Post by deadbat on Aug 10, 2019 18:38:33 GMT
United got their first Premier League point and goal thanks to a late Billy Sharp goal at the Vitality Stadium. The Blades were more than a match for the home side and looked comfortable at their new elevated level. Indeed, the Blades had the better chances long before a scrappy opener was converted by Chris Mepham. United threw on Sharp and two new signings, McBurnie and Freeman and at the death they scored a similarly scruffy goal from a set play. Unitedite Sharp knocking the ball home to give United a vital late point and the only promoted side to get anything on the opening weekend, albeit from an easier fixture.
Manager Wilder opted to only include one new signing in Callum Robinson (if you don’t count returning goalkeeper Dean Henderson) in his starting line up with 5 other new faces, Jagielka, Besic, McBurnie, Freeman and Osborn on the bench. McGoldrick got the nod up top with Robinson with Lundstram getting the start in a seemingly more orthodox midfield three. Bournemouth were without former Blade David Brooks but gave a surprise first league start for the ex United keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
United playing in their new all white change strip started superbly and nearly led in the first minute. Lundstram lofted a lovely ball over the top and McGoldrick was clear. The striker could not quite get the purchase he wanted and Ramsdale pushed the ball away. It was a great chance. United knocked the ball around confidently and pushed men forward when they could. Smith did get through on the break down the right but his cross evaded everyone. United continued to keep a compact shape but the home side had another decent break at speed when Wilson and Fraser combined but the ball was too strong in the end.
Some neat and tidy football from United saw the ball moved around and then from the left it was knocked inside to Robinson who had a low drive palmed away by Ramsdale. Billings had a shot well over at the other end as Bournemouth had so far not rested the United keeper. United won a corner but Lundstram pulled his shot wide before a poor tackle from Smith led to a booking. Just before this it seemed another poor challenge from Fraser high and on the ankle roll, has been missed by referee Friend and VAR with confusion whether it could be reviewed if the ref has not seen it as a booking or even a foul.
A decent chance came to Bournemouth but Mepham fired wide under pressure from Basham. Robinson then had a shot blocked just before the break. United had been well in the game and had the best two efforts on goal.
The second half saw United threaten again with nice football and an over, then a dummy saw Stevens in but Mepham cleared for a corner. Lundstram twice put through lovely balls with one leading to McGoldrick drilling a low shot just wide and then a lovely cross from the far side somehow evading both the defender and Robinson. Lerma had a shot in between these chances but it was blocked.
The home team started to up the tempo and pin United back without creating too much but won a corner and then a free kick. As O’Connell headed clear and the Cherries fans appealed for a penalty, the ball dropped and Billing hit an exocet of a shot that Henderson did superbly to push away firmly. The VAR review confirmed it was not a penalty. After Baldock could not fully clear, Fraser managed to win a free kick from Stevens. He took it and Ake headed back goalwards, the ball deflected into Wilson who had a shot saved at point blank range by Henderson. MEPHAM managed to react and turn it in from close range.
After this McBurnie came on for McGoldrick but the next period of the game saw little action at either end and it became mired in the midfield. Freeman came on for Lundstram and then Fraser for simulation and Fleck for foul play were both carded. United tried to get more bodies forward but the final ball was poor and twice it went behind the goal with players well advanced in the area. Sharp came on for Basham as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
United kept plugging away and trying to move it about and a patient move saw Freeman come inside and get blocked off leading to a free kick. Norwood played in Baldock whose cross was knocked goalwards by McBurnie and deflected off a defender into the path of SHARP who poked home. Sharp’s unbridled joy clear to see as he wheeled away to celebrate in front of the massed United fans at the side of the pitch.
After the goal a foul on the edge of the box gave Fraser a chance but his free kick was well over and as the game entered the final four minutes it was United who ended on the attack committing more men forward and nearly getting another chance via Freeman and Stevens.
United – Delighted to get a point and pleased with the performance. We started well and Lundstram’s superb pass nearly led to a goal for McGoldrick. You worried if we would get many more chances like that but Robinson had a good shot, missed another one that came across and McGoldrick had another effort just wide. We had chances and saw more of the ball than I thought we would. Going the other way, we kept our shape and limited them. First half 0-0 was about right in terms of play but we shaded chances/efforts. We had a few chances to start the second half but then from around 52-53 mins to 75 they were the better side but were not overpowering us or dominating us. They had a few efforts, corners and forced us back a bit but were not ripping through us. When they scored you worried, we would not get back into it, not because of our resilience or commitment to send more attacking threats on/forward but just we had not created much for that final third of the game and indeed there had been few efforts on goal all game from both sides.
