Post by deadbat on Oct 31, 2020 17:04:21 GMT
Podcast links here and match report below
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-20-21-man-city-home
open.spotify.com/episode/38yvRtw5UzxmsjDsIz1enG?si=ogWqMnh6Rie-YJxhq8KA8A
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It was the familiar feeling that United fans are now having to get used to with another defeat making it 6 out of 7 losses and 9 out of 10 going back to last season in a disastrous run of form and one of the worst runs in the Blades’ recent history. After 4 years of mostly brilliant times manager Wilder knows this season is almost certainly a relegation fight and that United will have to find points from somewhere soon to avoid a return to the Championship. In truth today was always going to be hard with an expensive and talented City side coming to town. However, the Citizens have misfired for spells this season and before kick-off were lying in 13th place and had only won 2 out of the 5 games they played. After a resounding win in the South of France in the week, today they followed it up with another convincing performance to see off Wilder’s Blades. It finished 1-0 but this score line flattered a desperately disappointing Blades side who could not muster a shot on target and lacked quality and idea. Without a sudden resurgence, the Blades look destined to continue to struggle.
United made one change from the one that faced Liverpool last week with Brewster and McBurnie up top and Ampadu continuing in midfield. Ben Osborn went into midfield and Max Lowe came back at left wing back with Enda Stevens inside him in defence. Contract rebel John Lundstram was dropped to the bench after Wilder confirmed he would almost certainly be leaving the club in January. He was on the bench with Sharp, McGoldrick and Burke also featuring.
City were without the injured Sergio Aguero but still boasted a formidable line up with De Bruyne and Sterling both starting along with the returning Riyad Mahrez. 18-year-old keeper James Trafford was a surprise inclusion on the bench with Scott Carson not involved seemingly having an issue in the warm up.
The game began in miserable weather conditions on Halloween with rain and wind swirling round S2. Inside 30 seconds McBurnie flattened Dias early on with a crude challenge and was lucky not to be booked. City had all the ball early on and could have been ahead on 6 minutes as Cancelo’s cross was met by Torres whose header was palmed away by Ramsdale. United were struggling to even get a foothold in the game and Laporte was the next to go close as he hooked wide nearly taking advantage of static United defending. City moved the ball and the United defenders about as they looked to create more openings and the home side could not get hold of the ball although a rare attack saw Lowe have his cross blocked.
Egan did well to get a foot on a through ball to deny Sterling who would have been in after De Bruyne’s vision spotted his run. Rodri then tried his luck with a pot shot that moved through the air but Ramsdale palmed away as it swerved around. United just had to sit in but were defending so deep and had no attacking threat whatsoever in a very one-sided game.
The best chance of the game came when Baldock was beaten easily and then Sterling’s cross was met from close range by Torres but Ramsdale made a great point blank save. Ampadu then lost the ball and City were away again but Mahrez fired well over.
Torres was then caught offside as City continued to completely dominate. United’s performance was reminiscent of the Arsenal game where they were not engaging the ball and allowing the opposition to come on. In this game, City had more of a threat and were looking like creating every time they went forward. Sterling was causing all sorts of problems and Baldock was not getting any help at all. The goal was coming bit it came from a rare United attack but Berge’s shot was blocked and Sterling was away. He beat Baldock and then Basham with superb skill and then his pull back saw WALKER come in and hit a low shot into the corner away from Ramsdale. Osborn and Lowe did not close down but there was a lack of engagement on a number of City players in the break. In truth 1-0 flattered United who had been second best all over the field.
City continued to pick up all the loose stuff and Sterling skinned Baldock again and came inside but Egan then pulled down Torres. McBurnie jumped on the wall too late on the free kick but Ramsdale held well as the ball went low down.
As the game entered the half hour, United had not mustered an attack of note and on a rare moment they actually got into the City half, Baldock’s cross was woeful. He repeated this same trick overplaying the ball again soon after. With most of United’s rare attacks coming down the left and Lowe and Baldock not having the quality to even put a simple cross somewhere into the box; then it seemed hard to grasp where United would create anything.
United did win a corner but a decent delivery from Berge was headed away from Walker for another corner which was cleared and led to a break but fortunately Baldock got back to make a diving tackle. United seemed at full stretch every time City broke and Sterling continued to cause absolute carnage.
Cancelo stood up Basham and came inside and crossed but Torres had a shot blocked. The final few minutes at least saw United have a bit more of the ball but poor crossing and decisions when they got anywhere near the last third rendered any chances of any opportunities on goal. The half time whistle came with United fortunate not to be 2 or 3 goals behind with only Ramsdale really taking any credit from a rotten first half performance where to be far City were just too good.
The second half started with Berge over hitting a free kick straight over the bar. City continued to dominate the ball though and Ramsdale was fortunate when he came racing out and Torres tried to lob him but the keeper got back to save well.
United had possession for a spell down the right but no cross was incoming and Baldock and then Ampadu gave it away and City nearly got it on the other end. Walker then skinned Osborn and the ball back fell for De Bruyne and the ball was smashed narrowly wide.
United at least did get the ball into the City half a few times but City were still creating chances and Mahrez nearly dribbled through before he had a free kick opportunity when Stevens gave away a cheap and unnecessary foul. Lundstram came on for Osborn. In truth he could have replaced any of the outfield ten Blades players. Basham at least tried to run forward twice but he fell over on the second run.
Norwood came on for Ampadu but City continued to look the more likely as De Bruyne nearly played in Sterling and then the same man also had a shot blocked. United had not created anything of note but finally a decent run by Berge saw his cross held by Ederson. At the other end Mahrez nearly danced through but Egan made a last-ditch block.
United finally had a chance and it came through great work from Berge who ran through two defenders and superbly nutmegged Cancelo and his pull back was perfect for Lundstram but he fired over when he really ought to have done better.
Soon after Brewster nearly got in but was offside as his failed chip attempt was saved anyway. City showed quick feet again down the left with Sterling somehow getting away from Baldock and Basham and got right to the goal bit his cross came off Egan and fell fortunately for Ramsdale to save.
Foden replaced Torres and McGoldrick came on for Lowe, just after good work from the full back to win a goal kick, as United went to a back four for the final 10 minutes.
