Post by deadbat on Nov 29, 2020 0:12:16 GMT
Pod and report below
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-20-21-wba-away
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The misery continues as the nightmare of nightmare season goes on for United as yet again, they went down to a defeat – this time against their nearest rivals at the bottom of the league. Defeat to West Brom leaves the Blades in a desperate position and already starting relegation in the face before December has even started.
Chris Wilder handed Kean Bryan his Premier League debut in a surprise move as Ethan Ampadu was out injured. The strikers were rotated again with Burke this time back in the side for McGoldrick. McBurnie retained his place despite his barren form in front of goal. There was still no start for record signing Rhian Brewster. There were also no places in the squad for Sharp, Jack Robinson or Enda Stevens. West Brom started former Blade Callum Robinson as both players that featured in the swap move began the game. They also included Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher. They had recent signing Karlan Grant on the bench.
In a game that featured the two basement sides and a crunch fixture even at this early stage, the away side settled quicker. Within 30 seconds they could have been ahead. Mcburnie’s flick saw Burke in the clear but he miskicked when right in on goal although he may have used his hand possibly before he stumbled. Soon after a poor foul by Ivanovic saw him booked as McBurnie made his presence felt again. Fleck completely wasted the free kick floating it out of play.
United then attacked down the right and the ball over from Baldock missed everyone and sat up nicely for Fleck but he pulled his shot badly wide. It was another really good opportunity. United continued to attack and a ball down the side saw Burke do well to use his pace and come inside. The ball back eventually settled for Baldock but his shot lacked conviction and was cleared away inside the 6-yard box. United had three really good chances but did not really show any composure or assuredness and none looked remotely like going into the net.
At the other end, West Brom had their first attack as Bryan was beat by Robinson and his cross fortunately for the Blades missed everyone. The home side started to settle down helped by ill discipline from Norwood whose wild hack saw him the first Blade into the book. West Brom then won a corner but Bartley fired wide after it fell nicely although he was in an offside position.
Pereira was pulling the strings for the Baggies and his play nearly set Grant in but soon after Burke made an error failing to stop a through ball and even though he got back to block the ball away for a corner, the mistake was to prove costly as West Brom took the lead on 13 minutes. After this though poorer play ensued. The corner was not the best but Berge’s clearance was really poor and it fell to a completely unmarked GALLAGHER and his shot through bodies nestled into the corner of the goal. Just like last week, a clear shot was allowed to come in with no pressure.
Bryan and Lowe had struggled to start defensively but they actually combined well attacking wise down the left and Bryan’s cross was excellent and met by Burke’s flying header that was flicked away by Johnstone. A really good move and an excellent effort and save.
Berge was booked after a poor first touch led to the ball getting away from him and he clattered into his man Grant. Baldock then errored and Pereira was in and his shot went just wide. Burke’s pace had been a feature at the other end and he got away from Ivanovic again but his cross was bundled clear with McBurnie unable to get on the ball.
West Brom now were having much more of the ball and Pereira fed Robinson whose shot was deflected wide for a corner. A number of corners ensued with one moment when Fleck just let Pereira run past him unopposed summed up the change in flow of the game. Ramsdale dropped one corner and Grant had an effort deflected over after it dropped. Norwood then lost his man on the next corner and it seemed Grant had made it two but Baldock got back to clear. Gallagher then shot again from the edge of the box but it bounced into Ramsdale.
Berge had been poor so far but came to life with one good run that led to Lowe having a shot blocked and from the corner McBurnie headed down but it lacked power and Johnstone saved easily. A decent move then saw the Norwegian ran down the right-hand side and have a shot over the bar after better one touch football.
Still at the other end United looked all over the place with the lack of communication between Ramsdale and the backline evident twice in quick succession. On the first occasion he failed to gather a ball as he dived and missed it and Basham cleared and then flapped at another corner soon after. Even a side so lowly like West Brom looked like scoring every time they attacked with gaps when they broke particularly down the Blades left and from corners the defence seemingly not knowing who to mark. United won a free kick on the angle but Norwood’s delivery was really poor and son after the half time whistle went. United had a mountain to climb again.
United began on the attack but Baldock lost the ball and West Brom broke and won a corner as Robinson threatened to come inside.
United then had a chance as Basham’s cross was met by McBurnie but deflected wide for a corner. West Brom were then on the attack and Robinson had too much time and won another corner. The delivery was met by Bartley and Ramsdale made a great save full stretch. West Brom went for the second and Egan blocked Gallagher superbly with the goal gaping. United once again had not come out for the 2nd half with any impetus.
Brewster came on for Norwood as they went to a 5-3-2 line up but West Brom continued to attack and won another corner. United mounted a rare attack and Baldock’s cross came over and fell to Fleck who hit a shot but it hit his own man Brewster and Berge fired miles over on the rebound.
West Brom then won a free kick on the edge of the box when Robinson clever play drew a foul on Egan who was booked. Pereira’s free kick clipped a United player and just went over. It may have gone in if it had not taken the touch.
Lowe then got forward and his cross was dangerous but cleared well by a West Brom defender with Brewster lurking. Just before the hour mark, United then had a golden chance when Burke did well and pulled back to Baldock and it seemed an easy chance but he blazed over with his left foot. It was an appalling finish.
Lundstram came on for Bryan as United tried something else formation wise and to try and find a way back into the game. The sub put over a great cross on the angle but it was away from Burke just as he dived at the ball. Baldock then got over a cross which Brewster hit against a defender and away but again the corner was wasted. Former Blade Robinson departed for Robson Kanu for West Brom as the game entered the final 25 minutes.
Lundstram’s whipped cross was superb and just evaded Burke as United found some life in the game after starting the 2nd half badly. The next stage of the game was a bit stop start with a number of West Brom players going down and slowing the pace down. Mousset came on for Burke who was unfortunate to depart being United’s most dangerous player. West Brom made a double change with Krovinovic and Phillips on for Grant and Townsend.
