Post by deadbat on Dec 14, 2019 22:50:31 GMT
Podcast reaction….
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-villa-home
Report below…..
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The Blades made it back to back wins for the first time since coming back into the Premier League after they beat fellow promoted side Aston Villa 2-0 at Bramall Lane. After a quiet and lacklustre first half and maybe the poorest game at least seen since the start of the season, United came out a different side and really took the game to an unadventurous Villa side. Goals from John Fleck that were assisted superbly by two pieces of skill from Chris Basham and David McGoldrick put United well in charge, but there were chances at both ends in a much more entertaining 45 minutes than the first. Another VAR went against United as a penalty was given to Villa to give them a lifeline with 15 minutes left but the Villain (in more ways than one) of the opposition side, Jack Grealish smashed his kick against the bar. After this the Blades cantered to victory and celebrated moving up to 5th place, at least temporarily until tomorrow when others play.
The team was unchanged from the win at Norwich with just one change on the bench with Ben Osborn in for the unwell Callum Robinson. Villa were without England centre back Tyrone Mings and midfielder Connor Hourihane but boasted an array of expensive and international talent punctuated by arguably their best two players John McGinn and the enigmatic Jack Grealish.
The first half began in cagey fashion and United tried to move the ball about but it was clear Villa, like Newcastle in the last game at the Lane, were set up quite defensively with men behind the ball. United attacked down the left with Stevens and O’Connell advanced but Hause cleared twice from the crosses into the box. United won a corner that came to nothing before Norwood was cautioned for his third foul and the referee clearly signalling the card was due to accumulation of misdemeanours. Stevens cross was finally taken at the second attempt by Heaton. Good work by Mousset nearly led to an opening before McGinn advanced forward but overplayed his pass in a rare Villa break.
The main feature of the game was Grealish throwing himself theatrically to the deck looking for free kicks but it seemed to be an epidemic amongst Villa players as Guilbert went flying to the floor for a foul by Fleck. The yellow card came out meaning a suspension for the United midfielder. The same player than embarrassingly held his face after an innocuous challenge by Egan where the defender barely touched him.
A VAR check for a penalty after the ball struck the chest of Hause never looked convincing at all. Soon after the first effort towards goal saw Stevens half volley go well over the bar. The final stages of the half continued to be scrappy as United had most of the ball but were maybe too slow to move it and stretch Villa. The half time whistle came after another patient United move came to nothing in the final stages.
After the break, the Blades came out flying and noticeable were playing further up the field in terms of each department. Also, the midfield were now getting on the ball and winning all the loose stuff and in turn then driving the team forward with quicker, more incisive and thoughtful passing that led to a more penetrative approach.
McGoldrick nearly got on the end of a Norwood cross and then Baldock and Basham combined for a half chance that just evaded Mousset. However, the opening goal came on 50 minutes and it was delightful in it’s build up and finish. The ball came over to the right and Basham with his back to goal saw the run of Lundstram and cleverly backheeled into his path. The ooohs and ahhhs of the crowd had barely finished when Lundstram sent over an inviting cross that saw FLECK well advanced in the danger zone and his left foot finish gave Heaton no chance at the Kop end.
Villa tried to respond and had their first real meaningful attack of the game when the ineffective Wesley got in on the angle but his shot went into the side netting. Soon after they had a very good chance when El Ghazi sent over a dangerous cross and Grealish got above Baldock to nod narrowly wide. Villa finally had come to life after such a negative approach.
United were still going forward though and more lovely link play from McGoldrick saw Lundstram then burst forward, another player who upped his game after the break, and Baldock nearly got in. Indeed, the right-wing back was a key contributor in most attacks with his driving and purposeful runs.
McBurnie came on for Moussset and then Hause was booked for a high boot on McGoldrick and the free kick from Norwood saw McGoldrick head across goal and the ball was cleared away from Egan from Hause. Villa had another decent chance when the ball broke after a deflection and Grealish did well to fire across goal but O’Connell cleared away.
Targett then got booked for a really late lunge on Norwood to even up the booking count for both sides. On 73 minutes, the second goal came for United. Another decent piece of build up saw Basham drive forward and then Baldock involved. The ball deflected into the path of McGoldrick who hooked it over his head into the path of FLECK, as the midfielder saw himself well advanced and in on goal, and he buried it clinically with his right foot this time. Once again, the crowd rose to acclaim another great goal and a rare double for the Scottish midfielder.
Villa did have a golden chance to get back in the game on 76 minutes when Egan handled in the box. We had to wait for another VAR check that seemed to take an age once again. You sensed the number of appeals and how it looked in real time, that it might be overturned from the original non award and so it proved to the dismay of the home supporters. After the long delay, Grealish took the kick and hit it hard and down the middle but it crashed off the bar. The rebound was half cleared but Henderson took the subsequent incoming cross high in the night sky. After the next stoppage the home fans had another nervous wait for any encroachment or goalkeeper movement but nothing was given to huge cheers from most of the Lane!
Besic came on for Norwood as the game entered the final ten minutes but the miss had taken the wind out of any potential Villa comeback and United had a number of chances to add to the lead.
McBurnie featured in a number of moves with his hold up and clever link play and he sent two crosses just away from United’s incoming players. Baldock continued to show limitless energy down the right and continued to combine with Basham.
McGoldrick got away and was in in goal but his low shot was saved by Heaton at close range as it almost went through the keepers’ legs and in. Fleck then ran thought and was in on goal but as Villa got men back, he dithered and with McGoldrick to the right, chose the pass to the left and eventually the attack petered out. McGoldrick then was in again from Stevens break and cross but got his feet mixed up and it went wide – the flag may have gone up anyway if he had scored. The striker was replaced by Osborn soon after as the game entered five minutes of stoppage time. Lundstram’s clever flick to kill more time and MacBurnie with more industrious work helped see much of this additional time out before a late Villa corner came to nothing and the final whistle came soon after to huge roars from the 30,000+ crowd. The final home game before Xmas saw a vital three points in another great afternoon for United.