The goal, albeit as scrappy as their goal was brilliant. We had to see out a good free kick chance for them but we deserved the draw and matched them all game with and without the ball. I think we kept our shape and Lundstram had a decent game. The front two were a threat first half and then second half we managed to get blocks/tackles in when we had to and thus the goal was poor as Baldock somehow ended up on Ake and we did not react twice after this. Still, we kept at it and kept trying to play football. We did not throw men forward in terms of the overlapping centre back and only Stevens consistently got into the final third but at 0-0 you understood that. We tried to keep the ball and be nice and patient but when we got into the final third other than a few neat moves, we sometimes panicked and the final ball was really poor. Due to the wind/poor quality, we sent at least 5 balls behind the goal (Fleck did it twice) and not even remotely giving players a chance to get on the end of.
I feel that at times we could have been better in possession and went a bit long at times or in that final part of the field but that is being ultra-critical. For the most part, we kept out discipline, passed it when we could and tried to attack when we had chances. It would have been underserved to take nothing from the game. For an away side we had as many, if not more efforts and as much of the ball really. They did not cut us open and we kept a solid shape. It was a sensible and promising first day performance and whilst we must not get carried away, it is something to really build on with two home games to now come. The fans must not get carried away. It was a decent-good performance but more than that for me to go away and look comfortable for much of the game is a really positive sign and should give the players/team confidence.
Ratings: (these may seem a bit low but I am marking them as Premier League players – as a guide 0-3 is a shocker, 4-5 is poor, 6 average, 7 decent, 8 good, 9 superb and 10 out of this world….so 6.5 is average to decent!)
Henderson 7/10 – Solid enough. Was not really tested apart from one good save from Billing and a few shots that went wide/over. He took a few crosses. On the goal he reacted to make the save and it was that close I am not sure he could push it wide and was just an instinctive save really. His kicking was quite poor throughout – not so much when played back to him but more from dead balls or his hands and often kicked it out, went too long or struggled to make half way on a few others with the wind.
Baldock 7/10 – Defensively he stuck to his task well and kept his shape – stopping the cross. On the goal it seemed he got done with a bigger man against him at the back stick and the whole defence maybe did not communicate well enough to deal with the overload at the far post. He had also not cleared the ball properly (sliced it somewhat) in the build up to them winning the free kick. After this he got into some good positions but dithered a few times and was a bit slow to make the pass/cross and his decision making will need to be made quicker but did well in the lead up to the goal to cross the ball over. I was pleased that he did not get run beyond the other way.
Basham 6.5/10 – As with Baldock, on the right-hand side thought he was fine defensively and did not get got caught on the break. He was nice and disciplined. He was ok with the ball when under no pressure but did give it away a few times when pressed. He did not get forward that much though and when he did, he sort of panicked a bit and we did not keep it when we had that overload we try. Did not look out of his depth though and we saw one mini Cruyff turn at one point.
O’Connell 7/10 – Defended well and made a few good interceptions when they threatened us with pace. Him and Egan coped ok with Wilson and King who had a few runs but they held them up and stopped them penetrating too much. He like Basham tried to get forward but when he did, he did not have much of an impact and most of his work was in our half.
Egan 7/10 – Solid enough where he won tackles and sat deepest of our players and tried to stop them getting those little balls/passes that would lead to Wilson or King turning. He will have a different kind of challenge at this level as not all teams play with a big, physical striker and power/pace is more of the threat I feel. Today faced with good pace and movement, he kept his shape and I felt we limited a potent attack to few chances of note at all. Indeed, cannot recall any of their strikers getting away to have an effort or a shot on goal all game (maybe the one on the goal) so that has to be a big credit to the defence.
Stevens 7/10 – Maybe our most attacking of our back 5 or certainly of the two wing/overlapping centre backs. Thought he was steady enough and for the most part defended well but did give away a few too many silly free kicks, including the one that led to the goal. He gave another one away later in a similar position. I loved the way he kept trying to get up the field though and was involved in some of our better moves. To see him attacking on the right-hand corner when we were attacking at the end showed what we are about in terms of going for it and committing men forward. At times he looked a class act though and the running forward and link play was excellent.
