Post by deadbat on Jul 5, 2020 15:03:17 GMT
Match report (with pod links on the various formats shown below too)
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After the delight of the game against Spurs, United had to fight back to gain a point from Turf Moor. After a good first half performance where they had more of the ball and the chances, poor marking saw them concede a sloppy goal just before half time with McBurnie who had missed a good chance early on, falling asleep on the set play and Tarkowski took advantage with a smart finish. United struggled to have the same level of fluidity second half but got the leveller their overall performance deserved when Egan smashed home beautifully after Sharp’s flick from Osborn’s cross. It was an odd one to discuss, as United played the better stuff and looked the better side for long spells, particularly first half but Burnley missed two sitters outside the goals. For all the good play United showed, Henderson was the much busier keeper and so in this sense, a draw was about right.
United named an unchanged side with O’Connell fit enough to take his place on the bench. Burnley also had Chris Wood back in reserve and were looking to add to 10 clean sheets. They started with Rodriguez and Vydra up front.
In swirling wind, United began well with McGoldrick’s clever flick leading to McBurnie getting in on goal but his effort lacked power and was saved by Pope. The fast start by the Blades continued when Mcburnie flicked on for Berge to score from a long throw but there was an obvious foul in the build-up. On 5 minutes, more good build up with patient play right to left led to Baldock playing a ball to Osborn and then onto Stevens but his cross was blocked for a corner. Norwood got his delivery badly wrong and from the follow up hit it miles behind.
On 8 minutes, McBurnie flick nearly put McGoldrick on but the keeper came out and read it. Soon after Robinson made a mistake and Burnley after not being in the game were on. Rodriguez played in Vydra and he was in through on goal but slipped it the wrong side of the post. It was a golden chance.
United got back on the attack, McBurnie ran through two men and pulled it back and Berge’s shot was blocked for a corner. There were appeals for a penalty for a handball as the player swiped and missed and it went up and hit the player but was waved away after a check. This time the handball did not go for United.
It was all United the first quarter of an hour playing good, enterprising football and Stevens and Osborn combined with a lovely ball in from the latter but Egan just could not get there as the ball went through both him and Pope. The keeper would not have got there if the centre half had reacted a bit quicker.
McGoldrick held the ball up well and fed Stevens whose shot deflected out of a corner as the pressured continued from the visitors. The fifth corner was as bad as the other four and came to nothing with Norwood very wasteful.
The drinks break came and after this Burnley had a better spell and at least got on the ball more but again United won another corner and a better delivery saw Egan head off target when well placed. Norwood’s hesitation saw Vydra nearly get in and it was a much more even game now. A shot from Bardsley was patted out from Henderson who was fortunate it did not fall to a Burnley man as was in a central position of the goal when it came out.
United had a chance when Robinson put a dangerous cross over and McBurnie flicked over and most of the good play and chances came from the away side but just as you think that we had given a really good first half, some poor play and we were behind.
Berge gave away another cheap free kick after he had done this on a few other occasions and the delivery from McNeil was excellent. United had a high line but missed the first header and Burnley flicked on and TARKOWSKI was on the end with McBurnie asleep, playing him onside and not reacting. The finish was low and crisp and Henderson was breached yet again as a normally strong defence gave away another incredibly soft goal – which has been a feature since the restart. The check for offside was routine as he was clearly onside.
Burnley now were feeling confident and Long fed Taylor and United had to clear and then Robinson played against his own man and Burnley had another chance to get in but Baldock cleared. The half time whistle came soon after and despite being the better side, the Blades went in one goal down.
The second half saw United out early. McGoldrick’s shot was deflected and Baldock hit a cross but McBurnie could not get in as United’s strikers were on their heels somewhat to react to this chance. Burnley nearly got in as Peters was well advanced before on 53 minutes O’Connell and Sharp came on for Robinson and Norwood in two positive looking changes.
O’Connell’s first involvement saw him head it via his hand back to Henderson whilst under pressure but like in the first half nothing was given and not even a check this time. United’s crossing had been particularly poor and another shocking delivery saw Burnley break away. On the hour United had a half chance from a corner but it was blocked away and as the ball ricocheted about Burnley cleared.
United tried to get well forward but on the hour, Burnley nearly broke and had a 3 on 2 and only a poor ball saw United escape and they managed to block and clear.
The next 5 minutes saw a spell of scrappy play and United struggled to get any real impetus in a disappointing second half so far as a spectacle. Another two shocking crosses from Baldock and Berge saw Burnley easily clear. The drinks break came but the game was going exactly how Burnley wanted it to go and indeed the next chance saw Egan’s poor headed intercepted by Rodriguez whose shot was wide of the target. Wood came on for Vydra for his firs outing since the restart.
Mousset came on for McBurnie who had been disappointing and poor in the big moments. United won a free kick with Sharp pulled down but another wasteful delivery from the Blades saw Burnley clear easily. Berge then wasted another ball and Burnley were coping with United all too easily as the game entered the final 15 minutes.
Burnley nearly got in on the break but the ball just ran out before Rodwell came on for Basham as United now ended up with a very unfamiliar looking like up and went to a more orthodox back line.
A long range shot from Rodriguez saw Henderson push out and McNeil put it wide with an absolute sitter. It should have been 2-0 and game over. United had not got going at all 2nd half and indeed Burnley had the better chances in this half and had looked more dangerous.