United tried to find something and Lundstram’s cross was flicked away from Johnstone. Bartley fouled Brewster giving United a chance to get the ball in. The game saw West Brom now sitting back more and more. United won a corner after a Brewster shot and then a free kick which was cleverly taken to Berge whose cross was met by McBurnie but saved from Johnstone at point blank range. Mousset then did well to wrestle possession back and his cross was met by McBurnie but his shot was rather telegraphed and the keeper pushed away reading the obvious intent.
The game entered the final 10 minutes and United now had three strikers on and were going for it. Ramsdale had to keep the Blades in the game with a smart save from a Robson Kanu shot that he pushed away for a corner. Pereira’s chip to the back post was met by Furlong with Fleck asleep but the full back headed over.
United had another half chance when Brewster’s effort was saved and Basham tried to get in on the rebound but he was offside.
The timewasting and ‘injuries’ the home side had sustained meant there were 7 minutes stoppage time to be played. The first period saw West Brom keep it for a spell but even when United had it they took too long to move it forward and Berge lost it trying to be too cute. United then had a chance when Brewster had an effort and it dropped for Baldock who inexplicably just lobbed it into the keeper’s hands. It seemed all was lost for United but they still managed to miss another an absolute sitter – Baldock after a wretched evening got away from his man and sent over a great cross but Brewster fluffed his chance but it sat down for Mousset right in front of goal but he blazed over from about 2 yards. The full-time whistle came soon after this and United had somehow lost a game in which they had 22 shots on goal and United had the highest 3.32 XPG of any time that failed to score this season.
United – I am not sure how we lost the game. We were not fantastic and had some bad spells at times during the game but overall, we did enough to win the game easily. We had so many chances and so many good ones. Yet their keeper made maybe one or two saves. We are not even hitting the target and even the big ones missed were well off the goal – Baldock and Mousset – not even close. It was pathetic finishing. McBurnie missed clear chances again. Mousset missed a huge one. Baldock missed a sitter. Brewster had a few attempts. We were not brilliant and sloppy in elements of play but got the ball into the right area and did enough to win two games. It is a demoralising defeat. Billed as a must win game and certainly one we could not lose and we lost it. I am not sure where we go from that. Today we actually started the game well and finished the game well. We had some bad spells and sloppy at the back but still there were so many chances and we got into great positions again. It is a defeat that could be a hammer blow. Yes, it is not yet December but now we face some harder opponents and we will not have chances like that in games again. We simply do not have the strikers and composure to put the ball in the net and make crucial mistakes at the other end. At the moment I am not sure where the next goal and point is coming from.
It is, as I say, a devastating defeat. I do not think we battered West Brom and did not play scintillating football and they had lots of corners and chances themselves but we had all the clear chances and just cannot miss chances like that. Three to begin the game and three towards the end of the game were all much better chances than anything they had and the one they scored. We simply have to take some of them. We did not and give another sloppy goal away. In between the play had a better tempo to start and end the game. The middle bit went a bit scrappy and the whole game went a bit stop start as the goal knocked us off our stride completely but for once we finished a game really strongly. We just could not finish. We did look better when we went to a 3-4-3 I think it was and started to create again.
I was really concerned when I saw the team as a weak left-hand side got even weaker with Bryan’s inclusion. I feared the worst when I saw the side with him and Lowe and so it proved to start but they did get a bit better as the game went on and both did improve but not sure either is up to it at this level really. Still this area was not why we lost the game. I also thought the midfield were not great on and off the ball but as a team we still got it into good positions and created tons of chances whether through weight of possession, getting it wide or simply showing more urgency.
It is an odd one as individually I am not sure anyone stood out hugely. My marks below may seem low for a team that should have won the game and had so many chances but I think it was just weight of pressure. There were some decent moments that led to chances and some good play but we just got the ball into better areas or took more shots that led to blocks and chances dropping but you cannot say any of the keeper, back 5 were amazing. The midfield was poor and the strikers missed chances. Burke was the bets of the lost. So, it’s a weird one to assess players as for a team that should have won no one was what I would call great.
After a game like that the team will wonder what they do next though. No team has ever come back from this and it is looking like there is a big chance we will go down. People are right saying we just have to finish 17th but 0 wins from 10 and the only team in the league without a win says it all. I do not see more than a few wins all season on how we are playing as even when we play better, we still could not score against a poor side who were right next to us in the league.
Tonight, everyone in the football world and even many of our own fan will say we are doomed already and we may well be. We need to have a bit of a siege mentality now. I think we just have a bloody go in the next few games. No pathetic safe stuff and defensive stuff. We need to play Brewster, Mousset and Burke and go at teams and try and score some goals. I know we may miss them but at least get teams worrying about us the other way. If we are going to keep losing let’s do it playing some attacking and entertaining football. I am concerned though with Leicester, Southampton and then Man Utd next that we could still have a point as we roll into Xmas which then starts to become more than embarrassing. It is such a shame that all the good will we got from the football world and now tonight we are a bit of a laughing stock and rightly so. People will look at that table and say we are garbage and sadly they are right as even with an improved showing we have so called Premier League players missing sitter after sitter. We are bottom as the manager and players have not been good enough week in, week out whether it be poor showings or better ones. We cannot keep it out at one end and can’t score at the other and the play in between is still not good enough really even if we did create lots of chances today.
This week the social media team will say keep the faith and we go again and all the cliches but I do not want to hear from them. The team need to be working hard in training and doing shooting practice every day. The old-fashioned days Bassett and old managers would have had them in tomorrow doing exactly that but they are all protected and too expensive for that too happen I suppose. What a rotten start it has been – yes, it’s the top division and the highest league but never have I seen everything go as badly wrong to begin a season like this and it could get worse before it gets better. We have just played two so called poorer sides and not scored a bloody goal. The joint worst start by a top flight side since 1930 (90 years!) – only WBA in 1985-86 got a point – everyone else was better!) is damning and now becoming embarrassing.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6/10 – Looked shaky first half. He had settled down after a decent start but last few weeks looked really erratic. The goal in the first half was a hard one as it went through bodies but whenever anyone shoots, I expect it to go in. That is not a good sign of your keeper. He was then coming and missing corner or flapping. The communication looked really poor and the defence in front did not seem to know what he was doing at times. Second half he did make two good saves with the one from the header and also the shot from Robson Kanu. On the face of it he did not do a lot wrong but he does not fill me with confidence at the moment sadly.
