Post by deadbat on Dec 30, 2019 14:12:53 GMT
Report below…..we did a pod but sound quality was poor and it did not offer anything additional really!
Sorry for the late report – got in late and cold drinks were taken on yesterday throughout the day.
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Sheffield United’s long unbeaten record came to an end as they lost for the first time since January 19th as the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City beat the Blades in the final game of 2019. United were very unfortunate not to take anything from the game as a marginal VAR went against them again; denying them the lead and then Chris Kavanagh got in the way of John Fleck in the build up to the first goal clinically finished by Sergio Aguero. This goal changed what had been a tight game and City went on to score a well taken second goal through Kevin De Bruyne. United had competed well and maybe created the better chances over the course of the game but could not quite finish when they got through and City in contract were more clinical. In terms of football the possession stats show City dominated but the truth was there were little between the sides until that crucial first goal.
Wilder shuffled his pack again, this time rotating the front two with Mousset and Robinson starting. John Lundstram was not risked after he picked up a knock on his ankle in the game on Boxing Day. Mo Besic made his first United start in the Premier League. City also made changes with Otamendi and Mendy dropped with Zinchenko and young Garcia coming into the defence.
Kicking away from their away fans, United started excellently and pressed City back with patient and neat football leading to the Blades winning three early corners. The first chance came when O’Connell was well advanced and led to Stevens then playing the ball inside and Robinson hooked over a cross. Mousset should have really scored but glanced his header off target under pressure from the boot of Zinchenko. It was a great chance.
City had not really started but a nice move down the right saw Sterling and then Mahrez involved before the latter had a shot deflected just wide from Egan. The corner was cleared before De Bruyne could not quite find Ageuro with a ball through. Rodri has a shot well blocked but United continued to put men forward and the overlapping centre backs were seen in evidence on quite a few occasions.
Mousset had another chance but his shot was blocked for a corner. The resultant delivery saw Egan’s header over the bar. It was another decent chance for the visitors who had not been overawed.
On the half hour, United thought they were ahead. Aguero and Egan tussled but both had given as good as they got and the ball was played forward to Fleck. The midfielder knocked a delightful through ball into the path of Mousset who coolly finished past Bravo. The inevitable checks came and after a long delay as per usual, the goal was chalked off with a marginal offside call against the French striker denying him and United probably a deserved goal on the balance of play.
United continued to attack and more good play saw O’Connell, Fleck and Stevens involved and the wing back’s cross came over and Besic well placed, blazed wildly over when he needed to be more composed. The Blades still kept coming and a gem of a ball from Norwood dissected the whole City team and Mousset was in again. On the angle he drove in but he went with the outside of his right foot and got it horribly wrong, sending it wide of the near post.
Zinchenko fired well off target just before the break and the half time whistle went with United probably disappointed not to lead with the VAR decision going against them again.
The second half saw City come out with more purpose and De Bruyne fired over. Aguero did likewise before Besic also had a chance with Mousset played him in but his effort was a long way off target also. The game approached the hour mark when another key moment went against United.
Norwood played the ball into Fleck who looked to turn and go forward, but referee Kavanagh was somehow stood right in his way. He tried to get out of his way but it was too late and he made it worse by trying to dummy the ball and Fleck was blocked off. De Bruyne picked up the ball and played it forward and AGUERO on the angle smashed home. Protests raged from the United players but the goal was given.
De Bruyne had a low shot saved but United would not go away. A great run from Basham saw the Blades up the other end but his final ball saw Mousset offside as Bravo smothered the ball anyway. McGoldrick came on for Robinson. The game was not stretched and United were trying to throw men forward but were not creating the chances they had done in the first half and at the other end with City’s talent, both Fleck and Egan had to make vital interceptions to deny Mahrez and then Sterling.
McBurnie came on for Besic but one of his first contributions was failing to bring the ball down and City broke. DE BRUYNE exchanged passed and then jinked inside and wrongfooted Egan and Henderson with a low shot into the near post.
After this City knew they had the points and played keep ball whilst making changes to the side with a few substitutions. United did have a chance when sub Sharp, on for Mousset, glanced his late header off the inside of the post and across the line but crucially not over. This summed up a frustrating day for United. The final whistle went not long after this and City celebrated what looked like a routine 2-0 victory but it has not been comfortable at all and the key moments had certainly gone for them in the game allowing the superb quality they possess at the top of the field to execute the key moments.
United – We played really well most of the game and but for the odd decision here or there and key moments, it certainly could have been a different result. The goal was marginal in terms of VAR and then Kavanagh gets in a horrible position and could/should have used common sense in this instance. After this, the game went away from United and it kind of killed them but there were still in the game until the late bit of magic from De Bruyne.