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United – Fantastic win and so important. Came out of the Lane thinking how proud I am of this manager, team and club yet again. It was huge to get back to back wins and against teams that we expect to be around us at the bottom (certainly at the start of the season!) and now puts a big gap between us and the bottom three. Before the Norwich game it was tight and still is but now it looks so much healthier. We are now looking more at the top end of the table than the bottom.
It was a game of two halves as first half we shaded it and had much more possession and attacks but did not quite do enough to create anything of note. We had some decent moves but other than a Stevens shot over cannot remember anything else for either side even remotely close. We moved it too slow and they got men behind the ball and were very defensive. We were a bit pedestrian and safe. Villa were awful and other than a few breaks (one where Fleck got booked) did not really attack much at all. They actually gave it away but we were too slow to break or attack. They would have been happy at the break but never looked like breaking us down or doing anything attacking wise but kept us to a few attacks and no chances.
After the break it was completely different. We upped everything. The tempo of our play, we loaded men forward, got them on those two or three v one/two situations and forced them right back. The wing backs got forward as did Basham and Lundstram and Fleck got on the ball. We started to find little pockets and chances then came. We got the goal through a great move with Bash’s delightful flick, Lunny’s ball and Fleck’s composed finish and then went for more but they did have a few chances on the break – two half chances and one really good one for Grealish with the header. This did not come from great play from them really or them suddenly forcing us back – the game as a bit end to end but that is how we play even when winning and sitting back does not work. We kept going for the second and got it with another lovely assist from Didz and finish from Fleck. McGoldrick missed a few more good chances but then the penalty came and flash backs to villa away probably went through everyone’s minds. The miss was huge and effectively sealed the win.
Interesting that United have not had a penalty scored against them since almost two years now – Matej Vydra for Derby on 1st January 2018. Opponents have missed three – Millwall last year, Reading the year before and then today. Mind you seem ages since we scored one – Norwood v Brentford last season!
After the penalty we saw things out well and if anyone looked like scoring again it was us. It was an excellent second half performance. People may point to the penalty and Villa having a few chances but we had lots of openings and opportunities and we were by far the better side on and off the ball. We swarmed all over them and had attack after attack at times. Dean Smith said we fully deserved to win and he was right. 2-0 was about a fair reflection – maybe 3-1 possibly on chances/play. The only thing missing was maybe a third for Fleck and the goal for McGoldrick that seems like it will never come no matter how well he plays! It was another bloody brilliant afternoon at the Lane where a team that has cost so much more than ours were once again taken to the cleaners by this hard working and so underrated (footballing wise) team. Hearing on Roys views from that on paper Villa have better players etc is more garbage and yet again it’s another team having an off day against us. I don’t actually get mad about it anymore and quite like still being a bit under the radar. However, most knowledgeable football people know how good we are and to hear Jermaine Jenas and Darren Fletcher (BT Sport commentator) say how great we are (side Jenas enjoys watching the most!) is music to our ears though!
United once again rose to the challenge and took the game to their opponents to get the win. We have a few challenges with rotating players and now Fleck is suspended but we have to go to Brighton with confidence. I am not even looking ahead to the two games at City and Liverpool – we have to focus on the next two which if we came out with 4-6 points could see us in a position where it would taken a monumental collapse to not be in the top flight again next season.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Actually did not have that much to do really in general play. Came off his line to gather once and then went back on another second half when he came but his handling/kicking were al solid. Saw two efforts go past the post and then of course the penalty hit the bar – did well to gather the subsequent high ball into the box after that. Another clean sheet which is good.
Baldock 8.5/10 – Thought he was superb today. Other than losing Grealish for a split second for the headed chance, the rest of his game he was near faultless. Defensively he covered, stopped him getting around him and showed great pace to get back and stop him and others. He was everywhere at times and second half was up and down that flank and they could not hold him. The key was the most dangerous player for the opponent was given more questions going back the other way but Grealish and others could not keep up with his energy. Some of his control and bits of link was hugely impressive. He was a key man in so many attacks going down that ride hand side second half and love that he was always available.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Solid game again. Some decent and intelligent passes and interceptions first half. He actually maybe got forward more than Baldock first half and we attacked more down the left but second half it was the other way around. Still he had a few runs (one near the end on the overlap led to a chance for McGoldrick) and kept up and down. He was solid if not spectacular today and not sure El Ghazi really worked many openings – only one good cross when O’Connell had switched onto him. Him and Baldock have been sensational both defensively and going forward and are a joy to watch the levels of fitness, skill and the aggressive attacking intent.
Basham 8.5/10 – Immense yet again. First half solid defensively and involved in some attacks but maybe overplayed a bit rather than driving into the danger areas. Second half he was much more aggressive and forceful in everything he did. He moved the ball and ran with it at pace and suddenly we had another right winger/midfielder for much of this half. His delightful back heel flick made the first goal. Great to see him turn to the South Stand and punch the air and then Jack went and hugged him! He then was involved in so many other good things we did including another marauding run that led to the second. His tactic of running, stopping and then running again continues to bamboozle defenders! Really surprised me how well he has done at this level.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – Got forward quite well first half and had a few overlaps including one where he had two chances to cross and was so far advanced. Odd but it is almost like they decide one overlapping centre half will attack one half and the other second half and that seemed to happen with Bash taking over. Defensively ok and did what he needed to do to ensure they had few clear-cut chances. Cleared the ball I think when Grealish hit that cross shot.
Egan 7/10 – Solid for the most part against a really poor opponent who looked quite immobile and lacking in subtlety. He won most of the headers and clearances against him. Showed Wesley wide when he missed the one chance that he had after Egan had maybe let him turn a bit easy but then recovered. On the handball he seemed to get his body in the wrong position. Does love a handball though (Millwall last year) and seemed quite clear cut it was a penalty. After this he settled down more. The only slight negative is he went long a bit too much and they let him have the ball knowing his passing whilst improved, it is something he still needs to improve. Mostly solid though in his performance.
