Post by deadbat on Feb 1, 2020 19:51:10 GMT
Did not go. Of course, I did not. First one I missed from London and they win! Still moving house and lots to sort so had to miss one! Watched on a very erratic stream but saw enough to put something together!
---
The Blades got back to winning way and finally won a game in London at this level for the first time in 28 years as they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. United were far from their best in this one but another superb defensive performance from the Blades ensured that a calamitous own goal from Vicente Guaita was enough for another huge three points. United move onto 36 points and with many of the rest of the results, the Blades can surely now feel they have done enough to stay in the division and start looking at other targets such as a top half finish or even a Europa League place.
United threw Sander Berge straight in for his United debut as there was no place for Mo Besic who was not in the matchday squad. It was the same team as the previous league game against Manchester City. Palace started with Zaha, Benteke and Ayew up the top of the field. Skipper Milivojevic was back in the side and former Blade loanee Gary Cahill started in defence. Andre Townsend was fit enough to take his place on the bench.
The game began in extremely windy conditions and there was little quality on display early on. Debutant Berge was neat and tidy and nearly got on the end of McBurnie’s header with the first half chance of the game going to United. Palace started to get on the ball more and force United back who were defending deep, perhaps concerned about the pace down the sides. Palace won two corner and Benteke then nearly got in from open play but Egan made a good block.
Baldock went in the book for a late tackle on the dangerous Zaha and the subsequent free was half cleared before Milivojevic fired well over in the first effort towards goal. Tompkins was then booked for a late foul as Fleck got to the ball just before him. Benteke then pulled a shot wide as Palace were now looking the more comfortable in possession. United had been sloppy with it and a bit cautious off the ball, standing off and allowing Palace to have it. Despite this, the home side had not created much at all and were relying on the outlet of Zaha to try and forge an opening.
McArthur had the first effort on goal, saved comfortably by Henderson before Palace had another spell of play and United were struggling to get a foothold in the game. The one positive is Palace had created little too. Baldock caught Zaha and must have been concerned but like the Wolves away game, he got away with it. It could have been another yellow even though once again Zaha threw himself to the floor. The free kick was palmed away by Henderson for another corner and the home side won three straight corners as United were just content to stay in the game at this stage. A couple of dangerous crossfield balls from Zaha just evaded Ayew and then Benteke as United breathed a sigh of relief.
Cahill headed off target and then van Aanholt fired well over the bar. United continued to very conservative. Berge had been neat and tidy and the centre backs had been solid but we had seen little from United as an attacking force as the half time whistle went.
The second half saw Fleck have an effort blocked as the game started to open up more. United gave it away sloppily and Palace broke but Benteke could not get power on his shot as he came inside after another slalom run from Zaha. Henderson made the comfortable save in the end.
United were at least showing more as an attacking force and Sharp won the corner from a shot on the angle blocked by Cahill.
Out of nothing the Blades took the lead from this set play. Norwood swung over the in-swinging corner and as Sharp shaped to challenge GUAITA caught the ball but inexplicably dropped it over the line by at least 2 or 3 yards. The check on goal line technology was probably not even needed but confirmed the goal. A few Palace players tried to ask for a foul but Sharp had barely even touched him. It was a howler and United had the lead, even if it was underserved.
After the goal United found a new confidence and started to move it about better, keeping the ball for longer periods. Baldock had struggled defensively but his tenacious play saw him commit two defenders and win the foul. Norwood took it after deliberation with him, Fleck and Berge. Guaita had to make the diving save to tip over to prevent the Blades doubling their lead.
Palace had their best chance of the game when clever play by Zaha saw him come inside and his pass saw McArthur fire a powerful drive but Henderson was able to push away. It was a good save but was relatively close to the Blades keeper.
Basham went down under a clash of heads and had to come back on after treatment wearing what could only be described as black gaffer tape around his bonce in an attempt to stem the blood. His first involvement after the bad cut was to head it away twice. Of course. Typical commitment from Basham.
Mousset came on for Sharp and almost had an immediate impact as McBurnie cleverly played him in and his shot was saved by Guaita. Milivojevic was the latest to get a card as he hauled down McBurnie before Lundstram came on for Berge who got a lusty hand from the Blades following in the Arthur Wait stand, who recognised a promising debut. Fleck then tried his hand at stopping Zaha, to no avail and he was rightly given a yellow card.
The Palace winger then went down feigning a head injury after another foul. His antics were pathetic at times. A great player but someone who does all he can to gain an advantage at times and sometimes this detracts from what he does so well. Palace had begun to get frustrated but had a few chances as van Aanholt had a shot blocked before the home side had a great chance to level. McArthur’s cross was a good one and evaded everyone but Lundstram maybe did enough to just put Tompkins off who headed wide. He really needed to at least hit the target.