The game moved into the final 10 minutes and United had not had an effort on goal second half up to this stag but finally a chance came and goal. They won a corner and finally a decent ball from Osborn was flicked on by Sharp and EGAN at the far post hit a sweet finish into the top corner. The Blades had deserved to be level over the game but actually had not looked like scoring in the second half until this moment.
Sharp gave a foul away and Burnley had a spell of play with a corner but O’Connell was strong and cleared well. Burnley had reacted well to the goal though and stepped things up and their strength from set plays/ corners was obviously a concern. United had a decent spell on 85 minutes with good work from Sharp but could not fashion a chance and Burnley then went on the attack as the game became end to end in the final minutes. A long ball led to Mousset winning a free kick as he got the right side of his man and was pulled down. The free kick was taken short and Berge hit a shot from the angle that was powerful but Pope did well to parry down and clutch. United now looked the more likely and Stevens was well forward and won a corner but it was cleared.
The game entered stoppage time an Burnley won a free kick on half way for a foul from Mousset. The free kick was cleared but then Burnley had a chance as Pieters hit a shot that may have been going wide but Henderson could not take chances. From the corner, United cleared and Mousset won a throw deep in Burnley territory. Burnley launched a final ball forward but it came to nothing and the full time whistle came soon after to leave it honours even
United – It was an odd one to dissect as United were the better team overall in the game but Burnley missed the best two chances of the game despite creating very little. Burnley relied on set plays and a lot of direct stuff whilst the Blades played better football overall and had control of the game until they conceded. It was hard to take to be 1-0 down after we had been much better but then they had the best chance outside of the goal. We had chances McBurnie with the big one, Berge blocked and then Egan headed over and had a handball appeal as well (more on that later). We looked solid at the back, played it neat and tidy and moved it forward well. It looked like we carried on from the week but actually controlled more of the ball too in this one which we have not done since the restart and reminded me of some of the away games earlier in the season where we did that (Spurs, Brighton, Watford, Wolves). We just did not quite do enough in the final third and the last bit – the cross/final pass was really poor. For all the play, not sure Pope had much to do outside of the opening save. We had so many corners and crosses wasted. Norwood particularly profligate. You felt though that if the game went on, we would go on and get a chance and win it as we had been quite dominant.
Then just before half time we switched odd badly and a cheap free kick we gave away (Berge), a decent delivery better than any of ours and we lose a header and then McBurnie does not react – he could have either stepped out, put his body into him or at least got goal side. He did none of these things and it was a nice finish. I knew it was not offside.
The second half performance was inferior to the first and we became scrappy. We had a half chance early on with a bit of deflection but did not get an effort in and then after this the game became a bit of a nothing which suited Burnley to the ground as they are so solid defensively and have kept lots of clean sheets. We made changes up top and also changed the formation- we had 3 strikers on although Didzy dropped deep. We had O’Connell and Rodwell playing (both not played and probably rusty) and you sensed we looked a bit tired. They had a great chance to make it 2-0 after another poor piece of keeping from Henderson but shot wide when he should have scored. You felt we could at least benefit from this but the next period saw lots of poor crosses- Stevens, Baldock, Osborn and Berge kept playing the same ball from diagonal and it was easy. Sharp to me was not the right sub and Mousset should have come on earlier as caused them problems at the Lane and we needed pace as the balls from deep were not causing them any problems. Ironically, we score from a cross from deep. It was not the best cross and another floated one but Sharp who did not do much right when he came on, flicked on and Egan buried it with a majestic finish. We finally got a goal from a centre back and what a finish.
After this it could have gone either way, the had a few efforts/attacks and so did we. I felt Mousset over the top could cause them problems and so it proved. I actually think if we had put him on earlier, we would have won and felt after we scored; I know they had a few set plays and the one shot, but we looked more likely.
In the end, coming back from one down is not a disaster. We get a point and that is decent away from home and it was again a better performance than any of the other three away games (2 against inferior sides than Burnley) but you worry that it was one we needed to win if you are being ultra-critical and wanting us to get that top 7/8 places – especially as we have two really tough home games coming up next week. Still I feel much better than I did a week ago – we have put in two (three if you count Arsenal) performances and just look more the side we have been. We ended up with an odd line up but it was needs must and with three key men missing; we had to try different things. Sharp was not great but set up the goal. Not sure too many were outstanding today – we had a lot of decent showings rather than good but I do think we shaded the game despite them having the two big chances and for football and control we looked a better outfit – as we clearly did at the Lane.
I feel a lot better than a week ago. O’Connell is back – Osborn and Robinson have done well – and Berge has improved. Hope we can get Fleck and Lundstram back for the run in and have a real go but the next 2 home games will dictate if we have anything to play for or if the final 3 games are about us finishing top half rather than top 7/8.
Ratings:
Henderson 5/10 – Not a good day at all. It was windy and tough for long shots and set plays; which Burnley do really well. However, he patted two out – and was lucky on both. The second especially was really bad and they should have scored of course. He made one expected save late on but that was going wide but could not take any chances really. Just not convincing today and Pope looked more assured (albeit little to do)
Baldock 6/10 – Got forward well to being the game and was well advanced but his final delivery and ball let him down. He defended well and hooked a few clear when under pressure but he has to do better when he gets in those positions as he rarely puts a good ball in. He maybe needs to get wider and not cross from diagonal and commit the defender more – he is fast enough.
