Post by deadbat on Nov 10, 2019 16:05:21 GMT
Report below…..sorry for the delay – been to see my Mum in hospital today and got back late last night so been a bit busy.
Podcasts
Pre match soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-spurs-away-pre-match
Post match soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-spurs-away
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After a marvellous period of results and performances, the Blades continue to surprise the Premier League after they once again matched if not bettered another more illustrious opponent in Tottenham Hotspur. United were superb for large parts of the game and their performance in truth deserved a victory. However, after a sloppy goal conceded to Son Heung Min, United had to recover to fight back to gain a point. They had a controversial goal ruled out for VAR that summed up the issue with the system in both the fractionality of the call, the time it took to assess it and the sheer destruction of the spontaneity that should make football so exhilarating. After the excellent David McGoldrick’s goal was ruled out, the Blades finally did get level when George Baldock’s cross found its way into the net. The goal was reminiscent of another former Blades right back Kevin Gage who scored at the same ground and end 28 years ago! After this United ensured they repelled any Spurs raids and the point was least they deserved in the end. They are now unbeaten in 5 games since the defeat to Liverpool.
Much of the talk post game will centre on VAR and the decision to disallow the earlier United goal but that should not take the shine of another hugely impressive United showing with so many excellent individual performances keyed by the dangerous front two and some determined and skilled defending that saw England captain and superstar Harry Kane largely anonymous.
United were unchanged from the side that dismantled Burnley last week. Spurs had the now eligible Son starting with England players and internationals littered all over their side including England captain Harry Kane. Eriksen was only on the bench with the want away midfielder not flavour of the month with the manager of Spurs fans currently. Giovani Lo Celso got his first league start after the Real Betis loanee impressed in the Champions League win in the week.
In the impressive and imposing surroundings of the new Spurs ground, United started the game in confident mood knocking it around the field and everyone comfortable in possession and they were the aggressors early on with control in midfield and players looking to get forward at every opportunity. Baldock was taken out by Dier early on and was rightly booked and then Norwood had the first effort of the game from the free kick with Gazzaniga having to paw the ball away. United won two corners and then Lundstram dragged a shot wide before Fleck then had an effort saved. United were dominating the early proceedings and looking more like the home side. Mousset was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and he was brought down by Dier who easily could have got another yellow card.
Spurs had barely had the ball never mind mounted an attack but did so on the quarter of an hour mark and Kane had a good chance but put it wide under pressure from Egan. After O’Connell’s run was held up, Spurs broke and Norwood had to bring down Alli and was booked.
The game was bit more even now and Son and McGoldrick both had tame efforts saved. Aurier and Son again also came inside but had shots that were charged down before United came again with Lundstram off target. United were playing some lovely football when they had it but Spurs looked more dangerous now on the break with quick, tricky players supplanting the talisman Kane.
However, United’s efforts should have seen them lead and they had a great effort on the half hour when Norwood’s cross was pulled back by O’Connell and Lundstram thudded a powerful shot against the post. Gazzaniga was well beaten. Mousset could not force the rebound goalward and Spurs were relieved to clear. Lo Celso had Spurs best effort when he came inside and his shot was narrowly wide and for the final part of the half the home fans were awoken from their slumber as Tottenham finally got into some dangerous areas. Still as the half time whistle went, United would feel a little aggrieved not to have gone in at the break winning as they had played the better stuff and forced the tempo for large spells.
Winks came on for Ndombele at the interval but the second half continued with United in confident mood and some lovely interchange and one touch football saw McGoldrick and Mousset nearly combine. The French striker came so close to opening the scoring soon after as he held off Sanchez and span and shot. The ball went just wide of the far post and it was a great effort. Spurs had a chance of their own and Henderson made his first meaningful save when Son hit a low shot he had to push away.
On the hour against the run of play, Spurs took the lead. It was a sloppy goal with the ball bouncing around and not cleared properly. Stevens knocked the ball on almost inadvertently and the other defenders could not react and it fell to SON who drilled it under Henderson from close range. It was a hammer blow for the Blades who had been the better side up to this point.
Lovely build up and football saw United seemingly level almost immediately though. Lundstram was played in down the right and there was a suspicion of offside but the flag did not go up and his excellent cross was turned back across from the other side from Stevens and McGoldrick converted from close range. It seemed like the popular front man had finally got his first Premier League goal but the obligatory VAR check started to take place as United players celebrated in the corner. It took an inordinate amount of time to check (
? Minutes and seconds in total!) with no replays on the screen just ‘VAR: checking decision’ being shown to the fans inside the stadium. Eventually to the outcry of the Blades and the joy of the home fans it was ruled out with Lundstram’s big toe adjudged to be offside.
United seemed a bit shell shocked from this and it took them time to try and find some control again. Son went close and Spurs felt they could now go on and see out the game but they were caught somewhat between defence and attack. Foyth came on for Ali which showed Spurs intention to see out the game and slowly United started to come again.