Norwood 7/10 – First half he gave away three silly fouls and then was rightly booked. He gave it away a couple of times but also played some superb crossfield balls. He had to keep his composure and not dive in which did not help our press. Second half he was maybe not involved as our other two central midfielders in our attacks but was central to us keeping the ball and dictating the midfield. We suddenly were picking up most of the loose balls and winning second balls too. Came off to maybe protect him with the yellow and give us some more legs for the final part of the game. However, he also put 2 or 3 brilliant balls in that just evaded the strikers or Didzy missed them!
Lundstram 7.5/10 – First half thought he was one of weakest players and not involved or got into poor positions or mis controlled. More than that he was just not involved and the game sort of passed him by but after the break he really stepped things up and was a different player. He looked energised in everything he did. He got on the ball, helped with so many attacks and linked with others. He won first and second balls and was powerful in his runs and challenges. Bit of control near the end where he surged after it showed his huge improvements this season. Seems to be not only stronger but faster than I every thought possible. Made the first with a good cross and involved in other attacks of note.
Fleck 8.5/10 – First half he was not a major factor. He was neat and tidy but he was not able to penetrate much at all and was all a bit safe. He got booked for a daft lunge too. Second half was a different player in the sense he got forward more, got ahead of the strikers and got in the box. Took his goals really well with a controlled left foot finish and then a right foot one too! He has got four goals now and is our second leading scorer which is not bad for someone who had not scored much before at a lower level! He had eyes on a hat trick but did not make the right pass or shoot when he broke. The way his energy levels went up after the break was a symbol of our resurgence. Shame he got booked (bit daft really) and is now suspended but he can have a nice break before the Watford game (of nearly two weeks).
Mousset 7/10 – Thought he started the game really well and was busy and got in front of his man and helped us up the field. Showed a few neat bits of skill and his strength which is quite impressive. Had one run down the left and cross. He miscontrolled one ball out of play but overall, he maybe looked more dangerous than Didzy first half but had no real chances as no one did. After the break he was not as involved and seemed to tire quite badly as a few passes he could not get to and was not a surprise when he was replaced by McBurnie.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Weird to mark him so highly when he missed quite a few chances again but after a quiet first half where he was not that involved much; he came to life and was central to most good things we did. His link play, control and ability to come deep was essential to the improvements. He made the second goal with a lovely flick. Of course, he missed chances again; with at least two clear ones and you feel he may never score again but as Wilder says he gets in great positions. Just so odd that he can take a ball from the sky with superb control but then miss chances right in front of goal. We are a much better team with him in it and sure he must be going through hell when he keeps missing but he has to just keep playing as he is and sure it will come. Lovely player to watch and when that goal does go on, then watch the reaction of the Blades fans! Going to be some noise!
Subs –
McBurnie – Got a lot of criticism at times and unjustly so as is settling in and finding his feet with limited playing time still but he was excellent today when he came on. Nearly every ball up to him he won or controlled or held up. He won headers and was strong in making sure we kept possession and showed lots of determination and hunger. Ran the channels and linked well and so nearly assisted on a few chances with the balls decent but just evading the waiting player. A really good step today and good for his confidence.
Besic – Came on at the end as we tried to see the game out. Played a cross in when he should have kept it and then overplayed a pass. Seemed all a bit rushed when he needed to just keep it basic (basic not Besic – I am here all week sadly!)
Osborn – Rare appearance on the bench and on the pitch as he replaced McGoldrick right at the end. Not sure he touched the ball much or at all but good for him to get involved.
Manager Wilder 8.5/10 – First half would not have been such a high mark. We normally always start well and play with a tempo at home but today that never happened. We shaded it but the pace was slow and it was all a bit lacklustre even though we were better and they defended a lot. As per last week, words were said and we came out and everything was better, individually and collectively. Every player stepped up their game and 4 or 5 by a significant margin. We scored and then kept going forward. They had chances but do not think we sat back at all and were going for the kill and got it. We had the penalty miss but after that the result was never in doubt. All his changes were at the right time. Keep saying it but he is doing an incredible job. He needs a bigger and longer contract. He is so important to us. To listen to Villa fans saying how much they would want Wilder ahead of Smith and describing that on paper they have as good or if not better players (not sure I agree with that totally) shows how invaluable he is. He makes players better and knows what to say to lift performances. The man is an absolute legend and I cannot thank him enough for the best times I have ever had as a Blade. I love going to the Lane at the moment and am like a giddy kid on Xmas Day when I wake up on matchdays. I have never felt so good about my team and club and yes, it’s down to lots of people and things but he is the single most important factor.
Aston Villa – They did not have a shot on goal and for the most part were well beaten. First half they were quite defensive and sat back and played on the counter but did not have any real chances but restricted us to nothing also. They kept their shape and made us go back and side to side without really allowing us any space to penetrate. They will have been happy to go in level and even though they had little of the ball, they did not look too threatened. The second half changes completely. We upped it and they did not. It was a different game. It was attack after attack for the first part and then the goals came. They of course did have a few chances (Grealish had the clear header and should have scored) but then we had lots as well (McGoldrick especially).
They looked a bit toothless up top with only one man up and little support from him and then at the back they could not cope with our intensity after the break. They really struggled to pick up anything in terms of the loose balls and then when we attacked, they just could not get out really. Even though they did have a few chances, the play and possession and quality nearly all came from the home side.
They had three in the centre but we seemed to dominate the ball for long spells and second half we just won it and then moved it wide and they had no answer for all the attacks and surges especially down the right where we overload after overload. McGinn and Grealish could not impact the game and even though they made subs; they never really looked like getting back into it, penalty apart and that summed up the day for then After this, the heads kind of dropped and the game was over.
They have spent a fortune and at times (recall Everton at home and also Norwich/Man Utd away where they looked impressive) looked good but look vulnerable defensively and lacked leadership even when Mings has played- they fell apart last week. Not sure we would do that at all and they do not quite have the fight, organisation or energy we have. I think they have some very good technical players but their heads have dropped currently. They need some experience in the middle of the park and maybe need to be more adventurous in attack (play two up) and get Grealish in a more central area – not out wide where he is wasted somewhat.