Baldock and Basham were well forward but did not cross it again and the ball was cleared easily and City broke. Gundogan was the final City change for Mahrez. Lundstram gave it away cheaply and Silva came inside and forced Ramsdale into a great save. Ederson then punted the ball forward and Ramsdale had to clear with his head as he came out – the keeper again was very alert with most of his teammates sleeping again.
The game drifted into the final few minutes and United still were unable to get the ball into the box and several opportunities to get it forward or cross it were given up and United kept moving it back and sideways. The extra 3 minutes passed with City easily seeing time out and it was as comfortable a 1-0 as you could wish to see.
United – A loss again. We did expect that of course but felt different to the performance and our take on the defeat a week ago. It is hard at the moment to be positive. We improved last week at Liverpool and were a touch unfortunate not to get a point but took a step back today and I felt everything we showed last week, we did not really show today. I was concerned City could move the ball about more than Liverpool and cause our static midfield and defenders’ issues and so it proved. Seems like one step forward, two or three back. We did not even look like scoring at all.
Today it looked like they had 2 extra men. Honestly. First half it was wave after wave of attack and really they should have gone in 3-0 up at least as Ramsdale kept us in it with his saves and good work. We did not have an attack I can recall of note all half. It was so one sided. They passed it around us, Sterling caused us all sorts of problems and we never even pressed/tackled. I get that we can’t go toe to toe like Wilder says but at least engage. It was too easy and it was like we were waiting for them to score. After they did you felt that was it. Odd as last week it was quite different.
Second half I would not even say we had a go. They sat back a bit more and we had a few bits of play but only one chance of note the whole game. They in contrast still forced Ramsdale into 3 or 4 more saves second half and had countless chances to score but actually were also poor in the final bit. At least they got into our box. I think outside the Lundstram chance I cannot recall us even going in their box.
I am all for us passing it and trying to play good football but not even sure we are doing that? It is football going nowhere (it was a bit like Weir’s team at times as we passed it and passed it and then went back and then lost it). The number of times we had it down the right and failed to cross or get it into the box. News flash: if we don’t get it into the box/cross it or men drive into the box, we will not score and will be one of the lowest Premier League scoring teams ever as we do not shoot outside the box at all and have no one outside Lundstram (as much as he is criticised) who gets ahead or up with the strikers to try and score/shoot. The build up is painfully slow and lacks quality and purpose. Teams have started to work out we only create from wide and funnel us that way and then get more men into those areas. We then move it back or put an awful cross in and teams break and often then nearly score as we have men out of position. I honestly think we could play for a week and not score against City the way we played and approached things. Last year we were brave and purposeful and went at teams – now we seem to be scared – maybe it is confidence but players don’t look like they believe they can compete or cause problems for their respective opponents.
At the moment, lots will be made of players picked and who should play and even formations but the simple fact of the matter is that we have rotated things (sure we could change the strikers again – what is the point we do not create anything?) or maybe Bogle for Baldock but these are not going to fundamentally change our form/results for me. We need to get the ball in the box more and in simple terms the bulk (lets be honest 7 or 8 of the outfield players that started today will play the bulk of the games) of the team need to do much, much better. If they do not improve and try and be more aggressive attacking wise, we are going down. Our crossing is like that you would see on Graves Park. It is abysmal. We hit the first man or over hit it. We cannot even put it into the box. It is like we could not be that bad when we cross if we tried! However, often we are not even crossing it or causing defence issues. We never turn them round and rarely do the full backs or centre backs have to chase back or face their own goal. Sometimes the channel ball is not a bad thing but we never do that. It’s all safe and in front. Defences are having such an easy game generally against us (although last week we did cause problems). We are so slow to build up, we do not shoot, rarely cross and when we do they are awful. We rely on defenders (wing backs to create or chances) and have a system based on centre backs overlapping and overloading but they are not doing it.
We have no individual talent who will dribble or run at teams/unlock defences and all this means it is a perfect recipe for us not scoring goals at all.
At the moment, I would rather watch us lose and have a go. Today, losing 1-0 it was like Wilder kind of accepted it rather than have a go and lose by more? It was everything that does not represent how he has approached his time at United. It’s like he and s have lost our mo jo and focusing on how much better the opposition are. We play the same way and when that is not working are not trying anything different at all. I did not even think there was much fight. We did not even get a booking today. Get stuck in, harry them, make it uncomfortable. The team looked like they are almost half relegated today. There was no fight or leadership anywhere. Yes, I know they are quality but was it any different to the 2nd half v Fulham and some of the other games?
I do keep hearing people saying there is a long way to go but after next week we will have played nearly a quarter of the season so it is not like we are a few games in. It is hard as I am not sure where the next point is coming from. Even the games after next week teams are improving and look more like scoring than us almost every team really.
We now go to Chelsea which is will be an almost certain loss sadly – Lampard will have them up for it after the defeat in lockdown and they of course did not beat us in either game last season. We then have a series of games that will be billed as must win but the reality is, we would have to win one of the next 3 (West Ham, West Brom and Leicester). If we went 11 games without a win, it would be hard to come back from them.
The reality is that unless Wilder and the team improve and show more positivity with players massively upping their game, it matters little what tweaks he makes to formations and personnel. I am surprised that many think if we put player A in for B it will all change. Everyone bar Bogle has had a good go this season and none have really shown any level of consistency at all. Ramsdale has been our player of the season. That says it all. It is up to every single one of the team to do much better on and off the ball. To me the worrying side is we were no better v Fulham (a poor side) than we were today in the last two home games against one of the best sides. So it is not just about the opposition.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 8/10 – Made 2 or 3 really good saves, most you would expect but a good one from close range. Walker’s shot was hard as it fizzed away – no doubt some idiots will blame him. He is being horribly exposed with shot after shot reigning in on him. Feel sorry for him. The 10 in front not giving him any protection at all. He made a number of saves second half and a few full stretch also. A few times he came off his line, once errored but got back to save and then did well to head clear. He is being kept way too busy at the moment and without him we would have conceded a lot more goal, not just today but all season. Probably thought he was glad to leave a side that shipped goals but come into one that seems as bad defensively in terms of chances given up!
