Post by deadbat on Jun 17, 2020 21:35:02 GMT
The eagerly awaited first game back after lockdown, with the eyes of the World on an empty Villa Park, saw an absolutely turgid opening game and a goalless stalemate. Villa were the better side and actually forced Henderson into a number of decent although expected saves and had more of the ball, territory and chances. United, in contrast never get going and all the talk over how much we would be raring to go never really came to fruition as Villa looked the more determined and prepared side. United were not helped by missing key men but have had a largely settled side compared to others but just lacked fluency and never looked a threat attacking wise all game, failing to muster many attempts of note at all. For all that, the narrative will be around a cross that the Villa keeper fumbled into the net. Somehow the key people on and off the field missed it. How, I do not know with even the explanation leaving a lot to be desired when all the cameras in the ground showed it clear as anything!
The Blades were handed a blow before the game with two key men ruled out though injury with Jack O’Connell (knee) and John Fleck (knock) both missing. It seems O’Connell’s may be more serious. Without arguably their two best players was bot the best preparation. In came Jack Robinson for his full league debut and Sander Berge. On the bench, nine subs could be names of which any five could be called upon. There were returns to the match day squad for Rodwell, Kieron Freeman and Leon Clarke. There was no place for Retos and Zivkovic which may cast questions over their future at the club you would think with both players loan deals up in a few weeks.
Villa had John McGinn back but also named Keinan Davis up front and a surprise start also for keeper Orjan Nyland. There was no place for the injured Tom Heaton and record signing Wesley; both still out with long term injuries.
After a minute’s silence and both teams took the knee to honour the Black Live Matter in a touching moment. United began in composed fashion moving it about but slowly Villa started to come into the game with Davis trying to get into Egan at every opportunity and giving away two fouls.
The first chance came when Villa beat the offside trap and Hourihane hit an effort but it was straight at Henderson who palmed away the first effort on goal. Soon after Hause and Grealish were involved but Davis headed over when well placed in the best chance of the game.
United were very cautious so far and were not getting men forward as per normal. Norwood was pressed and gave it away but Robinson got his foot in to make a vital tackle.
Villa continued to be the more assertive in a game with a slow pace and McGinn headed off target. Grealish won a few free kick and United continued to be sloppy. The home team were knocking it forward and going long and Davis was the main threat winning knock downs.
After 24 minutes, there was a planned drink break which the slow pace barely merited.
El Ghazi got in the box but theatrically threw himself to the ground and Lundstram showed his frustration. Luiz chopped down McBurnie as United went down the other end.
United had not shown much as an attacking threat and Norwood’s corner was wasteful before Villa won one of their own but Hause chested wide.
A decent few minutes saw Stevens link well but the final ball never came over and the Blades had not threatened at all still. The game became scrappy and Lundstram was then booked harshly for stopping a free kick – not sure he could get out of the way.
Sharp had toiled well and won a free kick after the contact from Hause. The free kick was swung in and Nyland made a mess of it. It was reminiscent of the Blades goals at Palace goal from a corner and it seemed obvious it was taken over the line as his own player knocked into him. The referee looked at his watch and either it was not working or there was an error and it did not show goal. Unbelievably with Villa winning a free kick at the other end, there was not even the use of VAR to spot the most obvious error you could see. An absolute joke that the biggest league in the world and all the technology with the eyes of the world on it and they miss something that Sunday League officials would see. Not quite sure how the assistant referee did not see it. An absolute farce.
Not long after the half time whistle went and Wilder was clearly enraged. It seemed that there was an issue with the goal line technology and they admitted it had not been working.
The second half began with the controversy still raging over the first half decision but Villa picked off where they left off and Grealish won a corner and United were struggling to get going. Soon after another ball over the top and in on the angle was Davis and his shot was saved excellently by Henderson who pushed behind. The same man had a header saved by Henderson from another corner and Villa continued to dominate the ball and chances.
United tried to have some respite but again McBurnie and Sharp were not in the game and with Berge a virtual passenger, the Blades were forced back again. El Ghazi’s cross was dangerous after a lovely ball from Grealish but just evaded Davis at the far post with Egan diving in also. On the hour McGinn hit a curling shot but this was more comfortable for Henderson.
On 64 minutes United brought on McGoldrick and Freeman (Luke) for Sharp and Berge. Villa also made a double change with El Ghazi and Davis being replaced by Samatta and Trezeguet. Soon after McGinn and Konsa departed for Nakata and El Mohamady as the flurry of changes continued.