On 72 minutes, there was a moment of controversy as Ward caught Stevens quite late and referee Andy Madley brandished an immediate red card. It seemed harsh at the time but maybe the Palace defender had shown his studs or gone over the ball. Replays showed it was not really a red card and after Madley wisely looked at the monitor it was downgraded to a yellow card. VAR has been incredibly frustrating to say the least this season, but here it was used well to get the right decision even if it did not go for United. We of course had a similar decision get reversed for Basham at Norwich.
Lundstram blazed over when he maybe had a bit more time before Palace made another change with Townsend coming on for Benteke. Meyer then came on for McCarthy as the game entered the final 10 minutes. United had been much better on and off the ball since the goal and Stevens almost made the game safe after a one two with Mousset saw him in but his shot with the outside of his foot was pushed away by Guaita. Baldock could not quite force a chance on the rebound.
McBurnie then had a headed effort blocked although a foul was given in the build-up. United actually had created the better chances in the final spell of the game and Egan hooked off target after another dangerous Norwood corner fell to him. Kouyate replaced McArthur with the home side’s final change as the game ticked past the 85th minute mark. Mousset and Stevens had more chances for United to seal it as they had men over and United’s game management had been very good as the match entered stoppage time. There were six minutes to be played which was about right after the Basham stoppage. Palace won a corner but United once again cleared the ball with the three centre backs absolutely imperious once again. The second corner fell to Zaha but Norwood and then Egan made key blocks as Palace began to run out of ideas. A final corner was cleared and after Osborn came on, Norwood rolled the ball into the corner and out to waste more valuable time.
Palace launched it forward once more but Stevens hooked clear and a final clearance from Norwood saw the final whistle go and another huge three points for the Blades. United went to their fans with the new Norwegian signing Berge getting a rendition of his new chant, to the tune of ‘She’s Electric!’ by Oasis. The debutant clearly was touched by it and gave a heart sign to the delighted Blades following!
United – Far from our best for an hour. In fact, we were poor. We never kept it, never looked dangerous and sat back. We invited pressure but fortunately Palace looked a bit clueless and other than Zaha, they never looked like opening us up. We sat back and was very cautious. I felt we let them have it which was odd as they are a team that does not tend to have possession, even at home. Maybe this was the plan. We did sit back and maybe were worried about the pace. The main concern was losing Baldock who got booked early and they went to Zaha continually and Baldock maybe got a touch lucky after another foul although was his first after the yellow and not exactly reckless but he caught him. If he had not been booked, then maybe it would have been a yellow and often you have to do more to get your second. We never really looked like scoring although Berge with little of the ball looked neat and tidy and very comfortable on the ball. We saw little of it up front and it kept coming back. I felt the 50-50’s they won although it was such a slow game with few tackles either way. United did not enforce Palace to turn it over much and when we did have it, we gave it away a bit cheaply. I was glad to get to half time 0-0, even if they had not had a real clear chance either.
Second half was more even and opened up more. We started to try and get on the ball more and maybe played a little higher up but this saw them have more chances too. Benteke had a decent one and then we had a few breaks too. We started to at least be in the contest more and get the wing backs higher up. We scored a fortuitous goal I suppose but it was an error and the keeper made an absolute mess of it. After this we suddenly looked much better. Mousset and Lundstram both did really well – Berge was right to come off as he had done well but we needed some fresh legs and maybe protection for Baldock with Zaha and Ayew the main threats. Henderson made one smart save and then Tompkins missed a big chance. After this not sure they threatened and the last 15-20 minutes we looked more like scoring again on the break. Mousset could have had a second and Stevens then had a chance. We had a few set play efforts from McBurnie and Egan. Of course, they won a series of corners but loved the way we had no issues putting a few out as we knew from the set plays, the trust in our defenders to head clear was implicit. They huffed and puffed but did not really look like scoring even with six extra minutes.
It is a huge win. Like West Ham (maybe even more so) far from our best. Our forward players never got going and the midfield on and off the ball were very average – as I say Berge maybe have been the best and he has not even really learnt how we play yet. Stevens and Baldock were poor first half but both improved, particularly Enda who was excellent after the break. The three centre backs were supreme again and Henderson made two key saves. Both expected but he had to make them. Thought Lundstram showed he had a point to prove and Mousset showed his pace and trickery and we looked more of a threat up the top of the field.
With our defence we always have a chance. Even if we are off our game in terms of not being as snappy in our pressing and harrying and maybe not as adventurous or forceful with it, we always know we can sniff a goal and then hold it. We have such a desire to protect what we have and the will to win is immense. The last 15 minutes after the Tompkins chance, I felt we saw it out in comfort and they just ran out of ideas completely. They had a lot of the ball but not sure they did much with it. They may feel aggrieved to lose but not sure they did enough to win the game either. With the other results today (lots of draws) you start thinking we are almost there in terms of safety. One win and that is about it and of course then start to look at where we can go. We now have three home games in a row and a few that are eminently winnable. What makes me feel good is that we have not played well or put in a complete performance since maybe Brighton away (City away did brilliantly first half) so hoping for a couple of really committed, forceful performances where we can really grind the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton and Norwich into the dust and completely accelerate away from them.