The first half we were excellent. We moved it around, competed and attacked. We needed to take on of the 3 or 4 chances we had. Mousset had a few he needed to take. The header and then the chance on half time you have to take these. We looked solid and organised and moved it around. I loved the fact we went forward, playing two up top and the centre backs/wing backs advanced. Out of possession, we kept a good shape and were able to stop talented players penetrating us. Course sure some of them were fatigued but they still brought in a few fresh players and talent is talent, regardless of how tired the legs may be. I felt we shaded the first half and was delighted with how we played but had the nagging feeling we needed to take the chances we had. After the break though not, sure they really opened us up until the goal and it came a bit out of the blue. After this the game changes. They have more of the ball and we have to take chances. I did feel we had a really good chance of at least a draw but then that goal just kills us really. It would have been easier to take without the big calls going against us and whilst the two goals were superbly taken, the first really was handed to them on a plate but rank bad officiating.
We kept going and never got ragged and even at 2-0, had a late great chance to score and I felt individually and collectively for the most part, it was a really good performance and one we can feel quite proud of. The money their squad costs/the wages and the infrastructure of the two clubs are light years apart yet for most of the game last night, we matched them. We have to be more clinical of course and that will hopefully come as we can slowly improve the squad each window but if we play like that, we will be fine in terms of staying in this league. We have an even tougher game to come now at Anfield who have not lost at home since I think March 2017 and will hope we can replicate a similar performance. If we do that whatever the result, most Blades fans will be happy. We have still not had a real going over all season and been in every game. Not sure there is one game of the 5 we have lost, where you can say, yes, we definitely deserved to lose that game. That is a great feeling really and shows hoe well we have done.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – He maybe only made one save I can recall and that was regulation. Outside of this saw two goals flash by him. Had no chance with either. Seen some say they were both near post but the first was hammered and right in the top corner and only slightly on the angle when he shot it. The second he wrong foots him with clever skill. No chance for either for me.
Baldock 7/10 – Another decent game. Got up and down when he could and faced with tough quick opponents, more than held his own. Did not see as much from him attacking sense in the second half as he sat more.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Thought it was the best he has played for a while. His standards have been so high the last few seasons and his last few games he has still been ok but not as good as he has been. He was able to get up the left side on countless occasions first half and many of our chances came through his running and strong play. He linked well with O’Connell and Fleck down this side. Defensively did really well and was able to keep his discipline.
Basham 7/10 – Defensively fine again. He kept more of a solid shape and I felt it was O’Connell who went forward more than him today. He was able to make one great run second half where he just kept running and running and nearly made a chance for Mousset. He is another who more than held his own against great players.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – First half he was fantastic and summed up our attacking intent. Made several runs when he was flying down the left and set us up for quite a few attacks. Defensively he kept to his position and as a three limited to them to few openings. The goal saw Aguero get away from him but he was always going to be out of position when we had the ball and was set up to move up the field.
Egan 7/10 – Made a couple of good blocks first half and robbed Aguero in the build up to the offside goal for us. Did not get stretched at all first half and we had a nice solid shape and quite a high line which as brave v pace. They scored and then it was a bit harder. He was pulled apart a bit near the end and maybe should have took a foul when De Bruyne broke.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Thought he dictated our play in the first half and was influential to most things we did. Neat and tidy and composed. One bit of skill where he came away from De Bruyne was lovely. Played a real range of passes and the superb ball to set up Mousset just before half time was tremendous skill.
Besic 6.5/10 – Did ok without being spectacular. First half he was not on the ball too much but did some good work off the ball but a couple of wild finishes when played in were he smashed them both well over. He did not need to tackles too much but did break up a few passes. Technically on the ball he is a bit careless and that showed today a few times but overall, he was ok and whilst he wont start many, he is a useful lad to have around for the second half of the season as has good energy and mobility.
Fleck 8.5/10 – Our best player. Norwood was good, O’Connell was good but Fleck was superb. He got on the ball and drove forward, he used it well when he had it and showed he could pass short and long. Pressed, tackled and ran back defensively with a few great tackles (one second half where he stopped a break stood out). Great ball to Mousset for the goal/non goal and a few other clever passes too. Looks every inch a top Premier League midfielder. I would be genuinely concerned that clubs may look at him and O’Connell in January so we need to revisit contracts for a few key players I feel.
Mousset 7.5/10 – Lots of great things in terms of running off the ball, his pace and direct play but the big knock was despite him being a constant threat and at times showing good skill; he missed two big chances. The header has to go in and he has to do much better with the one on half time. Took his goal well before it was chalked off. Second half he trailed off and looked very tired after they scored but still had one half chance when Bash played him in. Will be a big effort for him to play again at Anfield but we will need him too with his pace important as an outlet.
Robinson 5/10 – Seen various opinions on his performance. A few have said he did ok but many have been quite critical. I have to be honest and say I thought he was our weakest and lest efficient player on and off the ball. The ball he put in for Mousset was decent but outside of this I watched his lack of engagement in terms of pressing with purpose was noticeable. He never seems close to the defender with the ball nor does he really bust a gut to close space. On the ball he rarely gets involved and does not impose himself enough. His stats may suggest he covers a lot of ground etc but his impact is limited in what he actually does. He is quite slow too and his movement for the ball or ability to show for it is not at the standard we need. Seems a nice lad but at the moment, he is a long way short of what is required at this level. He may improve but not seen that drive or hunger and that worries me. McBurnie has improved and is getting better but with Mousset not playing full games and Sharp only a bit part; I feel Wilder will try and sign another striker in January.
