Post by deadbat on Oct 4, 2020 17:06:28 GMT
Pod and match report….
open.spotify.com/episode/2oVyqCXfpodp225mjU2Oj7
It’s four defeats from four from the Blades to start the season and now seven on the bounce going back to the end of last season as United’s appalling run of form continues. It was always going to be tough at a resurgent Arsenal side who have improved a great deal under Mikel Arteta but today United were excellent in the first half but the second half the superior quality from the home side took over. A terrible 3-minute spell saw two quality goals and the game was effectively ended. A late McGoldrick goal gave the Blades hope but ultimately the home side deservedly took the spoils thanks to their superior attacking quality and threat when it mattered.
The Blades still have to go back to 1993 to the last win in the top flight in the capital and indeed nearly 50 years since they won at Arsenal in the league. It was United’s worst losing streak for 45 years.
There was only one change from last weeks line up with John Egan back in for Ethan Ampadu and starting as skipper. Ben Osborn retained his place in midfield ahead of Norwood and Fleck and McGoldick/Burke started again up front despite no goals so far. Rhian Brewster was not signed in time to be part of the squad. Arsenal began with Aubameyang up top flanked by Nketiah and Willian with Lacazette on the bench despite scoring three goals already this season.
The game started in pouring rain as the Blades premiered their green and sand third strip but it was predictably Arsenal who began as the aggressors and a diagonal ball from Aubameyang caught Egan out but Nketiah miscontrolled it fortunately for the Blades and the ball drifted away as Ramsdale came out to narrow the angle. Saka then got down the left but his pass was cleared.
United’s first chance came when Burke got away from Luiz but Leno got out to clear after the striker looked to get in with his pace. Replays suggested that the Arsenal defender may have had hold of his shirt but VAR were not interested as United’s poor fortune with decisions continued. United won a corner after a decent passage but the offside flag came up and this decent spell came to an end.
The ten minute mark came with Arsenal looking to penetrate but good work from Egan and then Basham denied them space with the latter clearing whilst being grounded. The Blades then had a decent spell themselves and worked the ball up the field but Robinson’s long throw was cleared.
Arsenal broke the press and Baldock had to make a sliding challenge before at the other end Burke used his pace to good effect but his through ball was deflected back to the keeper. As the game approached twenty minutes, United had played well and had as much of the ball and territory as the home side with Burke’s pace causing problems. United had looked comfortable up to 25 minutes but as is the case with good players/teams, they knew that in an instant, the game could change.
A silly foul from Basham on Saka led to a crossing chance but Stevens headed away the deep cross. A half chance for Arsenal saw a header for Nketiah and Ramsdale got it eventually as he went down slowly to hold it with the games first chance on half an hour. Arsenal dominated possession so far but had done little with it up to this stage. A half chance came when Egan slipped after a Tierney cross but United cleared.
United had a long throw cleared before Osborn’s cross was punched clear by Leno as Egan challenged him. McGoldrick had a shot miles off target which was still United’s first attempt if you can call it that!
Luiz’s errant game continued as he let the ball go under his foot but the throw in was cleared. At the other end Ramsdale made a mistake with his kick out and Aubameyang’s curling effort was tipped over from Ramsdale with the best effort of the game from either side so far. Burke’s pace got United out from their own box as he showed a clean pair of heels to two Arsenal players.
Berge was then booked more for his follow through then the tackle that was fair as Aubameyang went down for some time but then remarkably was running fine soon after! Arsenal won a corner that was flicked clear by Basham. As half time approached Aubameyang tried an ambitious overhead kick but it was straight at Ramsdale. United were able to see things out and complete a very good first half where they deservedly went in level and on another day (as happened with them at Villa) may have been facing ten men.
The second half it was inevitable Arsenal would up the tempo and did move the ball about more from side to side and started to drag United around. A lovely move from Ceballos across the box just evaded Aubameyang as Basham was sleeping. This was a let off for United but they went up the other end and Lundstram got in a good area but despite the contact stayed on his feet. Replayed showed that there was enough that suggested it could have been given.
McBurnie came on for Burke who did not seem happy to be taken off. Nketiah was replaced by Pepe as Arsenal looked for fresh impetus. Osborn was wasteful despite having time to pick an option and his cross went behind. The game was now at the hour mark and United had bee comfortable but the way the Blades season has gone you knew that the first real chance Arsenal got that they could always take it. Osborn gave the ball away and lovely football from the home side saw Aubameyang feed in Bellerin and his delightful cross was headed home from SAKA at the far post away from Baldock. It was well made and finished.
Fleck came on for Osborn but before he even touched the ball PEPE got away from Stevens and after another one two came inside and curled the ball into the far corner away from Ramsdale. It was a great run and a delightful finish. It had been quite an impact for the sub. This three minute spell seemingly had ended the game for the away side.
The next spell of the game saw Arsenal playing keep ball. The Blades could not even get the ball and it was not really comfortable for the home team. Sharp came on for Basham with 15 minutes to play but the away side looked well beaten at this stage. Fleck’s poor cross was cleared easily and the Blades struggled to even get near the Arsenal goal/box. United did finally have a shot on goal from McBurnie which was easy for Leno.
Sharp won a corner with 10 minutes to play before Baldock did likewise at the other side but the set plays came to nothing with more horrendous crosses coming in that gave United no chance of scoring a goal. However, out of nowhere MCGOLDRICK came inside and curled a lovely shot right into the corner and it was game on with 5 minutes to play.