Berge did ok. He glides away from people and good on the ball and is absolutely massive. A few times he got caught or did not realise he was being pressed and not sure he is used to playing wide right but it was a promising debut. Be interesting to see if one or two of the other new lads are seen on the bench next week. With McGoldrick still injured we certainly looked light for attacking alternatives on the bench.
Overall though, what a week it has been. Progress in the cup, some superb transfer business hopefully including what could be a real coup in Berge and a gritty, workmanlike win at Palace. You don’t think things can get any better and then something else happens. We need a packed Lane next week and even though a Sunday early kick off and Bournemouth might not invoke such noise, I really want every Blades fans to give it everything. United have two weeks off after this and win next week would be huge. We really need to give these lads the noise and backing they deserve for the next three games. Let’s make the Lane rocking.
Ratings:
Henderson 7.5/10 – Two big saves. Had a routine one first half and little else to do really but then when needed his positioning was good to save a weak shot from Benteke and then made a big save from McArthur at 1-0. After this him and the whole defence stood firm and another clean sheet. The windy conditions did not help and they had a lot of corners but we dealt with them well. Certainly, better than his rival in the other goal!
Baldock 6/10 – One of his poorest games of the season against a really dangerous opponent in the first half but he stuck to his task. Played Zaha brilliantly at the Lane but today he got the better of him quite a bit early on. Got a booking early and then maybe a tad fortunate not to get another. Did well to not dive in after that but of course this restricted him and he could not get near him. Zaha continued to cause him problems and it was a tough afternoon but he stuck to it as I said and maybe started to get the better of him as the game went on. Won a free kick the other way with tenacious play and then nearly got in on the rebound after the Stevens cross.
Stevens 7/10 – Thought first half he sat back and gave his man too much room and when he went forward telegraphed a few passes to O’Connell or a poor cross. We all sat off but second half improved massively. He got forward and some of our best attacks and play came from him. He nearly scored after a good one two and had a number of decent forays and also improved defensively.
Basham 7.5/10 – Another rock-solid performance. He went through the wars with a leg injury and then a head injury but no way was he going off! Came back on with his head bandaged up and won more headers. Just really sound again.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above. He was solid, committed, stopped them coming down the middle or the sides of the defence. He made numerous tackles and blocks and was just really composed. At the end he won three headers in a row as they lumped it into the box. Cannot be far off international recognition now. I said early in the season he would need longer to prove himself before that happens but now almost 2/3rd into the season and surely, he has proven his quality. We have the second-best defence in the league so we must be doing something right.
Egan 7.5/10 – As with the rest of the defence, not sure he did much wrong. Kept organised and Benteke only got away from us once. Another one who read things, did not get turned and just keeps in a solid shape. The biggest compliment I can give our backline is you feel as comfortable as you ever could do/have done defending a one goal lead. We have seen it so many times. The belief we won’t concede you can see. They are so determined to keep what they have.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Thought that he was not at his best today and he only really started using it well when we got the lead. First half him and Fleck sat off and were a bit sloppy when we did have it but no sure we worked hard enough to gain enough possession. Of course, his corner assisted for the goal and was a wicked delivery. However, if he catches it people probably say it is a waste! Suppose it will draw comparisons with Alan Woodward with his 52 goals direct from corners according to my Dad/Uncle!!! Nearly scored with a decent free kick and he started to move the ball about smartly. Loved his clever rolled pass down the line that they could not get to and wasted valuable time and got us up the pitch.
Berge 7/10 – Steady but promising. He showed he is good on the ball and lovely and calm. Nearly got in early and then after this he showed bits and pieces. He is a huge lad and also composed when he had it. Maybe could have been a bit closer to Baldock when Zaha caused us problems but as a say not sure he is used to getting up and down the flank as usually plays centre. Second half he again was good on the ball but maybe did not get back a few times as he adjusts to the pace at this level. Looking forward to seeing more of him and his home debut. He clearly loved the chant at the end and great to see his reaction also!
Fleck 6/10 –Not sure he was anywhere near his best for long periods of the game. Felt the game sort of passed him by and that he did not really get in the game at all for the first hour. After we scored, he found new life and started winning things and carrying it forward like he can do. He won the 50-50’s and started to stop them playing, which he had not done before. A period of adapting with Berge coming in so will take a bit of time but the midfield could do better with and without the ball which makes the win even better.
McBurnie 6.5/10 – Hard with limited chances or even ball. He had to feed off scraps. Tried to win us free kicks or get us up but not sure either of the front two quite did enough first half. He got better after the break and when Mousset came on he began to see more of it as we had another threat. He linked well a few times but did not have any clear chances apart from a header he should have done better with when the foul was given in the build-up. He worked hard and at least did the pressing and defensive stuff as held what we had.
Sharp 6/10 – Did win a few free kicks and tried to bring others in but it did come back as the two Palace big lads won everything really but the midfield had not helped the front two and we just turned it over. He started to tire second half and even after we scored (he won this corner to be fair), it was the right change and we started to stretch them and improve after Mousset came off. We still start him at the moment if McGoldrick is still not fit as Mousset causes so many issues off the bench.