Baldock 5/10 – Given a bit of a going over all game against a great player. Saw some saying he did well at times but most of his tackles were when he was chasing back after losing it or getting skinned. Chris Wilder will have been reminded of his performance at the Boleyn Ground against Stuart Slater back in 1990 when he was torn a new one! Fast forward to the present day and Sterling gave him the run-around. He was too quick, skilled and good for him. He got beat time after time. He got frustrated and gave a few fouls away and kept plugging away but he had a torrid game. Not sure Basham helped him much and both got beat on the goal but Baldock had been beaten 2 or 3 times before this for skill. Second half he at least got forward more but his crossing was woeful and that is being kind – 2 or 3 shockers first half and then he actually stopped even trying to cross as his confidence in this skill set is so low. He came back inside time after time. I’d rather him try and put it in than try the easy pass back.
Lowe 5.5/10 – Started very nervously and I felt was not tight enough to his man at all. He did have one crossing chance but hit the first man early on and then had to defend but was too slow to react and Torres and Mahrez both got to the ball before him on crosses. He did improve as the game went on but bot sure he had many touches and most of his play was chasing after their nippy players! We saw nothing of him from an attacking sense and defensively he was too far off his man as they attacked down both wings. Did one good bit of play to lead to a goal kick and then was sacrificed. Seemed at full stretch all game like most of the rest of our team.
Stevens 6/10 – Another up and down game. At least he stuck to his task and did get his foot in a few times but too often he was stood still when attackers were on the move. He needs to react quicker to things. On the ball he did ok but for the most part he was just defending and trying to plug gaps from runners. Not sure he is the answer at left centre back but he will have to play there as is still better than Robinson in my opinion.
Basham 6/10 – Lots of effort but little quality. I feel last year he would plug gaps and cover and make interceptions and rarely did men get away from him. This season at times players have got around him or passed him by. He struggled with Sterling and others today and felt Baldock was left little help. Also giving away silly fouls. Another not reacting to crosses – they had 3 chances alone when defenders were stood watching. Second half he had a go and at least got forward more but no quality and he fell over or the final ball was lacking or he and others dithered and lost the chance to cross/create. Looks at the moment like a player trying hard but struggling with the pace and quality of opponents like many of the others
Egan 7/10 – Thought he was our best outfield player. He was faced with movement and runners and excellent technical players but got his foot in, made blocks and was alert. He was one of the few who were on their game and seemed ready for the challenge. The rest looked quite scared I felt. He at least stuck to his task. Really missing O’Connell as he seems to have to cover so much space at the back where gaps appear all over and people do not attack the ball – he is one of the few doing that. Someone else mentioned it but I also have been saying it for a while but he needs to sort his footwear/studs choice out as he slips at least once a game often under no pressure. He did it again today first half.
Ampadu 4/10 – Thought he was dreadful today. He gave it away time after time and was so sloppy when he did have it. Last week, he got his foot in and made blocks and covered ground. Today they ran through us all game, the defence had no protection and he sat off. He is in the team to give us defensive cover, mobility, legs but I think Norwood would have done better today sadly. None of our players seem capable of putting two performances together – many cannot put two halves together. Last week he looked like he could be the answer to a different way of playing. This week he looked so far off being the answer. Worrying.
Osborn 4/10 – He did ok last week but today looked a Championship player where quicker, stronger and more technical players were a bit too much for him. Never got interceptions, let players get away from him and looked weak. When he had he gave it away or wanted rid of it quickly. Thought it was all a bit of a struggle for him and could have gone off long before he did.
Berge 7/10 – Had one run first half and then another second half where he ran through and sent over a cross too close to the keeper. Then one great bit of skill where he ran past two players with great skill and running and a clever pull back. That was the best bit of attacking play we showed all game. It was superb but too often the game bypasses him and he needs to do more for one of our key men for me. Along with Egan maybe our best outfield players but that was on the basis of Egan not making any mistakes and him doing one or two good things – for our best player to do a few good things is not enough. However, there are far more issues than Berge in the side and one of the few bright spots this season.
Brewster NA /4/10 – I have put NA as Not Applicable is more pertinent – same for McBurnie but in the end did not want to not give a mark so 4/10 is his mark. I think both strikers and any player has a starting point of 5/10 and then move up or down. He had no service whatsoever and is probably wondering what he has come into. It is hard to mark either of them really. We did not give him anything at all in terms of ball to feet, in the air, crosses, absolutely nothing. He looked like he did not know what to do at all and had no concept of where to run or where to go as we had so little of the ball. At the moment it looks a lot of money (albeit limited game time) for someone who is not going to see any of the ball and you wonder if the money would have been better spent elsewhere as in 2 and a bit games, he has had about 5 touches!
McBurnie NA/ 5/10 – As above. He actually did get stuck in early and knocked his man down a few seconds in and won a few headers. I felt he put effort in but then as the game went on and we had less and less service he became more and more marginalised. The crossing was appalling and as well as this he had nothing to feet, nothing to attack. I felt sorry for both the strikers but then maybe they need to do a bit more – maybe that is harsh too as asking them to just win flicks, chase people down as hard as City had so much of the ball. At the moment not sure it matters who plays up front as we create so little – fewest chances of any team in the league.
Subs –
Lundstram 5/10 – At least had an effort and he does get in good positions but he blazed badly over. Outside of this like Norwood, he hardly got on the ball as we were chasing better players. Seen lots criticise him this week and saying he should play with the youth team etc. I do not agree. He is still better than Osborn for me and until Fleck comes back, he would still be a better option than anyone else. He at least gives us an attacking threat. Not sure his effort has been better/worse than anyone else either this season. I am not sure he gets the big contract/Prem club he thinks he will but that is his choice. I think he would be better staying. If Wilder is going to use him though then until Fleck comes back, I would start him – putting him on the bench was a bit odd for me as was neither but shows how limited our options are.
Norwood – He was better than Ampadu in that he at least kept it a few times and tried to play it forward. City were dictating play so hard for him to influence things. I personally would put him back in the team. At the moment we are playing 2 up top and creating nothing so maybe we need to do something different and play him and Ampadu in midfield with Berge and maybe McGoldrick ahead of them and then one up top. We can’t create any less!
McGoldrick – Came on and seemed to play just behind the strikers but it was too late and he only had 5+ minutes to impact anything and City continued to have more of the ball. Had a few touches but a short pass and then came back inside on another moment.