After this the Blades tried to find a way back and had a series of long throws and a late corner with Ramsdale up twice but it came to nothing with McGoldrick’s shot blocked the final effort. United had given it a real go at the end but it was ultimately in vain – and another defeat for the Blades despite some commendable efforts.
United – Well at least we are predictable I suppose at the moment with another loss. I did not expect much today but hard to take yet again. I felt like last week that the performance was not bad and for long spells we limited Arsenal. First half we were well in the game and matched them. We have another decision go against us and that again could be crucial. We then do well for nearly an hour but then two moments of quality and the game is over. A lot will say we were fine and just those two pieces of play but as other teams have shown to us; that is all that matters. We can be as organised and hard to beat as you like but inevitable quality players will have a moment and the fact we are not scoring/creating means we almost have to be perfect defensively and hope quality attackers have an off day. It will be the same v Liverpool/City/Chelsea. We have to do more going the other way to give ourselves a chance. Not even having a shot on goal till 15 minutes from end or even a shot of note means we rely so much on shape, organisation and being hard to beat. We did get back on it and at least scored a goal but ultimately it was all in vain again. There were positive but it matters little when we keep losing and the confidence keeps getting further eroded.
I felt the sub was wrong and may have cost us – maybe it was just coincident they scored two after he went off instantly but Burke had been our main outlet/threat up top. I have no idea why he took him off as he still seemed to be running around fine. After the two goals we had a spell where the heads dropped but then out of nowhere as the game was petering out, Didzy scores a great goal and we are back in it. We huffed and puffed at the end but the lack of quality again showed – in comparison to the other end at the key moments. Our crossing and final ball was really poor again. I felt for Burke who worked so hard but got no service. Lundstram and Osborn worked hard and Berge was decent on the ball but with the wing backs wasteful not sure who is going to create anything for us at all. Last year we had overloads and worked the ball into advantages but that is not happening at all this season. We are not overlapping and not breaking. Today we looked a functional, organised side but for all the hard work and work ethic, we did not look like scoring really. Other teams have that better quality in the final third and that has happened every game. So teams like Arsenal can play crap against us but they know that there is no goal threat against them they can be patient and wait for the moment and so it proved.
There were positive today in the shape, attitude for 60 mins (felt heads dropped after that until the late rally) and defensive organisation and we did not give up many chances at all and looked quite comfortable but you did know that they can always have a moment of quality. I felt no one was awful and everyone was decent enough for the first hour of the game. However, I never felt like we would create anything and that is a concern. We just kind of sat in.
We are literally relying on a perfect defensive performance or the attacking side won’t find that bit of quality and then hope we get one chance on the counter attack. Last season we would go to sides like Arsenal and Spurs and have a go and as a result teams would sit back more and we would not invite pressure. At the moment, and for much of the post lockdown we look a plucky, limited side relying on being hard to beat. There is absolutely no creativity or goal making ability in the side. A lot will be made of the poor refereeing decisions but even if they had gone to ten, am I convinced we would have created much? We won’t know but the current set up and mentality of the side means we are playing a game where we are relying on a lot of things to go right to get even a point. We do not see the swashbuckling centre backs or wing backs from last year. The fluent football is nowhere to be seen. Today we were ok and neat and tidy but we simply never looked like creating and as much as will be made out of how we limited Arsenal they still were the only side trying to score or create. In the end our negativity got what it deserved I felt. It may seem harsh as a team bottom was never going to be ultra-adventurous but we simply have to offer a goal threat. Teams slated to struggle more than us by many such as Newcastle, Palace, West Ham and even Villa are scoring goals quite freely and going away from home and attacking. We are simply sitting in and hoping to shut teams down and nick a goal. Playing like that and we will go down regardless of whether Brewster comes in (he won’t get any chances).
We now have a huge game against Fulham. We do have to get something from this and at least get back to attacking teams in some shape way or form and start moving the ball and getting players close to the strikers. At the moment its hit it to Burke and hope he can run and create something. I don’t see much link play or football or runners or players getting up the field. It really is a big game so early as if we lose that the confidence would erode and there would be a strong possibility that we could start the season with 8 straight defeats (and would be 11 on the bounce) and then all of a sudden, we have an almighty job to stay in the league already. That may seem an over reaction but current form and lack of goal threat allied to defensive switch offs means our chances of getting anything from Liverpool, City or Chelsea or slim. I am not sure we could recover from 8 defeats to start the season and we enter Norwich territory from last season.
It’s not all doom and gloom as we have seen some improvements the last few weeks but also have the same concerns over the lack of creativity in the side and we really need to try and sign someone on loan or permanent the next few days to give us a spark going forward. Not sure Brewster alone will make the difference when we create next to nothing.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6/10 – Had little to do first half really. A few routine saves and then one good one from the shot from Aubameyang (but this was his fault for the poor kick out). He is still a little slow to come for things and slow to get down for things (the Nketiah header a casing point). No chance on either of the goals which were right in the corners and as in other games left horribly exposed.
Baldock 5/10 – They attacked down his side a lot first half and he struggled to hold Tierney up on his runs and most of the danger came down here. Stuck to his task though. Saw little to nothing of him as an attacking force. Then second half I felt his head dropped quite a bit too and stopped even trying to go forward with it. I think our two wing backs have had a really poor start to the season. They were one of our main attacking outlets last year and they have not been a threat and have struggled at times defensively too. His crossing was awful and he has even stopped trying to put it in the box now.