Subs –
Mousset – Thought he looked a real threat and the best he has for a while. Had one instant run and shot saved. Then showed some lovely skill to come away from his man and nearly made another. Assisted to Stevens for that chance. Worried them. Gave it away once at the end when we needed to keep it but apart from that he was really good when he came on.
Lundstram – Now Besic and Berge have been given chances, he has to up his game. He did well today. Looked the Lunny we saw to start the season with powerful running, strength and aggression. He carried it well and used it well. Only one daft foul given away but the rest of his contribution was really good. Now knows he has to really play well to become a starter again. Still feel there will be a place. Fleck has 7 bookings, Norwood 6, so we may see a 2-game ban for one or both of these before the cut off (32 games so still 7 to go).
Osborn- Classic waste 30 seconds type of sub right into the middle of stoppage time as McBurnie came off. Not sure he kicked it as he went down the left to cover this side
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – Not a great performance but a win. We showed the grit and stayed in the game and limited them to few chances even though we were poor on and off the ball. For nearly an hour, we did very little as an attacking force and I am sure he gave them a rollicking at half time. We did get better and had as much of the ball as them second half and had maybe had more chances. They did not cut us open although he would be furious if we conceded to a header (Tompkins). The last 15—20 was a perfect away performance. Threatening on the break and solid at the back. Great to integrate the record signing and with two more to come and Didzy coming back, we now have three home game. A great time to be a Blade!
Palace – They have not had much of the ball home or away this season. When I have seen them at Selhurst Park, they had kind of sat back and let others have the team so will have been odd for united to let them have it. Not sure they did much with it but did won a fair bit of the 50-50 tackles and definitely were the better side first half without doing much other than a few long rangers. They had a few balls across the box but rely massively on Zaha (more on him below). He is their plan A, B and C. Without him they would be around the bottom three. They rely on him that much. The rest of the front line looks powderpuff and whilst they have some solid midfield ratters who are ok on the ball, they lack quality in here to hurt teams. At the back defensively they have been decent this season but I would certainly not swap many/any of ours for their players. Always liked van Aanholt actually but we stopped his raids well.
After we scored, they had a few chances but never really got up a head of steam and ran out of ideas and we won quite easily. The goal was a bad one as we never looked like scoring up to them but after this, we had more chances as they had to try and get forward. However, not sure they actually really penned us back and despite a few corners, we had as much of the ball and chances as them after we scored and any kind of siege or even dangerous spell of pressure just never really happened and they lost with a whimper. This was the second consecutive defeat at home after Southampton. They have done really well this season and certainly I did not see them doing as well as they have done. Like us, they are mostly well organised and defensively good. They do rely on Zaha and if he went or got injured, you would see them plummet you would think.
Opponent Man of the Match – Zaha has to be. The only one who looked likely and a real threat despite his antics. He goes down way too easily and like Grealish and Maddison, two other fantastic players feels he should get fouls for any kind of contact. He also cheats holding his face or other parts of his body when a completely different part of him is touched…wont even say kicked. The one where he held his head sums it up. Great talent but he is a mardy so and so and if things don’t go his way then he struggles. The rest of their team were functional if not really that creative. Ayew had a few flashes and the midfield won the battle first half but then faded second half. Cahill was actually one of the steadier players for them.
Opponent Weak link – Has to be only one man. The keeper has been excellent this season but has made two mistakes that have cost them both games versus us. We often say people never make mistakes/howlers v us but he has done. Twice! It was a catastrophe. He made a few good saves outside of this actually. Milivojevic takes a good set ball and penalty but does not do much in open play but bitch to the referee. Constantly around him asking for things. Pathetic. McCarthur and McCarthy are workmanlike but again would you swap Fleck and Norwood for them? Nope. They are weak up top and the Tosun signing seemed a bit desperate as he struggled for Everton. He was injured today as surely would have come on to replace the toothless Benteke. He has been shocking every time he has played v United for a variety of teams. Amazed they keep persisting with him. He never scores and does not influence play. Like a lazy, unskilled McGoldrick!
Referee/Officials/VAR – Madley seemed quite certain on the red card. He brought the red out instantly but then rightly checked and went to the monitor. At real speed he thought it looked high and over the ball. It was not reckless just a bit late. Yellow was right. I would have been incensed if we had a player sent off for that. Similarly, whilst Baldock was rash to get an early yellow was his second (his next foul) another yellow? Maybe if you compare to the other yellow cards such as Tompkins a bit earlier. The other yellow cards were correct. The rest of the game he was ok and let things flow when he could and tried to play advantage. The header Egan won was not even a foul despite them surrounding the ref again. The goal was routine and VAR were never going to save the keeper. Why they checked a few challenges such as the Sharp one (where the Palace player once again grabbed his face when he had not been touched) I have no idea. Surely, they can just wave it on after a quick look. Why the need to slow down the game looking for things that are not there. It’s almost like they want to get involved and prove why they are there.