With just over 10 minutes to play, United got the goal their play had deserved. United moved the ball about and were patient before McGoldrick accelerated forward and spread the ball towards BALDOCK on the right-hand angle who sent over a cross that evaded everybody and nestled into the far corner. Maybe a touch fortuitous but United had definitely deserved an element of luck after the earlier incident. This goal was also checked for a very long time before the goal was finally given to the delight of the United fans albeit it not in a natural way of how you would want to celebrate a goal. 23 passes had been played in the build up with the right back scoring and the centre back Basham closest to getting a touch!
Foyth was booked for a crude foul and United now were trying to keep the ball as the home side started to up things as the game entered the final stages. Son was always dangerous and he drifted inside and Henderson had to gather the ball. Lucas Moira came on for Aurier as Spurs now tried to find a winner after labouring for so long in the game. Robinson came on for Mousset just before the 90 minutes ticked over.
There was 6 minutes allotted to be played as additional time with most of it due to the earlier Var delays. United now had to see out what they had and the home side were throwing men forward but United kept their shape and discipline although Basham had to hack Son down.
Spurs had a good effort when Lucas Moira hit a dipping shot that Henderson had to tip over and the corner was cleared. Kane then flicked wide with a header under pressure as Spurs won a series of corners. United were able to do enough to run down time for a period after that and McGoldrick departed to much acclaim from the travelling army as Freeman came on and United looked to see out what they had at this late stage. The final whistle came soon after and United could celebrate another away point and go into December unbeaten away from home.
United – We were excellent. We started the game superbly and swarmed all over them. We had corners, free kicks and chances in open play. The movement of the front two was very good and the midfield won all the battle. The defence made few mistakes and we just looked a very good side. The confidence is clearly so high. Spurs had a few moments but we were much better first half and I was disappointed we did not lead at the break. After half time, the game was more even but we still had chances and as many as them. The goal was a big blow as was the VAR but we recovered well and got the leveller. After this they did come on to us and we had to see it out. Overall, though individually and collectively we were excellent. We moved the ball around and looked to attack. It was front foot football and the players did the other stuff well too. We pressed well and were able to win the ball back when we could and looked to move up the field as one.
It was excellent to watch. Sure, we made a few mistakes at times but that is because we wanted to attack. The intensity of all aspects of our play is top notch. I love watching us play. It was a great point in terms of who we played and another away game where we have not lost but then you are slightly disappointed, we did not win on reflection! That is how far we have come.
Of course, it is tight and only a few points separate about two thirds of the league but it is still great to be 5th. FIFTH. It’s ridiculous. We now welcome Man Utd and can feel confident we can get a result in that game. We have nothing to lose. We need to keep this momentum going and keep doing the things we are doing. If we do that it will continue to be an excellent season and wherever we finish we will be comfortably away from any relegation battle. Whether we can keep this level of form, performances and results up, I am not sure?! It will be tough to maintain this excellent all season but if we can even get close, we will be fine and it will continue to be great to watch.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Did not have much to do but made a few routine saves first half. Made a better one second half when they nearly got in and he pushed away and then the goal was quite close to him and went through his legs but hard to save those. They either hit you or they do not. I used to hate shots close to your body and low down when I played in goal. You almost have more chance if there are to the side. Then he made a superb flying fingertip save late on. However, the defence protected him really well again.
Baldock 8/10 – Thought he was superb today. Yes, his final ball again was lacking and he panics a bit when he gets to these areas. It was ironic another cross that was nowhere near a teammate actually ended up in the back of the net. He deserved his reward for an excellent showing. He really did cover so much ground getting up and down and was a constant menace in attacks and was always an outlet. He seems to be getting better and better. Skilful, athletic and defensively he has been solid too this season. One that has upped his game even more.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Thought he had his poorest game of the season. He was not awful but he made a few mistakes such as the goal for example when he seemed to just knock it on and back. He has to just clear that but it seemed to just hit him to give him some defence. Ge got forward well and assisted on the McGoldrick moment with a lovely ball but his final pass/touch today was not quite as it has been. He actually mis controlled a few times that set them on their way and had to get back and recover. Shows how well he has been playing that today he was ok but felt it was a drop off.
Basham 8/10 – Really impressive as were all three of the central defenders. He did not make mistakes at all and just really solid. So many times, he came over on the cover and managed to make interceptions. One moment where he read a through ball and lobbed it over a man and then cleared showed his underrated skill also. Then when he chased down Son, slid in won the tackle and came away. He just stuck in, made sure we were nice and compact and they could not get through us. He attacked when he could and used the ball quite well too. He was the furthest forward on the goal too and nearly got a touch. The right back crossing to the centre back in open play! Against some very dangerous opponents they all won their battles.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above really. Played a measured and calm performance and attacked quite a bit too. We have definitely seen the shackles released somewhat in a controlled way in the last few weeks with him and Bash getting up the pitch more. He made some good tackles and blocks and used the ball well when he could. Only recall one error when he mis controlled and they threatened to break. Obviously, Son at that side got away to score once but this was not about him not being picked up as the ball just came to him instinctively and no one would have expected that.
Egan 8/10 – Superb showing and he was directly up against Kane a lot although the other two did a good job when he moved across the frontline. He won headers, tackles and blocks and the fact we barely noticed Kane or he had any really significant clear chances or efforts I can recall is testament to the job that Egan did. He has really been so solid this year with very few mistakes and looked calm when in possession too.