Stevens 4/10 – Solid opening to the game with clearances and a few good headers too. Not sure he got into any advanced positions though at all as we played with more of a 5 than a 3. Second half they attacked more down this side and I felt twice he was slow to react to things and the two goals he switches off. The first he does not see the one two quick enough and the second he gets run off and does not even put a challenge in. It might seem harsh but if he is tighter to his man twice, they maybe don’t score. Too many goals come down his side. He has been really poor for months now. Lowe needs a chance now – Fleck was dropped for similarly poor form.
Basham 6.5/10 – Decent start to the game with a few trademark clearances and blocks. Kept to his shape and defensively fine. He was solid and I felt the whole defence was until they got pulled around. He is not being seen as an offensive threat at all – was taken off for Sharp near the end. Not the same player in terms of having an impact going the other way. He has barely crossed half way with any impact this season.
Robinson 6.5/10 – Steady to start the game defensively in the first half. I felt he was fine as they all were but then a few moments second half where runners got away and its in our net twice. Not sure anyone individually can be totally blamed but just got pulled apart too easily. His long throws seem erm…not as long as he struggled to get it as far as the games v Arsenal last season.
Egan 6.5/10 – Nearly got caught out early with a diagonal ball but then was better the rest of the half with some good blocks/clearances and reading of the game to run it out. I felt he kept his shape. The two goals they pulled us apart but again this was down to good play but maybe we just switched off. He was too slow to deny the shot or get across to Pepe on the goal also after Stevens was beat. He kept going gamely and can point to fact Aubameyang did not score I suppose but the two goals we got pulled apart too easy. Great shape for an hour and they went to pieces in minutes.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Started the game in competitive fashion -few fouls again but was all action and got across the field. He never hides and does show for the ball but not sure he affected much going forward really but I like the fact he kept plugging away and I thought saw more of the ball than the rest of the midfield. He was more energetic in terms of getting up the field and the only player who got near the strikers all game.
Osborn 4/10 – Looked a bit headless chicken to me. He gives us energy but felt pressed a bit much at times and then he was committed and was out of the game if they broke the pass. Did not see much of the ball in possession at all and a bit rushed when he had it. Did work hard for the team but I felt a lot passed him by. 2nd half twice he gave it away and then put an aimless cross in and on the goal it was his sloppy play that saw them break.
Berge 6/10 – Steady beginning to the game. When he had it nice and composed. Not sure he drove with it much but was neat and tidy. He kept it as did the whole team. Unfortunate to be booked really with the tackle where he won the ball – not sure what he was meant do with his foot after – he was not wild or even that high. Not even sure if Aubameyang was that hurt – disappointed in his reaction as he clearly was fine straight after when he was trying an overhead kick! At 2-0 I wanted him to get on the ball and impose his quality but he did not. I got called for my mark last week but again I need to see more from him especially when the chips are down. He is a neat and tidy player but not sure he has influenced anything really in terms of us getting chances/stopping chances. He is way too safe. For this huge man who is strong I want him to get on the ball, force the pace, get us up the field more. People keep telling me is not that kind of player and his job is to just give it to others to create – well we need to sign two more midfielders then as the current ones are not going to create either.
Burke 7.5/10 – Excellent first half where he was in early on the Luiz incident and then had a few other good runs. His pace is searing and he got away from them a few times. Really worked hard and pressed well and a constant threat running across the line. Did not get much help or support but did well with what he had to work with. Held it up really well. Continued this in the second half and I was shocked he was taken off. Seemed a strange move to take our best player off and not sure he had run his race yet. He was not happy and you can see why.
McGoldrick 5/10 – Not in the game and continued his poor start to the season. I feel he has looked off the pace for some time and that he is not influencing things enough. The ball is not sticking and he is not linking but he is not helping Burke either. However, after never being in the game scored a great goal and gave us a bit of hope. He certainly gains a mark for getting us off the mark at least for the season.
Subs –
McBurnie 5/10 – Not sure he dd much at all after he game on. Maybe it was a coincidence they scored two after he came on but he was involved in the play when we lost it down the left and they broke. Both games last two weeks the opposition have scored after he came on. Had one shot that was save easily but still looks rather weak and powderpuff. He should be busting a gut to get a shirt but was jogging around aimlessly. Loads said he would be a key man this season but he has lost his place and now even when he comes on looks slow and weak. I don’t see this number 9 for the future that others do that will go on and be a regular at this level. Maybe I am alone but his lack of pace/physique means he does not affect games enough. He keeps joking about not being on the weights – well maybe he needs to. As he just gets shrugged aside currently. Does not look close to being a regular starter who can impact games.
Sharp – Caught offside and weak in the challenge. Not sure why he is even playing as he offers little at this level and he never changes games when he comes on. Time is up as much as I love him. When Mousset is back with the front two we had starting + Brewster, McBurnie – he will be 6th choice and I expect he may move on in January as won’t even be in the match day squad.
Manager Wilder 3/10 – The set up and shape was good for an hour but I would also say we never looked like even having a chance on goal. Then he makes a bad decision. An Awful substitution. Burke was our main threat. He had worked hard and maybe had put a lot in but as soon as he went off any threat had gone. I also think he is persisting with players like Stevens and maybe even Baldock who are not doing it. He has dropped Fleck and Norwood who were not in great form (more the former) but the two wings backs get picked every week. Ampadu was decent last week, Robinson makes the error and he gets picked? Ampadu can play wide left centre back too and has for Wales. I am not sure the likes of Robinson and Osborn help us get up the league or get many points as nice a lads/decent fill ins as they are. Why have we signed Ampadu if we are not going to play him now O’Connell is injured.