Subs –
McGoldrick – Came on and played just behind the front and tried to make things happen and got on it a few times but the game was quite open then and Mousset did not have the legs at this stage. The game became a bit ragged and not sure he was able to influence things and did not see as much of the ball.
McBurnie – We have been rotating strikers and so he went out of the team today. Came on and I felt twice he did not hold the ball up/secure possession and on the second he was guilty and they came forward after this and scored. A lot happened after this but he will know he should have done better. He had one effort and run (at 1-0 I think) but took too many touches and got squeezed out.
Sharp – At least had an effort on goal as he has not had many this season (albeit feeding on limited minutes and scraps). He probably will be disappointed not to score as he was not under any pressure. He almost got too much on it. I would rather see more of him than Robinson at the moment.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – Mark may seem high but for almost an hour we were slightly the better side and had all the chances really. We had a good shape and looked good on and off the ball. The goal changes the game and City then changed their shape slightly and improved and it was more of a struggle but we had to go for it. Remained true to his attacking principles with two up top and then throwing more men forward near the end when we had to go for it. Will be pleased with the performance if not the result.
Man City – First half looked a side that had played less than 48 hours previously and looked lethargic and out of sync. With the ball they were sloppy and created little other than a few deflected efforts and off the ball they ceded possession and were fortunate not to be behind at the break with the chances the Blades had. Fortunate with the VAR that was so marginal. They did improve after the break but not sure they were even knocking on the door until the referee gets involved and then the game has to open up. We started to attack and put another attacker on and there were gaps and they did have breaks and eventually score a really good second goal. After this the game is up and they play a lot of keep ball and have a few other half chances but Sharp still has that effort off the post. It was not really a comprehensive win and the two big moments went in their favour. The two goals were of course clinically dispatched but that is what you pay the big money for and the best striker and then best player in the whole league will do that.
In terms of where they are, I had the day with a City fan who is a good pal (before the game) and he says they are not the side they were last season and lack that attacking oomph they had. They have some fantastic players and on their day are still the best side in the league to me – yes even better than Liverpool I feel but they have not been consistent this season and not blown teams away like they used to do. With De Bruyne, Sterling and Aguero they will still beat most teams though.
Defensively they have all sort of issues. They put in the young lad Garcia today but were still cut open and will be desperate to get Laporte back who makes such a difference. Fernandinho is playing as centre back but he is a midfielder and won’t be around forever. They do have some things to improve with a younger Liverpool team streaking away. Aguero is not getting any younger and had made noises about going back to Argentina. David Silva is retiring also and they have not replaced Kompany.
Still they have a superb keeper and still an array of attacking talent but will need to improve the defence and get younger. They will no doubt spend more money (although wrangles over transfer bans/fair play etc rage on) but will have to in order to keep up with Liverpool.
Opponent Man of the Match – De Bruyne got man of the match and by virtue of his assist and goal you cannot argue with that even though I felt Fleck was superb for us and maybe the outstanding player on the whole pitch. I thought Aguero was not really that involved but a great finish on the controversial goal. Others that stood out were Rodri who I thought was nice and composed and one of the more efficient City players in his passing. Silva showed some nice bits and pieces too and improved after the break.
Opponent Weak link – The backline showed they can be got at and two or three times Fernandinho and Garcia were beaten by the ball over the top. We needed to test Bravo more as for all the chances not sure he made a save all game as we just missed them! Not sure Sterling was that involved and did not even realise Mahrez was playing. Not many players were more than 7/10 for them but the big players did enough in the key moments. Interesting that someone said that Kyle Walker as good as he has been and still is – great that he gave the United fans a hand at the end – may not even get in our team. Certainly, that shows the progress that Baldock has made.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Not a great day for Chris Kavanagh for one moment. From Manchester bizareely – not sure how that happens – is t do with which local FA you are registered with? Seems an odd selection but apparently, he has done City games before and is a Man Utd fan. Whichever way you look at it, does seem off he refs City games? He of course is not involved in the VAR decision in the sense he does not make it. City wanted a foul on Aguero in the build up but Egan is shoulder to shoulder and then he pushed Egan when he gets the ball. It was certainly not a foul despite Pep’s indignation. The ball then comes through from Fleck and of course we all knew with the delay what the decision would. My gut feeling inside the ground from a long way away was he was offside. Of course, the replays showed it was a lot more marginal. Technically from the angle they showed and using the rules that they currently have – it is offside. However, as so many have said how do we know the angle is in line, why do they always go from that diagonal type angle? Why is it not straight? How do we know when the ball has been exactly played? Ironically there have been other goals this weekend that have been even closer (Pukki etc). For me, they have to change the rules. VAR is flawed in terms of no one knowing exact frames/angles/ball was played but if they are using what they have then technically they have got that right. Does it make it right or does it improve football to fans? Of course, it does not. You can argue if you are offside you are offside though and that is why it is as much the rules that need looking at. If you are having VAR to decide offside then these sorts of goals will get ruled out (based on the flawed angles/camera footage they use) but they need to look at it and change it. To me there has to be clear daylight between the defender and the attacker for me or any part of your body is onside then it is ruled onside. Looking at armpits, big toes etc is ridiculous. The implantation of the rules on top of the VAR flaws make the whole system a shambles at the moment and is leading to games week in, week out being discussed for the wrong reasons.