United had their best chance with poor defending saw United win the ball back but McBurnie’s pass was short and Lundstram’s shot was blocked.
Nyland then looked uncertain again on a cross and parried away but Villa cleared away.
Mousset replaced McBurnie with ten minutes to play and at least United started to get on it more but were still not creating much but McGoldrick saw them retain the ball more. We finally saw a few traditional overloads down the right but once again the final ball was poor.
The game entered four minutes of additional time and it almost seemed like both teams had run their race and the game seemed to just peter out. United ended with the ball but disappointingly moved it backwards rather than seek a late chance and the final whistle went soon after.
A point apiece and an odd one to describe. Villa will be the happier of the performances but United will feel aggrieved despite a sloppy display that they did not get the three points after the incredible decision.
United – O’Connell and Fleck are our best two players and most important for me. They are the spine of our team so was disappointing they were out – just hope they are not long term although Fleck’s sounds more encouraging for a return and the lack of information on O’Connell is a bit worrying. We saw the lack of depth in the squad on the bench with some names you won’t think will be here in a few months.
I would have gone Stevens LCB and Osborn LWB and said it before the start but that did not happen and he went with Robinson and Berge. We began ok for 5 minutes but then Villa grew into it and had the better of the first half with Henderson making a few saves and then a bad miss from Davis.
Not the start we wanted in terms of the performance and the injustice will be talked about of course and cost us but the showing outside of this we deserved nothing. We barely had 2 or 3 successful passes in a row when we got into their half and the midfield was miles off the attack. We kind of froze I felt which is not like us and looked a bit unsure of what to do. It was all a bit safe. Maybe the break, the disruption of injuries etc did not help but it was not us at all out there. I do think we thrive on atmosphere so to me it does not help us in an empty stadium. Villa were not miles better but were more adventurous generally and at least committed men forward and had a go at goal. It was like we were waiting for something to happen and nobody drove forward. Slowly towards the end we did better but we never really got a good ball forward or into the box all game and did not turn the defence at all. The changes improved us but we still not hurt them. I think privately Wilder will be disappointed but glad to get a point on the board and get it out of the way. Now we can hopefully get back to what we do best and try and build up the momentum. We are often slow to start games. We have a quick turnaround again and with Newcastle on Sunday coming up; we need to respond.
Ratings:
Henderson 8/10 – Our best player. A few standard saves early on but then he made a good save on the angle with strong hands and then also tipped away a McGinn shot. He made a number of saves which were mostly expected but still had to be made and the one good one I mentioned. Looked night and day in terms of comparing the keepers’ performances. A top keeper who is so important to us.
Baldock 7/10 – Solid enough defensively but barely saw him as an attacking force at all and it was more of a 5 than a 3, I felt. A few times he got up near the end but we did not exploit a few 3 on 2 match ups down the right side. He just was a bit safe.
Stevens 7/10 – As above- he was ok defensively but we did not see much going the other way and when he did, he came backwards or switched to his weaker foot. Had one cross shot wide and then a few balls he failed to take down. Just lacked the sharpness that we normally expect.
Basham 7.5/10 – Carried on where he left off. Solid in everything he did. No mistakes and won tackles/headers. Rarely below a 7/10 – he is so consistent. He too was maybe not as adventurous as he has been but saw him more advanced later in the game.
Robinson 7.5/10 – One error aside; thought alongside Henderson and Bash; he was our best player. He was organised, competed and made good tackles/cover runs. He also was nice and composed on the ball. We missed Fleck but Robinson actually filled in well tonight.
Egan 7/10 – Started a bit sloppily as Davis got in behind him and knocked him about. Struggled with his pace but stuck at it and never let him get totally away although a few times balls that should have been his ended up with a Villa man getting it in the channel. He got better as the game went on and the last 20, we tightened up more. Missed O’Connell I think because as well as Robinson did, it means there are two attackers of the ball aerially.
Norwood 6/10 – Not sure he actually had much influence. He touched the ball a lot but it was all safe with sideways and backwards. He played one or two long balls early on but then it stopped. Twice he gave it away and when he was pressed (which Villa realised was a good tactic). I just thought he did not really impose himself and most of the time he just knocked it back rather than forward. I felt we gave them a bit too much time. Not sure any of our midfield put a tackle in all night really.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Had an ineffective first half but then got in the game and did better in the second half and was more involved on and off the ball. I do think we sat off and were very safe until the closing stages of the game. He actually was better than the other two but that says more about them.