I am not sure at the moment our style and formation are giving us any chance of winning games. We are literally hoping for a 1-0 at best or 0-0. We don’t get men forward – have gone long ball and look predictable and static. We used to be imaginative and fear free but now we seem safe and almost frightened. I watched Leeds yesterday and thought that is what we were like last season. Maybe it is players losing form, maybe teams have worked us out (we all get prickly when pundits say that but they might be right looking at our results so far) but whatever it is, he keeps picking the bulk of the same side and us going out the same way and we keep losing. He has been fantastic for us of course but he is not beyond criticism. Any manager in any league, no matter what they have done before would get some stick for 7 games on the bounce (many would have their position questioned actually – CW rightly won’t – we could lose another 7 on the bounce and he rightly would not). However, he may have to swallow his pride and tweak the formation/tactics or way we play. At the moment we could come out and have the same organised, decent work ethic in the 3 games v Liverpool/City and Chelsea and again if we don’t look like scoring then it is inevitable a chance or moment of quality will break. It is the same for most teams at this level. I just think he needs to change how we are approaching games. Today we were ok but ok is not seeing us get any results. I don’t buy the ‘we were playing at Arsenal either’ as we were the same in other games (maybe not Leeds) and also to end the season. We got well beaten at Leicester and Southampton with a white flag type surrender and I am seeing other teams like West Ham, Palace and even Newcastle at least have a go at teams.
We have gone so far away from the United we were under Wilder for 3-4 years. If we carry on like this moving forward, not only will we not score many or get many points and go down, all the plaudits and fans we had will seem a distant memory. We all get so angry when Crooks and Mills say how crap/basic we are and they were so far wrong but at the moment I would have to agree with any criticism of pundits about our basic style. We look really poor to watch at the moment and even today as decent as we were for an hour we never looked like laying a glove on the opponent meaning it was inevitable a chance would come for them.
Arsenal – Different sort of team to the one we faced in the early days under Arteta at the Emirates. They look a solid, organised side. Maybe they do not have the flair of other past Arsenal sides but they have a togetherness they have not had for a while.
I must admit when Arteta took over last season I did not see the improvements others did and recall us going there and drawing in January and them not looking much different and a bit of a soft touch still. Gradually they got better and better in terms of being more organised, resolute and harder to beat and we saw that in the cup game at the Lane. They were a tad fortunate to get through but then put on two excellently coached tactical master classes to beat more talented teams in Man City/Chelsea to win the cup. He got Aubameyang to sign a longer contract and signed a few more players this summer in Willian, Gabriel, Mari (full time) and Ceballos back on loan but they still rely a great deal on Aubameyang of course. Defensively and in midfield even though the personnel has only changed slightly, he has made them much more solid. They work harder and get in good positions to deny easy chances than they used to.
Today, like v West Ham they did not really look anything special and for an hour toiled with nothing of note happening. They got lucky with the referee decision of course but then after this they did not move us about much at all. It was poor from them but then one good move and it is 1-0 and then soon after a quality sub with pace and it is 2-0. Game over you thought. They had a late scare but they deserved to win the game as despite being poor for long spells, still did more than we did as an attacking side and at least looked to score. Not sure they will finish any higher than 4th-7th really. They have improved but still lack defensive quality/experience to not give away soft goals and better teams will cause them problems. Arteta has improved them but for them to get close to Man City and Liverpool, they still need to sign even more players really.
Opponent Man of the Match – Tierney was decent down the left and got some good balls in but Saka was a threat and scored the goal. Good young player. Bellerin though may have been the one outstanding player as he was the one who penetrated us twice and made both goals. We never went with him on either occasion.
Opponent Weak link – Easy one. Luiz should have been sent off and also made a number of other errors first half but we could not make him pay. Thought Aubameyang was poor and quite selfish at times and did not like his cheating when he was barely touched by Berge. He was fine as he proved when he got up and ran around straight after. Poor stuff.
Referee/Officials/VAR – The early one on Burke he was pulled back. No doubt. Maybe he should have gone down and there is an argument our players are too honest but then he wanted to try and get the ball. Mason made his call and was too stubborn to even reconsider. VAR have to get involved in that. Whether it was a yellow or a red – it was a foul to me. Sums it up really how inconsistent things are. They did not even have a look at it for any time or tell Mason go to the monitor. After this not sure we got a decision the rest of the first half. All the little things went to them. He came racing over to show Berge the yellow card in contract. It is hard to take when there was such clear bias. There is no other word for it. One other thing early on the ball hit the ref and he just played on? Thought he had to stop it. Seemed to sum up the start to his game. After this not sure he could wait to book Berge for the nothing follow through on Aubameyang. He did not give us much really and most of the 50-50’s seemed to go for them I felt but not sure there were many really bad decisions – he’d made his rick nice and early!