It is an entertainment business and now we are finding reasons to rule out goals and they are looking for things. I celebrated the goal but within a second, I said this will be offside and stopped. Many went berserk round me and I just stood and sighed as I knew what would happen! It is simply killing the joy and spontaneity of football. It has become robotic, stop start and the emotions are being taken out of the game. Everyone is saying they have to change it or get rid of it. They won’t get rid of it as they will not admit they are wrong. The PGMOL or whatever it is called and Mike Riley will say look how many more decisions they have got right but it is a mess. There have been so many games that have shown it up this weekend and is getting worse, not better. They at the very least have to review/overhaul things but sadly the rules will not change as that is UEFA/FIFA and thus VAR will just say they are calling it as per the rules but the technology and the flaws I have outlined means the whole system is broke.
It does seem and stats suggest a lot of VAR are going against us and feels we are hard done by but regardless of any potential bias or feeling certain clubs are getting shafted, I would have the same opinion regardless. It is as the saying goes, ‘It’s not football anymore!’
Now onto the goal, well Kavanagh’s position is horrible. Why he is stood there I don’t know. His job is to get out of the way and be nowhere near it but then he makes it worse by trying to get out of the way but impeded Fleck. Fleck should have just tackled him. I am being serious. If he knocks him over; its an accident and the game stops. He was probably too nice. Also, Fleck should have kicked the ball against him. That stops the game. There is an argument to players intentionally kicking the ball against referees in certain situation. Once again Kavanagh will say he followed the rules in that the ball did not hit him but his reaction to go his mouth and almost blow his whistle signalled even he did not know what to do. As others had said if he blows the whistle and has a drop ball, no one would have been bothered and he can justify it but he will then maybe have got marked down by the robotic assessors. Regardless of whether he kept in the rules or not, it was a mistake to be there and it directly led to the first goal. Wilder says he went to see him after the game and was honest. This suggests he said exactly what I said, that he could not stop the game as it did not hit him but probably admitted he got in the way but technically could not blow as that is not in the rules. Not sure VAR can get involved in that as it is down to whether the rules had been broken and technically, they did not. The rules again need looking at – him getting in the way is not different to the ball hitting at him but one means the game can be stopped and the other means it cannot? Seems ridiculous. Still common sense as in most things at the moment go out of the window. Undoubtedly whatever way you look at it, the referees mistake changes the game and the eventual verdict. City may have gone on to win but at this point the game was finely balanced.
Couple of standard yellows. One for a cynical foul from Stevens on Foden and another from Silva on Fleck who was streaking away. Outside of that cannot recall too many bad fouls either way and ironically outside of the big mistake he made in his position, the rest of his game he was ok! The only main gripe I had was the bit near the end when Aguero walked off and he told him to go to he nearest touchline and the conversation went on for ages as Aguero feigned innocence was pathetic. No doubt if that had been our player he would have been instantly booked. It went on for an age and still no card came out.
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day out etc – I went to the Etihad the last time we were in the Premier League and it has improved massively since then in terms of the numbers who were there (was a poor crowd that day and pre investment) and they have also put extra tiers on both ends. I was much more impressed with the whole stadium/atmosphere. Maybe the fact it was a night game helped too with the flashy lights/screens and the very loud sound system also adding to the feeling of it being a top-level stadium. We had a great view from high up as even though we were a long way from the far goal you still had a good sense of the play and what was happening – unlike at West Ham. The City fans are very close to the away fans which adds to the atmosphere – although why they can have a row of stewards but we have to have several seats empty or cannot do this at the Lane is confusing. There were some knobhead fans on both sides of this divide, with some of ours throwing coins and some of the City fans allegedly spitting etc. So maybe that is why it is not always a good idea to have fans so close! The only major negative on the ground is that it is a fair hike from the centre – 25 minute walk and not the prettiest walk (we could have got the tram or a cab I suppose but the former looked rammed so glad we did take a stroll) and also inside the facilities are totally inadequate. Once we made our way up what seemed like 1,000 stairs (Newcastle will test us!) we found long queues for small bars and toilets that were pathetically small for so many fans.
The rest of the day was good. As I have said went with a Sheffield based Man City season ticket holder and with another fellow Blade. We went to the Northern Quarter and had a few beers on Thomas Street and then went to N64 (an old arcade game bar – a favourite of previous trips to Manchester) and then went for some food at Mackie Mayor (like a version of Peddlers) before walking to the ground via a further beer at some social club type place. Post game we had a few more beers round the Northern Quarter again and then got some good and a few beers for the train home. After an eternity trying to find/book a cab (ended up on West Street – don’t ask) we got home around midnight! A great day though and nice to see United competing and have a really good team matching the League Champions on their own patch. I won’t be at Anfield (can’t afford/really do two games over the Xmas period away) but will obviously watch it on TV.