Berge 3.5/10 – I have just recorded our pod about him and I was quite scathing. Saw some saying he needs to adapt or it his not his position but he looks completely lost. He barely got out of a jog all game and could not wait to move the ball on the few times he had it. The game just passed him by. He has had 4 months to get to the same level as others who have been off but looked shattered after 10 minutes. I have to say, he seems a nice lad and I really want it to work but he has been a major disappointment for me. Needs to up his game and I am sorry football is football – if he played in Norwood’s role would he suddenly change? I don’t see this – he played here at Reading and not sure he was any better or significantly better. 22 million pounds I expect more than someone who jogs around and gives a simple 5-yard pass and barely touches the ball. I am confident Wilder/Knill have seen something but at the moment he looks like the Premier League is all a bit too much for him. I’d leave him on the bench and give him time to build up but the worry is he has had a mini pre season (same time) and carried on where he left off. He is young though and will know he has to improve so hoping we will see that over time but we can’t carry him every game.
McBurnie 4/10 – Not his night at all. He seemed to lose most of the battles and I felt he got shrugged off too easily and went to ground too much. Had one headed chance but other than a complete non-factor.
Sharp 5/10 – Not really in it at all. Did hold it up a few times and win a few free kicks but when it is a game like that he struggles as has to play so far from goal and lacks the pace/strength to make an impact. He went first but actually was better than McBurnie who was never in the game at all. Neither striker had any service though.
Subs –
Freeman – Glad he came on as thought he would get more involved than Berge and he did but was a bit sloppy with the ball and played short passes like the rest. If Fleck is out he may get the start on Sunday.
McGoldrick – Did alright when he came on and at least got on the ball and helped us have an extra player in midfield which helped us finish the game better. He showed his touch and composure. Think he starts Sunday. We are a better team when he plays and I am not convinced Sharp and McBurnie works as a partnership.
Mousset – Had a few chases for the ball and a couple of flicks but did not have long enough to make an impact.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – He had to make changes but we were a bit safe in selection and tactics. I am not sure the players came roaring out as I expected. We expected this fit and hungry bunch and in reality, is we looked the more sluggish and slower to get going. Both teams were sloppy but we have higher standards and have greater expectations. Away from the shocking decision, he will know we can do much better and it was one of our poorer showings of the season. He will rotate for Sunday and we will hopefully see a sharper group for Newcastle.
Villa – They will be pleased with the performance. They had the most shots and looked more dangerous and for a leaky defence never looked threatened apart from one half chance and the incident on the ‘goal.’ They defended quite comfortably and controlled midfield for large spells. They did enough over the game to win but then the decision got them out of jail so like us will have mixed emotions. They did come out with some fight and vigour and led by Davis who was a handful and knocked Egan about a bit. I did feel they were quite direct and knocked a lot of long balls and channel stuff and then fed off that whereas we played it shorter and safer but they ultimately, they did more with less possession. They will take heart from it in terms of commitment and the defensive display and the fact they dealt with us so well. However, they are still in the bottom three and have a really tough run in so if a few pick up points before the next game they will have the pressure ramped up.
Opponent Man of the Match – Grealish. I think he is a fantastic player despite the show pony theatrics. He was the main man and felt they always looked more dangerous when he had it. He did fade towards the end and was not as influential later on but played the ball of the match in the second half.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Konsa was poor and we never tested him and Mings also at times showed his indecision. However, Nyland looked dodgy with nothing to do and really his mistake should have cost them the game. He somehow got away with it but would not be surprised to see a keeping change.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Incredibly despite five possible interventions – namely the referee, the assistant, the fourth official, the watch and VAR – none saw it fit to step in and award an obvious goal. A dreadful decision that once again comes down on the wrong side for the Blades whose rotten luck with officiating/VAR this season carries on. United did not deserve to win over the course of the game but this decision really rankles when it is the most expensive league in the world with backstops now in to ensure bad decisions like this are not missed. It was not even close. The game stopped and no one thought to tell the ref what had happened. I am sure tomorrow we will get an apology around the technology but it’s not good enough. These things can cost teams millions – top and bottom of the league. VAR is there to support. If the watch is not working, then fair enough – not good enough really but these things happen but use the other support. I am beyond words. I can’t even be bothered to talk about it anymore. Everyone will just laugh and shrug and make jokes but once again it has cost us. Oliver had time to check but seemed so rushed to get the game back on. Maybe our players are too nice/kind and should have stopped and surrounded him like many of the other teams would have done but they kind of accepted it. Maybe they should not have? I don’t know. It’s hard to know what to say. I just don’t know how if things are not working – he cannot have a bloke in Stockley Park shout, Michael, it’s a goal – give it!’ I fail to know how that happened. It’s like they scared to say the technology was wrong but it was blatantly in the net. Will the Premier League come out and say something? Probably not or some pathetic statement about the technology having issues but they have to work together to get it right but no one stepped in and ultimately shirked the responsibility. As others have said they can take 4 minutes to draw lines to rule out McGoldrick’s goal at Spurs (and other for other teams) but could not wait to get going. Take your time and get it right. The game had stopped.