Norwood 7/10 – Our midfield today was really solid without doing anything spectacular. They pressed well, got on the loose balls and passed when they could. Norwood did this well although he gave the ball away more than the other two and tried a few too many adventurous balls that were cut out. He also got robbed and they broke twice after this (happened at West Ham). Got booked too for a trip as they tried to break away. Overall though he kept his position, covered for defenders and used it for the most part well.
Lundstram 7.5/10 – As above. Unfortunate in the VAR goal but he got about the pitch again – he was able to get his tackles and challenges in but also pass and get forward too. He hit the post with one great effort and had another that went just wide. He just seems so much more mobile and he is getting about the pitch like I have never seen before and for spells seemed to be popping up everywhere. Its night and day watching our midfield (and team) to last time we were in the top flight. At the moment everyone is comfortable on the ball and can go short or long but are doing the dirty work too.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Played well even if we did not quite see as many of those driving runs, we have become accustomed to seeing. He was busy and neat but also broke up a lot of their play and the moments we had when we attacked, he was often helping shuffle the ball on or make a little dart. The midfield actually controlled a lot of the game (the stats are misleading in terms of having Spurs having more possession – it was useless possession mostly where as ours was more purposeful) and he was a big part of that.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Gutted for him the goal was ruled out as he deserved it. Wilder pushed him up to the Blades fans at the end as he knew how good he had been. He was the outstanding attacker on show for both teams and what I mean by that was his all-around play. Yes, he did not score (well he did but…) or have many clear chances but his touch, link play and way he orchestrated so man attacks was a joy to watch. Technically he is fantastic and when he drifts into those little areas, teams cannot pick him up. He was so good to watch today and has to play for me. He is that important to what we do especially now we have more of a flat three.
Mousset 8/10 – He ran McGoldrick close for our outstanding player. The only thing missing from both of them was a goal. He came to close with a swivel, turn and shot just wide. Looks such a raw talent. Can run with or without the ball. He is very quick but strong too. He was constantly an outlet in both halves and linked well with Didzy and the midfield. They struggled to hold him up at times and it was just a shame a few bits and pieces didn’t quite sit. The scary thing is he is so young and can improve. The striker partnership will continue for a while now and whilst others can come in; these two have been our best two strikers this season.
Subs –
Robinson – He came on with a few minutes left but looked a little lost even in limited time and did not exactly press much and lost it when he had it down the left-hand channel.
Freeman – Only came on right at the end and it was much to kill time as to give us an extra midfielder.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – Only thing missing was the win. We were excellent almost from start to finish. We were so ‘on it’ from the off and we took the game to them. We should have led at the break and overall, we had a lot of the play and chances for an away side playing a Champions League finalist. We were really good. We pressed and tackled/got the ball back and then moved it about nicely. We also had threats at the top of the field. We also showed real desire to come back from the VAR decision. Like the way he did not make a meal of it. He probably was as angry as us but was very calm in his post match comments. He is the complete opposite to Warnock in this regard and one of reasons he is well respected – he is not a moaner/ranter normally- if he does this, it is at his own players/team not the referee or opponents! What a job he is doing at the moment. It seems almost too good to be true.
Spurs – The fans said they have been like that a lot of the season but have to give us credit or we get into that discussion about every time having an off day against us. They have not been the side they were last season and with some key men injured or out of form, they have just not got going. The side is full of talent but they have been off the pace all season although done quite well in the Champions League games. Today, they failed to register a single shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time, and the first in any home league match since January against Man Utd at Wembley. That is how good we were and how poor they were.
They had a decent 10 minutes before half time and then second half it was more even and at the end they came on strong but overall they would have been very lucky to have got the three points and considering the VAR and we hit the post, they were fortunate to actually get anything from a game even though they led and our goal was a bit lucky. We were the better side I felt.
I like the manager and it is the first really poor spell he has had. Ironic they gave him some money in the summer but is still not the same level of investment the others big clubs have but the team they had was good enough to finish 3rd and get to the Champions League final. I think just too many are off form and a key man Eriksen clearly wants out and is not playing well when he is playing. They need to move him on in January really and reinvest. They do have lots of good players and sure they will eventually move up the league and contend for the top 4 still. Not sure the defence is that convincing at all.
Opponent Man of the Match – Son. He is so dangerous. He gets into those areas that causes issues and drifts all over. Can score goals and run with the ball. He was the main threat today – shame he was not suspended! Lo Celso was their next best player. Skilful and a threat from midfield. Not sure anyone really played that well from the rest of the side. Winks did improve their ball retention a bit when he came on.
Opponent Weak link – I thought many of their big England players were really poor. Kane did nothing really all game and looked quite off it but superbly marshalled by our players. Alli fell over a lot but was ineffective and the big lad Ndombele was big and strong but actually quite anonymous. They paid 55 million for him! The worst player might have been Dier. He played centre back which is not maybe his best position but struggled with our pace and movement. Got booked and could have been sent off and was pulled all over the place.