Sorry for the late report – got in late and cold drinks were taken on yesterday throughout the day.
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Sheffield United’s long unbeaten record came to an end as they lost for the first time since January 19th as the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City beat the Blades in the final game of 2019. United were very unfortunate not to take anything from the game as a marginal VAR went against them again; denying them the lead and then Chris Kavanagh got in the way of John Fleck in the build up to the first goal clinically finished by Sergio Aguero. This goal changed what had been a tight game and City went on to score a well taken second goal through Kevin De Bruyne. United had competed well and maybe created the better chances over the course of the game but could not quite finish when they got through and City in contract were more clinical. In terms of football the possession stats show City dominated but the truth was there were little between the sides until that crucial first goal.
Wilder shuffled his pack again, this time rotating the front two with Mousset and Robinson starting. John Lundstram was not risked after he picked up a knock on his ankle in the game on Boxing Day. Mo Besic made his first United start in the Premier League. City also made changes with Otamendi and Mendy dropped with Zinchenko and young Garcia coming into the defence.
Kicking away from their away fans, United started excellently and pressed City back with patient and neat football leading to the Blades winning three early corners. The first chance came when O’Connell was well advanced and led to Stevens then playing the ball inside and Robinson hooked over a cross. Mousset should have really scored but glanced his header off target under pressure from the boot of Zinchenko. It was a great chance.
City had not really started but a nice move down the right saw Sterling and then Mahrez involved before the latter had a shot deflected just wide from Egan. The corner was cleared before De Bruyne could not quite find Ageuro with a ball through. Rodri has a shot well blocked but United continued to put men forward and the overlapping centre backs were seen in evidence on quite a few occasions.
Mousset had another chance but his shot was blocked for a corner. The resultant delivery saw Egan’s header over the bar. It was another decent chance for the visitors who had not been overawed.
On the half hour, United thought they were ahead. Aguero and Egan tussled but both had given as good as they got and the ball was played forward to Fleck. The midfielder knocked a delightful through ball into the path of Mousset who coolly finished past Bravo. The inevitable checks came and after a long delay as per usual, the goal was chalked off with a marginal offside call against the French striker denying him and United probably a deserved goal on the balance of play.
United continued to attack and more good play saw O’Connell, Fleck and Stevens involved and the wing back’s cross came over and Besic well placed, blazed wildly over when he needed to be more composed. The Blades still kept coming and a gem of a ball from Norwood dissected the whole City team and Mousset was in again. On the angle he drove in but he went with the outside of his right foot and got it horribly wrong, sending it wide of the near post.
Zinchenko fired well off target just before the break and the half time whistle went with United probably disappointed not to lead with the VAR decision going against them again.
The second half saw City come out with more purpose and De Bruyne fired over. Aguero did likewise before Besic also had a chance with Mousset played him in but his effort was a long way off target also. The game approached the hour mark when another key moment went against United.
Norwood played the ball into Fleck who looked to turn and go forward, but referee Kavanagh was somehow stood right in his way. He tried to get out of his way but it was too late and he made it worse by trying to dummy the ball and Fleck was blocked off. De Bruyne picked up the ball and played it forward and AGUERO on the angle smashed home. Protests raged from the United players but the goal was given.
De Bruyne had a low shot saved but United would not go away. A great run from Basham saw the Blades up the other end but his final ball saw Mousset offside as Bravo smothered the ball anyway. McGoldrick came on for Robinson. The game was not stretched and United were trying to throw men forward but were not creating the chances they had done in the first half and at the other end with City’s talent, both Fleck and Egan had to make vital interceptions to deny Mahrez and then Sterling.
McBurnie came on for Besic but one of his first contributions was failing to bring the ball down and City broke. DE BRUYNE exchanged passed and then jinked inside and wrongfooted Egan and Henderson with a low shot into the near post.
After this City knew they had the points and played keep ball whilst making changes to the side with a few substitutions. United did have a chance when sub Sharp, on for Mousset, glanced his late header off the inside of the post and across the line but crucially not over. This summed up a frustrating day for United. The final whistle went not long after this and City celebrated what looked like a routine 2-0 victory but it has not been comfortable at all and the key moments had certainly gone for them in the game allowing the superb quality they possess at the top of the field to execute the key moments.
United – We played really well most of the game and but for the odd decision here or there and key moments, it certainly could have been a different result. The goal was marginal in terms of VAR and then Kavanagh gets in a horrible position and could/should have used common sense in this instance. After this, the game went away from United and it kind of killed them but there were still in the game until the late bit of magic from De Bruyne.
The first half we were excellent. We moved it around, competed and attacked. We needed to take on of the 3 or 4 chances we had. Mousset had a few he needed to take. The header and then the chance on half time you have to take these. We looked solid and organised and moved it around. I loved the fact we went forward, playing two up top and the centre backs/wing backs advanced. Out of possession, we kept a good shape and were able to stop talented players penetrating us. Course sure some of them were fatigued but they still brought in a few fresh players and talent is talent, regardless of how tired the legs may be. I felt we shaded the first half and was delighted with how we played but had the nagging feeling we needed to take the chances we had. After the break though not, sure they really opened us up until the goal and it came a bit out of the blue. After this the game changes. They have more of the ball and we have to take chances. I did feel we had a really good chance of at least a draw but then that goal just kills us really. It would have been easier to take without the big calls going against us and whilst the two goals were superbly taken, the first really was handed to them on a plate but rank bad officiating.