Coverage – Once again nice to see the biased coverage with Alan Smith as the analyst on the coverage. It is so one eyed it is untrue. It’s like they do not even try to be impartial. He barely made anything of the Burke foul yet when they showed it back a few times he realised even he had to change his mind. Fair play to Souness and Evra who said it was a red and were quite bullish about the rick that Mason and the officials had made. Smith was condescending to us throughout and it was basically like watching an Arsenal TV version of the game. Why Sky don’t at least try and rotate pundits around from the clubs they played for I don’t know? Neville is doing Man Utd at the moment too. Seems bonkers.
open.spotify.com/episode/2oVyqCXfpodp225mjU2Oj7
It’s four defeats from four from the Blades to start the season and now seven on the bounce going back to the end of last season as United’s appalling run of form continues. It was always going to be tough at a resurgent Arsenal side who have improved a great deal under Mikel Arteta but today United were excellent in the first half but the second half the superior quality from the home side took over. A terrible 3-minute spell saw two quality goals and the game was effectively ended. A late McGoldrick goal gave the Blades hope but ultimately the home side deservedly took the spoils thanks to their superior attacking quality and threat when it mattered.
The Blades still have to go back to 1993 to the last win in the top flight in the capital and indeed nearly 50 years since they won at Arsenal in the league. It was United’s worst losing streak for 45 years.
There was only one change from last weeks line up with John Egan back in for Ethan Ampadu and starting as skipper. Ben Osborn retained his place in midfield ahead of Norwood and Fleck and McGoldick/Burke started again up front despite no goals so far. Rhian Brewster was not signed in time to be part of the squad. Arsenal began with Aubameyang up top flanked by Nketiah and Willian with Lacazette on the bench despite scoring three goals already this season.
The game started in pouring rain as the Blades premiered their green and sand third strip but it was predictably Arsenal who began as the aggressors and a diagonal ball from Aubameyang caught Egan out but Nketiah miscontrolled it fortunately for the Blades and the ball drifted away as Ramsdale came out to narrow the angle. Saka then got down the left but his pass was cleared.
United’s first chance came when Burke got away from Luiz but Leno got out to clear after the striker looked to get in with his pace. Replays suggested that the Arsenal defender may have had hold of his shirt but VAR were not interested as United’s poor fortune with decisions continued. United won a corner after a decent passage but the offside flag came up and this decent spell came to an end.
The ten minute mark came with Arsenal looking to penetrate but good work from Egan and then Basham denied them space with the latter clearing whilst being grounded. The Blades then had a decent spell themselves and worked the ball up the field but Robinson’s long throw was cleared.
Arsenal broke the press and Baldock had to make a sliding challenge before at the other end Burke used his pace to good effect but his through ball was deflected back to the keeper. As the game approached twenty minutes, United had played well and had as much of the ball and territory as the home side with Burke’s pace causing problems. United had looked comfortable up to 25 minutes but as is the case with good players/teams, they knew that in an instant, the game could change.
A silly foul from Basham on Saka led to a crossing chance but Stevens headed away the deep cross. A half chance for Arsenal saw a header for Nketiah and Ramsdale got it eventually as he went down slowly to hold it with the games first chance on half an hour. Arsenal dominated possession so far but had done little with it up to this stage. A half chance came when Egan slipped after a Tierney cross but United cleared.
United had a long throw cleared before Osborn’s cross was punched clear by Leno as Egan challenged him. McGoldrick had a shot miles off target which was still United’s first attempt if you can call it that!
Luiz’s errant game continued as he let the ball go under his foot but the throw in was cleared. At the other end Ramsdale made a mistake with his kick out and Aubameyang’s curling effort was tipped over from Ramsdale with the best effort of the game from either side so far. Burke’s pace got United out from their own box as he showed a clean pair of heels to two Arsenal players.
Berge was then booked more for his follow through then the tackle that was fair as Aubameyang went down for some time but then remarkably was running fine soon after! Arsenal won a corner that was flicked clear by Basham. As half time approached Aubameyang tried an ambitious overhead kick but it was straight at Ramsdale. United were able to see things out and complete a very good first half where they deservedly went in level and on another day (as happened with them at Villa) may have been facing ten men.
The second half it was inevitable Arsenal would up the tempo and did move the ball about more from side to side and started to drag United around. A lovely move from Ceballos across the box just evaded Aubameyang as Basham was sleeping. This was a let off for United but they went up the other end and Lundstram got in a good area but despite the contact stayed on his feet. Replayed showed that there was enough that suggested it could have been given.
McBurnie came on for Burke who did not seem happy to be taken off. Nketiah was replaced by Pepe as Arsenal looked for fresh impetus. Osborn was wasteful despite having time to pick an option and his cross went behind. The game was now at the hour mark and United had bee comfortable but the way the Blades season has gone you knew that the first real chance Arsenal got that they could always take it. Osborn gave the ball away and lovely football from the home side saw Aubameyang feed in Bellerin and his delightful cross was headed home from SAKA at the far post away from Baldock. It was well made and finished.
Fleck came on for Osborn but before he even touched the ball PEPE got away from Stevens and after another one two came inside and curled the ball into the far corner away from Ramsdale. It was a great run and a delightful finish. It had been quite an impact for the sub. This three minute spell seemingly had ended the game for the away side.
The next spell of the game saw Arsenal playing keep ball. The Blades could not even get the ball and it was not really comfortable for the home team. Sharp came on for Basham with 15 minutes to play but the away side looked well beaten at this stage. Fleck’s poor cross was cleared easily and the Blades struggled to even get near the Arsenal goal/box. United did finally have a shot on goal from McBurnie which was easy for Leno.
Sharp won a corner with 10 minutes to play before Baldock did likewise at the other side but the set plays came to nothing with more horrendous crosses coming in that gave United no chance of scoring a goal. However, out of nowhere MCGOLDRICK came inside and curled a lovely shot right into the corner and it was game on with 5 minutes to play.