Stevens 7/10 – Much better and more like it. Thought for him he will be pleased to find better standards. Not amazing but he was just more like it, in terms of getting forward, linking with others and looking a threat. More than anything his passing and touch was just much better than it has been. He looked a threat and got deep into Burnley territory. Saw less of him first half as they moved up the field.
Robinson 7/10 – Another steady game. He did make one mistake when they broke and nearly scored and hit another against their man before half time but outside of this, he was steady enough. He got forward really well first half and seems to be learning the role – adapting to the system. Ironically, just as he has got into this way of playing, then we may well bring O’Connell back which would be tough on him but you would expect that to happen now he is fit.
Basham 7/10 – As above really. He missed the ball once but outside of this he was steady and won headers, cleared the ball well. He did not go forward much at all and we saw more from Robinson out of the two wing backs. He was solid and outside of the one moment our defence competed and won most of the key headers from set plays – although looking back at the goal he is the one that loses the first header to Rodriguez.
Egan 7.5/10 – Similar to the two above in terms of headers and solidity. He was better defensively than he has been and then topped it off with an absolutely fantastic goal. It was only a half chance and he buried it with the instep lashing it in. Remarkable that he finished it like a striker when in 2 years he has missed so many headed chances and only ever scored with that one goal v Norwich almost 2 years ago now. He and the defence do need to score more goals as our strikers are not prolific. He should have done better in the first half with a header.
Norwood 5.5/10 – Not sure it was his best game again. He has been very patchy and that is being kind since the restart. A few poor games when we began and just looked off the pace in terms of lots of things. Today he moved it on and helped us keep the ball well but I thought that most of our good play came from others (Osborn, wing backs, McGoldrick – early on). His set plays were awful. He took 5 shockers and then one good one finally when Egan headed over. He has not found his range with his passing yet and also has a penchant for giving away cheap fouls.
Berge 6/10 – Not sure he was quite at it today in terms of how he has been much improved the last two games. He began the game with a few driven runs and had a shot blocked and a header over and was much more involved again but then gave it away a few times and kept giving away silly free kicks - one he gave away led to the goal. He is strong though and showed he can move. I think he needed to do better 2nd half as he had lots of the ball but kept playing the same poor, floaty cross in. I wanted him to commit men, get wider or take a shot. He did hit a decent shot at the end from the free kick routine on the angle near the end. I think it might be a bit up and down with him for a while as he continues to learn our style and the English game. He was poor to begin with; then improved and so-so today.
Osborn 7/10 – Thought he was our best midfielder on and off the ball. He was involved in a lot of our early play and was neat and tidy. Showed real energy and quite pacey when he moves off the ball. Just looked very competent. He was quite advanced too. 2nd half felt it got scrappy and he did not see much of it. His set plays were not much better than Norwood’s but then another what looked a floaty cross was at least in the right area (penalty spot) and Sharp made something of it and we scored. Been a real plus the last few games and I would wait till Fleck is fully fit for the final 2-3 games if we have to rather than bringing him back when he is not ready.
McBurnie 5/10 – Not his day today. Missed a good chance early on when he did not place it or hit it hard. He linked well with McGoldrick early on and had one good slaloming run which led to a chance for Berge and the whole side looked good early 20 minutes. After the drinks break, he dropped off and the Burnley centre backs started to win the ball more and he became a bit out of the game. He did not look as sharp as he has done and then the goal he completely switched off. Second half the whole side were not as effective and he was taken off. He has had 2 good games though so not going to be too critical and always be hard v two physical centre backs.
McGoldrick 6/10 – first half was more like an 8/10 as he was excellent. Came deep, linked play, lovely touch and changed the play with his movement/passing. He was involved in most of what we did well. He set up the early chance and then nearly got in a few times. He was like another man in midfield and came back to sit off when the others attacked. Second half was more like a 4/10 and thus accounts for my 6/10! Nothing worked at all, it came off him, he looked languid and we never really got hold of the ball up front. The two centre backs had an easy ride until at least Sharp and more so Mousset put them under pressure. Ended up in the number 10 but not sure he got on the ball enough. A game of two halves.
Subs –
Sharp 5.5/10 – Thought he poor when he came on but he made the goal with the flicked header which gets him some credit of course. It was not his sort of game against two big centre backs with us crossing it from wide (ironically, we scored in this way from his flick) and he had to go looking for it. The ball did not really stick and he have it away quite a bit. I was surprised he got the nod instead of Mousset when we needed something different. Still he made the goal.
O’Connell 6/10 – Looked a bit rusty with a few stretched headers/clearances and still needs to get in match shape of course so to be expected but he did make a few big-headed clearances right at the end as they pumped it into the box.
Mousset – Again looked hungrier than he has done and carried on from the week. Looked to play on the last man and won a free kick and looked strong and powerful in the few times we tried to go over the top. I think if the game had gone on much longer, he would have got a chance or made something – they do not like pace and could not cope with him at the Lane.