I think they will spend again and despite being in dreadful form (some want Smith out which I find odd after what he did last season and shows the fickle nature of football fans) and still have enough quality to get out of it but I do worry whether some of these foreign players they signed might be up for a relegation scrap? I am not a glove-ist (new word!) man but the fact four or five had gloves on summed up how much up for a fight they might be!
Opponent Man of the Match – Difficult to say really. I thought the lad at the back Hause did ok even though they missed the presence and leadership of Mings. McGinn started the game well but faded badly and his Scottish international teammate Fleck just overpowered him and outshone him. The keeper did not actually have any saves to make as like with Villa we just missed our chances so neither keeper made a save all game. I did not think Engle was too bad either and they were badly exposed the two centre backs although McGoldrick coming off them second half made it more of a struggle. G
Opponent Weak link – There were deficiencies all over the field for them. The two centre backs tried gamely as above but outside of that and McGinn doing ok early on, not sure anyone can say they stood out. The two full backs Guilbert and Targett were ok first half but then when we attacked and the overloads came, they struggled with little help from the lazy Grealish and El Ghazi who never came back at all and really were embarrassingly bad in their discipline off the ball. At one point the right back saw three men coming out and was almost shouting, ‘Help!’ as he waved his arms and no one came back. So as bad as both of them were they did not get any help at all.
Marvelous Nakamba or whatever he is called was not marvellous at all either and indeed the whole midfield were outfought, overrun and out skilled second half. Lansbury was particularly poor and quite dirty. The big lad up top though was dreadful. Wesley was slow, clumsy and did not hold the ball up. 22 million maybe makes us feel better about McBurnie when you see how he did so well when he came on.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Peter Bankes. He was crap. The bookings actually he gave were ok – I would say Norwood had been warned twice. The Fleck one the reaction from the player did not help but was late and he broke away. We would have all screamed for a yellow. After this though Norwood got caught quite late by Lansbury but no yellow. He then lets Grealish get away with two dives and when he finally gives one, does not book him which was bewildering. Why stop the game or penalise him if you are not going book him as if he has simulated as the ref decided he has to booked. He then booked a Villa player for high feet but McGoldrick had his feet up too but he got caught. That seemed harsh but then he let other clearer fouls by both teams let go (Bash took Grealish out for a blatant foul – one of few that was – and he played on and he seemed to forget it!). Villa left their foot in quite a few times but our players honesty mean that t**t Bankes just let them get away with it. Lundstram and Norwood both caught late second half and not even a word!
The most annoying aspect was the blatant feigning injury or going to floor from not only Grealish bit others – the lad that went down first half like he had been shot and then sprang to his feet was incredible. The ref seemed to give things most of the time they went to the floor – save the two Grealish ones mentioned – but then as the game went on even, he seemed to finally get sick of it and just waved play on. He realised what everyone else was seeing in the stadium, that them falling to the floor under minimal contact does not mean it is a foul.
His general command of play and inability to kind of understand what was going on was a real frustration – even the VAR checks he did not seem to realise for a while. I suppose he has to listen to them if they tell him to check.
Once again there will be discussions over VAR. The actual penalty was right and was a handball. It took way too long to decide though, not helped by the ball not going out for a while. If it was clear and obvious why did it take so long? Also, we had one similar v Southampton for Ward Prowse but it was not given. The fact the ref missed it summed up his useless performance.
Then we have the checks for encroachment/goalkeeper movement/check if anyone farted or whatever other reason they want to delay everything looking for petty little things that have no effect on things and are not clear and obvious errors. It is just ridiculous the delays and the stop start nature of things. No one had a clue what is going on either. We never see things on the screen and only occasionally do they tell us what they are checking.
Earlier on we had a VAR check for a penalty for us which was clearly not – why they could not tell the ref as play went on, I don’t know? Can he only listen and hear from Stockley Park when the ball is out? Surely, he could have been told and waved play on.
The offside things continue to be a source of annoyance. We had a few attacks where he blew his whistle when the flag went up? One in the first half but the whistle went early on before the attack frittered out. Second half, why on the Baldock one could he not wait as we had a half chance. I was imploring George to go and score to see what they did but of course if he blows then that it is and it does not matter. People say it had to be a clear chance but I am not buying that as refs are blowing even when teams have chances to score – surely it cannot be decided by ref what might happen after the offside/he blows!
People have no idea what is going on. It is an absolutely ludicrous system that is threatening to ruin football. We have to bin it or dramatically change it so only clear and obvious errors are looked at. The stop start nature and the fact you cannot know what is happening is killing me as a fan and most others. Surely the Premier League and referees body have to listen to fans, players and coaches etc? Sadly, we all know they won’t. They have brought in it and will be seen as looking stupid if they get rid of it and will not want to lose face. I’d have more respect if they said we have tried it and it has not improved football so we are going to abolish it.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Quite first half and Villa fans were a lot noisier. Indeed, they were guise vocal and rivalled Newcastle for noise and support – to be fair two traditional and loyal fan bases of huge clubs. These two teams’ support been far better than say Liverpool and Arsenal at the Lane. I felt the support from the United fans was lacklustre and it seemed as flat as what was happening on the pitch. After the break buoyed by the improvements on the pitch, the fans noise lifted and with each attack; it got louder and louder. Great to see two fantastic goals, well made and taken and also good to see a few at the Kop end (not that it matters which end it goes in) too! The VAR system is garbage but leads to controversy and gets the fans riled and more noise comes whether it be groans, cheers or whatever. That is about the only good thing about it, in a perverse way! The crowd willed them on and the noise for the penalty miss was superb too and then as a whole the team and fans almost pulled together to ensure we saw out in the end a comfortable three points. Fantastic to see the crowd roaring their appreciation when the team came to them to salute each other. Never has everyone been so United.