After this the Blades tried to find a way back and had a series of long throws and a late corner with Ramsdale up twice but it came to nothing with McGoldrick’s shot blocked the final effort. United had given it a real go at the end but it was ultimately in vain – and another defeat for the Blades despite some commendable efforts.
United – Well at least we are predictable I suppose at the moment with another loss. I did not expect much today but hard to take yet again. I felt like last week that the performance was not bad and for long spells we limited Arsenal. First half we were well in the game and matched them. We have another decision go against us and that again could be crucial. We then do well for nearly an hour but then two moments of quality and the game is over. A lot will say we were fine and just those two pieces of play but as other teams have shown to us; that is all that matters. We can be as organised and hard to beat as you like but inevitable quality players will have a moment and the fact we are not scoring/creating means we almost have to be perfect defensively and hope quality attackers have an off day. It will be the same v Liverpool/City/Chelsea. We have to do more going the other way to give ourselves a chance. Not even having a shot on goal till 15 minutes from end or even a shot of note means we rely so much on shape, organisation and being hard to beat. We did get back on it and at least scored a goal but ultimately it was all in vain again. There were positive but it matters little when we keep losing and the confidence keeps getting further eroded.
I felt the sub was wrong and may have cost us – maybe it was just coincident they scored two after he went off instantly but Burke had been our main outlet/threat up top. I have no idea why he took him off as he still seemed to be running around fine. After the two goals we had a spell where the heads dropped but then out of nowhere as the game was petering out, Didzy scores a great goal and we are back in it. We huffed and puffed at the end but the lack of quality again showed – in comparison to the other end at the key moments. Our crossing and final ball was really poor again. I felt for Burke who worked so hard but got no service. Lundstram and Osborn worked hard and Berge was decent on the ball but with the wing backs wasteful not sure who is going to create anything for us at all. Last year we had overloads and worked the ball into advantages but that is not happening at all this season. We are not overlapping and not breaking. Today we looked a functional, organised side but for all the hard work and work ethic, we did not look like scoring really. Other teams have that better quality in the final third and that has happened every game. So teams like Arsenal can play crap against us but they know that there is no goal threat against them they can be patient and wait for the moment and so it proved.
There were positive today in the shape, attitude for 60 mins (felt heads dropped after that until the late rally) and defensive organisation and we did not give up many chances at all and looked quite comfortable but you did know that they can always have a moment of quality. I felt no one was awful and everyone was decent enough for the first hour of the game. However, I never felt like we would create anything and that is a concern. We just kind of sat in.
We are literally relying on a perfect defensive performance or the attacking side won’t find that bit of quality and then hope we get one chance on the counter attack. Last season we would go to sides like Arsenal and Spurs and have a go and as a result teams would sit back more and we would not invite pressure. At the moment, and for much of the post lockdown we look a plucky, limited side relying on being hard to beat. There is absolutely no creativity or goal making ability in the side. A lot will be made of the poor refereeing decisions but even if they had gone to ten, am I convinced we would have created much? We won’t know but the current set up and mentality of the side means we are playing a game where we are relying on a lot of things to go right to get even a point. We do not see the swashbuckling centre backs or wing backs from last year. The fluent football is nowhere to be seen. Today we were ok and neat and tidy but we simply never looked like creating and as much as will be made out of how we limited Arsenal they still were the only side trying to score or create. In the end our negativity got what it deserved I felt. It may seem harsh as a team bottom was never going to be ultra-adventurous but we simply have to offer a goal threat. Teams slated to struggle more than us by many such as Newcastle, Palace, West Ham and even Villa are scoring goals quite freely and going away from home and attacking. We are simply sitting in and hoping to shut teams down and nick a goal. Playing like that and we will go down regardless of whether Brewster comes in (he won’t get any chances).
We now have a huge game against Fulham. We do have to get something from this and at least get back to attacking teams in some shape way or form and start moving the ball and getting players close to the strikers. At the moment its hit it to Burke and hope he can run and create something. I don’t see much link play or football or runners or players getting up the field. It really is a big game so early as if we lose that the confidence would erode and there would be a strong possibility that we could start the season with 8 straight defeats (and would be 11 on the bounce) and then all of a sudden, we have an almighty job to stay in the league already. That may seem an over reaction but current form and lack of goal threat allied to defensive switch offs means our chances of getting anything from Liverpool, City or Chelsea or slim. I am not sure we could recover from 8 defeats to start the season and we enter Norwich territory from last season.
It’s not all doom and gloom as we have seen some improvements the last few weeks but also have the same concerns over the lack of creativity in the side and we really need to try and sign someone on loan or permanent the next few days to give us a spark going forward. Not sure Brewster alone will make the difference when we create next to nothing.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6/10 – Had little to do first half really. A few routine saves and then one good one from the shot from Aubameyang (but this was his fault for the poor kick out). He is still a little slow to come for things and slow to get down for things (the Nketiah header a casing point). No chance on either of the goals which were right in the corners and as in other games left horribly exposed.
Baldock 5/10 – They attacked down his side a lot first half and he struggled to hold Tierney up on his runs and most of the danger came down here. Stuck to his task though. Saw little to nothing of him as an attacking force. Then second half I felt his head dropped quite a bit too and stopped even trying to go forward with it. I think our two wing backs have had a really poor start to the season. They were one of our main attacking outlets last year and they have not been a threat and have struggled at times defensively too. His crossing was awful and he has even stopped trying to put it in the box now.