---
The Blades got back to winning way and finally won a game in London at this level for the first time in 28 years as they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. United were far from their best in this one but another superb defensive performance from the Blades ensured that a calamitous own goal from Vicente Guaita was enough for another huge three points. United move onto 36 points and with many of the rest of the results, the Blades can surely now feel they have done enough to stay in the division and start looking at other targets such as a top half finish or even a Europa League place.
United threw Sander Berge straight in for his United debut as there was no place for Mo Besic who was not in the matchday squad. It was the same team as the previous league game against Manchester City. Palace started with Zaha, Benteke and Ayew up the top of the field. Skipper Milivojevic was back in the side and former Blade loanee Gary Cahill started in defence. Andre Townsend was fit enough to take his place on the bench.
The game began in extremely windy conditions and there was little quality on display early on. Debutant Berge was neat and tidy and nearly got on the end of McBurnie’s header with the first half chance of the game going to United. Palace started to get on the ball more and force United back who were defending deep, perhaps concerned about the pace down the sides. Palace won two corner and Benteke then nearly got in from open play but Egan made a good block.
Baldock went in the book for a late tackle on the dangerous Zaha and the subsequent free was half cleared before Milivojevic fired well over in the first effort towards goal. Tompkins was then booked for a late foul as Fleck got to the ball just before him. Benteke then pulled a shot wide as Palace were now looking the more comfortable in possession. United had been sloppy with it and a bit cautious off the ball, standing off and allowing Palace to have it. Despite this, the home side had not created much at all and were relying on the outlet of Zaha to try and forge an opening.
McArthur had the first effort on goal, saved comfortably by Henderson before Palace had another spell of play and United were struggling to get a foothold in the game. The one positive is Palace had created little too. Baldock caught Zaha and must have been concerned but like the Wolves away game, he got away with it. It could have been another yellow even though once again Zaha threw himself to the floor. The free kick was palmed away by Henderson for another corner and the home side won three straight corners as United were just content to stay in the game at this stage. A couple of dangerous crossfield balls from Zaha just evaded Ayew and then Benteke as United breathed a sigh of relief.
Cahill headed off target and then van Aanholt fired well over the bar. United continued to very conservative. Berge had been neat and tidy and the centre backs had been solid but we had seen little from United as an attacking force as the half time whistle went.
The second half saw Fleck have an effort blocked as the game started to open up more. United gave it away sloppily and Palace broke but Benteke could not get power on his shot as he came inside after another slalom run from Zaha. Henderson made the comfortable save in the end.
United were at least showing more as an attacking force and Sharp won the corner from a shot on the angle blocked by Cahill.
Out of nothing the Blades took the lead from this set play. Norwood swung over the in-swinging corner and as Sharp shaped to challenge GUAITA caught the ball but inexplicably dropped it over the line by at least 2 or 3 yards. The check on goal line technology was probably not even needed but confirmed the goal. A few Palace players tried to ask for a foul but Sharp had barely even touched him. It was a howler and United had the lead, even if it was underserved.
After the goal United found a new confidence and started to move it about better, keeping the ball for longer periods. Baldock had struggled defensively but his tenacious play saw him commit two defenders and win the foul. Norwood took it after deliberation with him, Fleck and Berge. Guaita had to make the diving save to tip over to prevent the Blades doubling their lead.
Palace had their best chance of the game when clever play by Zaha saw him come inside and his pass saw McArthur fire a powerful drive but Henderson was able to push away. It was a good save but was relatively close to the Blades keeper.
Basham went down under a clash of heads and had to come back on after treatment wearing what could only be described as black gaffer tape around his bonce in an attempt to stem the blood. His first involvement after the bad cut was to head it away twice. Of course. Typical commitment from Basham.
Mousset came on for Sharp and almost had an immediate impact as McBurnie cleverly played him in and his shot was saved by Guaita. Milivojevic was the latest to get a card as he hauled down McBurnie before Lundstram came on for Berge who got a lusty hand from the Blades following in the Arthur Wait stand, who recognised a promising debut. Fleck then tried his hand at stopping Zaha, to no avail and he was rightly given a yellow card.
The Palace winger then went down feigning a head injury after another foul. His antics were pathetic at times. A great player but someone who does all he can to gain an advantage at times and sometimes this detracts from what he does so well. Palace had begun to get frustrated but had a few chances as van Aanholt had a shot blocked before the home side had a great chance to level. McArthur’s cross was a good one and evaded everyone but Lundstram maybe did enough to just put Tompkins off who headed wide. He really needed to at least hit the target.
On 72 minutes, there was a moment of controversy as Ward caught Stevens quite late and referee Andy Madley brandished an immediate red card. It seemed harsh at the time but maybe the Palace defender had shown his studs or gone over the ball. Replays showed it was not really a red card and after Madley wisely looked at the monitor it was downgraded to a yellow card. VAR has been incredibly frustrating to say the least this season, but here it was used well to get the right decision even if it did not go for United. We of course had a similar decision get reversed for Basham at Norwich.