Baldock 5.5/10 – Started the game well with a good cross and also a shot and was well forward but as the game went on, he started to have to defend more and we saw less of him. Then towards the end of the game he came into more and had a few good runs but again poor crosses or inability or not wanting to cross. He put two loopy ones into no one and then he got into the box but missed a horrific chance skying over the bar when he has to score. He then lobbed one to the keeper. Nearly almost redeemed himself with a run and cross at the end but Mousset missed of course. He is a decent player but when he gets to crucial areas he falls apart generally.
Lowe 5/10 – Just looks out of his depth. Got forward a few times but looks like he does not know where to run or go at times. Defensively looks so weak and leaves big gaps and does not get tight to his man at all. Him and Bryan was not something I was looking forward to and West Brom did exploit this early. Did do better second half for a spell and showed some stamina to get up and down but not sure we saw much end product – one cross just evaded Brewster.
Bryan 5/10 – Began with a mistake as Robinson got away and crossed and then missed a header and this led to the corner for the goal. He did some of things such as the cross for the Burke header but was always looking at full stretch defensively. He settled down a bit but they seemed to have so many attacks with so much space. We have three centre backs and yet the attackers seem to find gaps on the floor and in the air. I am not sure he was awful but that says as much about the rest of the team and ultimately his error led to the vital moment in the first half.
Basham 6/10 – To be honest as much as we have praised him and Egan, even to some extent this season we are shipping goals all over and they are not just long shots. Teams are having chances from corners and winning headers routinely. For big lads they are not dominating. He tried to come forward but due to the midfield he probably feels he cannot go as much as they don’t have the legs to get back.
Egan 6/10 – Another patchy display where he looked susceptible when players were running at him. He did a few ok blocks but seems at full stretch with our woeful midfield and lack of protection not helping. Daft foul on Robinson saw him booked. We don’t look anywhere near as secure when teams run at us and I felt the same today.
Norwood 3/10 – Thought he was really poor first half. He began ok and was neat and tidy for the first 10 minutes as were the rest but then as with last week regressed badly. Stupid tackle and booking meant he could not get stuck in but he did not get close to any opponent after this. His delivery was not very good and he did not get on the ball as after 10-15 mins they dominated the ball. After this he looked sluggish and slow and I felt he looked like a player whose legs had completely gone. Surely 12 months after doing well at this level he can’t have regressed this much but now looks miles off the pace and not good enough at this level. I have loved watching him play but at the moment he is not offering anything. I worry whether he may be done as he has played like this in most games since lockdown save for the Fulham first half.
Fleck 4/10 – He too had an awful first half. His bad free kick set the scene early and then he has that horrible dragged finish. After this he did a few neat things but for most of the first half did not close the ball, was careless in possession and defensively they ran away from us. Pereira and Sawyers then started to dictate. I thought he may improve 2nd half but not sure he really did and was quite slow on the ball and slow getting to the defensive side too. There were bits and pieces but never enough really. Once when the man just ran past him summed up his game and he stood there and did not even run back. He had a few moments where he switched play and one shot blocked but not sure many attacks came from his play or involvement.
Berge 6/10 – Looked fast asleep to start the game. He gave it away a few times, mis controlled it and then got booked. The goal he shinned it to the centre back and they scored. A really bad error. He continued to look slow and off the pace and the whole midfield had no control but then he did find some life and had one good run led to a Lowe chance and one shot himself. I though finally but then after this not sure I saw much of anything for a long spell but did play better than the other two midfielders by a long way. He got on it a bit took too long to get involved and when he had it is way too ponderous and no real tempo when we needed it. Clearly a good footballer but we need him to play it at a greater pace. At the end again he got on it but slows the play down too much. We need urgency but often he lets men get back and then they can regroup. Frustrating player. The two moments first half were good and a few neat bits second half but I want more of an influence. Even the one free kick he got onto he took way too long to cross to McBurnie even though the ball was ok. Need much more from him.
Burke 7/10 – Missed the early chance but then looked lively and showed his pace and strength as he went past his man 2 or 3 times. He nearly got us in a few times and at least showed a threat behind and we had something different. Felt most of our good play early came from his good work. He continued to look our main threat and even though things did not come off, we looked far more dangerous with him up top. He set up the chance for Baldock and I felt was unlucky to come off when McBurnie did little after starting the game well. Our most dangerous attacker in creating things.
McBurnie 4/10 – Started in hungry fashion as he flicked on for Burke and then drew a booking. He was involved in some of the early stuff and looked up for it but then faded. Did not get on the end of a few decent balls and runs from Burke. Had a headed chance but this was weakly headed to the keeper and then missed a point-blank chance after the Berge free kick; had another blocked and then telegraphed a really good chance. He is a striker who does not score goals. It is that simple. I am not sure he does much for the team either and overall, he is offering more negatives than positives. Needs to come out of the team for a spell. He does not even seem to belief he will score when he takes chances on. We need to try something different now.
Subs –
Brewster 6/10 – Blocked his own mans shot and then nearly got in on a cross but more involved than any other game he has played. He had a few long-range shots but then mis kicked a few also but he looked lively. He ran back and won tackles and chased around and showed some real urgency. I felt we looked better when he came on and ended the final spell well. He just looked more up for the game than I have seen and at least tried to have some shots. He maybe should have done better on the one at the end when Mousset ultimately missed.
Lundstram – One great cross to begin with and he was involved in some decent moments and looked quite hungry. He was ok today when he came on and looked to force things. I think he actually offered more than both Fleck and Norwood even on limited time/bits he did.