We kept going and never got ragged and even at 2-0, had a late great chance to score and I felt individually and collectively for the most part, it was a really good performance and one we can feel quite proud of. The money their squad costs/the wages and the infrastructure of the two clubs are light years apart yet for most of the game last night, we matched them. We have to be more clinical of course and that will hopefully come as we can slowly improve the squad each window but if we play like that, we will be fine in terms of staying in this league. We have an even tougher game to come now at Anfield who have not lost at home since I think March 2017 and will hope we can replicate a similar performance. If we do that whatever the result, most Blades fans will be happy. We have still not had a real going over all season and been in every game. Not sure there is one game of the 5 we have lost, where you can say, yes, we definitely deserved to lose that game. That is a great feeling really and shows hoe well we have done.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – He maybe only made one save I can recall and that was regulation. Outside of this saw two goals flash by him. Had no chance with either. Seen some say they were both near post but the first was hammered and right in the top corner and only slightly on the angle when he shot it. The second he wrong foots him with clever skill. No chance for either for me.
Baldock 7/10 – Another decent game. Got up and down when he could and faced with tough quick opponents, more than held his own. Did not see as much from him attacking sense in the second half as he sat more.
Stevens 7.5/10 – Thought it was the best he has played for a while. His standards have been so high the last few seasons and his last few games he has still been ok but not as good as he has been. He was able to get up the left side on countless occasions first half and many of our chances came through his running and strong play. He linked well with O’Connell and Fleck down this side. Defensively did really well and was able to keep his discipline.
Basham 7/10 – Defensively fine again. He kept more of a solid shape and I felt it was O’Connell who went forward more than him today. He was able to make one great run second half where he just kept running and running and nearly made a chance for Mousset. He is another who more than held his own against great players.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – First half he was fantastic and summed up our attacking intent. Made several runs when he was flying down the left and set us up for quite a few attacks. Defensively he kept to his position and as a three limited to them to few openings. The goal saw Aguero get away from him but he was always going to be out of position when we had the ball and was set up to move up the field.
Egan 7/10 – Made a couple of good blocks first half and robbed Aguero in the build up to the offside goal for us. Did not get stretched at all first half and we had a nice solid shape and quite a high line which as brave v pace. They scored and then it was a bit harder. He was pulled apart a bit near the end and maybe should have took a foul when De Bruyne broke.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Thought he dictated our play in the first half and was influential to most things we did. Neat and tidy and composed. One bit of skill where he came away from De Bruyne was lovely. Played a real range of passes and the superb ball to set up Mousset just before half time was tremendous skill.
Besic 6.5/10 – Did ok without being spectacular. First half he was not on the ball too much but did some good work off the ball but a couple of wild finishes when played in were he smashed them both well over. He did not need to tackles too much but did break up a few passes. Technically on the ball he is a bit careless and that showed today a few times but overall, he was ok and whilst he wont start many, he is a useful lad to have around for the second half of the season as has good energy and mobility.
Fleck 8.5/10 – Our best player. Norwood was good, O’Connell was good but Fleck was superb. He got on the ball and drove forward, he used it well when he had it and showed he could pass short and long. Pressed, tackled and ran back defensively with a few great tackles (one second half where he stopped a break stood out). Great ball to Mousset for the goal/non goal and a few other clever passes too. Looks every inch a top Premier League midfielder. I would be genuinely concerned that clubs may look at him and O’Connell in January so we need to revisit contracts for a few key players I feel.
Mousset 7.5/10 – Lots of great things in terms of running off the ball, his pace and direct play but the big knock was despite him being a constant threat and at times showing good skill; he missed two big chances. The header has to go in and he has to do much better with the one on half time. Took his goal well before it was chalked off. Second half he trailed off and looked very tired after they scored but still had one half chance when Bash played him in. Will be a big effort for him to play again at Anfield but we will need him too with his pace important as an outlet.
Robinson 5/10 – Seen various opinions on his performance. A few have said he did ok but many have been quite critical. I have to be honest and say I thought he was our weakest and lest efficient player on and off the ball. The ball he put in for Mousset was decent but outside of this I watched his lack of engagement in terms of pressing with purpose was noticeable. He never seems close to the defender with the ball nor does he really bust a gut to close space. On the ball he rarely gets involved and does not impose himself enough. His stats may suggest he covers a lot of ground etc but his impact is limited in what he actually does. He is quite slow too and his movement for the ball or ability to show for it is not at the standard we need. Seems a nice lad but at the moment, he is a long way short of what is required at this level. He may improve but not seen that drive or hunger and that worries me. McBurnie has improved and is getting better but with Mousset not playing full games and Sharp only a bit part; I feel Wilder will try and sign another striker in January.