Manager Wilder 4/10 – May seem harsh but we did the same thing from minute 1 till 85 (then went to back 4) and then even then it was too late. Last year we had a go at these teams and did that at Liverpool this week but today sat back and just waited for the inevitable goal they would score. They have too much quality (like Arsenal) for us to defend and keep them out for 90 minutes. Today, we waved the white flag from kick off. Even 2nd half when somehow it was still 1-0, we did not even bother trying to attack or get the ball in the box. It was a pitiful approach I felt and rightly McManaman and a lot of neutrals were panning us for not trying to cause them problems.
His post match interview was very much about money City had spent and his whole attitude seems too have changed from we are not here to make up the numbers to now we are lucky to be amongst these. His ‘It is the Premier League by the way’ or ‘Man City by the way?’ comments he keeps making are starting to wind me up. He did not speak like this last season. Leeds went toe to toe a few weeks ago. Even we did against them at their place last season. We have also spent a lot of money for us – the most in our history – this is not the Bassett/Warnock little old United squad. It is the most expensive squad/starting line up we have ever had by some way. I love Wilder but he has made a lot of mistakes with selections, approach and signings in the last few months and at the moment we are playing poorly and losing every week. So of course he is rightly not beyond criticism.
I am concerned that at the moment I know the players are not playing great but for the most part (last week apart) we are almost accepting teams are better and just hoping to sit back and not concede. If we play like this, we are no better than the Warnock side that went down and could rival Derby’s points tally when they went down. I was furious with how we approached the game today and if we continue in this vein all the plaudits we have had and all the positivity of the last few years will soon start to fade if we are back in the Championship which looks a strong possibility on the results/performances so far.
Man City – I was worried today after seeing them rout Marseille in the week when they seemed to gel and even though they have a few missing and maybe could say they are light up top without Aguero and Jesus, they have technical talents all over the field. Laporte being back (as he was last season v us – why does he always return just before they play us?!) was a boost for them but the midfield has so many great footballers with Silva, Foden, Mahrez all capable of unlocking defences and De Bruyne who is the best player in the league in my opinion. If I could have any player, I’d probably pick Mane due to his pace and work rate but De Bruyne is technically superb and a joy to watch. He of course unlocked our defence twice last season to see us off.
Today they were better than us and their class showed. 16 shots (8 on target) to 3 (1 off target) showed their domination. Better finishing and they win the game 4 or 5-0. It was completely easy with the defence and keeper untroubled. Sterling and De BBruyne did their bits and pieces and the only issue was the final bit – if they had taken their chances it would have been a lot more. Even without a striker they looked far more threatening than us with places who dribble, run at players and have a go. I know they cost millions but they also got their foot in and won the loose stuff. It was so easy and much more comfortable than the 1-0 win they had last season when at least we had a bit of a go.
They will hope two good results will be a springboard for them to move up the league and improve but still have key men out and I fear against better teams than us they will still drop points.
This season they got hammered by Leicester and have been less than impressive at times and only drew at West Ham and even though Liverpool have dropped points, they have not taken advantage so far. I still think they are with Liverpool, the best sides in the league and sure at the very least they will finish 2nd in the league – think Liverpool even without Van Dijk will win the league.
They have some talents but the defence is still rather porous and Pep has spent a hell of a lot for minimal improvements. I had a look and they have spent an eye watering amount on the defence alone over his tenure – £428.1million on 11 signings.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (£1.7m), John Stones (£50m), Danilo (£27m), Kyle Walker (£47.4m), Benjamin Mendy (£51.75m), Aymeric Laporte (£58.5m), Philippe Sandler (£2.25m), Angelino (£10.8m), Pedro Porro (£10.8m), Joao Cancelo (£58.5m), Yan Couto (£5.4m), Nathan Ake (£40m), Ruben Dias (£64m). Quite frightening really.
Even this summer, not just on defenders they have spent circa 150 million on Dias, Ake, Torres and some younger players Moreno, Busto, Couto and Kabore. It was the same last summer, 144 million and 70 the year before that. In 17-18 they spent 285 million alone. 194 million the year before. That is all since Pep arrived – that is over 700 million in 4-5 years. That is what we are competing against. They are still not the best team in England let alone Europe.
I actually like Pep and you still have to win when you have cash and the best players but be interested to see what he did with a club like us or one without the funds. He has been at Barca, Bayern and City and had silly money and likes of Messi and De Bruyne. Yet, he has made some awful signings. The likes of Mendy, Jesus, Gundogan are still played a fair bit but not sure they are anywhere consistent or good enough for a title contending team. They rely too much on De Bruyne and Aguero too and old guards like Fernandinho, Walker and Laporte. I think Foden has some real ability but I am not convinced he will be this all world player some think he will and is still too up and down. For all the money spent, they still need another centre back, still need a left back, another midfielder and a striker to probably overhaul Liverpool and also to compete for the Champions League. So they’d have to spend another 200-300 million! I think Pep may move on soon actually and then be interesting to see what happens to them. The owners will keep throwing money at it and eventually some will stick on better players I suppose.
Today though was easy for them and they barely got out of first gear for an easy win. It was like a Premier League team beating a Champ team away in the cup.
Opponent Man of the Match – Sterling just ahead of De Bruyne. Sterling caused us all sorts of issues with his strong running and dribbling. He created chance after chance. De Bruyne controlled things and Rodri and Silva showed their class at times. I thought both full backs were in a different league to ours – Walker scored and was composed and Cancelo caused us issues also.
Opponent Weak link – No one. The defence had nothing to do. Not sure anyone was bad at all. Even the most below par player was better than any of ours! Mahrez was maybe a bit wasteful if I had to name one.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Michael Oliver as Ref and Paul Tierney as VAR – what could go wrong after these two presided over the Villa ghost goal fiasco? Well nothing. The easiest game you could ever ref. Not a bad tackle. Barely a tackle in fact at all. It was like a practice game as City just walked through us. When we did foul it was silly fouls (gave them two free kicks for no need). The rest of the game no drama or controversy at all. VAR like Ederson could have had the day off.