Lundstram blazed over when he maybe had a bit more time before Palace made another change with Townsend coming on for Benteke. Meyer then came on for McCarthy as the game entered the final 10 minutes. United had been much better on and off the ball since the goal and Stevens almost made the game safe after a one two with Mousset saw him in but his shot with the outside of his foot was pushed away by Guaita. Baldock could not quite force a chance on the rebound.
McBurnie then had a headed effort blocked although a foul was given in the build-up. United actually had created the better chances in the final spell of the game and Egan hooked off target after another dangerous Norwood corner fell to him. Kouyate replaced McArthur with the home side’s final change as the game ticked past the 85th minute mark. Mousset and Stevens had more chances for United to seal it as they had men over and United’s game management had been very good as the match entered stoppage time. There were six minutes to be played which was about right after the Basham stoppage. Palace won a corner but United once again cleared the ball with the three centre backs absolutely imperious once again. The second corner fell to Zaha but Norwood and then Egan made key blocks as Palace began to run out of ideas. A final corner was cleared and after Osborn came on, Norwood rolled the ball into the corner and out to waste more valuable time.
Palace launched it forward once more but Stevens hooked clear and a final clearance from Norwood saw the final whistle go and another huge three points for the Blades. United went to their fans with the new Norwegian signing Berge getting a rendition of his new chant, to the tune of ‘She’s Electric!’ by Oasis. The debutant clearly was touched by it and gave a heart sign to the delighted Blades following!
United – Far from our best for an hour. In fact, we were poor. We never kept it, never looked dangerous and sat back. We invited pressure but fortunately Palace looked a bit clueless and other than Zaha, they never looked like opening us up. We sat back and was very cautious. I felt we let them have it which was odd as they are a team that does not tend to have possession, even at home. Maybe this was the plan. We did sit back and maybe were worried about the pace. The main concern was losing Baldock who got booked early and they went to Zaha continually and Baldock maybe got a touch lucky after another foul although was his first after the yellow and not exactly reckless but he caught him. If he had not been booked, then maybe it would have been a yellow and often you have to do more to get your second. We never really looked like scoring although Berge with little of the ball looked neat and tidy and very comfortable on the ball. We saw little of it up front and it kept coming back. I felt the 50-50’s they won although it was such a slow game with few tackles either way. United did not enforce Palace to turn it over much and when we did have it, we gave it away a bit cheaply. I was glad to get to half time 0-0, even if they had not had a real clear chance either.
Second half was more even and opened up more. We started to try and get on the ball more and maybe played a little higher up but this saw them have more chances too. Benteke had a decent one and then we had a few breaks too. We started to at least be in the contest more and get the wing backs higher up. We scored a fortuitous goal I suppose but it was an error and the keeper made an absolute mess of it. After this we suddenly looked much better. Mousset and Lundstram both did really well – Berge was right to come off as he had done well but we needed some fresh legs and maybe protection for Baldock with Zaha and Ayew the main threats. Henderson made one smart save and then Tompkins missed a big chance. After this not sure they threatened and the last 15-20 minutes we looked more like scoring again on the break. Mousset could have had a second and Stevens then had a chance. We had a few set play efforts from McBurnie and Egan. Of course, they won a series of corners but loved the way we had no issues putting a few out as we knew from the set plays, the trust in our defenders to head clear was implicit. They huffed and puffed but did not really look like scoring even with six extra minutes.
It is a huge win. Like West Ham (maybe even more so) far from our best. Our forward players never got going and the midfield on and off the ball were very average – as I say Berge maybe have been the best and he has not even really learnt how we play yet. Stevens and Baldock were poor first half but both improved, particularly Enda who was excellent after the break. The three centre backs were supreme again and Henderson made two key saves. Both expected but he had to make them. Thought Lundstram showed he had a point to prove and Mousset showed his pace and trickery and we looked more of a threat up the top of the field.
With our defence we always have a chance. Even if we are off our game in terms of not being as snappy in our pressing and harrying and maybe not as adventurous or forceful with it, we always know we can sniff a goal and then hold it. We have such a desire to protect what we have and the will to win is immense. The last 15 minutes after the Tompkins chance, I felt we saw it out in comfort and they just ran out of ideas completely. They had a lot of the ball but not sure they did much with it. They may feel aggrieved to lose but not sure they did enough to win the game either. With the other results today (lots of draws) you start thinking we are almost there in terms of safety. One win and that is about it and of course then start to look at where we can go. We now have three home games in a row and a few that are eminently winnable. What makes me feel good is that we have not played well or put in a complete performance since maybe Brighton away (City away did brilliantly first half) so hoping for a couple of really committed, forceful performances where we can really grind the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton and Norwich into the dust and completely accelerate away from them.