Referee/Officials/VAR – We have only had the one really big moment of VAR in our games and that was when McBurnie’s effort was ruled out against Southampton. Outside of that we seemed to have not become involved in any of the decisions that has been debated in the media. However today we had a big one and of course it went against us! To say it was borderline was an understatement. Surely, they have to go with the on-field decision with such uncertainty and no clear way of confirming the validity of the decision in terms of when a freeze frame is actually stopped in reference to the ball being passed. It all depends on the angle of the picture also and there is no way anyone can categorically say he was definitely offside even with technology. In this instance the goal has to stand. It was not even in the final part of the goal but the first phase. Every Spurs fan we spoke to after felt it was a goal and should not have been ruled out.
Suppose the referee, Graham Scott, is not to blame for the VAR nor the assistant who simply cannot see that but I do thing the referee even outside of these moments was very much a homer. He gave lots of little free kicks to them under minimal contact and seemed to fall for the playacting a lot. He did not give us much all game I felt and seemed so far off the play at times too and could not keep up. I have seen him a few times and do not really rate him. He does not have very good control of games and it is too stop start. Two bookings a piece. Dier got booked for a really poor challenge early on and then actually could have walked I thought – Norwood soon after got booked for a trip as they tried to break away – it seemed harsh considering a Spurs man had done the same when United were actually in the final third but had a feeling it was Dier had been booked earlier that committed this offence? If so, he could easily have walked. Basham took one for the team similar to Stevens at West Ham as they threatened to break and he just hauled someone down. Really good foul to make. Forth got booked for a poor foul also late on after he came on.
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day out etc – Just under 60,000 inside the ground with 3,000 Blades in the lower tier – some behind the goal and some around the corner on the side stand. The Blades fans made a lot of noise and despite the disappointment of the VAR, got a goal. It was a shame even that one you could not really celebrate and we maybe celebrated the goal that was not rather than the one that was! Even on this we had to wait for the decision to be made and this is killing the joy for football fans. The Blades fans kept going and were vocal and encouraging and gave them a real ovation at the end to salute another great performance. We had a good view and you have rails in front of you so they could change it to safe standing maybe eventually if they wanted.
The ground itself is hugely impressive. The antithesis of the West Ham ground. It is close to the action; the stands are steep and the roof design means the noise stays in – the roof really comes across and round. The big end (Kop end) is a huge single tiered steep stand and looks brilliant. The Spurs fans noise was often frustration with groans and boos than encouragement and only late on they found their voice when they scored and then were making a late desperate attempt to win it. They booed them off at the end which told a tale. The middle section, like Wembley is all corporate and is almost half empty at the beginning, middle and end so many in there seem to only watch maybe 70-80 minutes! The food must be good in the VIP bits!
The stadium it is superb from the inside and the outside. From the outside it looks like a huge space ship and the design of the outside looks very good. You have big screen showing things and graphics all over. There is glass frontage and lifts going up in some of the areas and you have an elevated part where you go up steps to get in. They have cleared so much room away and the stadium is a world away from the cramped and pokey set up the old White Hart Lane was. Around the streets and ground, there are the traditional high street shops and pubs but it is much roomier now. Getting in was odd as you go through an airport style scanner and then have a vigorous body search too! Once in the concourse is spacious and you have a range of options to drink and eat. We had the Spurs signature pie which was kind of like carrot and mincemeat but was ok. We had our beer filled from the bottom (Beavertown again! – see below). Is a bit odd that you have music blaring out inside the concourse (not necessarily the same that is on the PA or what is being heard when you are in the ground) and it comes on instantly at half time and full time. Some decent tunes too.
The rest of the day was good if a little frantic. Due to the trains I ended up getting the 05.29 train – I know madness as knew it would be all over and my intended train was cancelled an hour later. It was good though as all the direct ones were cancelled seemingly. I got to sit in first class too.
There were also issues on the way back too but I plumped for a delayed train to Derby which was nearly empty and then changed there for the Sheffield one for the final part. Took 3 hours both ways though and did not get in till gone midnight via taxi.
Will sort out my compensation claim later with EMT. Encourage you to all do the same www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/help-manage/manage/make-a-delay-repay-claim
As for when we were in London, we had a walk up to Camden and had a Weatherspoon’s breakfast by Camden lock. We then walked up Primrose Hill as we knew we would be drinking so wanted to ensure we got some exercise! After tussling past the joggers and dog walkers we had a coffee and pretended we were someone on Regents Park Road. We then got the train to Tottenham Hale and went to the Beavertown Brewery and sampled many of their delights. Do love the beers they do and had a little walk around the brewery too although the beers are pricey especially as you had to pay a deposit to get a drink and it was not even proper pints I don’t think! We liked the orange one out of the newer ones (we do like Neck Oil and Gamma Ray but the others are not as readily available) I also got to meet @bladespod (Ben) for the first time – unplanned so good to have a brief chat. We walked to the ground (about 20 minutes from here) and then after we saw it was a nightmare trying to get a train so decided to dry out in a nearby pub for a bit and then headed to Liverpool Street via Bruce Grove. We had a pint in the rooftop bar (Queen of Hoxton and was easily 10 years the oldest people in there) and then went to the The Flight Club, place that has several darts boards but we did not play as you had to wait ages to get an oche so had a final drink and then went back to St Pancras and got our usual fare from M and S before the scrum for whatever train was running to get us back up North!