In fact, I have just seen the statement that says the cameras did not pick it up – we saw 3 camera angles where it showed it was clearly in. Utter nonsense. They have issued an apology but what good that is to us I do not know. An utter shambles. Wilder and Norwood’s interviews suggest they have taken it better than we have maybe! Credit to them as professionals.
The rest of the game Oliver was ok but he looked so embarrassed and sheepish – you could tell he know. His exchanges with Wilder and Norwood said it all. He gave a few soft ones on Grealish but waved a few away 2nd half. I thought there was barely a bad tackle all game – maybe the one on McBurnie that got a booking Saw Clinton Morrison saying El Ghazi got tripped but the majority including the ref saw it for what it was; a dive and an attempt to cheat – he ought to have been booked really. The Lundstram booking I am not sure – he did not have much time to get out of the way but then did stand his ground but thought the Villa man suckered him into it.
Comments on lockdown coverage/atmosphere etc – It was odd as expected. I had the crowd noise on but this was not great as they had loud roars sounding like goal for half chances and it seemed a bit muffled. Not sure how it worked without sound so might try that next game. I do struggle with it and whatever gimmicks they do with zoom cameras or piped in stuff; it is not the same but then we have to just get on with it as it will be like this for quite a while.
*One final thing is that the leaking of injuries and team news is doing my head in. What do people get out of it – it seems its someone in the club leaking it firstly which is wrong but I was told it I would not be putting it on forums/facebook. It’s attention seeking and pathetic. Saw a few literally revelling in the fact they got the team right and knew about the injuries. You know what? I’ll wait till an hour before kick off like everyone else- these knobs seem more bothered about getting one up on people. End of rant! Welcome back!
The Blades were handed a blow before the game with two key men ruled out though injury with Jack O’Connell (knee) and John Fleck (knock) both missing. It seems O’Connell’s may be more serious. Without arguably their two best players was bot the best preparation. In came Jack Robinson for his full league debut and Sander Berge. On the bench, nine subs could be names of which any five could be called upon. There were returns to the match day squad for Rodwell, Kieron Freeman and Leon Clarke. There was no place for Retos and Zivkovic which may cast questions over their future at the club you would think with both players loan deals up in a few weeks.
Villa had John McGinn back but also named Keinan Davis up front and a surprise start also for keeper Orjan Nyland. There was no place for the injured Tom Heaton and record signing Wesley; both still out with long term injuries.
After a minute’s silence and both teams took the knee to honour the Black Live Matter in a touching moment. United began in composed fashion moving it about but slowly Villa started to come into the game with Davis trying to get into Egan at every opportunity and giving away two fouls.
The first chance came when Villa beat the offside trap and Hourihane hit an effort but it was straight at Henderson who palmed away the first effort on goal. Soon after Hause and Grealish were involved but Davis headed over when well placed in the best chance of the game.
United were very cautious so far and were not getting men forward as per normal. Norwood was pressed and gave it away but Robinson got his foot in to make a vital tackle.
Villa continued to be the more assertive in a game with a slow pace and McGinn headed off target. Grealish won a few free kick and United continued to be sloppy. The home team were knocking it forward and going long and Davis was the main threat winning knock downs.
After 24 minutes, there was a planned drink break which the slow pace barely merited.
El Ghazi got in the box but theatrically threw himself to the ground and Lundstram showed his frustration. Luiz chopped down McBurnie as United went down the other end.
United had not shown much as an attacking threat and Norwood’s corner was wasteful before Villa won one of their own but Hause chested wide.
