilder alluded to in his interview after the game. The player was rightly booked. He also should have punished Gibbs for that horrific tackle – not sure how he escaped even a foul, let alone any card. The other bookings were fine – Madine’s was a bit daft really. Dowell stopped someone breaking away, I think. Stevens also caught Gayle as he looked to get away. Dawson was also rightly booked for them. In general play he let things flow and not sure I can recall too many really poor decisions. I was concerned he somehow found 5 minutes of additional time as I know we slowed it down a bit and there were subs but not sure I can recall too many long stoppages. Fortunately, it did not cost us.
Fans / Crowd / Day Out – Yes, I did go to this one so not a view from the sofa! Not been able to get away as much due to cost/family etc and ashamed to say it but so many on TV or available via other sources. However, the reasonable ticket price, fairly cheap train tickets and the late kick off meant me and my mate decided be a good chance of a Blades away day and we were duly rewarded. Superb day really. I think the last time we went to the Hawthorns we won 1-0 with Asaba scoring at the death as I held my hands when Peschisolido hit the bar in the last minute and missed Asaba heading home the rebound! Like the Hawthorns. It has been done up a bit but like the Lane has four stands close the action and has an old-fashioned feel to the ground and always seems a good atmosphere.
Decent view from that stand as it is quite a steep rake. Everyone stood though of course all game! I did have a seat at half time! The West Brom fans were quite loud to start but our goal quietened them and after this they got quite frustrated. They tried to give them life 2nd half but nearly all the noise came from the Blades fans who were very loud from the off. 3,000 United fans made a real racket and the support was phenomenal. The noise and singing at the end to help the team over the line was immense. The noise at full time and the jubilation as the team came over was great to see and nobody left the away end (don’t think they let us leave actually and we were kept back for a bit but no one seemed to mind!). It was great scenes as we left the ground getting a huge win over a promotion rival with a togetherness on and off the field clearly tangible.
The rest of the day was excellent and for once a great day out…added to by the match and the result! We got into Birmingham around 12.30ish and headed to the Jewellery Quarter and went to the Lord Clifden where we soaked up the sun in the beer garden, had an excellent lunch and few pints. I won’t go all Ballsup and review the beers but did have a real variety of ales today – some much better than others but all ale is good isn’t it? We then moved to the Button Factory where we sat on the rooftop terrace – in a swing chair which was the only seat available due to high demand of this terrace outdoor seating in the sun. My mate’s reaction as he came back with our pints was a picture but it was preferential to being outside where it seemed to be a mixture of men watching the rugby upstairs to almost exclusively large groups of middle-aged women lunching down stairs (all reminded me of the sort that go to places like Pointing Dog (Lost and Found)…all seemed to be dressed up ridiculously for a Saturday afternoon.
Anyway after a few in here, we went to a nice little bar called 1000 Trades and had another in here. We then stopped off at the Jewellery Arms on the roundabout for a final drink before getting the train from the Jewellery Qtr station to the one stop up the line to the Hawthorns. We got in with plenty of time before kick off but they had no beer on sale in the ground?!
After the game we saw the huge queues at the station and even though it seemed organised we decided to get an Uber. It may have been quicker to take out chances on the train due to the traffic. A quick final pint in the underground bar Bacchus near New Street and then a few cans for the train and we were off at just after 9pm. My mate got off at Chesterfield but it was a lively carriage going home not helped by several police filming United fans who were doing absolutely nothing wrong. Said police men did not like one Blades fan who filmed him back – saying he was doing exactly the same as he was! It really was nonsensical. There was some singing and banter but even some of the general public on the train were not bothered but the police delayed the train in Burton and made something out of nothing. Bit pathetic really. Always good to see the Blades masses pile over Sheffield Station bridge singing and celebrating the three points. Aye, a grand day out, Gromit. Head hurts a bit this morning mind!
Manager Wilder made changes again using his newly improved deeper squad with Sharp and McGoldrick coming back in for Hogan and Madine. Dowell also came back for Duffy. Basham was back on the bench but O’Connell and Baldock were not risked. Olly Norwood started despite the fear of another booking earning him a ban and missing the derby game at Hillsborough.
