Post by deadbat on Jul 11, 2020 22:28:03 GMT
Pod and match report…Enjoyed this one!!!
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Sheffield United’s incredible season continued into dream land type territory as the Blades absolutely annihilated 3rd placed Chelsea side 3-0 at Bramall Lane. After a difficult start to the restart United have responded well with wins against high flying Wolves and Spurs at the Lane with a draw at in form Burnley sandwiched in between. However, in form Chelsea would offer a tougher test you may think but it was not the case. United completely outplayed Frank Lampard’s side and now have gone all season undefeated against sides from the capital and beat every team from London at the Lane. Tonight’s performance made you incredibly proud to be a Blades fan. The United team’s attitude, skill, organisation and togetherness was a joy to behold. By the end the visitors were well beaten. Make no mistake though, this was not just about application and desire but also ability and some lovely football/attacks when it mattered saw United score three goals. They could have had more. Chelsea had a lot of the ball but did not really hurt United and Dean Henderson maybe only had a couple of saves to make all game. David McGoldrick was the hero but this was a team of heroes and now United up to 6th can dream of European qualification legitimately with just three games to play.
McGoldrick was back fit and replaced Sharp but there was no place for Fleck in the matchday squad still. Kante was missing for Chelsea but they had the dangerous Willian, Abraham and Pulisic up top and a team packed full of talent.
The Blades began will with Stevens and O’Connell linking up and they won an early corner that came to nothing before Barkley came forward but his low shot did not trouble Henderson. Baldock then got booked for a wild tackle on Pulisic. It was action packed in the early going with much more in the way of attacking football than the previous game against Wolves and quite open. United won another set play but Norwood took a short one and it was cleared.
The best chance for United came on 8 minutes when the ball dropped for Osborn who blazed over when well placed. Chelsea almost got in at the other end when James whipped over a dangerous cross and Pulisic headed over with Baldock caught sleeping a little.
From 10-15 minutes Chelsea moved it about well but did not really create anything even though they had lots of possession and United kept a nice, solid shape. It was all in front of United and they were not able to penetrate the Blades solid defence. McBurnie and McGoldrick had held the ball up well and United had looked a threat when they did move it forward.
On 17 minutes the opening goal came and it was a big moment for David MCGOLDRICK as finally after 42 shots and 1615 minutes he finally got a Premier League goal this season. It came after good work from Stevens, McBurnie and then Berge to keep it alive and the ball went over to Baldock who sent over a deep cross and McBurnie met and hit goalward and via one and maybe two deflections, Kepa managed to keep it out but it ran loose and McGoldrick smashed over. The obligatory check for an offside confirmed that it had finally happened and a goal for the popular front man.
United managed to keep things nice and tight as Chelsea moved it about but again did not really hurt the Blades although Stevens made a crunching tackle to keep the visitors at arm length. The next spell saw Chelsea continue to probe but without much penetration at all and the game got beyond the drinks break with little happening in terms of concern for United.
On 32 minutes, the Blades doubled the lead and what a goal it was. Stevens played a one two with Osborn, and the wing back on the move whipped over a great cross and MCBURNIE met it on the full to head down and beyond a motionless Kepa and it was 2-0! #
Chelsea looked shellshocked and were struggling to get anything going. Pulisic found a chink with some neat footwork but Basham once again got across and then Egan headed clear. United’s thou shalt not pass attitude carried on.
The first real effort Chelsea had was when James hit a low shot and Henderson pushed out but fortunately it did not fall for any of the visiting players and United cleared.
At the other end great work from McBurnie won a free kick to help United see things out. The additional two minutes passed without incident. If there had been fans in the stadium, they would surely have given a standing ovation to send the Blades players in for a well-earned break at half time!
The second half started with Lampard inevitable making changes to the side with Rudiger and Alonso on for Christensen and Mount as Chelsea now tried to match United up formation wise but it seemed a case of too little, too late maybe – strange as Lampard has seen this formation and pattern and often struggled with it before.
Chelsea tried to find a foot hold in the game but the first real chance came when McBurnie did well and fed Basham with another ling busting run who played in Osborn but the ball ricocheted off a Chelsea man and behind for a corner. Neat footwork from Berge found O’Connell who cleverly came inside beating his man but his cross was cleared at the second attempt.
Chelsea were having a lot o the ball but not really looking like creating much. Egan again won the key header and then Osborn and Norwood swept up in consecutive attacks. A fortunate corner off Abraham gave Chelsea a chance but it was cleared away although Berge then brought down his man and Chelsea had a chance.
The free kick was smashed into Basham in the wall who came off a bit groggy and afterwards needed treatment. Norwood coolly headed back as the game entered the hour mark. Lundstram and Mousset came on for McBurnie and Berge as the Blades tried to find some fresh legs. Egan made another great interception stopping Pulisic getting in after they had threatened down the right briefly.
Giroud also came on for Pulisic soon after for the visitors who were trying to find anything from the game but they had struggled to create anything. They now had two up top. Giroud had an early chance but fired wide from the cross before Jagielka came on for the clearly struggling Basham.
United still had a threat on the break even though they were defending and coping really comfortably. A corner was won and then Osborn’s cross fell for Mousset but was blocked. A rare chance came at the other end when Azpilicueta had a shot that O’Connell threw himself in front of and deflected wide for a corner.