A decent few minutes saw Stevens link well but the final ball never came over and the Blades had not threatened at all still. The game became scrappy and Lundstram was then booked harshly for stopping a free kick – not sure he could get out of the way.
Sharp had toiled well and won a free kick after the contact from Hause. The free kick was swung in and Nyland made a mess of it. It was reminiscent of the Blades goals at Palace goal from a corner and it seemed obvious it was taken over the line as his own player knocked into him. The referee looked at his watch and either it was not working or there was an error and it did not show goal. Unbelievably with Villa winning a free kick at the other end, there was not even the use of VAR to spot the most obvious error you could see. An absolute joke that the biggest league in the world and all the technology with the eyes of the world on it and they miss something that Sunday League officials would see. Not quite sure how the assistant referee did not see it. An absolute farce.
Not long after the half time whistle went and Wilder was clearly enraged. It seemed that there was an issue with the goal line technology and they admitted it had not been working.
The second half began with the controversy still raging over the first half decision but Villa picked off where they left off and Grealish won a corner and United were struggling to get going. Soon after another ball over the top and in on the angle was Davis and his shot was saved excellently by Henderson who pushed behind. The same man had a header saved by Henderson from another corner and Villa continued to dominate the ball and chances.
United tried to have some respite but again McBurnie and Sharp were not in the game and with Berge a virtual passenger, the Blades were forced back again. El Ghazi’s cross was dangerous after a lovely ball from Grealish but just evaded Davis at the far post with Egan diving in also. On the hour McGinn hit a curling shot but this was more comfortable for Henderson.
On 64 minutes United brought on McGoldrick and Freeman (Luke) for Sharp and Berge. Villa also made a double change with El Ghazi and Davis being replaced by Samatta and Trezeguet. Soon after McGinn and Konsa departed for Nakata and El Mohamady as the flurry of changes continued.
United had their best chance with poor defending saw United win the ball back but McBurnie’s pass was short and Lundstram’s shot was blocked.
Nyland then looked uncertain again on a cross and parried away but Villa cleared away.
Mousset replaced McBurnie with ten minutes to play and at least United started to get on it more but were still not creating much but McGoldrick saw them retain the ball more. We finally saw a few traditional overloads down the right but once again the final ball was poor.
The game entered four minutes of additional time and it almost seemed like both teams had run their race and the game seemed to just peter out. United ended with the ball but disappointingly moved it backwards rather than seek a late chance and the final whistle went soon after.
A point apiece and an odd one to describe. Villa will be the happier of the performances but United will feel aggrieved despite a sloppy display that they did not get the three points after the incredible decision.
United – O’Connell and Fleck are our best two players and most important for me. They are the spine of our team so was disappointing they were out – just hope they are not long term although Fleck’s sounds more encouraging for a return and the lack of information on O’Connell is a bit worrying. We saw the lack of depth in the squad on the bench with some names you won’t think will be here in a few months.
I would have gone Stevens LCB and Osborn LWB and said it before the start but that did not happen and he went with Robinson and Berge. We began ok for 5 minutes but then Villa grew into it and had the better of the first half with Henderson making a few saves and then a bad miss from Davis.
Not the start we wanted in terms of the performance and the injustice will be talked about of course and cost us but the showing outside of this we deserved nothing. We barely had 2 or 3 successful passes in a row when we got into their half and the midfield was miles off the attack. We kind of froze I felt which is not like us and looked a bit unsure of what to do. It was all a bit safe. Maybe the break, the disruption of injuries etc did not help but it was not us at all out there. I do think we thrive on atmosphere so to me it does not help us in an empty stadium. Villa were not miles better but were more adventurous generally and at least committed men forward and had a go at goal. It was like we were waiting for something to happen and nobody drove forward. Slowly towards the end we did better but we never really got a good ball forward or into the box all game and did not turn the defence at all. The changes improved us but we still not hurt them. I think privately Wilder will be disappointed but glad to get a point on the board and get it out of the way. Now we can hopefully get back to what we do best and try and build up the momentum. We are often slow to start games. We have a quick turnaround again and with Newcastle on Sunday coming up; we need to respond.
Ratings:
Henderson 8/10 – Our best player. A few standard saves early on but then he made a good save on the angle with strong hands and then also tipped away a McGinn shot. He made a number of saves which were mostly expected but still had to be made and the one good one I mentioned. Looked night and day in terms of comparing the keepers’ performances. A top keeper who is so important to us.