Fleck 6.5/10 – I felt he and Norwood did some good things but I actually think both can do much better with and without the ball. We had a kind of low block where we had the whole team quite deep when they had it and tried to make them pass it through us or force them wide by packing the midfield. In this sense it worked as they created very little. At times you saw how we might struggle with pace and athleticism and Billing and Lerma were able to win a lot of loose things especially more in the second half. I felt all three midfielders at times were nice and composed and kept it simple and then even at 0-0 tried to go long a bit too much or do too much. He sent 3 crosses behind the goal (wind?) When we just kept it and moved it, we made chances. This seemed to stop 2nd half – the example when Fleck ran through and was pushed off easily by a stronger player. Fleck was booked for a high challenge which was fair enough. A decent, steady game but can improve also.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Felt he showed some good bits where he had the ball and moved it on and showed good composure. Technically showed he should cope fine at this level. He was calm and assured but then he also went long too much and not many of his passes, if any found the man. He was a bit rushed when we had it in good positions. His crosses were a bit hit and miss too but he of course put it in for the one that led to the goal. Gave away a few poor free kicks including the one right at the end which led to a great chance. Think him and Fleck will be better at home when we hopefully see more of the ball – today they had to do a lot of defensive work.
Lundstram 7/10 – He was fine and maybe the best of the three midfielders. Three superb balls nearly led to goals. He played the delightful through ball to McGoldrick who should have scored really when one on one. He then put another great cross in for Robinson who just missed it early in the 2nd half. Also played in McGoldrick when he shot wide. So, three big chances out of our four (Robinson had the other shot saved) he made. He was neat and tidy for the most part although had one poor shot and another cross miles over the bar. He was used in a role where at times he was the front of the press and then when we had it often was the closest to the strikers. It was not like he was in a Duffy role as it was more of a flat three but he did a decent job today. Not sure he will play much at home but in away games if he can replicate today, he will be a useful player but needs to keep to these standards.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Had two very good chances – one he maybe should have done better with when in the first minute he was in and maybe a lob (like Derby) would have led to a goal but he was leaning back a bit and his shot lacked power and was saved. He then had another chance 2nd half when put in by Lundstram but shot wide on the angle – it was not far wide and this one a good effort. His link play was good as he came back and him and Robinson both did the defensive work well as when they had it we sat back and kept a solid shape. He came off on the hour when McBurnie came on.
Robinson 7/10 – At times he looked good and was very bright and lively early on. He plays on the shoulder with his pace and looked to link with McGoldrick. First half he worked hard and was closing down/covering but also linking and keeping it when he could when we had it. He had one decent shot which was saved. 2nd half I felt he was not as effective and was quieter as they had more of the ball and the game but kept going and was still looking for the ball. He had a good chance but seemed to just miss it. One lovely dummy second half where it nearly led to a chance for McGoldrick.
Subs –
McBurnie – Came on for McGoldrick after they scored but was being readied even before that. He was all action and held it up when he could and chased things down. Involved in the goal when his effort was deflected into Sharp’s path.
Freeman – Brought on for Lundstram and he too like McBurnie tried to get on the ball and play – he actually won the free kick so all three subs involved in the goal! He had a few half chances at the end to get it into the box or create something but took a bit long as we seemed caught on keeping it and going for a winner!
Sharp – Replaced Basham as we chucked men forward and then with one of the couple of touches, he had, managed to knock it home and be in the right spot to score. Great to see his jubilation and the scenes at the end when he got the goal and he has been dreaming of that all his life. Think he may remain on the bench next week though as the front two did ok. Brilliant we have player we can rotate around – not sure there will be two fixed starters for the first part of the season and all will get games/chances.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – A solid performance where we kept our shape, did not concede all the possession and also, they did not have many chances at all. They scored a set play rather than a wonder goal and their only other really good effort came from a long-range shot. His decision to pick Lundstramm was vindicated and all three subs did well and combined on the goal. He will feel we can maybe keep it a bit better and at times our final ball was poor and rushed but as a starting point, literally, this was a good start and he will be happy. That is the thing, we played well but could play even better and it is not as if individually and collectively we were outstanding – we were decent- good and still drew deservedly at an established Premier League club.