Berge did ok. He glides away from people and good on the ball and is absolutely massive. A few times he got caught or did not realise he was being pressed and not sure he is used to playing wide right but it was a promising debut. Be interesting to see if one or two of the other new lads are seen on the bench next week. With McGoldrick still injured we certainly looked light for attacking alternatives on the bench.
Overall though, what a week it has been. Progress in the cup, some superb transfer business hopefully including what could be a real coup in Berge and a gritty, workmanlike win at Palace. You don’t think things can get any better and then something else happens. We need a packed Lane next week and even though a Sunday early kick off and Bournemouth might not invoke such noise, I really want every Blades fans to give it everything. United have two weeks off after this and win next week would be huge. We really need to give these lads the noise and backing they deserve for the next three games. Let’s make the Lane rocking.
Ratings:
Henderson 7.5/10 – Two big saves. Had a routine one first half and little else to do really but then when needed his positioning was good to save a weak shot from Benteke and then made a big save from McArthur at 1-0. After this him and the whole defence stood firm and another clean sheet. The windy conditions did not help and they had a lot of corners but we dealt with them well. Certainly, better than his rival in the other goal!
Baldock 6/10 – One of his poorest games of the season against a really dangerous opponent in the first half but he stuck to his task. Played Zaha brilliantly at the Lane but today he got the better of him quite a bit early on. Got a booking early and then maybe a tad fortunate not to get another. Did well to not dive in after that but of course this restricted him and he could not get near him. Zaha continued to cause him problems and it was a tough afternoon but he stuck to it as I said and maybe started to get the better of him as the game went on. Won a free kick the other way with tenacious play and then nearly got in on the rebound after the Stevens cross.
Stevens 7/10 – Thought first half he sat back and gave his man too much room and when he went forward telegraphed a few passes to O’Connell or a poor cross. We all sat off but second half improved massively. He got forward and some of our best attacks and play came from him. He nearly scored after a good one two and had a number of decent forays and also improved defensively.
Basham 7.5/10 – Another rock-solid performance. He went through the wars with a leg injury and then a head injury but no way was he going off! Came back on with his head bandaged up and won more headers. Just really sound again.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above. He was solid, committed, stopped them coming down the middle or the sides of the defence. He made numerous tackles and blocks and was just really composed. At the end he won three headers in a row as they lumped it into the box. Cannot be far off international recognition now. I said early in the season he would need longer to prove himself before that happens but now almost 2/3rd into the season and surely, he has proven his quality. We have the second-best defence in the league so we must be doing something right.
Egan 7.5/10 – As with the rest of the defence, not sure he did much wrong. Kept organised and Benteke only got away from us once. Another one who read things, did not get turned and just keeps in a solid shape. The biggest compliment I can give our backline is you feel as comfortable as you ever could do/have done defending a one goal lead. We have seen it so many times. The belief we won’t concede you can see. They are so determined to keep what they have.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Thought that he was not at his best today and he only really started using it well when we got the lead. First half him and Fleck sat off and were a bit sloppy when we did have it but no sure we worked hard enough to gain enough possession. Of course, his corner assisted for the goal and was a wicked delivery. However, if he catches it people probably say it is a waste! Suppose it will draw comparisons with Alan Woodward with his 52 goals direct from corners according to my Dad/Uncle!!! Nearly scored with a decent free kick and he started to move the ball about smartly. Loved his clever rolled pass down the line that they could not get to and wasted valuable time and got us up the pitch.
Berge 7/10 – Steady but promising. He showed he is good on the ball and lovely and calm. Nearly got in early and then after this he showed bits and pieces. He is a huge lad and also composed when he had it. Maybe could have been a bit closer to Baldock when Zaha caused us problems but as a say not sure he is used to getting up and down the flank as usually plays centre. Second half he again was good on the ball but maybe did not get back a few times as he adjusts to the pace at this level. Looking forward to seeing more of him and his home debut. He clearly loved the chant at the end and great to see his reaction also!
Fleck 6/10 –Not sure he was anywhere near his best for long periods of the game. Felt the game sort of passed him by and that he did not really get in the game at all for the first hour. After we scored, he found new life and started winning things and carrying it forward like he can do. He won the 50-50’s and started to stop them playing, which he had not done before. A period of adapting with Berge coming in so will take a bit of time but the midfield could do better with and without the ball which makes the win even better.
McBurnie 6.5/10 – Hard with limited chances or even ball. He had to feed off scraps. Tried to win us free kicks or get us up but not sure either of the front two quite did enough first half. He got better after the break and when Mousset came on he began to see more of it as we had another threat. He linked well a few times but did not have any clear chances apart from a header he should have done better with when the foul was given in the build-up. He worked hard and at least did the pressing and defensive stuff as held what we had.
Sharp 6/10 – Did win a few free kicks and tried to bring others in but it did come back as the two Palace big lads won everything really but the midfield had not helped the front two and we just turned it over. He started to tire second half and even after we scored (he won this corner to be fair), it was the right change and we started to stretch them and improve after Mousset came off. We still start him at the moment if McGoldrick is still not fit as Mousset causes so many issues off the bench.