Podcasts
Pre match soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-spurs-away-pre-match
Post match soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-spurs-away
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After a marvellous period of results and performances, the Blades continue to surprise the Premier League after they once again matched if not bettered another more illustrious opponent in Tottenham Hotspur. United were superb for large parts of the game and their performance in truth deserved a victory. However, after a sloppy goal conceded to Son Heung Min, United had to recover to fight back to gain a point. They had a controversial goal ruled out for VAR that summed up the issue with the system in both the fractionality of the call, the time it took to assess it and the sheer destruction of the spontaneity that should make football so exhilarating. After the excellent David McGoldrick’s goal was ruled out, the Blades finally did get level when George Baldock’s cross found its way into the net. The goal was reminiscent of another former Blades right back Kevin Gage who scored at the same ground and end 28 years ago! After this United ensured they repelled any Spurs raids and the point was least they deserved in the end. They are now unbeaten in 5 games since the defeat to Liverpool.
Much of the talk post game will centre on VAR and the decision to disallow the earlier United goal but that should not take the shine of another hugely impressive United showing with so many excellent individual performances keyed by the dangerous front two and some determined and skilled defending that saw England captain and superstar Harry Kane largely anonymous.
United were unchanged from the side that dismantled Burnley last week. Spurs had the now eligible Son starting with England players and internationals littered all over their side including England captain Harry Kane. Eriksen was only on the bench with the want away midfielder not flavour of the month with the manager of Spurs fans currently. Giovani Lo Celso got his first league start after the Real Betis loanee impressed in the Champions League win in the week.
In the impressive and imposing surroundings of the new Spurs ground, United started the game in confident mood knocking it around the field and everyone comfortable in possession and they were the aggressors early on with control in midfield and players looking to get forward at every opportunity. Baldock was taken out by Dier early on and was rightly booked and then Norwood had the first effort of the game from the free kick with Gazzaniga having to paw the ball away. United won two corners and then Lundstram dragged a shot wide before Fleck then had an effort saved. United were dominating the early proceedings and looking more like the home side. Mousset was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and he was brought down by Dier who easily could have got another yellow card.
Spurs had barely had the ball never mind mounted an attack but did so on the quarter of an hour mark and Kane had a good chance but put it wide under pressure from Egan. After O’Connell’s run was held up, Spurs broke and Norwood had to bring down Alli and was booked.
The game was bit more even now and Son and McGoldrick both had tame efforts saved. Aurier and Son again also came inside but had shots that were charged down before United came again with Lundstram off target. United were playing some lovely football when they had it but Spurs looked more dangerous now on the break with quick, tricky players supplanting the talisman Kane.
However, United’s efforts should have seen them lead and they had a great effort on the half hour when Norwood’s cross was pulled back by O’Connell and Lundstram thudded a powerful shot against the post. Gazzaniga was well beaten. Mousset could not force the rebound goalward and Spurs were relieved to clear. Lo Celso had Spurs best effort when he came inside and his shot was narrowly wide and for the final part of the half the home fans were awoken from their slumber as Tottenham finally got into some dangerous areas. Still as the half time whistle went, United would feel a little aggrieved not to have gone in at the break winning as they had played the better stuff and forced the tempo for large spells.
Winks came on for Ndombele at the interval but the second half continued with United in confident mood and some lovely interchange and one touch football saw McGoldrick and Mousset nearly combine. The French striker came so close to opening the scoring soon after as he held off Sanchez and span and shot. The ball went just wide of the far post and it was a great effort. Spurs had a chance of their own and Henderson made his first meaningful save when Son hit a low shot he had to push away.
On the hour against the run of play, Spurs took the lead. It was a sloppy goal with the ball bouncing around and not cleared properly. Stevens knocked the ball on almost inadvertently and the other defenders could not react and it fell to SON who drilled it under Henderson from close range. It was a hammer blow for the Blades who had been the better side up to this point.
Lovely build up and football saw United seemingly level almost immediately though. Lundstram was played in down the right and there was a suspicion of offside but the flag did not go up and his excellent cross was turned back across from the other side from Stevens and McGoldrick converted from close range. It seemed like the popular front man had finally got his first Premier League goal but the obligatory VAR check started to take place as United players celebrated in the corner. It took an inordinate amount of time to check (
? Minutes and seconds in total!) with no replays on the screen just ‘VAR: checking decision’ being shown to the fans inside the stadium. Eventually to the outcry of the Blades and the joy of the home fans it was ruled out with Lundstram’s big toe adjudged to be offside. United seemed a bit shell shocked from this and it took them time to try and find some control again. Son went close and Spurs felt they could now go on and see out the game but they were caught somewhat between defence and attack. Foyth came on for Ali which showed Spurs intention to see out the game and slowly United started to come again.
With just over 10 minutes to play, United got the goal their play had deserved. United moved the ball about and were patient before McGoldrick accelerated forward and spread the ball towards BALDOCK on the right-hand angle who sent over a cross that evaded everybody and nestled into the far corner. Maybe a touch fortuitous but United had definitely deserved an element of luck after the earlier incident. This goal was also checked for a very long time before the goal was finally given to the delight of the United fans albeit it not in a natural way of how you would want to celebrate a goal. 23 passes had been played in the build up with the right back scoring and the centre back Basham closest to getting a touch!