Mousset 4.5/10 – He was involved and stretched them and set up one for McBurnie and then ran into blind alleys a few times. He then missed an absolute sitter. Not sure how he misses it. It is simply awful. Looked like he was blowing after 5 minutes which was not a good sign. There is an argument he does get a start with Brewster/Burke and a combination of those three for some pace/power up top. The slow McBurnie and McGoldrick combo needs to not be considered for a while. At least with the lads I mention we had a threat in behind.
Manager Wilder 5/10 – Hard one tonight as he does not go out and miss those chances. He made a brave call with the Bryan move and it seemed a really odd one. I think even a change of formation may have been better. We made a really weak left side even weaker. Maybe he had no choice in terms of selection if he stuck with the shape but maybe when you don’t have the personnel you have to change it. He could have put Osborn as an extra man in midfield – gone to a 4 at the back and just played Burke up top. I think there were a few things he could have done but the selection reminded me of the Mike Bassett firm when he said. However, that was before the game an to be fair the formation and how we played saw us create (and miss) loads of chances. We started the game great and finished it well but in between became a bit scrappy not helped by us maybe changing it a lot and numerous subs and stoppages. Still if we take a few of those we win the game 2 or 3-1. I am not sure he will get the criticism as much as last week as at least the performance was better but the points total means he will be scrutinised and now is many bookies favourite to be the first to lose his job and is 2-1 and 4-1 with some tonight. I have said it would be ridiculous but also know not many managers survive a start like this going on much longer and the Prince will be thinking about a chance even if most of us feel he needs to retained no matter what. I am not sure who would change what we have and how we are but the counter argument is some would say we cannot do a any worse. I just hope Wilder does not just jack it in.
No idea why he has had another go at Klopp pre match – this time about him welcoming fans back to Anfield on the back of his comment calling him selfish for the subs. Wilder is probably right but us being bottom and them top not sure why he is calling other managers out. He was rightly praised but his star has fallen fast locally and nationally and needs to let his team do the talking which they are not at the moment. Amusing in some ways to see Klopp mention him a few times post Brighton though, in a fascinating interview with Des Kelly on BT Sport; watch it if you get the chance Klopp interview was bizarre and his questioning of the TV picks and how they get picked at 12.30pm etc. Well Liverpool will always get the pick of TV games. That is how it has always been. These same clubs also have the biggest resources and can spend a lot more to have bigger and better squads to cover injury. However, I think it makes Wilder look a bit daft also calling and criticising others when we are currently on track to be the worst Premier League team in history. He needs to keep his counsel a bit more. I agree with his sentiments as football is getting silly with VAR/more subs and losing what made it good.
His interview after the game tonight was actually considered and a fair take of the game and where we are at and showed some dignity and the right message but even he will fear the worst now for us deep down.
West Brom – They kind of snook over the finish line at the end last season but at times they played some vibrant, attacking football. A bit like Norwich they have not spent much at all and kept faith with the bulk of the side that came up. They signed Robinson from us and Diangana from West Ham. They also picked up Gallagher from Chelsea who is a decent prospect and then got Grant who was a cheaper alternative than the Brewster type signing with similar success in the Championship but we went for long term impact maybe. Ivanovic, Livermore, Gibbs and Phillips are good experienced players and I have always like Sawyers. The defence to me looks very ropey but then in games they have looked ok and maybe even tighter than us. Still not sure Ayari and Bartley are Premier League centre backs. They too have struggled to score goals at times.
I will say they have some players like Diangana and Pereira who can dribble past players and show a bit of magic to help break down defences. Not sure even we have that sadly and maybe the only side in the league who does not have that – even Burnley have McNeil who can provide pace and creativity.
I thought they would go down as they needed to make wholesale changes to have a chance but then look what we did last season v Norwich, so you just never know what will happen to a newly promoted team depending on how they start. This season it has been a struggle and would be rock bottom if it was not for a certain other team. Bilic has been around a bit but seems the sort of manager that will get jobs top end Champ and maybe lower Prem but seems to move on fairly quickly, at least that is my perception.
Today they knew they had to win (like we did) and pulled it off and suddenly their season is underway again. They scored a decent goal from range and had a few chances and had spells where they looked decent and broke through us but gave up so many chances. On another day they lose the game and Bilic’s reaction at the end summed it up.
They will still go down I feel but the fact they are ahead of us and beat us now sums up where we are at.
Opponent Man of the Match – Pereira. The best player on the field by a long way. The only one who had composure, could get on it and pick a pass. Always looking to probe and create
Opponent Weak link – The two centre backs Ayari and Bartley were poor and lost their men a lot but Ivanovic got done by Burke three times for pace and poor positioning.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Mike Dean. I was singing his praises in a report earlier in the season for not giving a damn about reputations and not favouring big players/teams. Sadly, today we were against a team of a similar ilk in standing and position. He does give the showy theatrics but has actually become a really good ref and one of the top ones in the league without a doubt. Today I felt he got most of the bookings right but could have booked Gallagher for a foul (two) on McBurnie. He also did not really give us much at all most of the game and things like Basham (handball) and a foul on Lowe when he was shoved out did not go our way. Not saying they were lots of obvious stuff but today felt we could have had a few things that did not quite go our way. He was not awful and at least gave us the right time at the end for their blatant time wasting (we would have done the same). Sadly he cannot be blame for us not kicking the ball in the net from a yard!
Coverage/Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Think Sky/BT have been quite kind and talked about last season/lack of fans but even that seems to be swaying more towards these look absolutely shite now! The discussion of last season is starting to become less and less. We are in the here and now and pundits will call it for what it is. I felt last season despite one or two exceptions, the majority were very praiseworthy. Now we have to take the deserved criticism and scathing words coming our way sadly rightly so.
A word on the possibility of crowds coming back. I will not get political but like Wilder was not surprised that it was a very North-South divide on the Tiers despite some data suggesting maybe that things have turned in certain areas. So, this of course means us being in Tier 3 for a while means we won’t be seeing any fans till well into the New Year. Not sure the numbers they are talking about will make much difference either team. We have to go to Southampton and Brighton I think in the run up to Xmas where we may see fans but having them away can’t exactly make us any worse away from home considering our dreadful form.