Bournemouth – I expected a lot more from them. They did have a number of injuries of course missing a few who may have started in Kelly, Brooks, Gosling, Lewis Cook (also Stanislas and Francis) but with players they have such as Fraser, Wilson, King at the top I thought they would have shown more of an attacking threat. Over the game, Mepham had his goal from a set play and then he missed one wide – they had the one shot of note which Billing hit and Henderson made a smart save but outside of this I cannot recall many efforts on goal if any – outside of the one just before the goal. They had a few crosses go across and a few fly wide/over but Henderson was not that busy. First half we had the better 2 chances/efforts an they easily could have been behind after only a minute. I am not sure they were quite ready that we could knock it about like we could and that we would have a go at times and not sit back – we did when we did not have the ball but when we had it, we tried to pin them back. It was ironic that they ended up knocking it long quite a bit or using the long throw at times as a main tactic and the goal came from a header at the back post.
In general football, Lama and Billing had a spell where they started to assert some influence around the goal but they never really ran away from us and even at 1-0 it was a scrappy lead and undeserved over the piece. The goal was well deserved for United and they cannot argue at a point apiece. I expected them to move it quicker and forward with more purpose and it was a bit pedestrian (from both sides but they were the home team and established Premier League team). I think in the end they just thought they’d edge a scrappy 1-0 win but like with us did not defend a set play properly at all. When they looked good it was when they picked us off and moved it through the thirds quicker and used the pace of Wilson, Fraser and King. They did not do this enough and were careless with the ball. Saw a few fans say they struggle against physical sides like us – not sure outside the centre backs we were that physical.
I was quite annoyed how often they threw themselves down and looked for a foul – luckily the ref in most cases just played on. It was pathetic. The most minimal of contact and they would go down and stop. Worrying if teams do this every week. Not sure why as they are clearly very good players and don’t need to do this. Maybe we need to be a bit cuter in this regard?
I am sure they won’t be near the relegation places and will get players back but will have to improve a lot from that performance.
Opposition key man – He maybe could have been sent off but Fraser was the best player for them. Always lively, running with it and his set plays are excellent. He does go to floor too much and maybe bought a few free kicks but the one they scored from was a foul. Like to see the challenge on Norwood back as it was definitely a yellow and maybe a red and would have been a pivotal moment. Ramsdale made some expected but decent saves. Wilson was a threat but we dealt with him well. I thought Billing looked powerful at times and could be a good signing.
Opposition weak link – Not sure there was anyone that was awful but I feel Cook is a steady eddy but one that even our front two showed could be got at with pace. The two full backs were not that secure defensively and we got in a few times down the flanks – sure both Rico and Smith may be replaced when fit players come back. Ironically Mepham scored but he too was a bit sloppy and lost his man a few times when we attacked.
Referee / VAR review – Kevin Friend. Thought he was fine and actually for the most part did not fall for the attempts to go to ground for free kicks. That is where VAR worries me as if they slow it down it looks worse – but apparently, they watch in real speed first. The bookings were fine – Smith was late on O’Connell, then Fraser was booked for simulation (he had dived a few times before this) and then Fleck was high on an aerial challenge.
I do think the Fraser one on Norwood looked very high and over the ball but I am not totally sure on the rules – if he had booked him then he could have reviewed and maybe sent him off – but if he does not book him it is not seen as a review – I suppose they cannot review all fouls and decide if it would be a booking as that would be ridiculous. Is it just a case of the ref missed this or decided it was not a yellow so VAR in Stockley Park cannot get involved? If that is the case then that is fine but seems like the worse the ref decision is the worse it could get if that is right as it means anything not booked then cannot be a red. As I say it looked like a poor decision – they mentioned it on Sky and Le Tissier who gave us lots of credit and said we were comfortable – said he thought yellow but he had admitted he had only seen it once. The rest of the game was saw bookings reviewed from VAR (one each anyway where they checked if it would be a red – neither was) but they did not review the Fraser dive? There was a half-hearted appeal for a penalty near the end of them but if anything was a foul against our player. They did check for an offside on their goal but was clearly on and then when we scored, I worried about anything that could disallow it but there was no offside, no foul, no hand ball and I could finally celebrate again – after the replay! It is going to be odd though and quite stop start. They got most things right today and the one they may have got wrong they may not be able to do anything if the ref feels it was not a booking and thus not reviewed. Anyone know? I should read up more but saw one in the Spurs game with no booking and it was reviewed?