Chelsea made more changes with Hudson Odoi on for James as they chucked more men forward but it was not looking like they would really score as they continued to have a lot of the ball but look clueless how to break down this super organised Blades backline.
The game was surely put to bed on 77 minutes as McGoldrick won the initial ball and sprinted away, feeding Mousset who sent a cross over and Rudiger made a complete hash of the clearance and there he was again MCGOLDRICK on the spot to smash home. 3-0 United and surely it was game over with the Blades absolutely rampant!
A final Chelsea change (seemed like they made about 10 subs!) when Loftus Cheek replaced the disappointing Barkley came soon after and Giroud had a headed effort but was straight at Henderson.
On 82 minutes, it could have been four for the home side. McGoldrick did fantastically again to win the ball and then fed Mousset who was in on goal and held off a challenge and seemed set to score but his lofted finish with Kepa on the floor went just the wrong side of the post. It was a golden chance and to be honest better than anything Chelsea had created all game (even outside of the three Blades goals).
Henderson took a high ball and took the sting out of things as the game entered the final five minutes. Another headed chance from Abraham this time but again Henderson saved comfortably before after losing the header on that chance, Jagielka made a great block from the same player.
The game entered three additional minutes but it was United who nearly made it four again, with lovely football seeing Baldock driving forward and then feeding Osborn who unselfishly pushed on to Stevens but he fired over when it was a really good opportunity.
The final whistle came after another predictable Chelsea attack petered out and United’s continued to march back up the table. A sensational performance and thoroughly deserved win for this group that continues to surprise and amaze both United fans and even more so, the national watching audience and media
United – I am literally running out of superlatives to describe our team and manager. I will try though! I was sat at full time and a little bit emotional. I know I am negative and quite pessimistic but United fans generally can often be like that. I was quite critical of us after the restart when we looked hopeless but still acknowledged what we had done all season and wanted to keep perspective but suddenly I look stupid as do many others. Wilder got us back going again, we slowly got back into form and now after 4 great results (even the Burnley one looking at their form) and we are bang at it again and suddenly the dream season (which it has been anyway) is back on and we sit in 6th having absolutely destroyed Chelsea - only a week or so since we did the same to Spurs!
People will look at possession (76% for Chelsea – biggest margin of defeat for a team with so much possession since 2003-04) but they did very little with it. Like Spurs and Wolves, we kept a solid shape and defended well but it was not like we were under the cosh really at all. It was composed and calm. We moved across, filled gaps, made interception and got blocks in when we could but when we had it, we used it well and looked a threat. I would say that we had several other good chances outside the three goals (Osborn, Mousset, Stevens). Not sure Henderson had much to do all game really and most was quite at it or routine.
We started the game well as we have done and were on the front foot early on and moved it around. The game was more open than the Wolves on and we moved it around well but then they did too. They had a half chance with the header at the back post and it was quite a good game really but we got the opening goal. The first two goals summed us up for me. The first was about willingness to get the ball and never give up and we did this quite a few times with McBurnie, Osborn and then Berge winning 50-50’s and then finally a great cross from Baldock and the shot fell to McGoldrick. So pleased he scored – he sometimes wondered if it would ever come but the beaming smile and his flexing celebration was surely repeated all round Sheffield!
After this they had a fair bit of the ball but not sure they did anything really with it at all and then we got the second with a great team goal; the wing back getting in with lovely football and the headed finish. Everyone will pick apart the Chelsea defending but how about some credit for Enda being on the move, the weight of pass from Benny and then the cross and header. McBurnie has struggled to find power at times and took the purchase off balls but this was a superb header.
We got to half time no trouble really – they had the one long range shot from James but never got behind us really.
Second half, they had a lot of the ball again but other than a few half chances never really got behind us. The shape and organisation from the whole team was excellent and we also played when we could. The third goal came and suddenly it was fantasy stuff and we could have had even more. It was superb and even though they pumped a few balls into the box for Giroud, they simply ran out of ideas and by the end as Lampard admitted were beaten in every sense.
This performance was not just about effort and intensity and determination (they were factors) but also about some clever football and playing when we could. It was a superb display and had everything you would want in a Sheffield United team. We have been used to our better teams having effort and application and the Bassett/Warnock eras featured this type of plucky against the odds attitude. Tonight, and this season has seen us take things on to a whole new level. Yes, we have a shape and organisation I have never seen before and a defence that is unsurpassed in my years watching the Blades but we now have a team that can play and show skill and score some fantastic goals. The question has to be asked if this team can compare or even better that early 70’s team – it is that good. Sure, we don’t have a Currie or Woodward but the actual team and what it has shown is maybe better but let those older than me debate. For me and those under the age of 50; it is simply the best Sheffield United team we have ever seen. It is a shame that we cannot be there but even with that annoyance, you can still stand back and applaud even if we are not there/celebrating at the pubs as we would have loved to.