West Brom had a wealth of attacking options and started with the returning Dwight Gayle from suspension after diving alongside Jay Rodriguez. One loanee, Jacob Murphy missed out through injury but two others Montero and Johansen on the bench. Former England internationals Gibbs, Barry and Livermore all started for the home side who had won two on the bounce to put themselves right back in the automatic promotion mix.
After the Liquidator theme had just about finished as the teams kicked off, United settled well and were moving it about confidently with Freeman well advanced down the right and Johnson doing likewise down the left. West Brom actually had the first chance but Rodriguez’s header was well off target. United quickly went back on the attack and Sharp nearly played in McGoldrick. United were dictating play and after a smart move they took the lead on 14 minutes.
Norwood advanced with the ball and released it to the advancing Freeman. The wing back’s pass may have been a touch heavy but the overlapping centre back Cranie did superbly to keep it in and scoop it across. DOWELL got across his man and looped his header expertly over Johnstone who had no chance. The Blades fans at the other end of the ground went berserk as it was advantage United.
United came again and it was nearly two as good work from Dowell fed Johnson with a neat back heel and the loanee hit a right footed curling shot that Johnstone did well to push behind. West Brom had not really mounted any attacks but Holgate came inside and shot wide after a rare break but United were soon back on the offensive and McGoldrick smartly jinked inside but shot rather than squared and Johnstone parried the ball.
Gayle had his first chance but could not react quick enough and then Harper had a shot blocked as the home side started to come into the game more after United had controlled things. Just before the break United Johnstone held a Norwood corner wit Egan threatening but it had been a very assured first half from the Blades.
After so many defensive changes in recent weeks; it would not have been great news to the Blades fans when John Egan did not re-emerge after the break and Richard Stearman came into the heart of the defence as his replacement.
Stevens made two timely interceptions and then Cranie did the same with a good block as the home side tried to show more urgency. Gayle nearly got in but his cross shot was saved by Henderson as United were now being pushed back more but the home side were not really cutting the Blades apart. They kept their composure and shape and tried to play when they could but were not having as many attacking opportunities as they had in the first half.
McGoldrick had worked hard but Madine came on for him whilst Albion made changes with Montero coming on Phillips and the stricken Hezagi also coming off for Adarabioyo in an enforced change.
Sharp then had a half chance with a flicked header after lovely football from United led to the chance but West Brom now were pushing more men forward and Stearman had to be solid to make a headed clearance. Stevens and then Johnson also got vital foot ins as the home side tried to probe.
Basham replaced Cranie as the game entered the final quarter of an hour and United were holding form. Madine had a chance to seal it as he broke after Dowell’s good run but his shot was straight at Johnstone when he maybe should have done better.
Rodriguez had the ball in the net but was rightly chalked off for a blatant hand ball. It was a poor moment for the West Brom striker who had committed a similar offence to chalk a draw up against Villa earlier in the season and not great especially after Gayle’s theatrics a week ago. The same man tried to con the referee into a penalty when he ran into Stearman but the ref was rightly having none of it.
Edwards replaced Livermore as the game entered the final few minutes and United’s fans willed the team on and cheered every tackle, clearance and pass. The referee deemed there would be five additional minutes to be played. United kept the ball when they could and some tremendous work from Sharp and then Fleck helped see the clock tick down.
Madine got booked for holding his man back and the last chance came with a long punt that skimmed off Stevens head and Montero was in on the angle but Henderson came out superbly to smother the ball. The final whistle went not long after and United celebrated a huge three points. The team came over in unison to the jubilant away end as chants of ‘The Blades are going up and now you’re going to believe us!’ reverberated around the Birmingham night air.
United – Tremendous win and you can feel the belief now seeping across the team and fans. The reaction at the end showed what it meant. It was more than three points really as you sensed it was another game where the belief has grown, we can do it. The togetherness at the end was like I remember under those cup runs under Warnock and the Bassett promotion days. Everyone was united and the chants at full time as the players came to the team with fists aloft meant you did start to think whether we are going up.