I felt it was a booking at least and maybe more. The rest of the game Friend was good and he played on when he could, tried to keep things moving and I am not sure he favoured the more established home, Prem side – outside of that above decision.
Manager Wilder opted to only include one new signing in Callum Robinson (if you don’t count returning goalkeeper Dean Henderson) in his starting line up with 5 other new faces, Jagielka, Besic, McBurnie, Freeman and Osborn on the bench. McGoldrick got the nod up top with Robinson with Lundstram getting the start in a seemingly more orthodox midfield three. Bournemouth were without former Blade David Brooks but gave a surprise first league start for the ex United keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
United playing in their new all white change strip started superbly and nearly led in the first minute. Lundstram lofted a lovely ball over the top and McGoldrick was clear. The striker could not quite get the purchase he wanted and Ramsdale pushed the ball away. It was a great chance. United knocked the ball around confidently and pushed men forward when they could. Smith did get through on the break down the right but his cross evaded everyone. United continued to keep a compact shape but the home side had another decent break at speed when Wilson and Fraser combined but the ball was too strong in the end.
Some neat and tidy football from United saw the ball moved around and then from the left it was knocked inside to Robinson who had a low drive palmed away by Ramsdale. Billings had a shot well over at the other end as Bournemouth had so far not rested the United keeper. United won a corner but Lundstram pulled his shot wide before a poor tackle from Smith led to a booking. Just before this it seemed another poor challenge from Fraser high and on the ankle roll, has been missed by referee Friend and VAR with confusion whether it could be reviewed if the ref has not seen it as a booking or even a foul.
A decent chance came to Bournemouth but Mepham fired wide under pressure from Basham. Robinson then had a shot blocked just before the break. United had been well in the game and had the best two efforts on goal.
The second half saw United threaten again with nice football and an over, then a dummy saw Stevens in but Mepham cleared for a corner. Lundstram twice put through lovely balls with one leading to McGoldrick drilling a low shot just wide and then a lovely cross from the far side somehow evading both the defender and Robinson. Lerma had a shot in between these chances but it was blocked.
The home team started to up the tempo and pin United back without creating too much but won a corner and then a free kick. As O’Connell headed clear and the Cherries fans appealed for a penalty, the ball dropped and Billing hit an exocet of a shot that Henderson did superbly to push away firmly. The VAR review confirmed it was not a penalty. After Baldock could not fully clear, Fraser managed to win a free kick from Stevens. He took it and Ake headed back goalwards, the ball deflected into Wilson who had a shot saved at point blank range by Henderson. MEPHAM managed to react and turn it in from close range.
After this McBurnie came on for McGoldrick but the next period of the game saw little action at either end and it became mired in the midfield. Freeman came on for Lundstram and then Fraser for simulation and Fleck for foul play were both carded. United tried to get more bodies forward but the final ball was poor and twice it went behind the goal with players well advanced in the area. Sharp came on for Basham as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
United kept plugging away and trying to move it about and a patient move saw Freeman come inside and get blocked off leading to a free kick. Norwood played in Baldock whose cross was knocked goalwards by McBurnie and deflected off a defender into the path of SHARP who poked home. Sharp’s unbridled joy clear to see as he wheeled away to celebrate in front of the massed United fans at the side of the pitch.
After the goal a foul on the edge of the box gave Fraser a chance but his free kick was well over and as the game entered the final four minutes it was United who ended on the attack committing more men forward and nearly getting another chance via Freeman and Stevens.
United – Delighted to get a point and pleased with the performance. We started well and Lundstram’s superb pass nearly led to a goal for McGoldrick. You worried if we would get many more chances like that but Robinson had a good shot, missed another one that came across and McGoldrick had another effort just wide. We had chances and saw more of the ball than I thought we would. Going the other way, we kept our shape and limited them. First half 0-0 was about right in terms of play but we shaded chances/efforts. We had a few chances to start the second half but then from around 52-53 mins to 75 they were the better side but were not overpowering us or dominating us. They had a few efforts, corners and forced us back a bit but were not ripping through us. When they scored you worried, we would not get back into it, not because of our resilience or commitment to send more attacking threats on/forward but just we had not created much for that final third of the game and indeed there had been few efforts on goal all game from both sides.