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The misery continues as the nightmare of nightmare season goes on for United as yet again, they went down to a defeat – this time against their nearest rivals at the bottom of the league. Defeat to West Brom leaves the Blades in a desperate position and already starting relegation in the face before December has even started.
Chris Wilder handed Kean Bryan his Premier League debut in a surprise move as Ethan Ampadu was out injured. The strikers were rotated again with Burke this time back in the side for McGoldrick. McBurnie retained his place despite his barren form in front of goal. There was still no start for record signing Rhian Brewster. There were also no places in the squad for Sharp, Jack Robinson or Enda Stevens. West Brom started former Blade Callum Robinson as both players that featured in the swap move began the game. They also included Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher. They had recent signing Karlan Grant on the bench.
In a game that featured the two basement sides and a crunch fixture even at this early stage, the away side settled quicker. Within 30 seconds they could have been ahead. Mcburnie’s flick saw Burke in the clear but he miskicked when right in on goal although he may have used his hand possibly before he stumbled. Soon after a poor foul by Ivanovic saw him booked as McBurnie made his presence felt again. Fleck completely wasted the free kick floating it out of play.
United then attacked down the right and the ball over from Baldock missed everyone and sat up nicely for Fleck but he pulled his shot badly wide. It was another really good opportunity. United continued to attack and a ball down the side saw Burke do well to use his pace and come inside. The ball back eventually settled for Baldock but his shot lacked conviction and was cleared away inside the 6-yard box. United had three really good chances but did not really show any composure or assuredness and none looked remotely like going into the net.
At the other end, West Brom had their first attack as Bryan was beat by Robinson and his cross fortunately for the Blades missed everyone. The home side started to settle down helped by ill discipline from Norwood whose wild hack saw him the first Blade into the book. West Brom then won a corner but Bartley fired wide after it fell nicely although he was in an offside position.
Pereira was pulling the strings for the Baggies and his play nearly set Grant in but soon after Burke made an error failing to stop a through ball and even though he got back to block the ball away for a corner, the mistake was to prove costly as West Brom took the lead on 13 minutes. After this though poorer play ensued. The corner was not the best but Berge’s clearance was really poor and it fell to a completely unmarked GALLAGHER and his shot through bodies nestled into the corner of the goal. Just like last week, a clear shot was allowed to come in with no pressure.
Bryan and Lowe had struggled to start defensively but they actually combined well attacking wise down the left and Bryan’s cross was excellent and met by Burke’s flying header that was flicked away by Johnstone. A really good move and an excellent effort and save.
Berge was booked after a poor first touch led to the ball getting away from him and he clattered into his man Grant. Baldock then errored and Pereira was in and his shot went just wide. Burke’s pace had been a feature at the other end and he got away from Ivanovic again but his cross was bundled clear with McBurnie unable to get on the ball.
West Brom now were having much more of the ball and Pereira fed Robinson whose shot was deflected wide for a corner. A number of corners ensued with one moment when Fleck just let Pereira run past him unopposed summed up the change in flow of the game. Ramsdale dropped one corner and Grant had an effort deflected over after it dropped. Norwood then lost his man on the next corner and it seemed Grant had made it two but Baldock got back to clear. Gallagher then shot again from the edge of the box but it bounced into Ramsdale.
Berge had been poor so far but came to life with one good run that led to Lowe having a shot blocked and from the corner McBurnie headed down but it lacked power and Johnstone saved easily. A decent move then saw the Norwegian ran down the right-hand side and have a shot over the bar after better one touch football.
Still at the other end United looked all over the place with the lack of communication between Ramsdale and the backline evident twice in quick succession. On the first occasion he failed to gather a ball as he dived and missed it and Basham cleared and then flapped at another corner soon after. Even a side so lowly like West Brom looked like scoring every time they attacked with gaps when they broke particularly down the Blades left and from corners the defence seemingly not knowing who to mark. United won a free kick on the angle but Norwood’s delivery was really poor and son after the half time whistle went. United had a mountain to climb again.
United began on the attack but Baldock lost the ball and West Brom broke and won a corner as Robinson threatened to come inside.
United then had a chance as Basham’s cross was met by McBurnie but deflected wide for a corner. West Brom were then on the attack and Robinson had too much time and won another corner. The delivery was met by Bartley and Ramsdale made a great save full stretch. West Brom went for the second and Egan blocked Gallagher superbly with the goal gaping. United once again had not come out for the 2nd half with any impetus.
Brewster came on for Norwood as they went to a 5-3-2 line up but West Brom continued to attack and won another corner. United mounted a rare attack and Baldock’s cross came over and fell to Fleck who hit a shot but it hit his own man Brewster and Berge fired miles over on the rebound.
West Brom then won a free kick on the edge of the box when Robinson clever play drew a foul on Egan who was booked. Pereira’s free kick clipped a United player and just went over. It may have gone in if it had not taken the touch.
Lowe then got forward and his cross was dangerous but cleared well by a West Brom defender with Brewster lurking. Just before the hour mark, United then had a golden chance when Burke did well and pulled back to Baldock and it seemed an easy chance but he blazed over with his left foot. It was an appalling finish.
Lundstram came on for Bryan as United tried something else formation wise and to try and find a way back into the game. The sub put over a great cross on the angle but it was away from Burke just as he dived at the ball. Baldock then got over a cross which Brewster hit against a defender and away but again the corner was wasted. Former Blade Robinson departed for Robson Kanu for West Brom as the game entered the final 25 minutes.
Lundstram’s whipped cross was superb and just evaded Burke as United found some life in the game after starting the 2nd half badly. The next stage of the game was a bit stop start with a number of West Brom players going down and slowing the pace down. Mousset came on for Burke who was unfortunate to depart being United’s most dangerous player. West Brom made a double change with Krovinovic and Phillips on for Grant and Townsend.