Stevens 4/10 – Solid opening to the game with clearances and a few good headers too. Not sure he got into any advanced positions though at all as we played with more of a 5 than a 3. Second half they attacked more down this side and I felt twice he was slow to react to things and the two goals he switches off. The first he does not see the one two quick enough and the second he gets run off and does not even put a challenge in. It might seem harsh but if he is tighter to his man twice, they maybe don’t score. Too many goals come down his side. He has been really poor for months now. Lowe needs a chance now – Fleck was dropped for similarly poor form.
Basham 6.5/10 – Decent start to the game with a few trademark clearances and blocks. Kept to his shape and defensively fine. He was solid and I felt the whole defence was until they got pulled around. He is not being seen as an offensive threat at all – was taken off for Sharp near the end. Not the same player in terms of having an impact going the other way. He has barely crossed half way with any impact this season.
Robinson 6.5/10 – Steady to start the game defensively in the first half. I felt he was fine as they all were but then a few moments second half where runners got away and its in our net twice. Not sure anyone individually can be totally blamed but just got pulled apart too easily. His long throws seem erm…not as long as he struggled to get it as far as the games v Arsenal last season.
Egan 6.5/10 – Nearly got caught out early with a diagonal ball but then was better the rest of the half with some good blocks/clearances and reading of the game to run it out. I felt he kept his shape. The two goals they pulled us apart but again this was down to good play but maybe we just switched off. He was too slow to deny the shot or get across to Pepe on the goal also after Stevens was beat. He kept going gamely and can point to fact Aubameyang did not score I suppose but the two goals we got pulled apart too easy. Great shape for an hour and they went to pieces in minutes.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Started the game in competitive fashion -few fouls again but was all action and got across the field. He never hides and does show for the ball but not sure he affected much going forward really but I like the fact he kept plugging away and I thought saw more of the ball than the rest of the midfield. He was more energetic in terms of getting up the field and the only player who got near the strikers all game.
Osborn 4/10 – Looked a bit headless chicken to me. He gives us energy but felt pressed a bit much at times and then he was committed and was out of the game if they broke the pass. Did not see much of the ball in possession at all and a bit rushed when he had it. Did work hard for the team but I felt a lot passed him by. 2nd half twice he gave it away and then put an aimless cross in and on the goal it was his sloppy play that saw them break.
Berge 6/10 – Steady beginning to the game. When he had it nice and composed. Not sure he drove with it much but was neat and tidy. He kept it as did the whole team. Unfortunate to be booked really with the tackle where he won the ball – not sure what he was meant do with his foot after – he was not wild or even that high. Not even sure if Aubameyang was that hurt – disappointed in his reaction as he clearly was fine straight after when he was trying an overhead kick! At 2-0 I wanted him to get on the ball and impose his quality but he did not. I got called for my mark last week but again I need to see more from him especially when the chips are down. He is a neat and tidy player but not sure he has influenced anything really in terms of us getting chances/stopping chances. He is way too safe. For this huge man who is strong I want him to get on the ball, force the pace, get us up the field more. People keep telling me is not that kind of player and his job is to just give it to others to create – well we need to sign two more midfielders then as the current ones are not going to create either.
Burke 7.5/10 – Excellent first half where he was in early on the Luiz incident and then had a few other good runs. His pace is searing and he got away from them a few times. Really worked hard and pressed well and a constant threat running across the line. Did not get much help or support but did well with what he had to work with. Held it up really well. Continued this in the second half and I was shocked he was taken off. Seemed a strange move to take our best player off and not sure he had run his race yet. He was not happy and you can see why.
McGoldrick 5/10 – Not in the game and continued his poor start to the season. I feel he has looked off the pace for some time and that he is not influencing things enough. The ball is not sticking and he is not linking but he is not helping Burke either. However, after never being in the game scored a great goal and gave us a bit of hope. He certainly gains a mark for getting us off the mark at least for the season.
Subs –
McBurnie 5/10 – Not sure he dd much at all after he game on. Maybe it was a coincidence they scored two after he came on but he was involved in the play when we lost it down the left and they broke. Both games last two weeks the opposition have scored after he came on. Had one shot that was save easily but still looks rather weak and powderpuff. He should be busting a gut to get a shirt but was jogging around aimlessly. Loads said he would be a key man this season but he has lost his place and now even when he comes on looks slow and weak. I don’t see this number 9 for the future that others do that will go on and be a regular at this level. Maybe I am alone but his lack of pace/physique means he does not affect games enough. He keeps joking about not being on the weights – well maybe he needs to. As he just gets shrugged aside currently. Does not look close to being a regular starter who can impact games.
Sharp – Caught offside and weak in the challenge. Not sure why he is even playing as he offers little at this level and he never changes games when he comes on. Time is up as much as I love him. When Mousset is back with the front two we had starting + Brewster, McBurnie – he will be 6th choice and I expect he may move on in January as won’t even be in the match day squad.
Manager Wilder 3/10 – The set up and shape was good for an hour but I would also say we never looked like even having a chance on goal. Then he makes a bad decision. An Awful substitution. Burke was our main threat. He had worked hard and maybe had put a lot in but as soon as he went off any threat had gone. I also think he is persisting with players like Stevens and maybe even Baldock who are not doing it. He has dropped Fleck and Norwood who were not in great form (more the former) but the two wings backs get picked every week. Ampadu was decent last week, Robinson makes the error and he gets picked? Ampadu can play wide left centre back too and has for Wales. I am not sure the likes of Robinson and Osborn help us get up the league or get many points as nice a lads/decent fill ins as they are. Why have we signed Ampadu if we are not going to play him now O’Connell is injured.