Subs –
Mousset – Thought he looked a real threat and the best he has for a while. Had one instant run and shot saved. Then showed some lovely skill to come away from his man and nearly made another. Assisted to Stevens for that chance. Worried them. Gave it away once at the end when we needed to keep it but apart from that he was really good when he came on.
Lundstram – Now Besic and Berge have been given chances, he has to up his game. He did well today. Looked the Lunny we saw to start the season with powerful running, strength and aggression. He carried it well and used it well. Only one daft foul given away but the rest of his contribution was really good. Now knows he has to really play well to become a starter again. Still feel there will be a place. Fleck has 7 bookings, Norwood 6, so we may see a 2-game ban for one or both of these before the cut off (32 games so still 7 to go).
Osborn- Classic waste 30 seconds type of sub right into the middle of stoppage time as McBurnie came off. Not sure he kicked it as he went down the left to cover this side
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – Not a great performance but a win. We showed the grit and stayed in the game and limited them to few chances even though we were poor on and off the ball. For nearly an hour, we did very little as an attacking force and I am sure he gave them a rollicking at half time. We did get better and had as much of the ball as them second half and had maybe had more chances. They did not cut us open although he would be furious if we conceded to a header (Tompkins). The last 15—20 was a perfect away performance. Threatening on the break and solid at the back. Great to integrate the record signing and with two more to come and Didzy coming back, we now have three home game. A great time to be a Blade!
Palace – They have not had much of the ball home or away this season. When I have seen them at Selhurst Park, they had kind of sat back and let others have the team so will have been odd for united to let them have it. Not sure they did much with it but did won a fair bit of the 50-50 tackles and definitely were the better side first half without doing much other than a few long rangers. They had a few balls across the box but rely massively on Zaha (more on him below). He is their plan A, B and C. Without him they would be around the bottom three. They rely on him that much. The rest of the front line looks powderpuff and whilst they have some solid midfield ratters who are ok on the ball, they lack quality in here to hurt teams. At the back defensively they have been decent this season but I would certainly not swap many/any of ours for their players. Always liked van Aanholt actually but we stopped his raids well.
After we scored, they had a few chances but never really got up a head of steam and ran out of ideas and we won quite easily. The goal was a bad one as we never looked like scoring up to them but after this, we had more chances as they had to try and get forward. However, not sure they actually really penned us back and despite a few corners, we had as much of the ball and chances as them after we scored and any kind of siege or even dangerous spell of pressure just never really happened and they lost with a whimper. This was the second consecutive defeat at home after Southampton. They have done really well this season and certainly I did not see them doing as well as they have done. Like us, they are mostly well organised and defensively good. They do rely on Zaha and if he went or got injured, you would see them plummet you would think.
Opponent Man of the Match – Zaha has to be. The only one who looked likely and a real threat despite his antics. He goes down way too easily and like Grealish and Maddison, two other fantastic players feels he should get fouls for any kind of contact. He also cheats holding his face or other parts of his body when a completely different part of him is touched…wont even say kicked. The one where he held his head sums it up. Great talent but he is a mardy so and so and if things don’t go his way then he struggles. The rest of their team were functional if not really that creative. Ayew had a few flashes and the midfield won the battle first half but then faded second half. Cahill was actually one of the steadier players for them.
Opponent Weak link – Has to be only one man. The keeper has been excellent this season but has made two mistakes that have cost them both games versus us. We often say people never make mistakes/howlers v us but he has done. Twice! It was a catastrophe. He made a few good saves outside of this actually. Milivojevic takes a good set ball and penalty but does not do much in open play but bitch to the referee. Constantly around him asking for things. Pathetic. McCarthur and McCarthy are workmanlike but again would you swap Fleck and Norwood for them? Nope. They are weak up top and the Tosun signing seemed a bit desperate as he struggled for Everton. He was injured today as surely would have come on to replace the toothless Benteke. He has been shocking every time he has played v United for a variety of teams. Amazed they keep persisting with him. He never scores and does not influence play. Like a lazy, unskilled McGoldrick!
Referee/Officials/VAR – Madley seemed quite certain on the red card. He brought the red out instantly but then rightly checked and went to the monitor. At real speed he thought it looked high and over the ball. It was not reckless just a bit late. Yellow was right. I would have been incensed if we had a player sent off for that. Similarly, whilst Baldock was rash to get an early yellow was his second (his next foul) another yellow? Maybe if you compare to the other yellow cards such as Tompkins a bit earlier. The other yellow cards were correct. The rest of the game he was ok and let things flow when he could and tried to play advantage. The header Egan won was not even a foul despite them surrounding the ref again. The goal was routine and VAR were never going to save the keeper. Why they checked a few challenges such as the Sharp one (where the Palace player once again grabbed his face when he had not been touched) I have no idea. Surely, they can just wave it on after a quick look. Why the need to slow down the game looking for things that are not there. It’s almost like they want to get involved and prove why they are there.