We still have three games to go and hope we can carry it on but whether we do or don’t I just want to sit back and enjoy the moment tonight, this weekend and for a few days. I have never been as proud to be a Blade and genuinely was a bit emotional on full time tonight. The chant, ‘We love United we do!’ never has been so apt. Absolutely immense and simply sensational Blades. Chris Wilder, I cannot say enough about you. You have given fans things we never thought we would see and might never see again. It has been just the best time ever to be a fan the last 3-4 years and whether we are there or not, we just need to soak it up and enjoy it.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – He did not have much to do. First half a bit iffy with his push out (again) from the long range shot and looked a bit hesitant – carried on with one moment with O’Connell second half when he dithered but then the final 30 minutes, I thought he was great. He saved a few headers but his positioning was great and he also took a few crosses which killed things. He was solid and secure like the rest of the defence and another clean sheet!
Baldock 7/10 – Thought he started badly with a rash tackle which stupidly saw him rightly booked and having to play 88 minutes against some tricky defenders with a yellow. He then was sleeping on a header which Pulisic nearly got in on. After this he got better and slowly started to win his battles and was better defensively all game after this. He then also made the first goal with a good deep cross – he has drawn the ire of me for hitting the first man too much at times. He was solid like the rest defensively and limited the spaces/crossing chances.
Stevens 8/10 – After a bad start to the return, he has got better and better the last few games and today it was the Enda we know and love with some galloping runs forward, lovely bits of skill and some great crosses too – including the one for the second goal. Defensively he was much better too and Willian ran out of steam by the end and he is a player I really rate. He should have scored a third at the end but that is the only minor knock on a really, good performance.
Basham 8.5/10 – Finding it hard to separate the three pistons at the back at the moment as they all seem to be similarly superb. They played well individually but collectively it is what makes them so special – all covering for each other when one goes forward. Bash showed some great runs again and some ridiculous skills (that ‘go to’ move where he flicks it over his own head and runs onto it, is a joy to watch but always seems to work!). He threw himself in front of tackles and made interceptions. He reads the game so well. The fact he had to go off as his face stopped a free kick summed him up. He seemed a bit concussed and maybe his vision was an issue so hope he is ok for Thursday – least he has 5 days to prepare – a long break for us at the moment!
O’Connell 8.5/10 – Great to have him back. Got forward when he could – saw him beat a man for skill second half with lovely quick feet and showed his crossing ability a few times but it was his defensive work again that made him stand out. He was so solid against dangerous tricky and quick forward. The big thing for me is the concentration and focus. They seem to sharp and ready for any attacks and no switch off. I watched a sorry Norwich switch off time after time with soft goals earlier in the day and smiled. We are the antithesis of this
Egan 8.5/10 – He was phenomenal in the week and carried on today. He will remember when him and O’Connell made some ricks and struggled with Abraham at Stamford Bridge but not tonight. He came onto every ball, won the headers, got the tackles and read the game. He was faultless again and could easily have been man of the match if it was not for Didzy masterclass. He also had a bit of a dodgy start after lockdown and was susceptible to the ball over the top but now had got right back to the high standards. Having Jack back has helped of course. The three centre backs are simply immense.
Norwood 7.5/10 – He did a few stretched things and dived in a bit but actually thought he was more like his old self a bit tonight. He helped protect the defence and was just neat, tidy and composed. He restricted Barkley and co – some good attackers to very little and gave a very intelligent performance. On the ball he kept it when he could and moved it on longer when there was the chance. He was assured and solid and part of the shape that Chelsea could not break down. After a few not so great set plays did take a few better ones too.
Berge 7/10 – Not as good as he has been but not awful either. He was just not as involved tonight on the ball but did some good stuff off it and helped us shore down that side after they had started well to begin with. Showed his strength and quick feet with passing at times but maybe just did not quite get involved and as we had to defend more – it was right to put Lundstram on for the final period. He has played a lot of games and had improved so much so no problems giving him a rest and think him and Lunny may rotate a bit in the final games. With Fleck back we are looking strong in here with 5 playing well.
Osborn 8/10 – Continues to show incredible energy and his will to win has fitted right into what we do. It is amusing that a player that was not even a regular at Nottingham Forest, has come here and is chasing and upsetting these multi-millionaire players who seem annoyed he snaps at their heels and wins the ball. So much effort from him all game as he got all over the field. He pops up everywhere. One moment he broke up an attack and then he was involved in the final third too. What a lift he has given us.
McBurnie 8.5/10 – He had put together three great games and then off a bit the last few and felt he struggled with little service v Wolves. Tonight, right back at it and him Didzy played great never giving them a minute. He was strong, ran across the line, showed good feet and a real handful. He had a shot saved for the goal and then of course scored a great header. He won free kicks, linked with others and was really good. He came off more due to the sheer effort he put in and we needed some pace to stretch them on the break.
McGoldrick 9/10 – Man like Didz. What a player! We have said it for two seasons, he makes us better and showed again when he plays well, we normally do too. He linked play, showed quick feet and was all over the field. Showed strength, pace at times too and also such clever play. There was one moment second half where he came away from two players effortlessly. He nearly assisted a few more and of course scored two goals being in the right place. All those players that cost millions and internationals all over on and off the field and a free transfer journeyman (harsh to call him that) completely ran the f****g show! He was beaming at the end (can excuse his swearing too!) and rightly so. So, pleased for him as it must have weighed on his mind but after it went in, he started to relax and he was gliding about even more and had a real swagger about him. Anyone else like me (middle aged Blade) flexing their muscles in their living rooms as their wives looked at them like they were insane?! A great story and so happy for him.