Coverage – They were quite fair on us actually. They wanted to say we were utterly s***e but were too polite. They probably wished they had a better contest to analyse but in truth it was hard to do anything but say how easy it was for City and gush over them. They only knock was they did not score more goals.
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It was the familiar feeling that United fans are now having to get used to with another defeat making it 6 out of 7 losses and 9 out of 10 going back to last season in a disastrous run of form and one of the worst runs in the Blades’ recent history. After 4 years of mostly brilliant times manager Wilder knows this season is almost certainly a relegation fight and that United will have to find points from somewhere soon to avoid a return to the Championship. In truth today was always going to be hard with an expensive and talented City side coming to town. However, the Citizens have misfired for spells this season and before kick-off were lying in 13th place and had only won 2 out of the 5 games they played. After a resounding win in the South of France in the week, today they followed it up with another convincing performance to see off Wilder’s Blades. It finished 1-0 but this score line flattered a desperately disappointing Blades side who could not muster a shot on target and lacked quality and idea. Without a sudden resurgence, the Blades look destined to continue to struggle.
United made one change from the one that faced Liverpool last week with Brewster and McBurnie up top and Ampadu continuing in midfield. Ben Osborn went into midfield and Max Lowe came back at left wing back with Enda Stevens inside him in defence. Contract rebel John Lundstram was dropped to the bench after Wilder confirmed he would almost certainly be leaving the club in January. He was on the bench with Sharp, McGoldrick and Burke also featuring.
City were without the injured Sergio Aguero but still boasted a formidable line up with De Bruyne and Sterling both starting along with the returning Riyad Mahrez. 18-year-old keeper James Trafford was a surprise inclusion on the bench with Scott Carson not involved seemingly having an issue in the warm up.
The game began in miserable weather conditions on Halloween with rain and wind swirling round S2. Inside 30 seconds McBurnie flattened Dias early on with a crude challenge and was lucky not to be booked. City had all the ball early on and could have been ahead on 6 minutes as Cancelo’s cross was met by Torres whose header was palmed away by Ramsdale. United were struggling to even get a foothold in the game and Laporte was the next to go close as he hooked wide nearly taking advantage of static United defending. City moved the ball and the United defenders about as they looked to create more openings and the home side could not get hold of the ball although a rare attack saw Lowe have his cross blocked.
Egan did well to get a foot on a through ball to deny Sterling who would have been in after De Bruyne’s vision spotted his run. Rodri then tried his luck with a pot shot that moved through the air but Ramsdale palmed away as it swerved around. United just had to sit in but were defending so deep and had no attacking threat whatsoever in a very one-sided game.
The best chance of the game came when Baldock was beaten easily and then Sterling’s cross was met from close range by Torres but Ramsdale made a great point blank save. Ampadu then lost the ball and City were away again but Mahrez fired well over.
Torres was then caught offside as City continued to completely dominate. United’s performance was reminiscent of the Arsenal game where they were not engaging the ball and allowing the opposition to come on. In this game, City had more of a threat and were looking like creating every time they went forward. Sterling was causing all sorts of problems and Baldock was not getting any help at all. The goal was coming bit it came from a rare United attack but Berge’s shot was blocked and Sterling was away. He beat Baldock and then Basham with superb skill and then his pull back saw WALKER come in and hit a low shot into the corner away from Ramsdale. Osborn and Lowe did not close down but there was a lack of engagement on a number of City players in the break. In truth 1-0 flattered United who had been second best all over the field.
City continued to pick up all the loose stuff and Sterling skinned Baldock again and came inside but Egan then pulled down Torres. McBurnie jumped on the wall too late on the free kick but Ramsdale held well as the ball went low down.
As the game entered the half hour, United had not mustered an attack of note and on a rare moment they actually got into the City half, Baldock’s cross was woeful. He repeated this same trick overplaying the ball again soon after. With most of United’s rare attacks coming down the left and Lowe and Baldock not having the quality to even put a simple cross somewhere into the box; then it seemed hard to grasp where United would create anything.
United did win a corner but a decent delivery from Berge was headed away from Walker for another corner which was cleared and led to a break but fortunately Baldock got back to make a diving tackle. United seemed at full stretch every time City broke and Sterling continued to cause absolute carnage.
Cancelo stood up Basham and came inside and crossed but Torres had a shot blocked. The final few minutes at least saw United have a bit more of the ball but poor crossing and decisions when they got anywhere near the last third rendered any chances of any opportunities on goal. The half time whistle came with United fortunate not to be 2 or 3 goals behind with only Ramsdale really taking any credit from a rotten first half performance where to be far City were just too good.
The second half started with Berge over hitting a free kick straight over the bar. City continued to dominate the ball though and Ramsdale was fortunate when he came racing out and Torres tried to lob him but the keeper got back to save well.
United had possession for a spell down the right but no cross was incoming and Baldock and then Ampadu gave it away and City nearly got it on the other end. Walker then skinned Osborn and the ball back fell for De Bruyne and the ball was smashed narrowly wide.
United at least did get the ball into the City half a few times but City were still creating chances and Mahrez nearly dribbled through before he had a free kick opportunity when Stevens gave away a cheap and unnecessary foul. Lundstram came on for Osborn. In truth he could have replaced any of the outfield ten Blades players. Basham at least tried to run forward twice but he fell over on the second run.
Norwood came on for Ampadu but City continued to look the more likely as De Bruyne nearly played in Sterling and then the same man also had a shot blocked. United had not created anything of note but finally a decent run by Berge saw his cross held by Ederson. At the other end Mahrez nearly danced through but Egan made a last-ditch block.
United finally had a chance and it came through great work from Berge who ran through two defenders and superbly nutmegged Cancelo and his pull back was perfect for Lundstram but he fired over when he really ought to have done better.
Soon after Brewster nearly got in but was offside as his failed chip attempt was saved anyway. City showed quick feet again down the left with Sterling somehow getting away from Baldock and Basham and got right to the goal bit his cross came off Egan and fell fortunately for Ramsdale to save.
Foden replaced Torres and McGoldrick came on for Lowe, just after good work from the full back to win a goal kick, as United went to a back four for the final 10 minutes.