Baldock 7/10 – Solid enough defensively but barely saw him as an attacking force at all and it was more of a 5 than a 3, I felt. A few times he got up near the end but we did not exploit a few 3 on 2 match ups down the right side. He just was a bit safe.
Stevens 7/10 – As above- he was ok defensively but we did not see much going the other way and when he did, he came backwards or switched to his weaker foot. Had one cross shot wide and then a few balls he failed to take down. Just lacked the sharpness that we normally expect.
Basham 7.5/10 – Carried on where he left off. Solid in everything he did. No mistakes and won tackles/headers. Rarely below a 7/10 – he is so consistent. He too was maybe not as adventurous as he has been but saw him more advanced later in the game.
Robinson 7.5/10 – One error aside; thought alongside Henderson and Bash; he was our best player. He was organised, competed and made good tackles/cover runs. He also was nice and composed on the ball. We missed Fleck but Robinson actually filled in well tonight.
Egan 7/10 – Started a bit sloppily as Davis got in behind him and knocked him about. Struggled with his pace but stuck at it and never let him get totally away although a few times balls that should have been his ended up with a Villa man getting it in the channel. He got better as the game went on and the last 20, we tightened up more. Missed O’Connell I think because as well as Robinson did, it means there are two attackers of the ball aerially.
Norwood 6/10 – Not sure he actually had much influence. He touched the ball a lot but it was all safe with sideways and backwards. He played one or two long balls early on but then it stopped. Twice he gave it away and when he was pressed (which Villa realised was a good tactic). I just thought he did not really impose himself and most of the time he just knocked it back rather than forward. I felt we gave them a bit too much time. Not sure any of our midfield put a tackle in all night really.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Had an ineffective first half but then got in the game and did better in the second half and was more involved on and off the ball. I do think we sat off and were very safe until the closing stages of the game. He actually was better than the other two but that says more about them.
Berge 3.5/10 – I have just recorded our pod about him and I was quite scathing. Saw some saying he needs to adapt or it his not his position but he looks completely lost. He barely got out of a jog all game and could not wait to move the ball on the few times he had it. The game just passed him by. He has had 4 months to get to the same level as others who have been off but looked shattered after 10 minutes. I have to say, he seems a nice lad and I really want it to work but he has been a major disappointment for me. Needs to up his game and I am sorry football is football – if he played in Norwood’s role would he suddenly change? I don’t see this – he played here at Reading and not sure he was any better or significantly better. 22 million pounds I expect more than someone who jogs around and gives a simple 5-yard pass and barely touches the ball. I am confident Wilder/Knill have seen something but at the moment he looks like the Premier League is all a bit too much for him. I’d leave him on the bench and give him time to build up but the worry is he has had a mini pre season (same time) and carried on where he left off. He is young though and will know he has to improve so hoping we will see that over time but we can’t carry him every game.
McBurnie 4/10 – Not his night at all. He seemed to lose most of the battles and I felt he got shrugged off too easily and went to ground too much. Had one headed chance but other than a complete non-factor.
Sharp 5/10 – Not really in it at all. Did hold it up a few times and win a few free kicks but when it is a game like that he struggles as has to play so far from goal and lacks the pace/strength to make an impact. He went first but actually was better than McBurnie who was never in the game at all. Neither striker had any service though.
Subs –
Freeman – Glad he came on as thought he would get more involved than Berge and he did but was a bit sloppy with the ball and played short passes like the rest. If Fleck is out he may get the start on Sunday.
McGoldrick – Did alright when he came on and at least got on the ball and helped us have an extra player in midfield which helped us finish the game better. He showed his touch and composure. Think he starts Sunday. We are a better team when he plays and I am not convinced Sharp and McBurnie works as a partnership.
Mousset – Had a few chases for the ball and a couple of flicks but did not have long enough to make an impact.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – He had to make changes but we were a bit safe in selection and tactics. I am not sure the players came roaring out as I expected. We expected this fit and hungry bunch and in reality, is we looked the more sluggish and slower to get going. Both teams were sloppy but we have higher standards and have greater expectations. Away from the shocking decision, he will know we can do much better and it was one of our poorer showings of the season. He will rotate for Sunday and we will hopefully see a sharper group for Newcastle.