Rodwell – Began as a holding midfielder as we went to four at the back but then ended up back at right centre back after we scored. Not sure he saw much of the ball.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – The performance was good in terms of to quote Wilder tee to green but in both boxes or final thirds we were not quite good enough at times. Burnley missed two huge chances and scored from poor defending. They easily could have scored 3 for all the decent play outside of the McBurnie chance, we had a few half chances but nothing clear cut and wasted so many opportunities. He will look at that final bit and feel we must do more. We had enough of the ball to win the game. Still he will point to solid performances across the field and for me despite the let offs, we looked a better footballing side and with more quality than Burnley. That is how I saw it and he will feel it is another positive step in that way. We still need to be more switched on at the back as (Thursday apart) not sure we have enough to score more than the odd goal a game. Will be pleased to see us hopefully getting back to what we were before the restart. I was not sure about the changes after the break as felt it was only 5-10 minutes after half time and seemed to further unsettle the game. I think we needed changes as we had tired legs and on the face of it was positive in terms of more forwards and taking off Norwood. The Rodwell change and formation change also did not really lead to us having many chances but then the goal came so he will say it allowed us to have an extra striker and men forward. After this we were probably worried about what Arsenal did and went back to basics more with the 5/3 at the back. We did seem a bit caught between going for the winner and keeping what we had fought back for.
Burnley – I thought they were crap at the Lane and was not much more impressed today. They are a very route one team and rely a lot on percentages and set plays. They do not play much football at all (they had a few 5-minute spells of this but for the most part it was get it forward quick). Dyche has done a fantastic job and seems to be annoyed with the lack of investment – the bench they had showed they have had injuries like us and a few out of contract not helping. They had a lot of kids but did have Wood back but were missing a number of players that are important in Cork, Hendrick, Barnes, Mee. I do think United had a good chance to beat them today but then they won in the week and are normally solid and organised at the back. I felt first half we got through them quite easily but the final bit was lacking. Even second half they headed it away a lot but we played into their hands rather than showing much good defending – it was all too easily. I think United could have stretched them more with pace/running from deep as we showed at the Lane. It is hard to see how they are so high up looking at them twice this year but that is a small evidence size to look at. They win lots of games 1-0 and like us (till the restart) have been fantastic defensively much of the season. They have some solid defenders and a good keeper. They don’t score much up top although Wood/Barnes are clever players and I like McNeil but he missed a sitter today.
You worry for them next season in some ways with a few leaving and the lack of investment as Dyche (like Howe) can’t keep pulling off miracles but then he is that good, I reckon he gets them organised, solid and hard to beat and they will be ok. He is a top manager and a really likeable honest bloke like Wilder. With more talented players you wonder what those two would do with an Spurs or Arsenal and many more in this league. They get the team spirit and basics right. They have been here for a few years now and made Europe and as Wilder said pre game are a bit of a blueprint for us in terms of staying in the league and establishing ourselves. I hope, and feel we can show more quality in our style and also invest more and with the fan support/infrastructure go on and hopefully even eclipse what they have done. That is lofty goals but what we have to aspire for. For now, if we keep in this league another 2-3 seasons then that gives us the foundation to be even more successful for 5-10 years.
Opponent Man of the Match – Tarkowski scored the goal and defended well. He did not have much to play against really though as McBurnie was poor and McGoldrick came deep although first half we dominated. We only stretched them when we put more men on near the end but he did head a lot away before that. McNeil is someone they may have to cash in on- he is a decent player as showed in flashes today but had a bit of a mare with the miss. I like the lad Taylor; think he is a good wing back who shows some real pace and ability. They have a lot of club men types in Westwood, Brownhill and Cork – solid players who don’t get credit they deserve – bit Basham like in 7/10’s most week. Pope is a solid keeper and did his England credentials better than Henderson today on the respective showings.
Opponent Weak link – I think Bardsley is about done and never rated him from when he was younger (bad spell at the Lane) and we caused him to be exposed first half. We never tested him as much 2nd half I thought. The lad Long struggled at times and I thought they missed Mee at the back. They were quite ordinary throughout and I felt ceded possession a lot but that is their style.
Referee/Officials/VAR – I thought Peter Bankes was fine today and had a good game. He did not book anyone but did not need to. Kept the game flowing and not sure he got much wrong at all. We have had some poor refs recently but he was much improved today from a few we have seen. The two goals both had an element of doubt. The first one seemed clear that McBurnie was playing him on. The second I was not as sure as Sharp came back and they seemed to check it quite quickly but not sure as not seen it back so can only assume it was fine of course. Then the big talking point was the penalty appeal. Hinchcliffe, who I quite like, was quite dismissive saying it can’t be a penalty as he tried to clear and missed it. That sound ridiculous as his own bad play means it is his fault when he handballs it? It seemed in an unnatural position too and clearly hit his hand. Bailey had one similar given against him yesterday for Man Utd. There have been some like this given and some not. In our pod we discuss the supposed difference between an attacking hand ball and defensive hand ball. I think there is a difference in how they call it or are meant to call it with the attacking handball simply given no matter what with more of a doubt for the defensive one. However, some of these have been given so I would not have been shocked if it had been given. After the other day I will not complain too much but seemed it maybe could have been looked at more – they said they only looked from one angle – why? Anyway,
O’Connell then used his hand 2nd half but apparently you can play it off your own body onto your hand according to the rules?! This was not looked at either but not sure it was in the box? The rest of the game there was nothing really to discuss.