Baldock and Basham were well forward but did not cross it again and the ball was cleared easily and City broke. Gundogan was the final City change for Mahrez. Lundstram gave it away cheaply and Silva came inside and forced Ramsdale into a great save. Ederson then punted the ball forward and Ramsdale had to clear with his head as he came out – the keeper again was very alert with most of his teammates sleeping again.
The game drifted into the final few minutes and United still were unable to get the ball into the box and several opportunities to get it forward or cross it were given up and United kept moving it back and sideways. The extra 3 minutes passed with City easily seeing time out and it was as comfortable a 1-0 as you could wish to see.
United – A loss again. We did expect that of course but felt different to the performance and our take on the defeat a week ago. It is hard at the moment to be positive. We improved last week at Liverpool and were a touch unfortunate not to get a point but took a step back today and I felt everything we showed last week, we did not really show today. I was concerned City could move the ball about more than Liverpool and cause our static midfield and defenders’ issues and so it proved. Seems like one step forward, two or three back. We did not even look like scoring at all.
Today it looked like they had 2 extra men. Honestly. First half it was wave after wave of attack and really they should have gone in 3-0 up at least as Ramsdale kept us in it with his saves and good work. We did not have an attack I can recall of note all half. It was so one sided. They passed it around us, Sterling caused us all sorts of problems and we never even pressed/tackled. I get that we can’t go toe to toe like Wilder says but at least engage. It was too easy and it was like we were waiting for them to score. After they did you felt that was it. Odd as last week it was quite different.
Second half I would not even say we had a go. They sat back a bit more and we had a few bits of play but only one chance of note the whole game. They in contrast still forced Ramsdale into 3 or 4 more saves second half and had countless chances to score but actually were also poor in the final bit. At least they got into our box. I think outside the Lundstram chance I cannot recall us even going in their box.
I am all for us passing it and trying to play good football but not even sure we are doing that? It is football going nowhere (it was a bit like Weir’s team at times as we passed it and passed it and then went back and then lost it). The number of times we had it down the right and failed to cross or get it into the box. News flash: if we don’t get it into the box/cross it or men drive into the box, we will not score and will be one of the lowest Premier League scoring teams ever as we do not shoot outside the box at all and have no one outside Lundstram (as much as he is criticised) who gets ahead or up with the strikers to try and score/shoot. The build up is painfully slow and lacks quality and purpose. Teams have started to work out we only create from wide and funnel us that way and then get more men into those areas. We then move it back or put an awful cross in and teams break and often then nearly score as we have men out of position. I honestly think we could play for a week and not score against City the way we played and approached things. Last year we were brave and purposeful and went at teams – now we seem to be scared – maybe it is confidence but players don’t look like they believe they can compete or cause problems for their respective opponents.
At the moment, lots will be made of players picked and who should play and even formations but the simple fact of the matter is that we have rotated things (sure we could change the strikers again – what is the point we do not create anything?) or maybe Bogle for Baldock but these are not going to fundamentally change our form/results for me. We need to get the ball in the box more and in simple terms the bulk (lets be honest 7 or 8 of the outfield players that started today will play the bulk of the games) of the team need to do much, much better. If they do not improve and try and be more aggressive attacking wise, we are going down. Our crossing is like that you would see on Graves Park. It is abysmal. We hit the first man or over hit it. We cannot even put it into the box. It is like we could not be that bad when we cross if we tried! However, often we are not even crossing it or causing defence issues. We never turn them round and rarely do the full backs or centre backs have to chase back or face their own goal. Sometimes the channel ball is not a bad thing but we never do that. It’s all safe and in front. Defences are having such an easy game generally against us (although last week we did cause problems). We are so slow to build up, we do not shoot, rarely cross and when we do they are awful. We rely on defenders (wing backs to create or chances) and have a system based on centre backs overlapping and overloading but they are not doing it.
We have no individual talent who will dribble or run at teams/unlock defences and all this means it is a perfect recipe for us not scoring goals at all.
At the moment, I would rather watch us lose and have a go. Today, losing 1-0 it was like Wilder kind of accepted it rather than have a go and lose by more? It was everything that does not represent how he has approached his time at United. It’s like he and s have lost our mo jo and focusing on how much better the opposition are. We play the same way and when that is not working are not trying anything different at all. I did not even think there was much fight. We did not even get a booking today. Get stuck in, harry them, make it uncomfortable. The team looked like they are almost half relegated today. There was no fight or leadership anywhere. Yes, I know they are quality but was it any different to the 2nd half v Fulham and some of the other games?
I do keep hearing people saying there is a long way to go but after next week we will have played nearly a quarter of the season so it is not like we are a few games in. It is hard as I am not sure where the next point is coming from. Even the games after next week teams are improving and look more like scoring than us almost every team really.
We now go to Chelsea which is will be an almost certain loss sadly – Lampard will have them up for it after the defeat in lockdown and they of course did not beat us in either game last season. We then have a series of games that will be billed as must win but the reality is, we would have to win one of the next 3 (West Ham, West Brom and Leicester). If we went 11 games without a win, it would be hard to come back from them.
The reality is that unless Wilder and the team improve and show more positivity with players massively upping their game, it matters little what tweaks he makes to formations and personnel. I am surprised that many think if we put player A in for B it will all change. Everyone bar Bogle has had a good go this season and none have really shown any level of consistency at all. Ramsdale has been our player of the season. That says it all. It is up to every single one of the team to do much better on and off the ball. To me the worrying side is we were no better v Fulham (a poor side) than we were today in the last two home games against one of the best sides. So it is not just about the opposition.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 8/10 – Made 2 or 3 really good saves, most you would expect but a good one from close range. Walker’s shot was hard as it fizzed away – no doubt some idiots will blame him. He is being horribly exposed with shot after shot reigning in on him. Feel sorry for him. The 10 in front not giving him any protection at all. He made a number of saves second half and a few full stretch also. A few times he came off his line, once errored but got back to save and then did well to head clear. He is being kept way too busy at the moment and without him we would have conceded a lot more goal, not just today but all season. Probably thought he was glad to leave a side that shipped goals but come into one that seems as bad defensively in terms of chances given up!