This was a proper away performance. Attacked when we could; created chances and scored. We then kept it when we could do but for the most part it was an organised, committed and resolute performance. The level of hard work from all the players was immense. Everybody took responsibility and nobody shirked covering space, tracking men, tackling and doing all the gritty things. As a result, we won more 50/50’s, more second balls and limited the best attack in the division to barely a chance of note all game. We have seen United play some lovely football at times and take teams apart but today it was a different kind of performance. We did play some good stuff at times but overall it was about organisation, bodies on the line but intelligent, well thought play to keep a lead we deserved. It really was a fantastic performance.
Not one player played really badly. Johnson had some dicey moments and Norwood was a bit wasteful but even those two worked really hard. Stevens was magnificent at the back. He might even be as good at centre back as left wing back and has looked so assured. Cranie was superb too; making lots of great covering tackles and interceptions and both Egan/Stearman headed away everything that came their way. Freeman also did a good job against a tough opponent and showed one of his best defensive performances in a United shirt. Fleck was back to his best again following up last week and and Dowell scored and was a threat. The front two/three (when Madine came on) all worked hard to press and hold the ball up. Just a brilliant team performance. As Wilder said, we have maybe done better with the ball in other games and 2nd half I felt we could have put the game to bed and made bad choices when we did attack but the defensive work we did on and off the ball for 90 minutes was unreal. We made a good side look a bit clueless until that late chance and even though we had our hearts in our mouth on the handball goal; not sure they cut us open much at all.
With players coming back such as Basham, O’Connell, Baldock and of course Norwood not getting suspended yet; we are well set for a week on Monday. We have to go there and play like we are doing. If we keep these level of performances up, I have no doubt we can keep winning games and am confident even in big derby games against Wednesday and Leeds we can go to both places and win. I certainly do not think Leeds will look forward to us going there and being away in both of these games might strangely suit us as teams have to attack more. It is a crucial period and if we are in touch with the top two by the end of that Leeds games; then we have 8 to play and I think we could do it. Now we are looking at the top two rather than 6th place which says it all to our ambitions. To listen to Norwood’s cool and calm interview at the end and Dowell talking about us going for the league spoke volumes of the quiet confidence emerging in this group. Whatever happens we need to get behind them. We might do it, we might not but Wilder has once again got this club so United in everything we do. A proper team who plays the right way. They work so hard but play good football. We are a joy to watch at the moment. We are going to teams just out of the top flight and beating them deservedly with a side that ultimately looks so together and confident.
We go into next week with nothing to fear. They will want to help put a dint in our season but they will be very jealous of where we are. They have not lost yet under Bruce (have to play Brentford this week which will be tough) which actually makes me more confident a very average team are due a tip. If we play like we have been and can do; we will be fine. We should have everyone fit and some real dilemma for selection. I expect Duffy back and also Basham and O’Connell to come back in which is harsh on Cranie and Dowell. I also think Madine will get the nod over McGoldrick as it will be a tough, physical type game. The only one I am not sure on is Baldock if he is fit. Freeman will say he has played well two games and deserves the shirt but the Newcastle lad they have Aarons is quite quick on that side so I would probably go Baldock but it’s a tough one. I will be glad when it is out of the way and then we can just concentrate on the rest of the way. Really the games against Leeds and Bristol City are bigger ones but this on paper is one of our weaker opponents we have left to play so we should just see it as an opportunity to get another win.
WBA – Really poor. As Moore said; they never got going. We started well, scored and could have had a few more. They sparked to life for a brief period just before half time and had a few half chances and more of the ball but nothing clear. We went in with a deserved lead. After the break I expected them to really pin us back, using the wide pace they had and the dangerous attackers. I sensed it would be a bit like the Alamo. It ended up nothing like. We kept our shape, slowed the game down and used the ball when we could. Overall, we just made ourselves nice and solid and they could not break us down. They made changes but even Montero who caused us problems opening day, only got away once. They had the disallowed goal and then that late chance which came out of a punt forward but in general play they did not pull us apart. At the Lane Barry controlled midfield but today we won midfield with Fleck the stand out player in this area. The defence looked shaky as we put them under constant pressure and they made some awful choices with the ball simply kicking it out on more than one occasion. Rodriguez and Gayle are two Premier League strikers really but they barely had a sniff all game.