The goal, albeit as scrappy as their goal was brilliant. We had to see out a good free kick chance for them but we deserved the draw and matched them all game with and without the ball. I think we kept our shape and Lundstram had a decent game. The front two were a threat first half and then second half we managed to get blocks/tackles in when we had to and thus the goal was poor as Baldock somehow ended up on Ake and we did not react twice after this. Still, we kept at it and kept trying to play football. We did not throw men forward in terms of the overlapping centre back and only Stevens consistently got into the final third but at 0-0 you understood that. We tried to keep the ball and be nice and patient but when we got into the final third other than a few neat moves, we sometimes panicked and the final ball was really poor. Due to the wind/poor quality, we sent at least 5 balls behind the goal (Fleck did it twice) and not even remotely giving players a chance to get on the end of.
I feel that at times we could have been better in possession and went a bit long at times or in that final part of the field but that is being ultra-critical. For the most part, we kept out discipline, passed it when we could and tried to attack when we had chances. It would have been underserved to take nothing from the game. For an away side we had as many, if not more efforts and as much of the ball really. They did not cut us open and we kept a solid shape. It was a sensible and promising first day performance and whilst we must not get carried away, it is something to really build on with two home games to now come. The fans must not get carried away. It was a decent-good performance but more than that for me to go away and look comfortable for much of the game is a really positive sign and should give the players/team confidence.
Ratings: (these may seem a bit low but I am marking them as Premier League players – as a guide 0-3 is a shocker, 4-5 is poor, 6 average, 7 decent, 8 good, 9 superb and 10 out of this world….so 6.5 is average to decent!)
Henderson 7/10 – Solid enough. Was not really tested apart from one good save from Billing and a few shots that went wide/over. He took a few crosses. On the goal he reacted to make the save and it was that close I am not sure he could push it wide and was just an instinctive save really. His kicking was quite poor throughout – not so much when played back to him but more from dead balls or his hands and often kicked it out, went too long or struggled to make half way on a few others with the wind.
Baldock 7/10 – Defensively he stuck to his task well and kept his shape – stopping the cross. On the goal it seemed he got done with a bigger man against him at the back stick and the whole defence maybe did not communicate well enough to deal with the overload at the far post. He had also not cleared the ball properly (sliced it somewhat) in the build up to them winning the free kick. After this he got into some good positions but dithered a few times and was a bit slow to make the pass/cross and his decision making will need to be made quicker but did well in the lead up to the goal to cross the ball over. I was pleased that he did not get run beyond the other way.
Basham 6.5/10 – As with Baldock, on the right-hand side thought he was fine defensively and did not get got caught on the break. He was nice and disciplined. He was ok with the ball when under no pressure but did give it away a few times when pressed. He did not get forward that much though and when he did, he sort of panicked a bit and we did not keep it when we had that overload we try. Did not look out of his depth though and we saw one mini Cruyff turn at one point.
O’Connell 7/10 – Defended well and made a few good interceptions when they threatened us with pace. Him and Egan coped ok with Wilson and King who had a few runs but they held them up and stopped them penetrating too much. He like Basham tried to get forward but when he did, he did not have much of an impact and most of his work was in our half.
Egan 7/10 – Solid enough where he won tackles and sat deepest of our players and tried to stop them getting those little balls/passes that would lead to Wilson or King turning. He will have a different kind of challenge at this level as not all teams play with a big, physical striker and power/pace is more of the threat I feel. Today faced with good pace and movement, he kept his shape and I felt we limited a potent attack to few chances of note at all. Indeed, cannot recall any of their strikers getting away to have an effort or a shot on goal all game (maybe the one on the goal) so that has to be a big credit to the defence.
Stevens 7/10 – Maybe our most attacking of our back 5 or certainly of the two wing/overlapping centre backs. Thought he was steady enough and for the most part defended well but did give away a few too many silly free kicks, including the one that led to the goal. He gave another one away later in a similar position. I loved the way he kept trying to get up the field though and was involved in some of our better moves. To see him attacking on the right-hand corner when we were attacking at the end showed what we are about in terms of going for it and committing men forward. At times he looked a class act though and the running forward and link play was excellent.