Villa – They will be pleased with the performance. They had the most shots and looked more dangerous and for a leaky defence never looked threatened apart from one half chance and the incident on the ‘goal.’ They defended quite comfortably and controlled midfield for large spells. They did enough over the game to win but then the decision got them out of jail so like us will have mixed emotions. They did come out with some fight and vigour and led by Davis who was a handful and knocked Egan about a bit. I did feel they were quite direct and knocked a lot of long balls and channel stuff and then fed off that whereas we played it shorter and safer but they ultimately, they did more with less possession. They will take heart from it in terms of commitment and the defensive display and the fact they dealt with us so well. However, they are still in the bottom three and have a really tough run in so if a few pick up points before the next game they will have the pressure ramped up.
Opponent Man of the Match – Grealish. I think he is a fantastic player despite the show pony theatrics. He was the main man and felt they always looked more dangerous when he had it. He did fade towards the end and was not as influential later on but played the ball of the match in the second half.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Konsa was poor and we never tested him and Mings also at times showed his indecision. However, Nyland looked dodgy with nothing to do and really his mistake should have cost them the game. He somehow got away with it but would not be surprised to see a keeping change.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Incredibly despite five possible interventions – namely the referee, the assistant, the fourth official, the watch and VAR – none saw it fit to step in and award an obvious goal. A dreadful decision that once again comes down on the wrong side for the Blades whose rotten luck with officiating/VAR this season carries on. United did not deserve to win over the course of the game but this decision really rankles when it is the most expensive league in the world with backstops now in to ensure bad decisions like this are not missed. It was not even close. The game stopped and no one thought to tell the ref what had happened. I am sure tomorrow we will get an apology around the technology but it’s not good enough. These things can cost teams millions – top and bottom of the league. VAR is there to support. If the watch is not working, then fair enough – not good enough really but these things happen but use the other support. I am beyond words. I can’t even be bothered to talk about it anymore. Everyone will just laugh and shrug and make jokes but once again it has cost us. Oliver had time to check but seemed so rushed to get the game back on. Maybe our players are too nice/kind and should have stopped and surrounded him like many of the other teams would have done but they kind of accepted it. Maybe they should not have? I don’t know. It’s hard to know what to say. I just don’t know how if things are not working – he cannot have a bloke in Stockley Park shout, Michael, it’s a goal – give it!’ I fail to know how that happened. It’s like they scared to say the technology was wrong but it was blatantly in the net. Will the Premier League come out and say something? Probably not or some pathetic statement about the technology having issues but they have to work together to get it right but no one stepped in and ultimately shirked the responsibility. As others have said they can take 4 minutes to draw lines to rule out McGoldrick’s goal at Spurs (and other for other teams) but could not wait to get going. Take your time and get it right. The game had stopped.
In fact, I have just seen the statement that says the cameras did not pick it up – we saw 3 camera angles where it showed it was clearly in. Utter nonsense. They have issued an apology but what good that is to us I do not know. An utter shambles. Wilder and Norwood’s interviews suggest they have taken it better than we have maybe! Credit to them as professionals.
The rest of the game Oliver was ok but he looked so embarrassed and sheepish – you could tell he know. His exchanges with Wilder and Norwood said it all. He gave a few soft ones on Grealish but waved a few away 2nd half. I thought there was barely a bad tackle all game – maybe the one on McBurnie that got a booking Saw Clinton Morrison saying El Ghazi got tripped but the majority including the ref saw it for what it was; a dive and an attempt to cheat – he ought to have been booked really. The Lundstram booking I am not sure – he did not have much time to get out of the way but then did stand his ground but thought the Villa man suckered him into it.
Comments on lockdown coverage/atmosphere etc – It was odd as expected. I had the crowd noise on but this was not great as they had loud roars sounding like goal for half chances and it seemed a bit muffled. Not sure how it worked without sound so might try that next game. I do struggle with it and whatever gimmicks they do with zoom cameras or piped in stuff; it is not the same but then we have to just get on with it as it will be like this for quite a while.
*One final thing is that the leaking of injuries and team news is doing my head in. What do people get out of it – it seems its someone in the club leaking it firstly which is wrong but I was told it I would not be putting it on forums/facebook. It’s attention seeking and pathetic. Saw a few literally revelling in the fact they got the team right and knew about the injuries. You know what? I’ll wait till an hour before kick off like everyone else- these knobs seem more bothered about getting one up on people. End of rant! Welcome back!