Foyth was booked for a crude foul and United now were trying to keep the ball as the home side started to up things as the game entered the final stages. Son was always dangerous and he drifted inside and Henderson had to gather the ball. Lucas Moira came on for Aurier as Spurs now tried to find a winner after labouring for so long in the game. Robinson came on for Mousset just before the 90 minutes ticked over.
There was 6 minutes allotted to be played as additional time with most of it due to the earlier Var delays. United now had to see out what they had and the home side were throwing men forward but United kept their shape and discipline although Basham had to hack Son down.
Spurs had a good effort when Lucas Moira hit a dipping shot that Henderson had to tip over and the corner was cleared. Kane then flicked wide with a header under pressure as Spurs won a series of corners. United were able to do enough to run down time for a period after that and McGoldrick departed to much acclaim from the travelling army as Freeman came on and United looked to see out what they had at this late stage. The final whistle came soon after and United could celebrate another away point and go into December unbeaten away from home.
United – We were excellent. We started the game superbly and swarmed all over them. We had corners, free kicks and chances in open play. The movement of the front two was very good and the midfield won all the battle. The defence made few mistakes and we just looked a very good side. The confidence is clearly so high. Spurs had a few moments but we were much better first half and I was disappointed we did not lead at the break. After half time, the game was more even but we still had chances and as many as them. The goal was a big blow as was the VAR but we recovered well and got the leveller. After this they did come on to us and we had to see it out. Overall, though individually and collectively we were excellent. We moved the ball around and looked to attack. It was front foot football and the players did the other stuff well too. We pressed well and were able to win the ball back when we could and looked to move up the field as one.
It was excellent to watch. Sure, we made a few mistakes at times but that is because we wanted to attack. The intensity of all aspects of our play is top notch. I love watching us play. It was a great point in terms of who we played and another away game where we have not lost but then you are slightly disappointed, we did not win on reflection! That is how far we have come.
Of course, it is tight and only a few points separate about two thirds of the league but it is still great to be 5th. FIFTH. It’s ridiculous. We now welcome Man Utd and can feel confident we can get a result in that game. We have nothing to lose. We need to keep this momentum going and keep doing the things we are doing. If we do that it will continue to be an excellent season and wherever we finish we will be comfortably away from any relegation battle. Whether we can keep this level of form, performances and results up, I am not sure?! It will be tough to maintain this excellent all season but if we can even get close, we will be fine and it will continue to be great to watch.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Did not have much to do but made a few routine saves first half. Made a better one second half when they nearly got in and he pushed away and then the goal was quite close to him and went through his legs but hard to save those. They either hit you or they do not. I used to hate shots close to your body and low down when I played in goal. You almost have more chance if there are to the side. Then he made a superb flying fingertip save late on. However, the defence protected him really well again.
Baldock 8/10 – Thought he was superb today. Yes, his final ball again was lacking and he panics a bit when he gets to these areas. It was ironic another cross that was nowhere near a teammate actually ended up in the back of the net. He deserved his reward for an excellent showing. He really did cover so much ground getting up and down and was a constant menace in attacks and was always an outlet. He seems to be getting better and better. Skilful, athletic and defensively he has been solid too this season. One that has upped his game even more.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Thought he had his poorest game of the season. He was not awful but he made a few mistakes such as the goal for example when he seemed to just knock it on and back. He has to just clear that but it seemed to just hit him to give him some defence. Ge got forward well and assisted on the McGoldrick moment with a lovely ball but his final pass/touch today was not quite as it has been. He actually mis controlled a few times that set them on their way and had to get back and recover. Shows how well he has been playing that today he was ok but felt it was a drop off.
Basham 8/10 – Really impressive as were all three of the central defenders. He did not make mistakes at all and just really solid. So many times, he came over on the cover and managed to make interceptions. One moment where he read a through ball and lobbed it over a man and then cleared showed his underrated skill also. Then when he chased down Son, slid in won the tackle and came away. He just stuck in, made sure we were nice and compact and they could not get through us. He attacked when he could and used the ball quite well too. He was the furthest forward on the goal too and nearly got a touch. The right back crossing to the centre back in open play! Against some very dangerous opponents they all won their battles.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above really. Played a measured and calm performance and attacked quite a bit too. We have definitely seen the shackles released somewhat in a controlled way in the last few weeks with him and Bash getting up the pitch more. He made some good tackles and blocks and used the ball well when he could. Only recall one error when he mis controlled and they threatened to break. Obviously, Son at that side got away to score once but this was not about him not being picked up as the ball just came to him instinctively and no one would have expected that.
Egan 8/10 – Superb showing and he was directly up against Kane a lot although the other two did a good job when he moved across the frontline. He won headers, tackles and blocks and the fact we barely noticed Kane or he had any really significant clear chances or efforts I can recall is testament to the job that Egan did. He has really been so solid this year with very few mistakes and looked calm when in possession too.