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-villa-home
Report below…..
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The Blades made it back to back wins for the first time since coming back into the Premier League after they beat fellow promoted side Aston Villa 2-0 at Bramall Lane. After a quiet and lacklustre first half and maybe the poorest game at least seen since the start of the season, United came out a different side and really took the game to an unadventurous Villa side. Goals from John Fleck that were assisted superbly by two pieces of skill from Chris Basham and David McGoldrick put United well in charge, but there were chances at both ends in a much more entertaining 45 minutes than the first. Another VAR went against United as a penalty was given to Villa to give them a lifeline with 15 minutes left but the Villain (in more ways than one) of the opposition side, Jack Grealish smashed his kick against the bar. After this the Blades cantered to victory and celebrated moving up to 5th place, at least temporarily until tomorrow when others play.
The team was unchanged from the win at Norwich with just one change on the bench with Ben Osborn in for the unwell Callum Robinson. Villa were without England centre back Tyrone Mings and midfielder Connor Hourihane but boasted an array of expensive and international talent punctuated by arguably their best two players John McGinn and the enigmatic Jack Grealish.
The first half began in cagey fashion and United tried to move the ball about but it was clear Villa, like Newcastle in the last game at the Lane, were set up quite defensively with men behind the ball. United attacked down the left with Stevens and O’Connell advanced but Hause cleared twice from the crosses into the box. United won a corner that came to nothing before Norwood was cautioned for his third foul and the referee clearly signalling the card was due to accumulation of misdemeanours. Stevens cross was finally taken at the second attempt by Heaton. Good work by Mousset nearly led to an opening before McGinn advanced forward but overplayed his pass in a rare Villa break.
The main feature of the game was Grealish throwing himself theatrically to the deck looking for free kicks but it seemed to be an epidemic amongst Villa players as Guilbert went flying to the floor for a foul by Fleck. The yellow card came out meaning a suspension for the United midfielder. The same player than embarrassingly held his face after an innocuous challenge by Egan where the defender barely touched him.
A VAR check for a penalty after the ball struck the chest of Hause never looked convincing at all. Soon after the first effort towards goal saw Stevens half volley go well over the bar. The final stages of the half continued to be scrappy as United had most of the ball but were maybe too slow to move it and stretch Villa. The half time whistle came after another patient United move came to nothing in the final stages.
After the break, the Blades came out flying and noticeable were playing further up the field in terms of each department. Also, the midfield were now getting on the ball and winning all the loose stuff and in turn then driving the team forward with quicker, more incisive and thoughtful passing that led to a more penetrative approach.
McGoldrick nearly got on the end of a Norwood cross and then Baldock and Basham combined for a half chance that just evaded Mousset. However, the opening goal came on 50 minutes and it was delightful in it’s build up and finish. The ball came over to the right and Basham with his back to goal saw the run of Lundstram and cleverly backheeled into his path. The ooohs and ahhhs of the crowd had barely finished when Lundstram sent over an inviting cross that saw FLECK well advanced in the danger zone and his left foot finish gave Heaton no chance at the Kop end.
Villa tried to respond and had their first real meaningful attack of the game when the ineffective Wesley got in on the angle but his shot went into the side netting. Soon after they had a very good chance when El Ghazi sent over a dangerous cross and Grealish got above Baldock to nod narrowly wide. Villa finally had come to life after such a negative approach.
United were still going forward though and more lovely link play from McGoldrick saw Lundstram then burst forward, another player who upped his game after the break, and Baldock nearly got in. Indeed, the right-wing back was a key contributor in most attacks with his driving and purposeful runs.
McBurnie came on for Moussset and then Hause was booked for a high boot on McGoldrick and the free kick from Norwood saw McGoldrick head across goal and the ball was cleared away from Egan from Hause. Villa had another decent chance when the ball broke after a deflection and Grealish did well to fire across goal but O’Connell cleared away.
Targett then got booked for a really late lunge on Norwood to even up the booking count for both sides. On 73 minutes, the second goal came for United. Another decent piece of build up saw Basham drive forward and then Baldock involved. The ball deflected into the path of McGoldrick who hooked it over his head into the path of FLECK, as the midfielder saw himself well advanced and in on goal, and he buried it clinically with his right foot this time. Once again, the crowd rose to acclaim another great goal and a rare double for the Scottish midfielder.
Villa did have a golden chance to get back in the game on 76 minutes when Egan handled in the box. We had to wait for another VAR check that seemed to take an age once again. You sensed the number of appeals and how it looked in real time, that it might be overturned from the original non award and so it proved to the dismay of the home supporters. After the long delay, Grealish took the kick and hit it hard and down the middle but it crashed off the bar. The rebound was half cleared but Henderson took the subsequent incoming cross high in the night sky. After the next stoppage the home fans had another nervous wait for any encroachment or goalkeeper movement but nothing was given to huge cheers from most of the Lane!
Besic came on for Norwood as the game entered the final ten minutes but the miss had taken the wind out of any potential Villa comeback and United had a number of chances to add to the lead.
McBurnie featured in a number of moves with his hold up and clever link play and he sent two crosses just away from United’s incoming players. Baldock continued to show limitless energy down the right and continued to combine with Basham.
McGoldrick got away and was in in goal but his low shot was saved by Heaton at close range as it almost went through the keepers’ legs and in. Fleck then ran thought and was in on goal but as Villa got men back, he dithered and with McGoldrick to the right, chose the pass to the left and eventually the attack petered out. McGoldrick then was in again from Stevens break and cross but got his feet mixed up and it went wide – the flag may have gone up anyway if he had scored. The striker was replaced by Osborn soon after as the game entered five minutes of stoppage time. Lundstram’s clever flick to kill more time and MacBurnie with more industrious work helped see much of this additional time out before a late Villa corner came to nothing and the final whistle came soon after to huge roars from the 30,000+ crowd. The final home game before Xmas saw a vital three points in another great afternoon for United.