Subs –
Mousset 6.5/10 – Bit mixed really. He looked a threat on the break and made the goal but even that was not a great ball really. He then did well on that chance but unlike him (normally a good finisher) he clipped it wide. He did everything right apart from the last bit. He does still look a bit lazy and at times his ball retention needs to be better. You can see why he is not starting but there is a fantastic player in there if he can get it all together.
Lundstram 7/10 – Steady really – he broke up play and kept it simple. Now, like before when Berge got in when he signed, he has a fight on for his shirt. I would like him to sign a new contract as inevitable we would rotate players and know United have triggered the extra year but you wonder if he may move on in 6 months if nothing happens. Shame as he won’t find it any better than it is here (see Duffy, Mark) as many have seen.
Jagielka 6/10 – Thought he looked a bit off it when he came on. He lost 3 headers when on his heels and just seemed slow to react to things. He did make a fantastic block though after these errors. Not sure he will be here after the next 3 games – been good to have him around but think we will look to improve the back up for the central position.
Manager Wilder 9.5/10 – Nearly a 10! I thought he was superb tactically in the last two home games but took it up a notch again tonight. We set up superbly, denied them space and he got the better of Lampard again who had to change it tactically and personnel wise to match up. He brought McGoldrick back and the subs were right too. He knew when we could press and sit off and keep a shape. The way he has got the players playing and also to come back from the poor restart when they could have mailed it in, has been fantastic. His drive to get this group as high as it can is incredible. He is simply sensational as a coach (with Knill/Prestridge support), motivator and character. Right there already with John Harris/Dave Bassett as the greatest manager we have ever had and may surpass these as the level now means it is nowhere near a level playing field (with money spent by the top teams). Thank you is all I can say for what he has given us all.
Chelsea – A lot of the narrative will be of how they did not turn up but you know what, yet again we were a team that made sure they could not create much and forced errors the other way. We have had 3 or 4 years of teams saying they had an off day. Guess this was another one? They did defend poorly at times but our intensity and pressing led to some mistakes and we also showed some quality too. They did not create much going forward but again due to our shape and defensive structure from front to back. At least Lampard gave us some praise and said that mentally and attitude wise (and also ability) we were better- interesting his comment about only hearing United players. They do have a talented team but a young one (but then we are inexperienced at this level of course so different ways to look at it really).
They have some talented players and were lobbing on international and multi million-pound signing but still could find no way through. The first goal was poor from them long before the deflection, the second they reacted slowly and the third was awful but we also made these goals happen with good play and in general play even with less possession we were much better on and off the ball. All the possession was totally ineffective.
They literally ran out of ideas and we ground them down on effort and skill. At the end to see us knocking it about in composed fashion was startling with them having so much talent. They have been in good form too. I was glad Kante did not play as he makes a difference and gives them some steel and legs and also think even though Abraham did well in the reverse fixture, our defence would have been pleased to see him line up rather than Giroud. Pulisic, Willian and Barkley clearly are good ball players but at times go missing too. Today they were well beaten and can have no excuses. It was not luck, VAR or refereeing. It was just they lost to the better side. Sheffield United were the much better side than Chelsea.
Lampard got some pelters from some (including Blades fans) for saying he only got the job due to previous Chelsea links and had only been a manager for a year at Derby with mixed success. However, even though he inherited a lot of talent, big squad and wage bill; he did not have chance to make his own transfers and had to bring youth through. He trusted Abaraham, Mount, James, Tomori, James, Gimour etc and they have had a really good season doing much better than I and many others thought. He has done really well at a much bigger club. Maybe helped expectations were not high and with chance to bring own players in Hakim Ziyech from Alax and Timo Werner from Leipzig to supplant the young talent. Overall, they have had a good season from where they were and will get top 4 and will push on with the newcomers etc but today they were soundly beaten.
Opponent Man of the Match – Pulisic did a few bits early and Willian started well but also faded. The best player may have been a sub – Giroud come on and put himself about and won a few headers and at least physically competed. I think Giroud and William are players that are talented and effective and surprised they have not played more but now he seems to be using them more and no coincidence the form has been really good since they had more of a role. I thought the lad James did ok going forward but looked poor the other way. I do like him though.
Opponent Weak link – Take your pick from any of the starting eleven – throw a few subs in too but that as a I say does not show what United did. Rudinger made an error on the goal but the defence got bulled all day from McGoldrick and McBurnie and then Mousset. Christensen and Zouma were given a sorry time. The full backs got beat too easily also with Azpilicueta erratic as he was at Stamford Bridge. In the middle barely saw Barkley and thought Mount was non-existent and went off of course. I did not even know Jorginho played till after the game when I looked at the team! Abraham also was completely nullified by our strong backline. If you had to pick – be one of the centre backs.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Easy game really. One team competed and was at it all game. The other barely engaged as the home team wanted it more. Baldock’s booking was right after 2 minutes but then not another card (and did not need to be). Nice to not be talking about VAR and no question on any of the goal although sure many of us thought they may find something to deny Didzy on that first!
Coverage – Hinchcliffe did us again. Same old. Souness called us Sheffield a lot but did praise us a lot again. Same old. Least we had Martin Tyler for something different. Still too much analysis on what Chelsea did wrong – maybe one day we will get MORE credit but not really bothered. We are fantastic and I ain’t bothered what other say/put it down to. Good night!