They will see it as a big opportunity missed to reel us in. Unlike us, their home form is going the wrong way and you could sense the frustration in the crowd which was odd for a team that had just won at Villa and QPR. The confidence drained away and you sensed at full time they knew it was a pivotal loss. Wilder is right there is loads of time left. They play Leeds next week and suddenly they win that and it turns back the other way for them but they are way too inconsistent at the moment in terms of putting big runs together consistently like the top 3 are doing. I felt they would go up after the week they had and if they had beat us, the momentum would have been massive but now I am not so sure after watching us beat them quite comfortably in the end. It shows how much we have grown since that defeat in mid-December (only lost once to Swansea since that) and it was like an inverse of that game in terms of how we professionally saw them off like they had to us.
If we did get them in the playoffs, I would not want to play them though just because of the attacking threat and as good as Bristol City have been and Boro are a big strong side still who have picked up since they lost us; they are the team I would fancy to win the playoffs if they were in that scenario. I think one big factor is Moore is quite inexperienced compared to the other managers at the top of the league and he has not even been a manager for a full season yet.
Opponent man of the match – Not sure anyone was great. Holgate showed some good attacking threat and could see why Everton paid a lot of money to take him from Barnsley. Very rapid and good on the ball. Outside of that Rodriguez came deep and showed some nice touches but mostly struggled to get in the game. Montero should have come on even earlier than the 64th minute. Murphy missing out was a plus for us as another one with pace but we had quite a few missing of course!
Weak link – Gareth Barry was really poor today and the opposite of at the Lane and had no affect on the game. Similarly, Livermore was ineffectual too. The lad Harper was the best of the three really. The strikers never got in the game and had little service but the defence looked very shaky. Dawson struggled with the ball on the floor but the lad Hegazi was wretched for the hour he played and was the weak link. He shinned it out twice; got out skilled and muscled by both Billy and Didsy and looked a bit of a liability.
Henderson 8/10 – May seem high for someone who did not have much to do but made that tremendous save right at the death when not only did he save it as he made himself big but spread himself so much he managed to hold it too. He made another save from a Gayle cross shot but outside of that his general play; kicking, handling and organisation was top notch. His reaction on full time was like Stuart Pearce in Euro 96 as the pundits on TV said! He was properly pumped up and redemption after the Villa game for him with now three straight clean sheets. When you look at the three keepers with the new Leeds lad looking a bit shaky, Krul up and down and Henderson; he might be a key advantage we have for the run in.
Freeman 8/10 – One of his best defensive performances in a United shirt. Faced with Gibbs and at times Phillips; two fast and tricky players; he did really well and kept his shape, made good tackles and interceptions. Got forward when he could but definitely showed another side to his game today. Very lucky not to get seriously injured about that poor Gibbs tackle which could have been a red card easily. After the Barnet game I worried about his fitness and general attitude but come right back bang on it the last few games and real competition for this slot now.
Johnson 6.5/10 – He will get seen as the weak link and at times he did some odd things. He really had not got much of a football brain and often kicks it the opposite way where other players run! However, I will give him his due today he did ok. He kept to his position for the most part and was fairly disciplined. Got caught square a few times but the final stages of the game he got his foot in or made some clearances. Also nearly scored with a right footed effort first half which was a decent shot. Not sure he will play next week but he has been ok the last two games. Not spectacular and still makes some poor choices but he has been fairly disciplined.
Stevens 9/10 – Superb. I never thought I would say this but he might be even better at left centre back than left wing back. We may have a great problem moving forward as he has been superb the last two games here. He can come onto the ball more and read the game better in this position. He made several calm and assured interceptions. Only knock is his flicked header led to the late chance. Great to have him tied down long term as Premier League clubs will surely be looking at him – hopefully he can get there with us!
Egan 8/10 – Only played 45 minutes but was excellent marshalling the team and winning the key headers and clearances when it came his way. We were not under too much pressure first half but he mad sure we were nice and solid and for the most part we played so high up the field we looked like the home team. Apparently got a tight calf. Wilder says he should be fine for next week.