Norwood 7/10 – Our midfield today was really solid without doing anything spectacular. They pressed well, got on the loose balls and passed when they could. Norwood did this well although he gave the ball away more than the other two and tried a few too many adventurous balls that were cut out. He also got robbed and they broke twice after this (happened at West Ham). Got booked too for a trip as they tried to break away. Overall though he kept his position, covered for defenders and used it for the most part well.
Lundstram 7.5/10 – As above. Unfortunate in the VAR goal but he got about the pitch again – he was able to get his tackles and challenges in but also pass and get forward too. He hit the post with one great effort and had another that went just wide. He just seems so much more mobile and he is getting about the pitch like I have never seen before and for spells seemed to be popping up everywhere. Its night and day watching our midfield (and team) to last time we were in the top flight. At the moment everyone is comfortable on the ball and can go short or long but are doing the dirty work too.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Played well even if we did not quite see as many of those driving runs, we have become accustomed to seeing. He was busy and neat but also broke up a lot of their play and the moments we had when we attacked, he was often helping shuffle the ball on or make a little dart. The midfield actually controlled a lot of the game (the stats are misleading in terms of having Spurs having more possession – it was useless possession mostly where as ours was more purposeful) and he was a big part of that.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Gutted for him the goal was ruled out as he deserved it. Wilder pushed him up to the Blades fans at the end as he knew how good he had been. He was the outstanding attacker on show for both teams and what I mean by that was his all-around play. Yes, he did not score (well he did but…) or have many clear chances but his touch, link play and way he orchestrated so man attacks was a joy to watch. Technically he is fantastic and when he drifts into those little areas, teams cannot pick him up. He was so good to watch today and has to play for me. He is that important to what we do especially now we have more of a flat three.
Mousset 8/10 – He ran McGoldrick close for our outstanding player. The only thing missing from both of them was a goal. He came to close with a swivel, turn and shot just wide. Looks such a raw talent. Can run with or without the ball. He is very quick but strong too. He was constantly an outlet in both halves and linked well with Didzy and the midfield. They struggled to hold him up at times and it was just a shame a few bits and pieces didn’t quite sit. The scary thing is he is so young and can improve. The striker partnership will continue for a while now and whilst others can come in; these two have been our best two strikers this season.
Subs –
Robinson – He came on with a few minutes left but looked a little lost even in limited time and did not exactly press much and lost it when he had it down the left-hand channel.
Freeman – Only came on right at the end and it was much to kill time as to give us an extra midfielder.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – Only thing missing was the win. We were excellent almost from start to finish. We were so ‘on it’ from the off and we took the game to them. We should have led at the break and overall, we had a lot of the play and chances for an away side playing a Champions League finalist. We were really good. We pressed and tackled/got the ball back and then moved it about nicely. We also had threats at the top of the field. We also showed real desire to come back from the VAR decision. Like the way he did not make a meal of it. He probably was as angry as us but was very calm in his post match comments. He is the complete opposite to Warnock in this regard and one of reasons he is well respected – he is not a moaner/ranter normally- if he does this, it is at his own players/team not the referee or opponents! What a job he is doing at the moment. It seems almost too good to be true.
Spurs – The fans said they have been like that a lot of the season but have to give us credit or we get into that discussion about every time having an off day against us. They have not been the side they were last season and with some key men injured or out of form, they have just not got going. The side is full of talent but they have been off the pace all season although done quite well in the Champions League games. Today, they failed to register a single shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time, and the first in any home league match since January against Man Utd at Wembley. That is how good we were and how poor they were.
They had a decent 10 minutes before half time and then second half it was more even and at the end they came on strong but overall they would have been very lucky to have got the three points and considering the VAR and we hit the post, they were fortunate to actually get anything from a game even though they led and our goal was a bit lucky. We were the better side I felt.
I like the manager and it is the first really poor spell he has had. Ironic they gave him some money in the summer but is still not the same level of investment the others big clubs have but the team they had was good enough to finish 3rd and get to the Champions League final. I think just too many are off form and a key man Eriksen clearly wants out and is not playing well when he is playing. They need to move him on in January really and reinvest. They do have lots of good players and sure they will eventually move up the league and contend for the top 4 still. Not sure the defence is that convincing at all.
Opponent Man of the Match – Son. He is so dangerous. He gets into those areas that causes issues and drifts all over. Can score goals and run with the ball. He was the main threat today – shame he was not suspended! Lo Celso was their next best player. Skilful and a threat from midfield. Not sure anyone really played that well from the rest of the side. Winks did improve their ball retention a bit when he came on.
Opponent Weak link – I thought many of their big England players were really poor. Kane did nothing really all game and looked quite off it but superbly marshalled by our players. Alli fell over a lot but was ineffective and the big lad Ndombele was big and strong but actually quite anonymous. They paid 55 million for him! The worst player might have been Dier. He played centre back which is not maybe his best position but struggled with our pace and movement. Got booked and could have been sent off and was pulled all over the place.