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Sheffield United’s incredible season continued into dream land type territory as the Blades absolutely annihilated 3rd placed Chelsea side 3-0 at Bramall Lane. After a difficult start to the restart United have responded well with wins against high flying Wolves and Spurs at the Lane with a draw at in form Burnley sandwiched in between. However, in form Chelsea would offer a tougher test you may think but it was not the case. United completely outplayed Frank Lampard’s side and now have gone all season undefeated against sides from the capital and beat every team from London at the Lane. Tonight’s performance made you incredibly proud to be a Blades fan. The United team’s attitude, skill, organisation and togetherness was a joy to behold. By the end the visitors were well beaten. Make no mistake though, this was not just about application and desire but also ability and some lovely football/attacks when it mattered saw United score three goals. They could have had more. Chelsea had a lot of the ball but did not really hurt United and Dean Henderson maybe only had a couple of saves to make all game. David McGoldrick was the hero but this was a team of heroes and now United up to 6th can dream of European qualification legitimately with just three games to play.
McGoldrick was back fit and replaced Sharp but there was no place for Fleck in the matchday squad still. Kante was missing for Chelsea but they had the dangerous Willian, Abraham and Pulisic up top and a team packed full of talent.
The Blades began will with Stevens and O’Connell linking up and they won an early corner that came to nothing before Barkley came forward but his low shot did not trouble Henderson. Baldock then got booked for a wild tackle on Pulisic. It was action packed in the early going with much more in the way of attacking football than the previous game against Wolves and quite open. United won another set play but Norwood took a short one and it was cleared.
The best chance for United came on 8 minutes when the ball dropped for Osborn who blazed over when well placed. Chelsea almost got in at the other end when James whipped over a dangerous cross and Pulisic headed over with Baldock caught sleeping a little.
From 10-15 minutes Chelsea moved it about well but did not really create anything even though they had lots of possession and United kept a nice, solid shape. It was all in front of United and they were not able to penetrate the Blades solid defence. McBurnie and McGoldrick had held the ball up well and United had looked a threat when they did move it forward.
On 17 minutes the opening goal came and it was a big moment for David MCGOLDRICK as finally after 42 shots and 1615 minutes he finally got a Premier League goal this season. It came after good work from Stevens, McBurnie and then Berge to keep it alive and the ball went over to Baldock who sent over a deep cross and McBurnie met and hit goalward and via one and maybe two deflections, Kepa managed to keep it out but it ran loose and McGoldrick smashed over. The obligatory check for an offside confirmed that it had finally happened and a goal for the popular front man.
United managed to keep things nice and tight as Chelsea moved it about but again did not really hurt the Blades although Stevens made a crunching tackle to keep the visitors at arm length. The next spell saw Chelsea continue to probe but without much penetration at all and the game got beyond the drinks break with little happening in terms of concern for United.
On 32 minutes, the Blades doubled the lead and what a goal it was. Stevens played a one two with Osborn, and the wing back on the move whipped over a great cross and MCBURNIE met it on the full to head down and beyond a motionless Kepa and it was 2-0! #
Chelsea looked shellshocked and were struggling to get anything going. Pulisic found a chink with some neat footwork but Basham once again got across and then Egan headed clear. United’s thou shalt not pass attitude carried on.
The first real effort Chelsea had was when James hit a low shot and Henderson pushed out but fortunately it did not fall for any of the visiting players and United cleared.
At the other end great work from McBurnie won a free kick to help United see things out. The additional two minutes passed without incident. If there had been fans in the stadium, they would surely have given a standing ovation to send the Blades players in for a well-earned break at half time!
The second half started with Lampard inevitable making changes to the side with Rudiger and Alonso on for Christensen and Mount as Chelsea now tried to match United up formation wise but it seemed a case of too little, too late maybe – strange as Lampard has seen this formation and pattern and often struggled with it before.
Chelsea tried to find a foot hold in the game but the first real chance came when McBurnie did well and fed Basham with another ling busting run who played in Osborn but the ball ricocheted off a Chelsea man and behind for a corner. Neat footwork from Berge found O’Connell who cleverly came inside beating his man but his cross was cleared at the second attempt.
Chelsea were having a lot o the ball but not really looking like creating much. Egan again won the key header and then Osborn and Norwood swept up in consecutive attacks. A fortunate corner off Abraham gave Chelsea a chance but it was cleared away although Berge then brought down his man and Chelsea had a chance.
The free kick was smashed into Basham in the wall who came off a bit groggy and afterwards needed treatment. Norwood coolly headed back as the game entered the hour mark. Lundstram and Mousset came on for McBurnie and Berge as the Blades tried to find some fresh legs. Egan made another great interception stopping Pulisic getting in after they had threatened down the right briefly.
Giroud also came on for Pulisic soon after for the visitors who were trying to find anything from the game but they had struggled to create anything. They now had two up top. Giroud had an early chance but fired wide from the cross before Jagielka came on for the clearly struggling Basham.
United still had a threat on the break even though they were defending and coping really comfortably. A corner was won and then Osborn’s cross fell for Mousset but was blocked. A rare chance came at the other end when Azpilicueta had a shot that O’Connell threw himself in front of and deflected wide for a corner.