Sub Stearman 8/10 – As above – he came on and just did his job with no fuss. Helped us keep a high-ish line when we could but made sure we did not invite pressure by properly clearing it or using it when he could. There was some concern when Gayle ran across him and fell over – I thought it was another case of the WBA man trying to con the ref and was pathetic and rightly ignored. Another who after the Barnet game questions were raised but he has been really solid in the time he has played the last two weeks.
Cranie 8/10 – As with the rest of the defence a great performance. He has been a massive surprise in the games he has played. Just so quietly efficient and you could see why Wilder signed him. Just does hit job with no fuss. Solid at everything whether it be heading, sweeping up, making blocks or just the simple pass out. When West Brom fans look at the performances of their back line and the goals they concede; they may have been unwise not to sign him when he trained with them in the summer as a free agent. Made the goal with a superb scooped cross when the ball from Freeman looked overhit.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Might have been our worst player today! That shows how good the rest of the team was as much as about him. At times he use it well and was involved in the goal but I also thought he was a bit wasteful today in possession. He once again tried to do too much and needed to keep it simpler. Did dig in and do a better job defensively than he had done and stopped the midfield running off him but helped it was Livermore and Barry – he struggled with mobile midfielders running through. Massive plus that he did not get booked and now can play next week.
Fleck 8/10 – Excellent and as he was last week; right back to the Fleck of last season and the League One title campaign. Busy, combative, getting his foot in but also using it well when he had it and powering forward. First half he was really good finding little pockets and linking play really well. Johnson has helped him as he has an outlet with pace he can work with down that side. Has found a new life from somewhere and looks a key man again. His energy levels as he chased down people at the end to help close the ball down was superb to watch and drew huge cheers from the appreciative Blades fans.
Dowell 7.5/10 – Another promising performance. He gets in the box more than Duffy – don’t like comparing as they both have a different skillset – but he can give us that threat getting right up with the strikers or ahead of them. His goal was barely a half chance and he took it really well. After this he was busy and involved in a lot of our good play first half. Good he played 90 minutes too as will help his match sharpness. Really seems to be growing and getting accustomed to our slick attacking interchange. 2nd half not as involved but did a job for the team.
Sharp 7.5/10 – Worked incredibly hard. Only had one real chance; the flicked header after a lovely move but in general play he linked and held it up. Ran the ball down several times to help bring others into play or move us down the pitch in terms of possession/territory. Just put so much of a shift in for the team. Before with Sharp you felt if he did not score, he would not always be in games but the last few weeks he has actually done a great job against Boro and WBA just with his team play and work ethic pulling defenders all over the place. They must have been sick of him as he is a constant nuisance. Looked dead on his feet at the end but clearly elated as he punched the air.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Thought he started the game well and was involved in some of our attacking moves and good play. He linked well coming deep and showed some nice touches. Missed a decent opportunity when he shot when maybe should have crossed after doing well initially. Had to come deeper as they came on more second half and then we looked for a different outlet and brought Madine on.
Subs –
Madine – Won a few headers and hold up. Couple of poor decisions when he did have it (bad shot when he maybe should have passed or certainly tested the keeper more) but he did a good job and helped them not have an easy out and worked hard like the rest of them.
Basham – Played the final 15 and got a few good blocks in and headers as we kept our shape and stopped them penetrating much at all as we closed the gaps down the sides of Stearman.
Wilder 9/10 – Another different line up and once again we had to reshuffle during the game. This was a perfect away performance. We have been criticised that we have not beat the top teams but now since Xmas we have beat Derby, Boro and now WBA (and should have beat Villa). They now belief they can win these games and have done deservedly. Love the fact he has had to change the team and sometimes chosen to make changes but we have kept to the plan, the shape and the style. IT bodes well as I was concerned about the backs ups after Barnet but all to a man have come in and done jobs at different times. He underplayed it at full time – he knew inside it was massive but after the lows of Villa and then the highs he is doing a great job of making sure we don’t get too down after such disappointments but do not get carried away after such wins also. I think he knows we have a real chance but need to make sure we have a clean bill of health now to the end. If we can maintain these performances, we will take it right to the wire. We are clearly a side that is close to taking that next step and if things fall right then who knows where we could be in May time? To see him come to the fans at the end and take the acclaim from the packed away game are scenes you could never get tired of.