Subs –
McGoldrick – Came on and played just behind the front and tried to make things happen and got on it a few times but the game was quite open then and Mousset did not have the legs at this stage. The game became a bit ragged and not sure he was able to influence things and did not see as much of the ball.
McBurnie – We have been rotating strikers and so he went out of the team today. Came on and I felt twice he did not hold the ball up/secure possession and on the second he was guilty and they came forward after this and scored. A lot happened after this but he will know he should have done better. He had one effort and run (at 1-0 I think) but took too many touches and got squeezed out.
Sharp – At least had an effort on goal as he has not had many this season (albeit feeding on limited minutes and scraps). He probably will be disappointed not to score as he was not under any pressure. He almost got too much on it. I would rather see more of him than Robinson at the moment.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – Mark may seem high but for almost an hour we were slightly the better side and had all the chances really. We had a good shape and looked good on and off the ball. The goal changes the game and City then changed their shape slightly and improved and it was more of a struggle but we had to go for it. Remained true to his attacking principles with two up top and then throwing more men forward near the end when we had to go for it. Will be pleased with the performance if not the result.
Man City – First half looked a side that had played less than 48 hours previously and looked lethargic and out of sync. With the ball they were sloppy and created little other than a few deflected efforts and off the ball they ceded possession and were fortunate not to be behind at the break with the chances the Blades had. Fortunate with the VAR that was so marginal. They did improve after the break but not sure they were even knocking on the door until the referee gets involved and then the game has to open up. We started to attack and put another attacker on and there were gaps and they did have breaks and eventually score a really good second goal. After this the game is up and they play a lot of keep ball and have a few other half chances but Sharp still has that effort off the post. It was not really a comprehensive win and the two big moments went in their favour. The two goals were of course clinically dispatched but that is what you pay the big money for and the best striker and then best player in the whole league will do that.
In terms of where they are, I had the day with a City fan who is a good pal (before the game) and he says they are not the side they were last season and lack that attacking oomph they had. They have some fantastic players and on their day are still the best side in the league to me – yes even better than Liverpool I feel but they have not been consistent this season and not blown teams away like they used to do. With De Bruyne, Sterling and Aguero they will still beat most teams though.
Defensively they have all sort of issues. They put in the young lad Garcia today but were still cut open and will be desperate to get Laporte back who makes such a difference. Fernandinho is playing as centre back but he is a midfielder and won’t be around forever. They do have some things to improve with a younger Liverpool team streaking away. Aguero is not getting any younger and had made noises about going back to Argentina. David Silva is retiring also and they have not replaced Kompany.
Still they have a superb keeper and still an array of attacking talent but will need to improve the defence and get younger. They will no doubt spend more money (although wrangles over transfer bans/fair play etc rage on) but will have to in order to keep up with Liverpool.
Opponent Man of the Match – De Bruyne got man of the match and by virtue of his assist and goal you cannot argue with that even though I felt Fleck was superb for us and maybe the outstanding player on the whole pitch. I thought Aguero was not really that involved but a great finish on the controversial goal. Others that stood out were Rodri who I thought was nice and composed and one of the more efficient City players in his passing. Silva showed some nice bits and pieces too and improved after the break.
Opponent Weak link – The backline showed they can be got at and two or three times Fernandinho and Garcia were beaten by the ball over the top. We needed to test Bravo more as for all the chances not sure he made a save all game as we just missed them! Not sure Sterling was that involved and did not even realise Mahrez was playing. Not many players were more than 7/10 for them but the big players did enough in the key moments. Interesting that someone said that Kyle Walker as good as he has been and still is – great that he gave the United fans a hand at the end – may not even get in our team. Certainly, that shows the progress that Baldock has made.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Not a great day for Chris Kavanagh for one moment. From Manchester bizareely – not sure how that happens – is t do with which local FA you are registered with? Seems an odd selection but apparently, he has done City games before and is a Man Utd fan. Whichever way you look at it, does seem off he refs City games? He of course is not involved in the VAR decision in the sense he does not make it. City wanted a foul on Aguero in the build up but Egan is shoulder to shoulder and then he pushed Egan when he gets the ball. It was certainly not a foul despite Pep’s indignation. The ball then comes through from Fleck and of course we all knew with the delay what the decision would. My gut feeling inside the ground from a long way away was he was offside. Of course, the replays showed it was a lot more marginal. Technically from the angle they showed and using the rules that they currently have – it is offside. However, as so many have said how do we know the angle is in line, why do they always go from that diagonal type angle? Why is it not straight? How do we know when the ball has been exactly played? Ironically there have been other goals this weekend that have been even closer (Pukki etc). For me, they have to change the rules. VAR is flawed in terms of no one knowing exact frames/angles/ball was played but if they are using what they have then technically they have got that right. Does it make it right or does it improve football to fans? Of course, it does not. You can argue if you are offside you are offside though and that is why it is as much the rules that need looking at. If you are having VAR to decide offside then these sorts of goals will get ruled out (based on the flawed angles/camera footage they use) but they need to look at it and change it. To me there has to be clear daylight between the defender and the attacker for me or any part of your body is onside then it is ruled onside. Looking at armpits, big toes etc is ridiculous. The implantation of the rules on top of the VAR flaws make the whole system a shambles at the moment and is leading to games week in, week out being discussed for the wrong reasons.