Chelsea made more changes with Hudson Odoi on for James as they chucked more men forward but it was not looking like they would really score as they continued to have a lot of the ball but look clueless how to break down this super organised Blades backline.
The game was surely put to bed on 77 minutes as McGoldrick won the initial ball and sprinted away, feeding Mousset who sent a cross over and Rudiger made a complete hash of the clearance and there he was again MCGOLDRICK on the spot to smash home. 3-0 United and surely it was game over with the Blades absolutely rampant!
A final Chelsea change (seemed like they made about 10 subs!) when Loftus Cheek replaced the disappointing Barkley came soon after and Giroud had a headed effort but was straight at Henderson.
On 82 minutes, it could have been four for the home side. McGoldrick did fantastically again to win the ball and then fed Mousset who was in on goal and held off a challenge and seemed set to score but his lofted finish with Kepa on the floor went just the wrong side of the post. It was a golden chance and to be honest better than anything Chelsea had created all game (even outside of the three Blades goals).
Henderson took a high ball and took the sting out of things as the game entered the final five minutes. Another headed chance from Abraham this time but again Henderson saved comfortably before after losing the header on that chance, Jagielka made a great block from the same player.
The game entered three additional minutes but it was United who nearly made it four again, with lovely football seeing Baldock driving forward and then feeding Osborn who unselfishly pushed on to Stevens but he fired over when it was a really good opportunity.
The final whistle came after another predictable Chelsea attack petered out and United’s continued to march back up the table. A sensational performance and thoroughly deserved win for this group that continues to surprise and amaze both United fans and even more so, the national watching audience and media
United – I am literally running out of superlatives to describe our team and manager. I will try though! I was sat at full time and a little bit emotional. I know I am negative and quite pessimistic but United fans generally can often be like that. I was quite critical of us after the restart when we looked hopeless but still acknowledged what we had done all season and wanted to keep perspective but suddenly I look stupid as do many others. Wilder got us back going again, we slowly got back into form and now after 4 great results (even the Burnley one looking at their form) and we are bang at it again and suddenly the dream season (which it has been anyway) is back on and we sit in 6th having absolutely destroyed Chelsea - only a week or so since we did the same to Spurs!
People will look at possession (76% for Chelsea – biggest margin of defeat for a team with so much possession since 2003-04) but they did very little with it. Like Spurs and Wolves, we kept a solid shape and defended well but it was not like we were under the cosh really at all. It was composed and calm. We moved across, filled gaps, made interception and got blocks in when we could but when we had it, we used it well and looked a threat. I would say that we had several other good chances outside the three goals (Osborn, Mousset, Stevens). Not sure Henderson had much to do all game really and most was quite at it or routine.
We started the game well as we have done and were on the front foot early on and moved it around. The game was more open than the Wolves on and we moved it around well but then they did too. They had a half chance with the header at the back post and it was quite a good game really but we got the opening goal. The first two goals summed us up for me. The first was about willingness to get the ball and never give up and we did this quite a few times with McBurnie, Osborn and then Berge winning 50-50’s and then finally a great cross from Baldock and the shot fell to McGoldrick. So pleased he scored – he sometimes wondered if it would ever come but the beaming smile and his flexing celebration was surely repeated all round Sheffield!
After this they had a fair bit of the ball but not sure they did anything really with it at all and then we got the second with a great team goal; the wing back getting in with lovely football and the headed finish. Everyone will pick apart the Chelsea defending but how about some credit for Enda being on the move, the weight of pass from Benny and then the cross and header. McBurnie has struggled to find power at times and took the purchase off balls but this was a superb header.
We got to half time no trouble really – they had the one long range shot from James but never got behind us really.
Second half, they had a lot of the ball again but other than a few half chances never really got behind us. The shape and organisation from the whole team was excellent and we also played when we could. The third goal came and suddenly it was fantasy stuff and we could have had even more. It was superb and even though they pumped a few balls into the box for Giroud, they simply ran out of ideas and by the end as Lampard admitted were beaten in every sense.
This performance was not just about effort and intensity and determination (they were factors) but also about some clever football and playing when we could. It was a superb display and had everything you would want in a Sheffield United team. We have been used to our better teams having effort and application and the Bassett/Warnock eras featured this type of plucky against the odds attitude. Tonight, and this season has seen us take things on to a whole new level. Yes, we have a shape and organisation I have never seen before and a defence that is unsurpassed in my years watching the Blades but we now have a team that can play and show skill and score some fantastic goals. The question has to be asked if this team can compare or even better that early 70’s team – it is that good. Sure, we don’t have a Currie or Woodward but the actual team and what it has shown is maybe better but let those older than me debate. For me and those under the age of 50; it is simply the best Sheffield United team we have ever seen. It is a shame that we cannot be there but even with that annoyance, you can still stand back and applaud even if we are not there/celebrating at the pubs as we would have loved to.
We still have three games to go and hope we can carry it on but whether we do or don’t I just want to sit back and enjoy the moment tonight, this weekend and for a few days. I have never been as proud to be a Blade and genuinely was a bit emotional on full time tonight. The chant, ‘We love United we do!’ never has been so apt. Absolutely immense and simply sensational Blades. Chris Wilder, I cannot say enough about you. You have given fans things we never thought we would see and might never see again. It has been just the best time ever to be a fan the last 3-4 years and whether we are there or not, we just need to soak it up and enjoy it.