United tried to find something and Lundstram’s cross was flicked away from Johnstone. Bartley fouled Brewster giving United a chance to get the ball in. The game saw West Brom now sitting back more and more. United won a corner after a Brewster shot and then a free kick which was cleverly taken to Berge whose cross was met by McBurnie but saved from Johnstone at point blank range. Mousset then did well to wrestle possession back and his cross was met by McBurnie but his shot was rather telegraphed and the keeper pushed away reading the obvious intent.
The game entered the final 10 minutes and United now had three strikers on and were going for it. Ramsdale had to keep the Blades in the game with a smart save from a Robson Kanu shot that he pushed away for a corner. Pereira’s chip to the back post was met by Furlong with Fleck asleep but the full back headed over.
United had another half chance when Brewster’s effort was saved and Basham tried to get in on the rebound but he was offside.
The timewasting and ‘injuries’ the home side had sustained meant there were 7 minutes stoppage time to be played. The first period saw West Brom keep it for a spell but even when United had it they took too long to move it forward and Berge lost it trying to be too cute. United then had a chance when Brewster had an effort and it dropped for Baldock who inexplicably just lobbed it into the keeper’s hands. It seemed all was lost for United but they still managed to miss another an absolute sitter – Baldock after a wretched evening got away from his man and sent over a great cross but Brewster fluffed his chance but it sat down for Mousset right in front of goal but he blazed over from about 2 yards. The full-time whistle came soon after this and United had somehow lost a game in which they had 22 shots on goal and United had the highest 3.32 XPG of any time that failed to score this season.
United – I am not sure how we lost the game. We were not fantastic and had some bad spells at times during the game but overall, we did enough to win the game easily. We had so many chances and so many good ones. Yet their keeper made maybe one or two saves. We are not even hitting the target and even the big ones missed were well off the goal – Baldock and Mousset – not even close. It was pathetic finishing. McBurnie missed clear chances again. Mousset missed a huge one. Baldock missed a sitter. Brewster had a few attempts. We were not brilliant and sloppy in elements of play but got the ball into the right area and did enough to win two games. It is a demoralising defeat. Billed as a must win game and certainly one we could not lose and we lost it. I am not sure where we go from that. Today we actually started the game well and finished the game well. We had some bad spells and sloppy at the back but still there were so many chances and we got into great positions again. It is a defeat that could be a hammer blow. Yes, it is not yet December but now we face some harder opponents and we will not have chances like that in games again. We simply do not have the strikers and composure to put the ball in the net and make crucial mistakes at the other end. At the moment I am not sure where the next goal and point is coming from.
It is, as I say, a devastating defeat. I do not think we battered West Brom and did not play scintillating football and they had lots of corners and chances themselves but we had all the clear chances and just cannot miss chances like that. Three to begin the game and three towards the end of the game were all much better chances than anything they had and the one they scored. We simply have to take some of them. We did not and give another sloppy goal away. In between the play had a better tempo to start and end the game. The middle bit went a bit scrappy and the whole game went a bit stop start as the goal knocked us off our stride completely but for once we finished a game really strongly. We just could not finish. We did look better when we went to a 3-4-3 I think it was and started to create again.
I was really concerned when I saw the team as a weak left-hand side got even weaker with Bryan’s inclusion. I feared the worst when I saw the side with him and Lowe and so it proved to start but they did get a bit better as the game went on and both did improve but not sure either is up to it at this level really. Still this area was not why we lost the game. I also thought the midfield were not great on and off the ball but as a team we still got it into good positions and created tons of chances whether through weight of possession, getting it wide or simply showing more urgency.
It is an odd one as individually I am not sure anyone stood out hugely. My marks below may seem low for a team that should have won the game and had so many chances but I think it was just weight of pressure. There were some decent moments that led to chances and some good play but we just got the ball into better areas or took more shots that led to blocks and chances dropping but you cannot say any of the keeper, back 5 were amazing. The midfield was poor and the strikers missed chances. Burke was the bets of the lost. So, it’s a weird one to assess players as for a team that should have won no one was what I would call great.
After a game like that the team will wonder what they do next though. No team has ever come back from this and it is looking like there is a big chance we will go down. People are right saying we just have to finish 17th but 0 wins from 10 and the only team in the league without a win says it all. I do not see more than a few wins all season on how we are playing as even when we play better, we still could not score against a poor side who were right next to us in the league.
Tonight, everyone in the football world and even many of our own fan will say we are doomed already and we may well be. We need to have a bit of a siege mentality now. I think we just have a bloody go in the next few games. No pathetic safe stuff and defensive stuff. We need to play Brewster, Mousset and Burke and go at teams and try and score some goals. I know we may miss them but at least get teams worrying about us the other way. If we are going to keep losing let’s do it playing some attacking and entertaining football. I am concerned though with Leicester, Southampton and then Man Utd next that we could still have a point as we roll into Xmas which then starts to become more than embarrassing. It is such a shame that all the good will we got from the football world and now tonight we are a bit of a laughing stock and rightly so. People will look at that table and say we are garbage and sadly they are right as even with an improved showing we have so called Premier League players missing sitter after sitter. We are bottom as the manager and players have not been good enough week in, week out whether it be poor showings or better ones. We cannot keep it out at one end and can’t score at the other and the play in between is still not good enough really even if we did create lots of chances today.
This week the social media team will say keep the faith and we go again and all the cliches but I do not want to hear from them. The team need to be working hard in training and doing shooting practice every day. The old-fashioned days Bassett and old managers would have had them in tomorrow doing exactly that but they are all protected and too expensive for that too happen I suppose. What a rotten start it has been – yes, it’s the top division and the highest league but never have I seen everything go as badly wrong to begin a season like this and it could get worse before it gets better. We have just played two so called poorer sides and not scored a bloody goal. The joint worst start by a top flight side since 1930 (90 years!) – only WBA in 1985-86 got a point – everyone else was better!) is damning and now becoming embarrassing.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6/10 – Looked shaky first half. He had settled down after a decent start but last few weeks looked really erratic. The goal in the first half was a hard one as it went through bodies but whenever anyone shoots, I expect it to go in. That is not a good sign of your keeper. He was then coming and missing corner or flapping. The communication looked really poor and the defence in front did not seem to know what he was doing at times. Second half he did make two good saves with the one from the header and also the shot from Robson Kanu. On the face of it he did not do a lot wrong but he does not fill me with confidence at the moment sadly.