Referee/Officials/VAR – We have only had the one really big moment of VAR in our games and that was when McBurnie’s effort was ruled out against Southampton. Outside of that we seemed to have not become involved in any of the decisions that has been debated in the media. However today we had a big one and of course it went against us! To say it was borderline was an understatement. Surely, they have to go with the on-field decision with such uncertainty and no clear way of confirming the validity of the decision in terms of when a freeze frame is actually stopped in reference to the ball being passed. It all depends on the angle of the picture also and there is no way anyone can categorically say he was definitely offside even with technology. In this instance the goal has to stand. It was not even in the final part of the goal but the first phase. Every Spurs fan we spoke to after felt it was a goal and should not have been ruled out.
Suppose the referee, Graham Scott, is not to blame for the VAR nor the assistant who simply cannot see that but I do thing the referee even outside of these moments was very much a homer. He gave lots of little free kicks to them under minimal contact and seemed to fall for the playacting a lot. He did not give us much all game I felt and seemed so far off the play at times too and could not keep up. I have seen him a few times and do not really rate him. He does not have very good control of games and it is too stop start. Two bookings a piece. Dier got booked for a really poor challenge early on and then actually could have walked I thought – Norwood soon after got booked for a trip as they tried to break away – it seemed harsh considering a Spurs man had done the same when United were actually in the final third but had a feeling it was Dier had been booked earlier that committed this offence? If so, he could easily have walked. Basham took one for the team similar to Stevens at West Ham as they threatened to break and he just hauled someone down. Really good foul to make. Forth got booked for a poor foul also late on after he came on.
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day out etc – Just under 60,000 inside the ground with 3,000 Blades in the lower tier – some behind the goal and some around the corner on the side stand. The Blades fans made a lot of noise and despite the disappointment of the VAR, got a goal. It was a shame even that one you could not really celebrate and we maybe celebrated the goal that was not rather than the one that was! Even on this we had to wait for the decision to be made and this is killing the joy for football fans. The Blades fans kept going and were vocal and encouraging and gave them a real ovation at the end to salute another great performance. We had a good view and you have rails in front of you so they could change it to safe standing maybe eventually if they wanted.
The ground itself is hugely impressive. The antithesis of the West Ham ground. It is close to the action; the stands are steep and the roof design means the noise stays in – the roof really comes across and round. The big end (Kop end) is a huge single tiered steep stand and looks brilliant. The Spurs fans noise was often frustration with groans and boos than encouragement and only late on they found their voice when they scored and then were making a late desperate attempt to win it. They booed them off at the end which told a tale. The middle section, like Wembley is all corporate and is almost half empty at the beginning, middle and end so many in there seem to only watch maybe 70-80 minutes! The food must be good in the VIP bits!
The stadium it is superb from the inside and the outside. From the outside it looks like a huge space ship and the design of the outside looks very good. You have big screen showing things and graphics all over. There is glass frontage and lifts going up in some of the areas and you have an elevated part where you go up steps to get in. They have cleared so much room away and the stadium is a world away from the cramped and pokey set up the old White Hart Lane was. Around the streets and ground, there are the traditional high street shops and pubs but it is much roomier now. Getting in was odd as you go through an airport style scanner and then have a vigorous body search too! Once in the concourse is spacious and you have a range of options to drink and eat. We had the Spurs signature pie which was kind of like carrot and mincemeat but was ok. We had our beer filled from the bottom (Beavertown again! – see below). Is a bit odd that you have music blaring out inside the concourse (not necessarily the same that is on the PA or what is being heard when you are in the ground) and it comes on instantly at half time and full time. Some decent tunes too.
The rest of the day was good if a little frantic. Due to the trains I ended up getting the 05.29 train – I know madness as knew it would be all over and my intended train was cancelled an hour later. It was good though as all the direct ones were cancelled seemingly. I got to sit in first class too.
There were also issues on the way back too but I plumped for a delayed train to Derby which was nearly empty and then changed there for the Sheffield one for the final part. Took 3 hours both ways though and did not get in till gone midnight via taxi.
Will sort out my compensation claim later with EMT. Encourage you to all do the same www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/help-manage/manage/make-a-delay-repay-claim
As for when we were in London, we had a walk up to Camden and had a Weatherspoon’s breakfast by Camden lock. We then walked up Primrose Hill as we knew we would be drinking so wanted to ensure we got some exercise! After tussling past the joggers and dog walkers we had a coffee and pretended we were someone on Regents Park Road. We then got the train to Tottenham Hale and went to the Beavertown Brewery and sampled many of their delights. Do love the beers they do and had a little walk around the brewery too although the beers are pricey especially as you had to pay a deposit to get a drink and it was not even proper pints I don’t think! We liked the orange one out of the newer ones (we do like Neck Oil and Gamma Ray but the others are not as readily available) I also got to meet @bladespod (Ben) for the first time – unplanned so good to have a brief chat. We walked to the ground (about 20 minutes from here) and then after we saw it was a nightmare trying to get a train so decided to dry out in a nearby pub for a bit and then headed to Liverpool Street via Bruce Grove. We had a pint in the rooftop bar (Queen of Hoxton and was easily 10 years the oldest people in there) and then went to the The Flight Club, place that has several darts boards but we did not play as you had to wait ages to get an oche so had a final drink and then went back to St Pancras and got our usual fare from M and S before the scrum for whatever train was running to get us back up North!