I am not sure at the moment our style and formation are giving us any chance of winning games. We are literally hoping for a 1-0 at best or 0-0. We don’t get men forward – have gone long ball and look predictable and static. We used to be imaginative and fear free but now we seem safe and almost frightened. I watched Leeds yesterday and thought that is what we were like last season. Maybe it is players losing form, maybe teams have worked us out (we all get prickly when pundits say that but they might be right looking at our results so far) but whatever it is, he keeps picking the bulk of the same side and us going out the same way and we keep losing. He has been fantastic for us of course but he is not beyond criticism. Any manager in any league, no matter what they have done before would get some stick for 7 games on the bounce (many would have their position questioned actually – CW rightly won’t – we could lose another 7 on the bounce and he rightly would not). However, he may have to swallow his pride and tweak the formation/tactics or way we play. At the moment we could come out and have the same organised, decent work ethic in the 3 games v Liverpool/City and Chelsea and again if we don’t look like scoring then it is inevitable a chance or moment of quality will break. It is the same for most teams at this level. I just think he needs to change how we are approaching games. Today we were ok but ok is not seeing us get any results. I don’t buy the ‘we were playing at Arsenal either’ as we were the same in other games (maybe not Leeds) and also to end the season. We got well beaten at Leicester and Southampton with a white flag type surrender and I am seeing other teams like West Ham, Palace and even Newcastle at least have a go at teams.
We have gone so far away from the United we were under Wilder for 3-4 years. If we carry on like this moving forward, not only will we not score many or get many points and go down, all the plaudits and fans we had will seem a distant memory. We all get so angry when Crooks and Mills say how crap/basic we are and they were so far wrong but at the moment I would have to agree with any criticism of pundits about our basic style. We look really poor to watch at the moment and even today as decent as we were for an hour we never looked like laying a glove on the opponent meaning it was inevitable a chance would come for them.
Arsenal – Different sort of team to the one we faced in the early days under Arteta at the Emirates. They look a solid, organised side. Maybe they do not have the flair of other past Arsenal sides but they have a togetherness they have not had for a while.
I must admit when Arteta took over last season I did not see the improvements others did and recall us going there and drawing in January and them not looking much different and a bit of a soft touch still. Gradually they got better and better in terms of being more organised, resolute and harder to beat and we saw that in the cup game at the Lane. They were a tad fortunate to get through but then put on two excellently coached tactical master classes to beat more talented teams in Man City/Chelsea to win the cup. He got Aubameyang to sign a longer contract and signed a few more players this summer in Willian, Gabriel, Mari (full time) and Ceballos back on loan but they still rely a great deal on Aubameyang of course. Defensively and in midfield even though the personnel has only changed slightly, he has made them much more solid. They work harder and get in good positions to deny easy chances than they used to.
Today, like v West Ham they did not really look anything special and for an hour toiled with nothing of note happening. They got lucky with the referee decision of course but then after this they did not move us about much at all. It was poor from them but then one good move and it is 1-0 and then soon after a quality sub with pace and it is 2-0. Game over you thought. They had a late scare but they deserved to win the game as despite being poor for long spells, still did more than we did as an attacking side and at least looked to score. Not sure they will finish any higher than 4th-7th really. They have improved but still lack defensive quality/experience to not give away soft goals and better teams will cause them problems. Arteta has improved them but for them to get close to Man City and Liverpool, they still need to sign even more players really.
Opponent Man of the Match – Tierney was decent down the left and got some good balls in but Saka was a threat and scored the goal. Good young player. Bellerin though may have been the one outstanding player as he was the one who penetrated us twice and made both goals. We never went with him on either occasion.
Opponent Weak link – Easy one. Luiz should have been sent off and also made a number of other errors first half but we could not make him pay. Thought Aubameyang was poor and quite selfish at times and did not like his cheating when he was barely touched by Berge. He was fine as he proved when he got up and ran around straight after. Poor stuff.
Referee/Officials/VAR – The early one on Burke he was pulled back. No doubt. Maybe he should have gone down and there is an argument our players are too honest but then he wanted to try and get the ball. Mason made his call and was too stubborn to even reconsider. VAR have to get involved in that. Whether it was a yellow or a red – it was a foul to me. Sums it up really how inconsistent things are. They did not even have a look at it for any time or tell Mason go to the monitor. After this not sure we got a decision the rest of the first half. All the little things went to them. He came racing over to show Berge the yellow card in contract. It is hard to take when there was such clear bias. There is no other word for it. One other thing early on the ball hit the ref and he just played on? Thought he had to stop it. Seemed to sum up the start to his game. After this not sure he could wait to book Berge for the nothing follow through on Aubameyang. He did not give us much really and most of the 50-50’s seemed to go for them I felt but not sure there were many really bad decisions – he’d made his rick nice and early!
Coverage – Once again nice to see the biased coverage with Alan Smith as the analyst on the coverage. It is so one eyed it is untrue. It’s like they do not even try to be impartial. He barely made anything of the Burke foul yet when they showed it back a few times he realised even he had to change his mind. Fair play to Souness and Evra who said it was a red and were quite bullish about the rick that Mason and the officials had made. Smith was condescending to us throughout and it was basically like watching an Arsenal TV version of the game. Why Sky don’t at least try and rotate pundits around from the clubs they played for I don’t know? Neville is doing Man Utd at the moment too. Seems bonkers.