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After the delight of the game against Spurs, United had to fight back to gain a point from Turf Moor. After a good first half performance where they had more of the ball and the chances, poor marking saw them concede a sloppy goal just before half time with McBurnie who had missed a good chance early on, falling asleep on the set play and Tarkowski took advantage with a smart finish. United struggled to have the same level of fluidity second half but got the leveller their overall performance deserved when Egan smashed home beautifully after Sharp’s flick from Osborn’s cross. It was an odd one to discuss, as United played the better stuff and looked the better side for long spells, particularly first half but Burnley missed two sitters outside the goals. For all the good play United showed, Henderson was the much busier keeper and so in this sense, a draw was about right.
United named an unchanged side with O’Connell fit enough to take his place on the bench. Burnley also had Chris Wood back in reserve and were looking to add to 10 clean sheets. They started with Rodriguez and Vydra up front.
In swirling wind, United began well with McGoldrick’s clever flick leading to McBurnie getting in on goal but his effort lacked power and was saved by Pope. The fast start by the Blades continued when Mcburnie flicked on for Berge to score from a long throw but there was an obvious foul in the build-up. On 5 minutes, more good build up with patient play right to left led to Baldock playing a ball to Osborn and then onto Stevens but his cross was blocked for a corner. Norwood got his delivery badly wrong and from the follow up hit it miles behind.
On 8 minutes, McBurnie flick nearly put McGoldrick on but the keeper came out and read it. Soon after Robinson made a mistake and Burnley after not being in the game were on. Rodriguez played in Vydra and he was in through on goal but slipped it the wrong side of the post. It was a golden chance.
United got back on the attack, McBurnie ran through two men and pulled it back and Berge’s shot was blocked for a corner. There were appeals for a penalty for a handball as the player swiped and missed and it went up and hit the player but was waved away after a check. This time the handball did not go for United.
It was all United the first quarter of an hour playing good, enterprising football and Stevens and Osborn combined with a lovely ball in from the latter but Egan just could not get there as the ball went through both him and Pope. The keeper would not have got there if the centre half had reacted a bit quicker.
McGoldrick held the ball up well and fed Stevens whose shot deflected out of a corner as the pressured continued from the visitors. The fifth corner was as bad as the other four and came to nothing with Norwood very wasteful.
The drinks break came and after this Burnley had a better spell and at least got on the ball more but again United won another corner and a better delivery saw Egan head off target when well placed. Norwood’s hesitation saw Vydra nearly get in and it was a much more even game now. A shot from Bardsley was patted out from Henderson who was fortunate it did not fall to a Burnley man as was in a central position of the goal when it came out.
United had a chance when Robinson put a dangerous cross over and McBurnie flicked over and most of the good play and chances came from the away side but just as you think that we had given a really good first half, some poor play and we were behind.
Berge gave away another cheap free kick after he had done this on a few other occasions and the delivery from McNeil was excellent. United had a high line but missed the first header and Burnley flicked on and TARKOWSKI was on the end with McBurnie asleep, playing him onside and not reacting. The finish was low and crisp and Henderson was breached yet again as a normally strong defence gave away another incredibly soft goal – which has been a feature since the restart. The check for offside was routine as he was clearly onside.
Burnley now were feeling confident and Long fed Taylor and United had to clear and then Robinson played against his own man and Burnley had another chance to get in but Baldock cleared. The half time whistle came soon after and despite being the better side, the Blades went in one goal down.
The second half saw United out early. McGoldrick’s shot was deflected and Baldock hit a cross but McBurnie could not get in as United’s strikers were on their heels somewhat to react to this chance. Burnley nearly got in as Peters was well advanced before on 53 minutes O’Connell and Sharp came on for Robinson and Norwood in two positive looking changes.
O’Connell’s first involvement saw him head it via his hand back to Henderson whilst under pressure but like in the first half nothing was given and not even a check this time. United’s crossing had been particularly poor and another shocking delivery saw Burnley break away. On the hour United had a half chance from a corner but it was blocked away and as the ball ricocheted about Burnley cleared.
United tried to get well forward but on the hour, Burnley nearly broke and had a 3 on 2 and only a poor ball saw United escape and they managed to block and clear.
The next 5 minutes saw a spell of scrappy play and United struggled to get any real impetus in a disappointing second half so far as a spectacle. Another two shocking crosses from Baldock and Berge saw Burnley easily clear. The drinks break came but the game was going exactly how Burnley wanted it to go and indeed the next chance saw Egan’s poor headed intercepted by Rodriguez whose shot was wide of the target. Wood came on for Vydra for his firs outing since the restart.
Mousset came on for McBurnie who had been disappointing and poor in the big moments. United won a free kick with Sharp pulled down but another wasteful delivery from the Blades saw Burnley clear easily. Berge then wasted another ball and Burnley were coping with United all too easily as the game entered the final 15 minutes.
Burnley nearly got in on the break but the ball just ran out before Rodwell came on for Basham as United now ended up with a very unfamiliar looking like up and went to a more orthodox back line.
A long range shot from Rodriguez saw Henderson push out and McNeil put it wide with an absolute sitter. It should have been 2-0 and game over. United had not got going at all 2nd half and indeed Burnley had the better chances in this half and had looked more dangerous.