Baldock 5/10 – Given a bit of a going over all game against a great player. Saw some saying he did well at times but most of his tackles were when he was chasing back after losing it or getting skinned. Chris Wilder will have been reminded of his performance at the Boleyn Ground against Stuart Slater back in 1990 when he was torn a new one! Fast forward to the present day and Sterling gave him the run-around. He was too quick, skilled and good for him. He got beat time after time. He got frustrated and gave a few fouls away and kept plugging away but he had a torrid game. Not sure Basham helped him much and both got beat on the goal but Baldock had been beaten 2 or 3 times before this for skill. Second half he at least got forward more but his crossing was woeful and that is being kind – 2 or 3 shockers first half and then he actually stopped even trying to cross as his confidence in this skill set is so low. He came back inside time after time. I’d rather him try and put it in than try the easy pass back.
Lowe 5.5/10 – Started very nervously and I felt was not tight enough to his man at all. He did have one crossing chance but hit the first man early on and then had to defend but was too slow to react and Torres and Mahrez both got to the ball before him on crosses. He did improve as the game went on but bot sure he had many touches and most of his play was chasing after their nippy players! We saw nothing of him from an attacking sense and defensively he was too far off his man as they attacked down both wings. Did one good bit of play to lead to a goal kick and then was sacrificed. Seemed at full stretch all game like most of the rest of our team.
Stevens 6/10 – Another up and down game. At least he stuck to his task and did get his foot in a few times but too often he was stood still when attackers were on the move. He needs to react quicker to things. On the ball he did ok but for the most part he was just defending and trying to plug gaps from runners. Not sure he is the answer at left centre back but he will have to play there as is still better than Robinson in my opinion.
Basham 6/10 – Lots of effort but little quality. I feel last year he would plug gaps and cover and make interceptions and rarely did men get away from him. This season at times players have got around him or passed him by. He struggled with Sterling and others today and felt Baldock was left little help. Also giving away silly fouls. Another not reacting to crosses – they had 3 chances alone when defenders were stood watching. Second half he had a go and at least got forward more but no quality and he fell over or the final ball was lacking or he and others dithered and lost the chance to cross/create. Looks at the moment like a player trying hard but struggling with the pace and quality of opponents like many of the others
Egan 7/10 – Thought he was our best outfield player. He was faced with movement and runners and excellent technical players but got his foot in, made blocks and was alert. He was one of the few who were on their game and seemed ready for the challenge. The rest looked quite scared I felt. He at least stuck to his task. Really missing O’Connell as he seems to have to cover so much space at the back where gaps appear all over and people do not attack the ball – he is one of the few doing that. Someone else mentioned it but I also have been saying it for a while but he needs to sort his footwear/studs choice out as he slips at least once a game often under no pressure. He did it again today first half.
Ampadu 4/10 – Thought he was dreadful today. He gave it away time after time and was so sloppy when he did have it. Last week, he got his foot in and made blocks and covered ground. Today they ran through us all game, the defence had no protection and he sat off. He is in the team to give us defensive cover, mobility, legs but I think Norwood would have done better today sadly. None of our players seem capable of putting two performances together – many cannot put two halves together. Last week he looked like he could be the answer to a different way of playing. This week he looked so far off being the answer. Worrying.
Osborn 4/10 – He did ok last week but today looked a Championship player where quicker, stronger and more technical players were a bit too much for him. Never got interceptions, let players get away from him and looked weak. When he had he gave it away or wanted rid of it quickly. Thought it was all a bit of a struggle for him and could have gone off long before he did.
Berge 7/10 – Had one run first half and then another second half where he ran through and sent over a cross too close to the keeper. Then one great bit of skill where he ran past two players with great skill and running and a clever pull back. That was the best bit of attacking play we showed all game. It was superb but too often the game bypasses him and he needs to do more for one of our key men for me. Along with Egan maybe our best outfield players but that was on the basis of Egan not making any mistakes and him doing one or two good things – for our best player to do a few good things is not enough. However, there are far more issues than Berge in the side and one of the few bright spots this season.
Brewster NA /4/10 – I have put NA as Not Applicable is more pertinent – same for McBurnie but in the end did not want to not give a mark so 4/10 is his mark. I think both strikers and any player has a starting point of 5/10 and then move up or down. He had no service whatsoever and is probably wondering what he has come into. It is hard to mark either of them really. We did not give him anything at all in terms of ball to feet, in the air, crosses, absolutely nothing. He looked like he did not know what to do at all and had no concept of where to run or where to go as we had so little of the ball. At the moment it looks a lot of money (albeit limited game time) for someone who is not going to see any of the ball and you wonder if the money would have been better spent elsewhere as in 2 and a bit games, he has had about 5 touches!
McBurnie NA/ 5/10 – As above. He actually did get stuck in early and knocked his man down a few seconds in and won a few headers. I felt he put effort in but then as the game went on and we had less and less service he became more and more marginalised. The crossing was appalling and as well as this he had nothing to feet, nothing to attack. I felt sorry for both the strikers but then maybe they need to do a bit more – maybe that is harsh too as asking them to just win flicks, chase people down as hard as City had so much of the ball. At the moment not sure it matters who plays up front as we create so little – fewest chances of any team in the league.
Subs –
Lundstram 5/10 – At least had an effort and he does get in good positions but he blazed badly over. Outside of this like Norwood, he hardly got on the ball as we were chasing better players. Seen lots criticise him this week and saying he should play with the youth team etc. I do not agree. He is still better than Osborn for me and until Fleck comes back, he would still be a better option than anyone else. He at least gives us an attacking threat. Not sure his effort has been better/worse than anyone else either this season. I am not sure he gets the big contract/Prem club he thinks he will but that is his choice. I think he would be better staying. If Wilder is going to use him though then until Fleck comes back, I would start him – putting him on the bench was a bit odd for me as was neither but shows how limited our options are.
Norwood – He was better than Ampadu in that he at least kept it a few times and tried to play it forward. City were dictating play so hard for him to influence things. I personally would put him back in the team. At the moment we are playing 2 up top and creating nothing so maybe we need to do something different and play him and Ampadu in midfield with Berge and maybe McGoldrick ahead of them and then one up top. We can’t create any less!
McGoldrick – Came on and seemed to play just behind the strikers but it was too late and he only had 5+ minutes to impact anything and City continued to have more of the ball. Had a few touches but a short pass and then came back inside on another moment.