It is an entertainment business and now we are finding reasons to rule out goals and they are looking for things. I celebrated the goal but within a second, I said this will be offside and stopped. Many went berserk round me and I just stood and sighed as I knew what would happen! It is simply killing the joy and spontaneity of football. It has become robotic, stop start and the emotions are being taken out of the game. Everyone is saying they have to change it or get rid of it. They won’t get rid of it as they will not admit they are wrong. The PGMOL or whatever it is called and Mike Riley will say look how many more decisions they have got right but it is a mess. There have been so many games that have shown it up this weekend and is getting worse, not better. They at the very least have to review/overhaul things but sadly the rules will not change as that is UEFA/FIFA and thus VAR will just say they are calling it as per the rules but the technology and the flaws I have outlined means the whole system is broke.
It does seem and stats suggest a lot of VAR are going against us and feels we are hard done by but regardless of any potential bias or feeling certain clubs are getting shafted, I would have the same opinion regardless. It is as the saying goes, ‘It’s not football anymore!’
Now onto the goal, well Kavanagh’s position is horrible. Why he is stood there I don’t know. His job is to get out of the way and be nowhere near it but then he makes it worse by trying to get out of the way but impeded Fleck. Fleck should have just tackled him. I am being serious. If he knocks him over; its an accident and the game stops. He was probably too nice. Also, Fleck should have kicked the ball against him. That stops the game. There is an argument to players intentionally kicking the ball against referees in certain situation. Once again Kavanagh will say he followed the rules in that the ball did not hit him but his reaction to go his mouth and almost blow his whistle signalled even he did not know what to do. As others had said if he blows the whistle and has a drop ball, no one would have been bothered and he can justify it but he will then maybe have got marked down by the robotic assessors. Regardless of whether he kept in the rules or not, it was a mistake to be there and it directly led to the first goal. Wilder says he went to see him after the game and was honest. This suggests he said exactly what I said, that he could not stop the game as it did not hit him but probably admitted he got in the way but technically could not blow as that is not in the rules. Not sure VAR can get involved in that as it is down to whether the rules had been broken and technically, they did not. The rules again need looking at – him getting in the way is not different to the ball hitting at him but one means the game can be stopped and the other means it cannot? Seems ridiculous. Still common sense as in most things at the moment go out of the window. Undoubtedly whatever way you look at it, the referees mistake changes the game and the eventual verdict. City may have gone on to win but at this point the game was finely balanced.
Couple of standard yellows. One for a cynical foul from Stevens on Foden and another from Silva on Fleck who was streaking away. Outside of that cannot recall too many bad fouls either way and ironically outside of the big mistake he made in his position, the rest of his game he was ok! The only main gripe I had was the bit near the end when Aguero walked off and he told him to go to he nearest touchline and the conversation went on for ages as Aguero feigned innocence was pathetic. No doubt if that had been our player he would have been instantly booked. It went on for an age and still no card came out.
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day out etc – I went to the Etihad the last time we were in the Premier League and it has improved massively since then in terms of the numbers who were there (was a poor crowd that day and pre investment) and they have also put extra tiers on both ends. I was much more impressed with the whole stadium/atmosphere. Maybe the fact it was a night game helped too with the flashy lights/screens and the very loud sound system also adding to the feeling of it being a top-level stadium. We had a great view from high up as even though we were a long way from the far goal you still had a good sense of the play and what was happening – unlike at West Ham. The City fans are very close to the away fans which adds to the atmosphere – although why they can have a row of stewards but we have to have several seats empty or cannot do this at the Lane is confusing. There were some knobhead fans on both sides of this divide, with some of ours throwing coins and some of the City fans allegedly spitting etc. So maybe that is why it is not always a good idea to have fans so close! The only major negative on the ground is that it is a fair hike from the centre – 25 minute walk and not the prettiest walk (we could have got the tram or a cab I suppose but the former looked rammed so glad we did take a stroll) and also inside the facilities are totally inadequate. Once we made our way up what seemed like 1,000 stairs (Newcastle will test us!) we found long queues for small bars and toilets that were pathetically small for so many fans.
The rest of the day was good. As I have said went with a Sheffield based Man City season ticket holder and with another fellow Blade. We went to the Northern Quarter and had a few beers on Thomas Street and then went to N64 (an old arcade game bar – a favourite of previous trips to Manchester) and then went for some food at Mackie Mayor (like a version of Peddlers) before walking to the ground via a further beer at some social club type place. Post game we had a few more beers round the Northern Quarter again and then got some good and a few beers for the train home. After an eternity trying to find/book a cab (ended up on West Street – don’t ask) we got home around midnight! A great day though and nice to see United competing and have a really good team matching the League Champions on their own patch. I won’t be at Anfield (can’t afford/really do two games over the Xmas period away) but will obviously watch it on TV.