The game moved into the final 10 minutes and United had not had an effort on goal second half up to this stag but finally a chance came and goal. They won a corner and finally a decent ball from Osborn was flicked on by Sharp and EGAN at the far post hit a sweet finish into the top corner. The Blades had deserved to be level over the game but actually had not looked like scoring in the second half until this moment.
Sharp gave a foul away and Burnley had a spell of play with a corner but O’Connell was strong and cleared well. Burnley had reacted well to the goal though and stepped things up and their strength from set plays/ corners was obviously a concern. United had a decent spell on 85 minutes with good work from Sharp but could not fashion a chance and Burnley then went on the attack as the game became end to end in the final minutes. A long ball led to Mousset winning a free kick as he got the right side of his man and was pulled down. The free kick was taken short and Berge hit a shot from the angle that was powerful but Pope did well to parry down and clutch. United now looked the more likely and Stevens was well forward and won a corner but it was cleared.
The game entered stoppage time an Burnley won a free kick on half way for a foul from Mousset. The free kick was cleared but then Burnley had a chance as Pieters hit a shot that may have been going wide but Henderson could not take chances. From the corner, United cleared and Mousset won a throw deep in Burnley territory. Burnley launched a final ball forward but it came to nothing and the full time whistle came soon after to leave it honours even
United – It was an odd one to dissect as United were the better team overall in the game but Burnley missed the best two chances of the game despite creating very little. Burnley relied on set plays and a lot of direct stuff whilst the Blades played better football overall and had control of the game until they conceded. It was hard to take to be 1-0 down after we had been much better but then they had the best chance outside of the goal. We had chances McBurnie with the big one, Berge blocked and then Egan headed over and had a handball appeal as well (more on that later). We looked solid at the back, played it neat and tidy and moved it forward well. It looked like we carried on from the week but actually controlled more of the ball too in this one which we have not done since the restart and reminded me of some of the away games earlier in the season where we did that (Spurs, Brighton, Watford, Wolves). We just did not quite do enough in the final third and the last bit – the cross/final pass was really poor. For all the play, not sure Pope had much to do outside of the opening save. We had so many corners and crosses wasted. Norwood particularly profligate. You felt though that if the game went on, we would go on and get a chance and win it as we had been quite dominant.
Then just before half time we switched odd badly and a cheap free kick we gave away (Berge), a decent delivery better than any of ours and we lose a header and then McBurnie does not react – he could have either stepped out, put his body into him or at least got goal side. He did none of these things and it was a nice finish. I knew it was not offside.
The second half performance was inferior to the first and we became scrappy. We had a half chance early on with a bit of deflection but did not get an effort in and then after this the game became a bit of a nothing which suited Burnley to the ground as they are so solid defensively and have kept lots of clean sheets. We made changes up top and also changed the formation- we had 3 strikers on although Didzy dropped deep. We had O’Connell and Rodwell playing (both not played and probably rusty) and you sensed we looked a bit tired. They had a great chance to make it 2-0 after another poor piece of keeping from Henderson but shot wide when he should have scored. You felt we could at least benefit from this but the next period saw lots of poor crosses- Stevens, Baldock, Osborn and Berge kept playing the same ball from diagonal and it was easy. Sharp to me was not the right sub and Mousset should have come on earlier as caused them problems at the Lane and we needed pace as the balls from deep were not causing them any problems. Ironically, we score from a cross from deep. It was not the best cross and another floated one but Sharp who did not do much right when he came on, flicked on and Egan buried it with a majestic finish. We finally got a goal from a centre back and what a finish.
After this it could have gone either way, the had a few efforts/attacks and so did we. I felt Mousset over the top could cause them problems and so it proved. I actually think if we had put him on earlier, we would have won and felt after we scored; I know they had a few set plays and the one shot, but we looked more likely.
In the end, coming back from one down is not a disaster. We get a point and that is decent away from home and it was again a better performance than any of the other three away games (2 against inferior sides than Burnley) but you worry that it was one we needed to win if you are being ultra-critical and wanting us to get that top 7/8 places – especially as we have two really tough home games coming up next week. Still I feel much better than I did a week ago – we have put in two (three if you count Arsenal) performances and just look more the side we have been. We ended up with an odd line up but it was needs must and with three key men missing; we had to try different things. Sharp was not great but set up the goal. Not sure too many were outstanding today – we had a lot of decent showings rather than good but I do think we shaded the game despite them having the two big chances and for football and control we looked a better outfit – as we clearly did at the Lane.
I feel a lot better than a week ago. O’Connell is back – Osborn and Robinson have done well – and Berge has improved. Hope we can get Fleck and Lundstram back for the run in and have a real go but the next 2 home games will dictate if we have anything to play for or if the final 3 games are about us finishing top half rather than top 7/8.
Ratings:
Henderson 5/10 – Not a good day at all. It was windy and tough for long shots and set plays; which Burnley do really well. However, he patted two out – and was lucky on both. The second especially was really bad and they should have scored of course. He made one expected save late on but that was going wide but could not take any chances really. Just not convincing today and Pope looked more assured (albeit little to do)
Baldock 6/10 – Got forward well to being the game and was well advanced but his final delivery and ball let him down. He defended well and hooked a few clear when under pressure but he has to do better when he gets in those positions as he rarely puts a good ball in. He maybe needs to get wider and not cross from diagonal and commit the defender more – he is fast enough.