Manager Wilder 4/10 – May seem harsh but we did the same thing from minute 1 till 85 (then went to back 4) and then even then it was too late. Last year we had a go at these teams and did that at Liverpool this week but today sat back and just waited for the inevitable goal they would score. They have too much quality (like Arsenal) for us to defend and keep them out for 90 minutes. Today, we waved the white flag from kick off. Even 2nd half when somehow it was still 1-0, we did not even bother trying to attack or get the ball in the box. It was a pitiful approach I felt and rightly McManaman and a lot of neutrals were panning us for not trying to cause them problems.
His post match interview was very much about money City had spent and his whole attitude seems too have changed from we are not here to make up the numbers to now we are lucky to be amongst these. His ‘It is the Premier League by the way’ or ‘Man City by the way?’ comments he keeps making are starting to wind me up. He did not speak like this last season. Leeds went toe to toe a few weeks ago. Even we did against them at their place last season. We have also spent a lot of money for us – the most in our history – this is not the Bassett/Warnock little old United squad. It is the most expensive squad/starting line up we have ever had by some way. I love Wilder but he has made a lot of mistakes with selections, approach and signings in the last few months and at the moment we are playing poorly and losing every week. So of course he is rightly not beyond criticism.
I am concerned that at the moment I know the players are not playing great but for the most part (last week apart) we are almost accepting teams are better and just hoping to sit back and not concede. If we play like this, we are no better than the Warnock side that went down and could rival Derby’s points tally when they went down. I was furious with how we approached the game today and if we continue in this vein all the plaudits we have had and all the positivity of the last few years will soon start to fade if we are back in the Championship which looks a strong possibility on the results/performances so far.
Man City – I was worried today after seeing them rout Marseille in the week when they seemed to gel and even though they have a few missing and maybe could say they are light up top without Aguero and Jesus, they have technical talents all over the field. Laporte being back (as he was last season v us – why does he always return just before they play us?!) was a boost for them but the midfield has so many great footballers with Silva, Foden, Mahrez all capable of unlocking defences and De Bruyne who is the best player in the league in my opinion. If I could have any player, I’d probably pick Mane due to his pace and work rate but De Bruyne is technically superb and a joy to watch. He of course unlocked our defence twice last season to see us off.
Today they were better than us and their class showed. 16 shots (8 on target) to 3 (1 off target) showed their domination. Better finishing and they win the game 4 or 5-0. It was completely easy with the defence and keeper untroubled. Sterling and De BBruyne did their bits and pieces and the only issue was the final bit – if they had taken their chances it would have been a lot more. Even without a striker they looked far more threatening than us with places who dribble, run at players and have a go. I know they cost millions but they also got their foot in and won the loose stuff. It was so easy and much more comfortable than the 1-0 win they had last season when at least we had a bit of a go.
They will hope two good results will be a springboard for them to move up the league and improve but still have key men out and I fear against better teams than us they will still drop points.
This season they got hammered by Leicester and have been less than impressive at times and only drew at West Ham and even though Liverpool have dropped points, they have not taken advantage so far. I still think they are with Liverpool, the best sides in the league and sure at the very least they will finish 2nd in the league – think Liverpool even without Van Dijk will win the league.
They have some talents but the defence is still rather porous and Pep has spent a hell of a lot for minimal improvements. I had a look and they have spent an eye watering amount on the defence alone over his tenure – £428.1million on 11 signings.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (£1.7m), John Stones (£50m), Danilo (£27m), Kyle Walker (£47.4m), Benjamin Mendy (£51.75m), Aymeric Laporte (£58.5m), Philippe Sandler (£2.25m), Angelino (£10.8m), Pedro Porro (£10.8m), Joao Cancelo (£58.5m), Yan Couto (£5.4m), Nathan Ake (£40m), Ruben Dias (£64m). Quite frightening really.
Even this summer, not just on defenders they have spent circa 150 million on Dias, Ake, Torres and some younger players Moreno, Busto, Couto and Kabore. It was the same last summer, 144 million and 70 the year before that. In 17-18 they spent 285 million alone. 194 million the year before. That is all since Pep arrived – that is over 700 million in 4-5 years. That is what we are competing against. They are still not the best team in England let alone Europe.
I actually like Pep and you still have to win when you have cash and the best players but be interested to see what he did with a club like us or one without the funds. He has been at Barca, Bayern and City and had silly money and likes of Messi and De Bruyne. Yet, he has made some awful signings. The likes of Mendy, Jesus, Gundogan are still played a fair bit but not sure they are anywhere consistent or good enough for a title contending team. They rely too much on De Bruyne and Aguero too and old guards like Fernandinho, Walker and Laporte. I think Foden has some real ability but I am not convinced he will be this all world player some think he will and is still too up and down. For all the money spent, they still need another centre back, still need a left back, another midfielder and a striker to probably overhaul Liverpool and also to compete for the Champions League. So they’d have to spend another 200-300 million! I think Pep may move on soon actually and then be interesting to see what happens to them. The owners will keep throwing money at it and eventually some will stick on better players I suppose.
Today though was easy for them and they barely got out of first gear for an easy win. It was like a Premier League team beating a Champ team away in the cup.
Opponent Man of the Match – Sterling just ahead of De Bruyne. Sterling caused us all sorts of issues with his strong running and dribbling. He created chance after chance. De Bruyne controlled things and Rodri and Silva showed their class at times. I thought both full backs were in a different league to ours – Walker scored and was composed and Cancelo caused us issues also.
Opponent Weak link – No one. The defence had nothing to do. Not sure anyone was bad at all. Even the most below par player was better than any of ours! Mahrez was maybe a bit wasteful if I had to name one.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Michael Oliver as Ref and Paul Tierney as VAR – what could go wrong after these two presided over the Villa ghost goal fiasco? Well nothing. The easiest game you could ever ref. Not a bad tackle. Barely a tackle in fact at all. It was like a practice game as City just walked through us. When we did foul it was silly fouls (gave them two free kicks for no need). The rest of the game no drama or controversy at all. VAR like Ederson could have had the day off.
Coverage – They were quite fair on us actually. They wanted to say we were utterly s***e but were too polite. They probably wished they had a better contest to analyse but in truth it was hard to do anything but say how easy it was for City and gush over them. They only knock was they did not score more goals.