Fleck 6.5/10 – I felt he and Norwood did some good things but I actually think both can do much better with and without the ball. We had a kind of low block where we had the whole team quite deep when they had it and tried to make them pass it through us or force them wide by packing the midfield. In this sense it worked as they created very little. At times you saw how we might struggle with pace and athleticism and Billing and Lerma were able to win a lot of loose things especially more in the second half. I felt all three midfielders at times were nice and composed and kept it simple and then even at 0-0 tried to go long a bit too much or do too much. He sent 3 crosses behind the goal (wind?) When we just kept it and moved it, we made chances. This seemed to stop 2nd half – the example when Fleck ran through and was pushed off easily by a stronger player. Fleck was booked for a high challenge which was fair enough. A decent, steady game but can improve also.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Felt he showed some good bits where he had the ball and moved it on and showed good composure. Technically showed he should cope fine at this level. He was calm and assured but then he also went long too much and not many of his passes, if any found the man. He was a bit rushed when we had it in good positions. His crosses were a bit hit and miss too but he of course put it in for the one that led to the goal. Gave away a few poor free kicks including the one right at the end which led to a great chance. Think him and Fleck will be better at home when we hopefully see more of the ball – today they had to do a lot of defensive work.
Lundstram 7/10 – He was fine and maybe the best of the three midfielders. Three superb balls nearly led to goals. He played the delightful through ball to McGoldrick who should have scored really when one on one. He then put another great cross in for Robinson who just missed it early in the 2nd half. Also played in McGoldrick when he shot wide. So, three big chances out of our four (Robinson had the other shot saved) he made. He was neat and tidy for the most part although had one poor shot and another cross miles over the bar. He was used in a role where at times he was the front of the press and then when we had it often was the closest to the strikers. It was not like he was in a Duffy role as it was more of a flat three but he did a decent job today. Not sure he will play much at home but in away games if he can replicate today, he will be a useful player but needs to keep to these standards.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Had two very good chances – one he maybe should have done better with when in the first minute he was in and maybe a lob (like Derby) would have led to a goal but he was leaning back a bit and his shot lacked power and was saved. He then had another chance 2nd half when put in by Lundstram but shot wide on the angle – it was not far wide and this one a good effort. His link play was good as he came back and him and Robinson both did the defensive work well as when they had it we sat back and kept a solid shape. He came off on the hour when McBurnie came on.
Robinson 7/10 – At times he looked good and was very bright and lively early on. He plays on the shoulder with his pace and looked to link with McGoldrick. First half he worked hard and was closing down/covering but also linking and keeping it when he could when we had it. He had one decent shot which was saved. 2nd half I felt he was not as effective and was quieter as they had more of the ball and the game but kept going and was still looking for the ball. He had a good chance but seemed to just miss it. One lovely dummy second half where it nearly led to a chance for McGoldrick.
Subs –
McBurnie – Came on for McGoldrick after they scored but was being readied even before that. He was all action and held it up when he could and chased things down. Involved in the goal when his effort was deflected into Sharp’s path.
Freeman – Brought on for Lundstram and he too like McBurnie tried to get on the ball and play – he actually won the free kick so all three subs involved in the goal! He had a few half chances at the end to get it into the box or create something but took a bit long as we seemed caught on keeping it and going for a winner!
Sharp – Replaced Basham as we chucked men forward and then with one of the couple of touches, he had, managed to knock it home and be in the right spot to score. Great to see his jubilation and the scenes at the end when he got the goal and he has been dreaming of that all his life. Think he may remain on the bench next week though as the front two did ok. Brilliant we have player we can rotate around – not sure there will be two fixed starters for the first part of the season and all will get games/chances.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – A solid performance where we kept our shape, did not concede all the possession and also, they did not have many chances at all. They scored a set play rather than a wonder goal and their only other really good effort came from a long-range shot. His decision to pick Lundstramm was vindicated and all three subs did well and combined on the goal. He will feel we can maybe keep it a bit better and at times our final ball was poor and rushed but as a starting point, literally, this was a good start and he will be happy. That is the thing, we played well but could play even better and it is not as if individually and collectively we were outstanding – we were decent- good and still drew deservedly at an established Premier League club.