Stevens 7/10 – Much better and more like it. Thought for him he will be pleased to find better standards. Not amazing but he was just more like it, in terms of getting forward, linking with others and looking a threat. More than anything his passing and touch was just much better than it has been. He looked a threat and got deep into Burnley territory. Saw less of him first half as they moved up the field.
Robinson 7/10 – Another steady game. He did make one mistake when they broke and nearly scored and hit another against their man before half time but outside of this, he was steady enough. He got forward really well first half and seems to be learning the role – adapting to the system. Ironically, just as he has got into this way of playing, then we may well bring O’Connell back which would be tough on him but you would expect that to happen now he is fit.
Basham 7/10 – As above really. He missed the ball once but outside of this he was steady and won headers, cleared the ball well. He did not go forward much at all and we saw more from Robinson out of the two wing backs. He was solid and outside of the one moment our defence competed and won most of the key headers from set plays – although looking back at the goal he is the one that loses the first header to Rodriguez.
Egan 7.5/10 – Similar to the two above in terms of headers and solidity. He was better defensively than he has been and then topped it off with an absolutely fantastic goal. It was only a half chance and he buried it with the instep lashing it in. Remarkable that he finished it like a striker when in 2 years he has missed so many headed chances and only ever scored with that one goal v Norwich almost 2 years ago now. He and the defence do need to score more goals as our strikers are not prolific. He should have done better in the first half with a header.
Norwood 5.5/10 – Not sure it was his best game again. He has been very patchy and that is being kind since the restart. A few poor games when we began and just looked off the pace in terms of lots of things. Today he moved it on and helped us keep the ball well but I thought that most of our good play came from others (Osborn, wing backs, McGoldrick – early on). His set plays were awful. He took 5 shockers and then one good one finally when Egan headed over. He has not found his range with his passing yet and also has a penchant for giving away cheap fouls.
Berge 6/10 – Not sure he was quite at it today in terms of how he has been much improved the last two games. He began the game with a few driven runs and had a shot blocked and a header over and was much more involved again but then gave it away a few times and kept giving away silly free kicks - one he gave away led to the goal. He is strong though and showed he can move. I think he needed to do better 2nd half as he had lots of the ball but kept playing the same poor, floaty cross in. I wanted him to commit men, get wider or take a shot. He did hit a decent shot at the end from the free kick routine on the angle near the end. I think it might be a bit up and down with him for a while as he continues to learn our style and the English game. He was poor to begin with; then improved and so-so today.
Osborn 7/10 – Thought he was our best midfielder on and off the ball. He was involved in a lot of our early play and was neat and tidy. Showed real energy and quite pacey when he moves off the ball. Just looked very competent. He was quite advanced too. 2nd half felt it got scrappy and he did not see much of it. His set plays were not much better than Norwood’s but then another what looked a floaty cross was at least in the right area (penalty spot) and Sharp made something of it and we scored. Been a real plus the last few games and I would wait till Fleck is fully fit for the final 2-3 games if we have to rather than bringing him back when he is not ready.
McBurnie 5/10 – Not his day today. Missed a good chance early on when he did not place it or hit it hard. He linked well with McGoldrick early on and had one good slaloming run which led to a chance for Berge and the whole side looked good early 20 minutes. After the drinks break, he dropped off and the Burnley centre backs started to win the ball more and he became a bit out of the game. He did not look as sharp as he has done and then the goal he completely switched off. Second half the whole side were not as effective and he was taken off. He has had 2 good games though so not going to be too critical and always be hard v two physical centre backs.
McGoldrick 6/10 – first half was more like an 8/10 as he was excellent. Came deep, linked play, lovely touch and changed the play with his movement/passing. He was involved in most of what we did well. He set up the early chance and then nearly got in a few times. He was like another man in midfield and came back to sit off when the others attacked. Second half was more like a 4/10 and thus accounts for my 6/10! Nothing worked at all, it came off him, he looked languid and we never really got hold of the ball up front. The two centre backs had an easy ride until at least Sharp and more so Mousset put them under pressure. Ended up in the number 10 but not sure he got on the ball enough. A game of two halves.
Subs –
Sharp 5.5/10 – Thought he poor when he came on but he made the goal with the flicked header which gets him some credit of course. It was not his sort of game against two big centre backs with us crossing it from wide (ironically, we scored in this way from his flick) and he had to go looking for it. The ball did not really stick and he have it away quite a bit. I was surprised he got the nod instead of Mousset when we needed something different. Still he made the goal.
O’Connell 6/10 – Looked a bit rusty with a few stretched headers/clearances and still needs to get in match shape of course so to be expected but he did make a few big-headed clearances right at the end as they pumped it into the box.
Mousset – Again looked hungrier than he has done and carried on from the week. Looked to play on the last man and won a free kick and looked strong and powerful in the few times we tried to go over the top. I think if the game had gone on much longer, he would have got a chance or made something – they do not like pace and could not cope with him at the Lane.