Baldock 5.5/10 – Started the game well with a good cross and also a shot and was well forward but as the game went on, he started to have to defend more and we saw less of him. Then towards the end of the game he came into more and had a few good runs but again poor crosses or inability or not wanting to cross. He put two loopy ones into no one and then he got into the box but missed a horrific chance skying over the bar when he has to score. He then lobbed one to the keeper. Nearly almost redeemed himself with a run and cross at the end but Mousset missed of course. He is a decent player but when he gets to crucial areas he falls apart generally.
Lowe 5/10 – Just looks out of his depth. Got forward a few times but looks like he does not know where to run or go at times. Defensively looks so weak and leaves big gaps and does not get tight to his man at all. Him and Bryan was not something I was looking forward to and West Brom did exploit this early. Did do better second half for a spell and showed some stamina to get up and down but not sure we saw much end product – one cross just evaded Brewster.
Bryan 5/10 – Began with a mistake as Robinson got away and crossed and then missed a header and this led to the corner for the goal. He did some of things such as the cross for the Burke header but was always looking at full stretch defensively. He settled down a bit but they seemed to have so many attacks with so much space. We have three centre backs and yet the attackers seem to find gaps on the floor and in the air. I am not sure he was awful but that says as much about the rest of the team and ultimately his error led to the vital moment in the first half.
Basham 6/10 – To be honest as much as we have praised him and Egan, even to some extent this season we are shipping goals all over and they are not just long shots. Teams are having chances from corners and winning headers routinely. For big lads they are not dominating. He tried to come forward but due to the midfield he probably feels he cannot go as much as they don’t have the legs to get back.
Egan 6/10 – Another patchy display where he looked susceptible when players were running at him. He did a few ok blocks but seems at full stretch with our woeful midfield and lack of protection not helping. Daft foul on Robinson saw him booked. We don’t look anywhere near as secure when teams run at us and I felt the same today.
Norwood 3/10 – Thought he was really poor first half. He began ok and was neat and tidy for the first 10 minutes as were the rest but then as with last week regressed badly. Stupid tackle and booking meant he could not get stuck in but he did not get close to any opponent after this. His delivery was not very good and he did not get on the ball as after 10-15 mins they dominated the ball. After this he looked sluggish and slow and I felt he looked like a player whose legs had completely gone. Surely 12 months after doing well at this level he can’t have regressed this much but now looks miles off the pace and not good enough at this level. I have loved watching him play but at the moment he is not offering anything. I worry whether he may be done as he has played like this in most games since lockdown save for the Fulham first half.
Fleck 4/10 – He too had an awful first half. His bad free kick set the scene early and then he has that horrible dragged finish. After this he did a few neat things but for most of the first half did not close the ball, was careless in possession and defensively they ran away from us. Pereira and Sawyers then started to dictate. I thought he may improve 2nd half but not sure he really did and was quite slow on the ball and slow getting to the defensive side too. There were bits and pieces but never enough really. Once when the man just ran past him summed up his game and he stood there and did not even run back. He had a few moments where he switched play and one shot blocked but not sure many attacks came from his play or involvement.
Berge 6/10 – Looked fast asleep to start the game. He gave it away a few times, mis controlled it and then got booked. The goal he shinned it to the centre back and they scored. A really bad error. He continued to look slow and off the pace and the whole midfield had no control but then he did find some life and had one good run led to a Lowe chance and one shot himself. I though finally but then after this not sure I saw much of anything for a long spell but did play better than the other two midfielders by a long way. He got on it a bit took too long to get involved and when he had it is way too ponderous and no real tempo when we needed it. Clearly a good footballer but we need him to play it at a greater pace. At the end again he got on it but slows the play down too much. We need urgency but often he lets men get back and then they can regroup. Frustrating player. The two moments first half were good and a few neat bits second half but I want more of an influence. Even the one free kick he got onto he took way too long to cross to McBurnie even though the ball was ok. Need much more from him.
Burke 7/10 – Missed the early chance but then looked lively and showed his pace and strength as he went past his man 2 or 3 times. He nearly got us in a few times and at least showed a threat behind and we had something different. Felt most of our good play early came from his good work. He continued to look our main threat and even though things did not come off, we looked far more dangerous with him up top. He set up the chance for Baldock and I felt was unlucky to come off when McBurnie did little after starting the game well. Our most dangerous attacker in creating things.
McBurnie 4/10 – Started in hungry fashion as he flicked on for Burke and then drew a booking. He was involved in some of the early stuff and looked up for it but then faded. Did not get on the end of a few decent balls and runs from Burke. Had a headed chance but this was weakly headed to the keeper and then missed a point-blank chance after the Berge free kick; had another blocked and then telegraphed a really good chance. He is a striker who does not score goals. It is that simple. I am not sure he does much for the team either and overall, he is offering more negatives than positives. Needs to come out of the team for a spell. He does not even seem to belief he will score when he takes chances on. We need to try something different now.
Subs –
Brewster 6/10 – Blocked his own mans shot and then nearly got in on a cross but more involved than any other game he has played. He had a few long-range shots but then mis kicked a few also but he looked lively. He ran back and won tackles and chased around and showed some real urgency. I felt we looked better when he came on and ended the final spell well. He just looked more up for the game than I have seen and at least tried to have some shots. He maybe should have done better on the one at the end when Mousset ultimately missed.
Lundstram – One great cross to begin with and he was involved in some decent moments and looked quite hungry. He was ok today when he came on and looked to force things. I think he actually offered more than both Fleck and Norwood even on limited time/bits he did.