Bournemouth – I expected a lot more from them. They did have a number of injuries of course missing a few who may have started in Kelly, Brooks, Gosling, Lewis Cook (also Stanislas and Francis) but with players they have such as Fraser, Wilson, King at the top I thought they would have shown more of an attacking threat. Over the game, Mepham had his goal from a set play and then he missed one wide – they had the one shot of note which Billing hit and Henderson made a smart save but outside of this I cannot recall many efforts on goal if any – outside of the one just before the goal. They had a few crosses go across and a few fly wide/over but Henderson was not that busy. First half we had the better 2 chances/efforts an they easily could have been behind after only a minute. I am not sure they were quite ready that we could knock it about like we could and that we would have a go at times and not sit back – we did when we did not have the ball but when we had it, we tried to pin them back. It was ironic that they ended up knocking it long quite a bit or using the long throw at times as a main tactic and the goal came from a header at the back post.
In general football, Lama and Billing had a spell where they started to assert some influence around the goal but they never really ran away from us and even at 1-0 it was a scrappy lead and undeserved over the piece. The goal was well deserved for United and they cannot argue at a point apiece. I expected them to move it quicker and forward with more purpose and it was a bit pedestrian (from both sides but they were the home team and established Premier League team). I think in the end they just thought they’d edge a scrappy 1-0 win but like with us did not defend a set play properly at all. When they looked good it was when they picked us off and moved it through the thirds quicker and used the pace of Wilson, Fraser and King. They did not do this enough and were careless with the ball. Saw a few fans say they struggle against physical sides like us – not sure outside the centre backs we were that physical.
I was quite annoyed how often they threw themselves down and looked for a foul – luckily the ref in most cases just played on. It was pathetic. The most minimal of contact and they would go down and stop. Worrying if teams do this every week. Not sure why as they are clearly very good players and don’t need to do this. Maybe we need to be a bit cuter in this regard?
I am sure they won’t be near the relegation places and will get players back but will have to improve a lot from that performance.
Opposition key man – He maybe could have been sent off but Fraser was the best player for them. Always lively, running with it and his set plays are excellent. He does go to floor too much and maybe bought a few free kicks but the one they scored from was a foul. Like to see the challenge on Norwood back as it was definitely a yellow and maybe a red and would have been a pivotal moment. Ramsdale made some expected but decent saves. Wilson was a threat but we dealt with him well. I thought Billing looked powerful at times and could be a good signing.
Opposition weak link – Not sure there was anyone that was awful but I feel Cook is a steady eddy but one that even our front two showed could be got at with pace. The two full backs were not that secure defensively and we got in a few times down the flanks – sure both Rico and Smith may be replaced when fit players come back. Ironically Mepham scored but he too was a bit sloppy and lost his man a few times when we attacked.
Referee / VAR review – Kevin Friend. Thought he was fine and actually for the most part did not fall for the attempts to go to ground for free kicks. That is where VAR worries me as if they slow it down it looks worse – but apparently, they watch in real speed first. The bookings were fine – Smith was late on O’Connell, then Fraser was booked for simulation (he had dived a few times before this) and then Fleck was high on an aerial challenge.
I do think the Fraser one on Norwood looked very high and over the ball but I am not totally sure on the rules – if he had booked him then he could have reviewed and maybe sent him off – but if he does not book him it is not seen as a review – I suppose they cannot review all fouls and decide if it would be a booking as that would be ridiculous. Is it just a case of the ref missed this or decided it was not a yellow so VAR in Stockley Park cannot get involved? If that is the case then that is fine but seems like the worse the ref decision is the worse it could get if that is right as it means anything not booked then cannot be a red. As I say it looked like a poor decision – they mentioned it on Sky and Le Tissier who gave us lots of credit and said we were comfortable – said he thought yellow but he had admitted he had only seen it once. The rest of the game was saw bookings reviewed from VAR (one each anyway where they checked if it would be a red – neither was) but they did not review the Fraser dive? There was a half-hearted appeal for a penalty near the end of them but if anything was a foul against our player. They did check for an offside on their goal but was clearly on and then when we scored, I worried about anything that could disallow it but there was no offside, no foul, no hand ball and I could finally celebrate again – after the replay! It is going to be odd though and quite stop start. They got most things right today and the one they may have got wrong they may not be able to do anything if the ref feels it was not a booking and thus not reviewed. Anyone know? I should read up more but saw one in the Spurs game with no booking and it was reviewed?
I felt it was a booking at least and maybe more. The rest of the game Friend was good and he played on when he could, tried to keep things moving and I am not sure he favoured the more established home, Prem side – outside of that above decision.