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United – Fantastic win and so important. Came out of the Lane thinking how proud I am of this manager, team and club yet again. It was huge to get back to back wins and against teams that we expect to be around us at the bottom (certainly at the start of the season!) and now puts a big gap between us and the bottom three. Before the Norwich game it was tight and still is but now it looks so much healthier. We are now looking more at the top end of the table than the bottom.
It was a game of two halves as first half we shaded it and had much more possession and attacks but did not quite do enough to create anything of note. We had some decent moves but other than a Stevens shot over cannot remember anything else for either side even remotely close. We moved it too slow and they got men behind the ball and were very defensive. We were a bit pedestrian and safe. Villa were awful and other than a few breaks (one where Fleck got booked) did not really attack much at all. They actually gave it away but we were too slow to break or attack. They would have been happy at the break but never looked like breaking us down or doing anything attacking wise but kept us to a few attacks and no chances.
After the break it was completely different. We upped everything. The tempo of our play, we loaded men forward, got them on those two or three v one/two situations and forced them right back. The wing backs got forward as did Basham and Lundstram and Fleck got on the ball. We started to find little pockets and chances then came. We got the goal through a great move with Bash’s delightful flick, Lunny’s ball and Fleck’s composed finish and then went for more but they did have a few chances on the break – two half chances and one really good one for Grealish with the header. This did not come from great play from them really or them suddenly forcing us back – the game as a bit end to end but that is how we play even when winning and sitting back does not work. We kept going for the second and got it with another lovely assist from Didz and finish from Fleck. McGoldrick missed a few more good chances but then the penalty came and flash backs to villa away probably went through everyone’s minds. The miss was huge and effectively sealed the win.
Interesting that United have not had a penalty scored against them since almost two years now – Matej Vydra for Derby on 1st January 2018. Opponents have missed three – Millwall last year, Reading the year before and then today. Mind you seem ages since we scored one – Norwood v Brentford last season!
After the penalty we saw things out well and if anyone looked like scoring again it was us. It was an excellent second half performance. People may point to the penalty and Villa having a few chances but we had lots of openings and opportunities and we were by far the better side on and off the ball. We swarmed all over them and had attack after attack at times. Dean Smith said we fully deserved to win and he was right. 2-0 was about a fair reflection – maybe 3-1 possibly on chances/play. The only thing missing was maybe a third for Fleck and the goal for McGoldrick that seems like it will never come no matter how well he plays! It was another bloody brilliant afternoon at the Lane where a team that has cost so much more than ours were once again taken to the cleaners by this hard working and so underrated (footballing wise) team. Hearing on Roys views from that on paper Villa have better players etc is more garbage and yet again it’s another team having an off day against us. I don’t actually get mad about it anymore and quite like still being a bit under the radar. However, most knowledgeable football people know how good we are and to hear Jermaine Jenas and Darren Fletcher (BT Sport commentator) say how great we are (side Jenas enjoys watching the most!) is music to our ears though!
United once again rose to the challenge and took the game to their opponents to get the win. We have a few challenges with rotating players and now Fleck is suspended but we have to go to Brighton with confidence. I am not even looking ahead to the two games at City and Liverpool – we have to focus on the next two which if we came out with 4-6 points could see us in a position where it would taken a monumental collapse to not be in the top flight again next season.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – Actually did not have that much to do really in general play. Came off his line to gather once and then went back on another second half when he came but his handling/kicking were al solid. Saw two efforts go past the post and then of course the penalty hit the bar – did well to gather the subsequent high ball into the box after that. Another clean sheet which is good.
Baldock 8.5/10 – Thought he was superb today. Other than losing Grealish for a split second for the headed chance, the rest of his game he was near faultless. Defensively he covered, stopped him getting around him and showed great pace to get back and stop him and others. He was everywhere at times and second half was up and down that flank and they could not hold him. The key was the most dangerous player for the opponent was given more questions going back the other way but Grealish and others could not keep up with his energy. Some of his control and bits of link was hugely impressive. He was a key man in so many attacks going down that ride hand side second half and love that he was always available.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Solid game again. Some decent and intelligent passes and interceptions first half. He actually maybe got forward more than Baldock first half and we attacked more down the left but second half it was the other way around. Still he had a few runs (one near the end on the overlap led to a chance for McGoldrick) and kept up and down. He was solid if not spectacular today and not sure El Ghazi really worked many openings – only one good cross when O’Connell had switched onto him. Him and Baldock have been sensational both defensively and going forward and are a joy to watch the levels of fitness, skill and the aggressive attacking intent.
Basham 8.5/10 – Immense yet again. First half solid defensively and involved in some attacks but maybe overplayed a bit rather than driving into the danger areas. Second half he was much more aggressive and forceful in everything he did. He moved the ball and ran with it at pace and suddenly we had another right winger/midfielder for much of this half. His delightful back heel flick made the first goal. Great to see him turn to the South Stand and punch the air and then Jack went and hugged him! He then was involved in so many other good things we did including another marauding run that led to the second. His tactic of running, stopping and then running again continues to bamboozle defenders! Really surprised me how well he has done at this level.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – Got forward quite well first half and had a few overlaps including one where he had two chances to cross and was so far advanced. Odd but it is almost like they decide one overlapping centre half will attack one half and the other second half and that seemed to happen with Bash taking over. Defensively ok and did what he needed to do to ensure they had few clear-cut chances. Cleared the ball I think when Grealish hit that cross shot.
Egan 7/10 – Solid for the most part against a really poor opponent who looked quite immobile and lacking in subtlety. He won most of the headers and clearances against him. Showed Wesley wide when he missed the one chance that he had after Egan had maybe let him turn a bit easy but then recovered. On the handball he seemed to get his body in the wrong position. Does love a handball though (Millwall last year) and seemed quite clear cut it was a penalty. After this he settled down more. The only slight negative is he went long a bit too much and they let him have the ball knowing his passing whilst improved, it is something he still needs to improve. Mostly solid though in his performance.