Ratings:
Henderson 7/10 – He did not have much to do. First half a bit iffy with his push out (again) from the long range shot and looked a bit hesitant – carried on with one moment with O’Connell second half when he dithered but then the final 30 minutes, I thought he was great. He saved a few headers but his positioning was great and he also took a few crosses which killed things. He was solid and secure like the rest of the defence and another clean sheet!
Baldock 7/10 – Thought he started badly with a rash tackle which stupidly saw him rightly booked and having to play 88 minutes against some tricky defenders with a yellow. He then was sleeping on a header which Pulisic nearly got in on. After this he got better and slowly started to win his battles and was better defensively all game after this. He then also made the first goal with a good deep cross – he has drawn the ire of me for hitting the first man too much at times. He was solid like the rest defensively and limited the spaces/crossing chances.
Stevens 8/10 – After a bad start to the return, he has got better and better the last few games and today it was the Enda we know and love with some galloping runs forward, lovely bits of skill and some great crosses too – including the one for the second goal. Defensively he was much better too and Willian ran out of steam by the end and he is a player I really rate. He should have scored a third at the end but that is the only minor knock on a really, good performance.
Basham 8.5/10 – Finding it hard to separate the three pistons at the back at the moment as they all seem to be similarly superb. They played well individually but collectively it is what makes them so special – all covering for each other when one goes forward. Bash showed some great runs again and some ridiculous skills (that ‘go to’ move where he flicks it over his own head and runs onto it, is a joy to watch but always seems to work!). He threw himself in front of tackles and made interceptions. He reads the game so well. The fact he had to go off as his face stopped a free kick summed him up. He seemed a bit concussed and maybe his vision was an issue so hope he is ok for Thursday – least he has 5 days to prepare – a long break for us at the moment!
O’Connell 8.5/10 – Great to have him back. Got forward when he could – saw him beat a man for skill second half with lovely quick feet and showed his crossing ability a few times but it was his defensive work again that made him stand out. He was so solid against dangerous tricky and quick forward. The big thing for me is the concentration and focus. They seem to sharp and ready for any attacks and no switch off. I watched a sorry Norwich switch off time after time with soft goals earlier in the day and smiled. We are the antithesis of this
Egan 8.5/10 – He was phenomenal in the week and carried on today. He will remember when him and O’Connell made some ricks and struggled with Abraham at Stamford Bridge but not tonight. He came onto every ball, won the headers, got the tackles and read the game. He was faultless again and could easily have been man of the match if it was not for Didzy masterclass. He also had a bit of a dodgy start after lockdown and was susceptible to the ball over the top but now had got right back to the high standards. Having Jack back has helped of course. The three centre backs are simply immense.
Norwood 7.5/10 – He did a few stretched things and dived in a bit but actually thought he was more like his old self a bit tonight. He helped protect the defence and was just neat, tidy and composed. He restricted Barkley and co – some good attackers to very little and gave a very intelligent performance. On the ball he kept it when he could and moved it on longer when there was the chance. He was assured and solid and part of the shape that Chelsea could not break down. After a few not so great set plays did take a few better ones too.
Berge 7/10 – Not as good as he has been but not awful either. He was just not as involved tonight on the ball but did some good stuff off it and helped us shore down that side after they had started well to begin with. Showed his strength and quick feet with passing at times but maybe just did not quite get involved and as we had to defend more – it was right to put Lundstram on for the final period. He has played a lot of games and had improved so much so no problems giving him a rest and think him and Lunny may rotate a bit in the final games. With Fleck back we are looking strong in here with 5 playing well.
Osborn 8/10 – Continues to show incredible energy and his will to win has fitted right into what we do. It is amusing that a player that was not even a regular at Nottingham Forest, has come here and is chasing and upsetting these multi-millionaire players who seem annoyed he snaps at their heels and wins the ball. So much effort from him all game as he got all over the field. He pops up everywhere. One moment he broke up an attack and then he was involved in the final third too. What a lift he has given us.
McBurnie 8.5/10 – He had put together three great games and then off a bit the last few and felt he struggled with little service v Wolves. Tonight, right back at it and him Didzy played great never giving them a minute. He was strong, ran across the line, showed good feet and a real handful. He had a shot saved for the goal and then of course scored a great header. He won free kicks, linked with others and was really good. He came off more due to the sheer effort he put in and we needed some pace to stretch them on the break.
McGoldrick 9/10 – Man like Didz. What a player! We have said it for two seasons, he makes us better and showed again when he plays well, we normally do too. He linked play, showed quick feet and was all over the field. Showed strength, pace at times too and also such clever play. There was one moment second half where he came away from two players effortlessly. He nearly assisted a few more and of course scored two goals being in the right place. All those players that cost millions and internationals all over on and off the field and a free transfer journeyman (harsh to call him that) completely ran the f****g show! He was beaming at the end (can excuse his swearing too!) and rightly so. So, pleased for him as it must have weighed on his mind but after it went in, he started to relax and he was gliding about even more and had a real swagger about him. Anyone else like me (middle aged Blade) flexing their muscles in their living rooms as their wives looked at them like they were insane?! A great story and so happy for him.