Rodwell – Began as a holding midfielder as we went to four at the back but then ended up back at right centre back after we scored. Not sure he saw much of the ball.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – The performance was good in terms of to quote Wilder tee to green but in both boxes or final thirds we were not quite good enough at times. Burnley missed two huge chances and scored from poor defending. They easily could have scored 3 for all the decent play outside of the McBurnie chance, we had a few half chances but nothing clear cut and wasted so many opportunities. He will look at that final bit and feel we must do more. We had enough of the ball to win the game. Still he will point to solid performances across the field and for me despite the let offs, we looked a better footballing side and with more quality than Burnley. That is how I saw it and he will feel it is another positive step in that way. We still need to be more switched on at the back as (Thursday apart) not sure we have enough to score more than the odd goal a game. Will be pleased to see us hopefully getting back to what we were before the restart. I was not sure about the changes after the break as felt it was only 5-10 minutes after half time and seemed to further unsettle the game. I think we needed changes as we had tired legs and on the face of it was positive in terms of more forwards and taking off Norwood. The Rodwell change and formation change also did not really lead to us having many chances but then the goal came so he will say it allowed us to have an extra striker and men forward. After this we were probably worried about what Arsenal did and went back to basics more with the 5/3 at the back. We did seem a bit caught between going for the winner and keeping what we had fought back for.
Burnley – I thought they were crap at the Lane and was not much more impressed today. They are a very route one team and rely a lot on percentages and set plays. They do not play much football at all (they had a few 5-minute spells of this but for the most part it was get it forward quick). Dyche has done a fantastic job and seems to be annoyed with the lack of investment – the bench they had showed they have had injuries like us and a few out of contract not helping. They had a lot of kids but did have Wood back but were missing a number of players that are important in Cork, Hendrick, Barnes, Mee. I do think United had a good chance to beat them today but then they won in the week and are normally solid and organised at the back. I felt first half we got through them quite easily but the final bit was lacking. Even second half they headed it away a lot but we played into their hands rather than showing much good defending – it was all too easily. I think United could have stretched them more with pace/running from deep as we showed at the Lane. It is hard to see how they are so high up looking at them twice this year but that is a small evidence size to look at. They win lots of games 1-0 and like us (till the restart) have been fantastic defensively much of the season. They have some solid defenders and a good keeper. They don’t score much up top although Wood/Barnes are clever players and I like McNeil but he missed a sitter today.
You worry for them next season in some ways with a few leaving and the lack of investment as Dyche (like Howe) can’t keep pulling off miracles but then he is that good, I reckon he gets them organised, solid and hard to beat and they will be ok. He is a top manager and a really likeable honest bloke like Wilder. With more talented players you wonder what those two would do with an Spurs or Arsenal and many more in this league. They get the team spirit and basics right. They have been here for a few years now and made Europe and as Wilder said pre game are a bit of a blueprint for us in terms of staying in the league and establishing ourselves. I hope, and feel we can show more quality in our style and also invest more and with the fan support/infrastructure go on and hopefully even eclipse what they have done. That is lofty goals but what we have to aspire for. For now, if we keep in this league another 2-3 seasons then that gives us the foundation to be even more successful for 5-10 years.
Opponent Man of the Match – Tarkowski scored the goal and defended well. He did not have much to play against really though as McBurnie was poor and McGoldrick came deep although first half we dominated. We only stretched them when we put more men on near the end but he did head a lot away before that. McNeil is someone they may have to cash in on- he is a decent player as showed in flashes today but had a bit of a mare with the miss. I like the lad Taylor; think he is a good wing back who shows some real pace and ability. They have a lot of club men types in Westwood, Brownhill and Cork – solid players who don’t get credit they deserve – bit Basham like in 7/10’s most week. Pope is a solid keeper and did his England credentials better than Henderson today on the respective showings.
Opponent Weak link – I think Bardsley is about done and never rated him from when he was younger (bad spell at the Lane) and we caused him to be exposed first half. We never tested him as much 2nd half I thought. The lad Long struggled at times and I thought they missed Mee at the back. They were quite ordinary throughout and I felt ceded possession a lot but that is their style.
Referee/Officials/VAR – I thought Peter Bankes was fine today and had a good game. He did not book anyone but did not need to. Kept the game flowing and not sure he got much wrong at all. We have had some poor refs recently but he was much improved today from a few we have seen. The two goals both had an element of doubt. The first one seemed clear that McBurnie was playing him on. The second I was not as sure as Sharp came back and they seemed to check it quite quickly but not sure as not seen it back so can only assume it was fine of course. Then the big talking point was the penalty appeal. Hinchcliffe, who I quite like, was quite dismissive saying it can’t be a penalty as he tried to clear and missed it. That sound ridiculous as his own bad play means it is his fault when he handballs it? It seemed in an unnatural position too and clearly hit his hand. Bailey had one similar given against him yesterday for Man Utd. There have been some like this given and some not. In our pod we discuss the supposed difference between an attacking hand ball and defensive hand ball. I think there is a difference in how they call it or are meant to call it with the attacking handball simply given no matter what with more of a doubt for the defensive one. However, some of these have been given so I would not have been shocked if it had been given. After the other day I will not complain too much but seemed it maybe could have been looked at more – they said they only looked from one angle – why? Anyway,
O’Connell then used his hand 2nd half but apparently you can play it off your own body onto your hand according to the rules?! This was not looked at either but not sure it was in the box? The rest of the game there was nothing really to discuss.