Mousset 4.5/10 – He was involved and stretched them and set up one for McBurnie and then ran into blind alleys a few times. He then missed an absolute sitter. Not sure how he misses it. It is simply awful. Looked like he was blowing after 5 minutes which was not a good sign. There is an argument he does get a start with Brewster/Burke and a combination of those three for some pace/power up top. The slow McBurnie and McGoldrick combo needs to not be considered for a while. At least with the lads I mention we had a threat in behind.
Manager Wilder 5/10 – Hard one tonight as he does not go out and miss those chances. He made a brave call with the Bryan move and it seemed a really odd one. I think even a change of formation may have been better. We made a really weak left side even weaker. Maybe he had no choice in terms of selection if he stuck with the shape but maybe when you don’t have the personnel you have to change it. He could have put Osborn as an extra man in midfield – gone to a 4 at the back and just played Burke up top. I think there were a few things he could have done but the selection reminded me of the Mike Bassett firm when he said. However, that was before the game an to be fair the formation and how we played saw us create (and miss) loads of chances. We started the game great and finished it well but in between became a bit scrappy not helped by us maybe changing it a lot and numerous subs and stoppages. Still if we take a few of those we win the game 2 or 3-1. I am not sure he will get the criticism as much as last week as at least the performance was better but the points total means he will be scrutinised and now is many bookies favourite to be the first to lose his job and is 2-1 and 4-1 with some tonight. I have said it would be ridiculous but also know not many managers survive a start like this going on much longer and the Prince will be thinking about a chance even if most of us feel he needs to retained no matter what. I am not sure who would change what we have and how we are but the counter argument is some would say we cannot do a any worse. I just hope Wilder does not just jack it in.
No idea why he has had another go at Klopp pre match – this time about him welcoming fans back to Anfield on the back of his comment calling him selfish for the subs. Wilder is probably right but us being bottom and them top not sure why he is calling other managers out. He was rightly praised but his star has fallen fast locally and nationally and needs to let his team do the talking which they are not at the moment. Amusing in some ways to see Klopp mention him a few times post Brighton though, in a fascinating interview with Des Kelly on BT Sport; watch it if you get the chance Klopp interview was bizarre and his questioning of the TV picks and how they get picked at 12.30pm etc. Well Liverpool will always get the pick of TV games. That is how it has always been. These same clubs also have the biggest resources and can spend a lot more to have bigger and better squads to cover injury. However, I think it makes Wilder look a bit daft also calling and criticising others when we are currently on track to be the worst Premier League team in history. He needs to keep his counsel a bit more. I agree with his sentiments as football is getting silly with VAR/more subs and losing what made it good.
His interview after the game tonight was actually considered and a fair take of the game and where we are at and showed some dignity and the right message but even he will fear the worst now for us deep down.
West Brom – They kind of snook over the finish line at the end last season but at times they played some vibrant, attacking football. A bit like Norwich they have not spent much at all and kept faith with the bulk of the side that came up. They signed Robinson from us and Diangana from West Ham. They also picked up Gallagher from Chelsea who is a decent prospect and then got Grant who was a cheaper alternative than the Brewster type signing with similar success in the Championship but we went for long term impact maybe. Ivanovic, Livermore, Gibbs and Phillips are good experienced players and I have always like Sawyers. The defence to me looks very ropey but then in games they have looked ok and maybe even tighter than us. Still not sure Ayari and Bartley are Premier League centre backs. They too have struggled to score goals at times.
I will say they have some players like Diangana and Pereira who can dribble past players and show a bit of magic to help break down defences. Not sure even we have that sadly and maybe the only side in the league who does not have that – even Burnley have McNeil who can provide pace and creativity.
I thought they would go down as they needed to make wholesale changes to have a chance but then look what we did last season v Norwich, so you just never know what will happen to a newly promoted team depending on how they start. This season it has been a struggle and would be rock bottom if it was not for a certain other team. Bilic has been around a bit but seems the sort of manager that will get jobs top end Champ and maybe lower Prem but seems to move on fairly quickly, at least that is my perception.
Today they knew they had to win (like we did) and pulled it off and suddenly their season is underway again. They scored a decent goal from range and had a few chances and had spells where they looked decent and broke through us but gave up so many chances. On another day they lose the game and Bilic’s reaction at the end summed it up.
They will still go down I feel but the fact they are ahead of us and beat us now sums up where we are at.
Opponent Man of the Match – Pereira. The best player on the field by a long way. The only one who had composure, could get on it and pick a pass. Always looking to probe and create
Opponent Weak link – The two centre backs Ayari and Bartley were poor and lost their men a lot but Ivanovic got done by Burke three times for pace and poor positioning.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Mike Dean. I was singing his praises in a report earlier in the season for not giving a damn about reputations and not favouring big players/teams. Sadly, today we were against a team of a similar ilk in standing and position. He does give the showy theatrics but has actually become a really good ref and one of the top ones in the league without a doubt. Today I felt he got most of the bookings right but could have booked Gallagher for a foul (two) on McBurnie. He also did not really give us much at all most of the game and things like Basham (handball) and a foul on Lowe when he was shoved out did not go our way. Not saying they were lots of obvious stuff but today felt we could have had a few things that did not quite go our way. He was not awful and at least gave us the right time at the end for their blatant time wasting (we would have done the same). Sadly he cannot be blame for us not kicking the ball in the net from a yard!
Coverage/Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Think Sky/BT have been quite kind and talked about last season/lack of fans but even that seems to be swaying more towards these look absolutely shite now! The discussion of last season is starting to become less and less. We are in the here and now and pundits will call it for what it is. I felt last season despite one or two exceptions, the majority were very praiseworthy. Now we have to take the deserved criticism and scathing words coming our way sadly rightly so.
A word on the possibility of crowds coming back. I will not get political but like Wilder was not surprised that it was a very North-South divide on the Tiers despite some data suggesting maybe that things have turned in certain areas. So, this of course means us being in Tier 3 for a while means we won’t be seeing any fans till well into the New Year. Not sure the numbers they are talking about will make much difference either team. We have to go to Southampton and Brighton I think in the run up to Xmas where we may see fans but having them away can’t exactly make us any worse away from home considering our dreadful form.