Norwood 7/10 – First half he gave away three silly fouls and then was rightly booked. He gave it away a couple of times but also played some superb crossfield balls. He had to keep his composure and not dive in which did not help our press. Second half he was maybe not involved as our other two central midfielders in our attacks but was central to us keeping the ball and dictating the midfield. We suddenly were picking up most of the loose balls and winning second balls too. Came off to maybe protect him with the yellow and give us some more legs for the final part of the game. However, he also put 2 or 3 brilliant balls in that just evaded the strikers or Didzy missed them!
Lundstram 7.5/10 – First half thought he was one of weakest players and not involved or got into poor positions or mis controlled. More than that he was just not involved and the game sort of passed him by but after the break he really stepped things up and was a different player. He looked energised in everything he did. He got on the ball, helped with so many attacks and linked with others. He won first and second balls and was powerful in his runs and challenges. Bit of control near the end where he surged after it showed his huge improvements this season. Seems to be not only stronger but faster than I every thought possible. Made the first with a good cross and involved in other attacks of note.
Fleck 8.5/10 – First half he was not a major factor. He was neat and tidy but he was not able to penetrate much at all and was all a bit safe. He got booked for a daft lunge too. Second half was a different player in the sense he got forward more, got ahead of the strikers and got in the box. Took his goals really well with a controlled left foot finish and then a right foot one too! He has got four goals now and is our second leading scorer which is not bad for someone who had not scored much before at a lower level! He had eyes on a hat trick but did not make the right pass or shoot when he broke. The way his energy levels went up after the break was a symbol of our resurgence. Shame he got booked (bit daft really) and is now suspended but he can have a nice break before the Watford game (of nearly two weeks).
Mousset 7/10 – Thought he started the game really well and was busy and got in front of his man and helped us up the field. Showed a few neat bits of skill and his strength which is quite impressive. Had one run down the left and cross. He miscontrolled one ball out of play but overall, he maybe looked more dangerous than Didzy first half but had no real chances as no one did. After the break he was not as involved and seemed to tire quite badly as a few passes he could not get to and was not a surprise when he was replaced by McBurnie.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Weird to mark him so highly when he missed quite a few chances again but after a quiet first half where he was not that involved much; he came to life and was central to most good things we did. His link play, control and ability to come deep was essential to the improvements. He made the second goal with a lovely flick. Of course, he missed chances again; with at least two clear ones and you feel he may never score again but as Wilder says he gets in great positions. Just so odd that he can take a ball from the sky with superb control but then miss chances right in front of goal. We are a much better team with him in it and sure he must be going through hell when he keeps missing but he has to just keep playing as he is and sure it will come. Lovely player to watch and when that goal does go on, then watch the reaction of the Blades fans! Going to be some noise!
Subs –
McBurnie – Got a lot of criticism at times and unjustly so as is settling in and finding his feet with limited playing time still but he was excellent today when he came on. Nearly every ball up to him he won or controlled or held up. He won headers and was strong in making sure we kept possession and showed lots of determination and hunger. Ran the channels and linked well and so nearly assisted on a few chances with the balls decent but just evading the waiting player. A really good step today and good for his confidence.
Besic – Came on at the end as we tried to see the game out. Played a cross in when he should have kept it and then overplayed a pass. Seemed all a bit rushed when he needed to just keep it basic (basic not Besic – I am here all week sadly!)
Osborn – Rare appearance on the bench and on the pitch as he replaced McGoldrick right at the end. Not sure he touched the ball much or at all but good for him to get involved.
Manager Wilder 8.5/10 – First half would not have been such a high mark. We normally always start well and play with a tempo at home but today that never happened. We shaded it but the pace was slow and it was all a bit lacklustre even though we were better and they defended a lot. As per last week, words were said and we came out and everything was better, individually and collectively. Every player stepped up their game and 4 or 5 by a significant margin. We scored and then kept going forward. They had chances but do not think we sat back at all and were going for the kill and got it. We had the penalty miss but after that the result was never in doubt. All his changes were at the right time. Keep saying it but he is doing an incredible job. He needs a bigger and longer contract. He is so important to us. To listen to Villa fans saying how much they would want Wilder ahead of Smith and describing that on paper they have as good or if not better players (not sure I agree with that totally) shows how invaluable he is. He makes players better and knows what to say to lift performances. The man is an absolute legend and I cannot thank him enough for the best times I have ever had as a Blade. I love going to the Lane at the moment and am like a giddy kid on Xmas Day when I wake up on matchdays. I have never felt so good about my team and club and yes, it’s down to lots of people and things but he is the single most important factor.
Aston Villa – They did not have a shot on goal and for the most part were well beaten. First half they were quite defensive and sat back and played on the counter but did not have any real chances but restricted us to nothing also. They kept their shape and made us go back and side to side without really allowing us any space to penetrate. They will have been happy to go in level and even though they had little of the ball, they did not look too threatened. The second half changes completely. We upped it and they did not. It was a different game. It was attack after attack for the first part and then the goals came. They of course did have a few chances (Grealish had the clear header and should have scored) but then we had lots as well (McGoldrick especially).
They looked a bit toothless up top with only one man up and little support from him and then at the back they could not cope with our intensity after the break. They really struggled to pick up anything in terms of the loose balls and then when we attacked, they just could not get out really. Even though they did have a few chances, the play and possession and quality nearly all came from the home side.
They had three in the centre but we seemed to dominate the ball for long spells and second half we just won it and then moved it wide and they had no answer for all the attacks and surges especially down the right where we overload after overload. McGinn and Grealish could not impact the game and even though they made subs; they never really looked like getting back into it, penalty apart and that summed up the day for then After this, the heads kind of dropped and the game was over.
They have spent a fortune and at times (recall Everton at home and also Norwich/Man Utd away where they looked impressive) looked good but look vulnerable defensively and lacked leadership even when Mings has played- they fell apart last week. Not sure we would do that at all and they do not quite have the fight, organisation or energy we have. I think they have some very good technical players but their heads have dropped currently. They need some experience in the middle of the park and maybe need to be more adventurous in attack (play two up) and get Grealish in a more central area – not out wide where he is wasted somewhat.