Referee – Oliver Langford. Think he did the Leeds game and was shocking but today he was ok. He spotted the hand ball – may have seemed obvious but many have missed such – one including the game man this season Rodriguez which Wilder alluded to in his interview after the game. The player was rightly booked. He also should have punished Gibbs for that horrific tackle – not sure how he escaped even a foul, let alone any card. The other bookings were fine – Madine’s was a bit daft really. Dowell stopped someone breaking away, I think. Stevens also caught Gayle as he looked to get away. Dawson was also rightly booked for them. In general play he let things flow and not sure I can recall too many really poor decisions. I was concerned he somehow found 5 minutes of additional time as I know we slowed it down a bit and there were subs but not sure I can recall too many long stoppages. Fortunately, it did not cost us.
Fans / Crowd / Day Out – Yes, I did go to this one so not a view from the sofa! Not been able to get away as much due to cost/family etc and ashamed to say it but so many on TV or available via other sources. However, the reasonable ticket price, fairly cheap train tickets and the late kick off meant me and my mate decided be a good chance of a Blades away day and we were duly rewarded. Superb day really. I think the last time we went to the Hawthorns we won 1-0 with Asaba scoring at the death as I held my hands when Peschisolido hit the bar in the last minute and missed Asaba heading home the rebound! Like the Hawthorns. It has been done up a bit but like the Lane has four stands close the action and has an old-fashioned feel to the ground and always seems a good atmosphere.
Decent view from that stand as it is quite a steep rake. Everyone stood though of course all game! I did have a seat at half time! The West Brom fans were quite loud to start but our goal quietened them and after this they got quite frustrated. They tried to give them life 2nd half but nearly all the noise came from the Blades fans who were very loud from the off. 3,000 United fans made a real racket and the support was phenomenal. The noise and singing at the end to help the team over the line was immense. The noise at full time and the jubilation as the team came over was great to see and nobody left the away end (don’t think they let us leave actually and we were kept back for a bit but no one seemed to mind!). It was great scenes as we left the ground getting a huge win over a promotion rival with a togetherness on and off the field clearly tangible.
The rest of the day was excellent and for once a great day out…added to by the match and the result! We got into Birmingham around 12.30ish and headed to the Jewellery Quarter and went to the Lord Clifden where we soaked up the sun in the beer garden, had an excellent lunch and few pints. I won’t go all Ballsup and review the beers but did have a real variety of ales today – some much better than others but all ale is good isn’t it? We then moved to the Button Factory where we sat on the rooftop terrace – in a swing chair which was the only seat available due to high demand of this terrace outdoor seating in the sun. My mate’s reaction as he came back with our pints was a picture but it was preferential to being outside where it seemed to be a mixture of men watching the rugby upstairs to almost exclusively large groups of middle-aged women lunching down stairs (all reminded me of the sort that go to places like Pointing Dog (Lost and Found)…all seemed to be dressed up ridiculously for a Saturday afternoon.
Anyway after a few in here, we went to a nice little bar called 1000 Trades and had another in here. We then stopped off at the Jewellery Arms on the roundabout for a final drink before getting the train from the Jewellery Qtr station to the one stop up the line to the Hawthorns. We got in with plenty of time before kick off but they had no beer on sale in the ground?!
After the game we saw the huge queues at the station and even though it seemed organised we decided to get an Uber. It may have been quicker to take out chances on the train due to the traffic. A quick final pint in the underground bar Bacchus near New Street and then a few cans for the train and we were off at just after 9pm. My mate got off at Chesterfield but it was a lively carriage going home not helped by several police filming United fans who were doing absolutely nothing wrong. Said police men did not like one Blades fan who filmed him back – saying he was doing exactly the same as he was! It really was nonsensical. There was some singing and banter but even some of the general public on the train were not bothered but the police delayed the train in Burton and made something out of nothing. Bit pathetic really. Always good to see the Blades masses pile over Sheffield Station bridge singing and celebrating the three points. Aye, a grand day out, Gromit. Head hurts a bit this morning mind!