Subs –
Mousset 6.5/10 – Bit mixed really. He looked a threat on the break and made the goal but even that was not a great ball really. He then did well on that chance but unlike him (normally a good finisher) he clipped it wide. He did everything right apart from the last bit. He does still look a bit lazy and at times his ball retention needs to be better. You can see why he is not starting but there is a fantastic player in there if he can get it all together.
Lundstram 7/10 – Steady really – he broke up play and kept it simple. Now, like before when Berge got in when he signed, he has a fight on for his shirt. I would like him to sign a new contract as inevitable we would rotate players and know United have triggered the extra year but you wonder if he may move on in 6 months if nothing happens. Shame as he won’t find it any better than it is here (see Duffy, Mark) as many have seen.
Jagielka 6/10 – Thought he looked a bit off it when he came on. He lost 3 headers when on his heels and just seemed slow to react to things. He did make a fantastic block though after these errors. Not sure he will be here after the next 3 games – been good to have him around but think we will look to improve the back up for the central position.
Manager Wilder 9.5/10 – Nearly a 10! I thought he was superb tactically in the last two home games but took it up a notch again tonight. We set up superbly, denied them space and he got the better of Lampard again who had to change it tactically and personnel wise to match up. He brought McGoldrick back and the subs were right too. He knew when we could press and sit off and keep a shape. The way he has got the players playing and also to come back from the poor restart when they could have mailed it in, has been fantastic. His drive to get this group as high as it can is incredible. He is simply sensational as a coach (with Knill/Prestridge support), motivator and character. Right there already with John Harris/Dave Bassett as the greatest manager we have ever had and may surpass these as the level now means it is nowhere near a level playing field (with money spent by the top teams). Thank you is all I can say for what he has given us all.
Chelsea – A lot of the narrative will be of how they did not turn up but you know what, yet again we were a team that made sure they could not create much and forced errors the other way. We have had 3 or 4 years of teams saying they had an off day. Guess this was another one? They did defend poorly at times but our intensity and pressing led to some mistakes and we also showed some quality too. They did not create much going forward but again due to our shape and defensive structure from front to back. At least Lampard gave us some praise and said that mentally and attitude wise (and also ability) we were better- interesting his comment about only hearing United players. They do have a talented team but a young one (but then we are inexperienced at this level of course so different ways to look at it really).
They have some talented players and were lobbing on international and multi million-pound signing but still could find no way through. The first goal was poor from them long before the deflection, the second they reacted slowly and the third was awful but we also made these goals happen with good play and in general play even with less possession we were much better on and off the ball. All the possession was totally ineffective.
They literally ran out of ideas and we ground them down on effort and skill. At the end to see us knocking it about in composed fashion was startling with them having so much talent. They have been in good form too. I was glad Kante did not play as he makes a difference and gives them some steel and legs and also think even though Abraham did well in the reverse fixture, our defence would have been pleased to see him line up rather than Giroud. Pulisic, Willian and Barkley clearly are good ball players but at times go missing too. Today they were well beaten and can have no excuses. It was not luck, VAR or refereeing. It was just they lost to the better side. Sheffield United were the much better side than Chelsea.
Lampard got some pelters from some (including Blades fans) for saying he only got the job due to previous Chelsea links and had only been a manager for a year at Derby with mixed success. However, even though he inherited a lot of talent, big squad and wage bill; he did not have chance to make his own transfers and had to bring youth through. He trusted Abaraham, Mount, James, Tomori, James, Gimour etc and they have had a really good season doing much better than I and many others thought. He has done really well at a much bigger club. Maybe helped expectations were not high and with chance to bring own players in Hakim Ziyech from Alax and Timo Werner from Leipzig to supplant the young talent. Overall, they have had a good season from where they were and will get top 4 and will push on with the newcomers etc but today they were soundly beaten.
Opponent Man of the Match – Pulisic did a few bits early and Willian started well but also faded. The best player may have been a sub – Giroud come on and put himself about and won a few headers and at least physically competed. I think Giroud and William are players that are talented and effective and surprised they have not played more but now he seems to be using them more and no coincidence the form has been really good since they had more of a role. I thought the lad James did ok going forward but looked poor the other way. I do like him though.
Opponent Weak link – Take your pick from any of the starting eleven – throw a few subs in too but that as a I say does not show what United did. Rudinger made an error on the goal but the defence got bulled all day from McGoldrick and McBurnie and then Mousset. Christensen and Zouma were given a sorry time. The full backs got beat too easily also with Azpilicueta erratic as he was at Stamford Bridge. In the middle barely saw Barkley and thought Mount was non-existent and went off of course. I did not even know Jorginho played till after the game when I looked at the team! Abraham also was completely nullified by our strong backline. If you had to pick – be one of the centre backs.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Easy game really. One team competed and was at it all game. The other barely engaged as the home team wanted it more. Baldock’s booking was right after 2 minutes but then not another card (and did not need to be). Nice to not be talking about VAR and no question on any of the goal although sure many of us thought they may find something to deny Didzy on that first!
Coverage – Hinchcliffe did us again. Same old. Souness called us Sheffield a lot but did praise us a lot again. Same old. Least we had Martin Tyler for something different. Still too much analysis on what Chelsea did wrong – maybe one day we will get MORE credit but not really bothered. We are fantastic and I ain’t bothered what other say/put it down to. Good night!