I think they will spend again and despite being in dreadful form (some want Smith out which I find odd after what he did last season and shows the fickle nature of football fans) and still have enough quality to get out of it but I do worry whether some of these foreign players they signed might be up for a relegation scrap? I am not a glove-ist (new word!) man but the fact four or five had gloves on summed up how much up for a fight they might be!
Opponent Man of the Match – Difficult to say really. I thought the lad at the back Hause did ok even though they missed the presence and leadership of Mings. McGinn started the game well but faded badly and his Scottish international teammate Fleck just overpowered him and outshone him. The keeper did not actually have any saves to make as like with Villa we just missed our chances so neither keeper made a save all game. I did not think Engle was too bad either and they were badly exposed the two centre backs although McGoldrick coming off them second half made it more of a struggle. G
Opponent Weak link – There were deficiencies all over the field for them. The two centre backs tried gamely as above but outside of that and McGinn doing ok early on, not sure anyone can say they stood out. The two full backs Guilbert and Targett were ok first half but then when we attacked and the overloads came, they struggled with little help from the lazy Grealish and El Ghazi who never came back at all and really were embarrassingly bad in their discipline off the ball. At one point the right back saw three men coming out and was almost shouting, ‘Help!’ as he waved his arms and no one came back. So as bad as both of them were they did not get any help at all.
Marvelous Nakamba or whatever he is called was not marvellous at all either and indeed the whole midfield were outfought, overrun and out skilled second half. Lansbury was particularly poor and quite dirty. The big lad up top though was dreadful. Wesley was slow, clumsy and did not hold the ball up. 22 million maybe makes us feel better about McBurnie when you see how he did so well when he came on.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Peter Bankes. He was crap. The bookings actually he gave were ok – I would say Norwood had been warned twice. The Fleck one the reaction from the player did not help but was late and he broke away. We would have all screamed for a yellow. After this though Norwood got caught quite late by Lansbury but no yellow. He then lets Grealish get away with two dives and when he finally gives one, does not book him which was bewildering. Why stop the game or penalise him if you are not going book him as if he has simulated as the ref decided he has to booked. He then booked a Villa player for high feet but McGoldrick had his feet up too but he got caught. That seemed harsh but then he let other clearer fouls by both teams let go (Bash took Grealish out for a blatant foul – one of few that was – and he played on and he seemed to forget it!). Villa left their foot in quite a few times but our players honesty mean that t**t Bankes just let them get away with it. Lundstram and Norwood both caught late second half and not even a word!
The most annoying aspect was the blatant feigning injury or going to floor from not only Grealish bit others – the lad that went down first half like he had been shot and then sprang to his feet was incredible. The ref seemed to give things most of the time they went to the floor – save the two Grealish ones mentioned – but then as the game went on even, he seemed to finally get sick of it and just waved play on. He realised what everyone else was seeing in the stadium, that them falling to the floor under minimal contact does not mean it is a foul.
His general command of play and inability to kind of understand what was going on was a real frustration – even the VAR checks he did not seem to realise for a while. I suppose he has to listen to them if they tell him to check.
Once again there will be discussions over VAR. The actual penalty was right and was a handball. It took way too long to decide though, not helped by the ball not going out for a while. If it was clear and obvious why did it take so long? Also, we had one similar v Southampton for Ward Prowse but it was not given. The fact the ref missed it summed up his useless performance.
Then we have the checks for encroachment/goalkeeper movement/check if anyone farted or whatever other reason they want to delay everything looking for petty little things that have no effect on things and are not clear and obvious errors. It is just ridiculous the delays and the stop start nature of things. No one had a clue what is going on either. We never see things on the screen and only occasionally do they tell us what they are checking.
Earlier on we had a VAR check for a penalty for us which was clearly not – why they could not tell the ref as play went on, I don’t know? Can he only listen and hear from Stockley Park when the ball is out? Surely, he could have been told and waved play on.
The offside things continue to be a source of annoyance. We had a few attacks where he blew his whistle when the flag went up? One in the first half but the whistle went early on before the attack frittered out. Second half, why on the Baldock one could he not wait as we had a half chance. I was imploring George to go and score to see what they did but of course if he blows then that it is and it does not matter. People say it had to be a clear chance but I am not buying that as refs are blowing even when teams have chances to score – surely it cannot be decided by ref what might happen after the offside/he blows!
People have no idea what is going on. It is an absolutely ludicrous system that is threatening to ruin football. We have to bin it or dramatically change it so only clear and obvious errors are looked at. The stop start nature and the fact you cannot know what is happening is killing me as a fan and most others. Surely the Premier League and referees body have to listen to fans, players and coaches etc? Sadly, we all know they won’t. They have brought in it and will be seen as looking stupid if they get rid of it and will not want to lose face. I’d have more respect if they said we have tried it and it has not improved football so we are going to abolish it.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Quite first half and Villa fans were a lot noisier. Indeed, they were guise vocal and rivalled Newcastle for noise and support – to be fair two traditional and loyal fan bases of huge clubs. These two teams’ support been far better than say Liverpool and Arsenal at the Lane. I felt the support from the United fans was lacklustre and it seemed as flat as what was happening on the pitch. After the break buoyed by the improvements on the pitch, the fans noise lifted and with each attack; it got louder and louder. Great to see two fantastic goals, well made and taken and also good to see a few at the Kop end (not that it matters which end it goes in) too! The VAR system is garbage but leads to controversy and gets the fans riled and more noise comes whether it be groans, cheers or whatever. That is about the only good thing about it, in a perverse way! The crowd willed them on and the noise for the penalty miss was superb too and then as a whole the team and fans almost pulled together to ensure we saw out in the end a comfortable three points. Fantastic to see the crowd roaring their appreciation when the team came to them to salute each other. Never has everyone been so United.
