Post by deadbat on Dec 20, 2020 16:28:37 GMT
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Finally, a positive result of sorts for the Blades as they get a point on the road and avoid a ninth straight defeat after a 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion. United were up against it again after a red card was given to John Lundstram just before half time. Ironically, the Blades were probably better with 10 men than 11 and at least showed some togetherness and resilience. They even got a goal thanks to sub and debutant in the Premier League, Jayden Bogle. Sadly, they could not hang on and Danny Wellbeck’s late goal levelled matters and the home side could have won it at the death after hitting the bar with nearly the last kick. Before the equaliser Connolly and Burke had missed sitters for both sides.
This time last year United won 1-0 at the Amex Stadium and were firmly in the European places amidst a fantastic season. Fast forward twelve months and it could not be any more different.
The Blades made two changes with no place for injured Sander Berge and Oliver Burke moving down to the bench. In from the cold this week came John Lundstram with Rhian Brewster getting a start up front. In the new rules where clubs could field nine substitutes, United had three strikers and also named Jayden Bogle in a Premier League squad for the match day. Oli McBurnie was still not deemed fit enough to feature. Brighton had former Blades target Neal Maupay leading the line and former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana also got a start. Wantaway keeper Mat Ryan again did not start with Spaniard Robert Sanchez preferred between the sticks.
Brighton began the game with all the possession and Trossard nearly got in on the angle but Egan made a good block. Fleck, McGoldrick and Basham all gave it away cheaply as United could not get on the ball at all as Maupay and Trossard both went down with knocks. The game was being played exclusively in the United half and Brighton were slowly starting to find gaps. Two straight balls dissected the Blades midfield and led to a corner. The delivery came in and Dunk headed over. Worryingly it was a free header though from a team who have not scored any goals from set plays this season against a team that has conceded the most chances from such a phase of play.
Lundstram won a free kick and tried an ambitious long range shot but it barely even reached the goal and then at the other end Basham made a mistake and Maupay was nearly in. Two stupid fouls by Baldock saw Brighton have two free kick opportunities. United cleared these but then another half chance saw Lallana in but his shot went wide. Brighton then had another chance when Connolly was in on the angle after a quick turnover but Ramsdale saved easily.
Robinson was brushed aside physically too easily by Trossard and as the ball came in Maupay had a great chance but miskicked badly although it nearly went in off Basham but Ramsdale saved at close range.
Brighton were dominating the ball but had only had fashioned a few chances. United had been passive on and off the ball and seemed happy to sit back. Brewster had hardly been in the game. Brighton then had another good chance. Stevens conceded a corner and from the delivery Dunk headed down and after United dithered, Maupay turned and fired goalwards but Ampadu blocked really well.
On the half hour mark, the disappointing Fleck came off and did not seem to ne injured as Wilder tried to find something from the away side who had been second best albeit of two poor teams in a dreadful game. Burke came on and McGoldrick seemed to drop deep and instantly the sub got in and was away using his pace and Dunk chopped him down. The ball ran onto McGoldrick but maybe the defender had stopped meaning any criticism of no advantage was a little harsh. The free kick was taken by McGoldrick and stopped by a team mate and then the Irish striker curled a great effort that Sanchez did superbly to tip behind. United had been poor but this was the closest effort to a goal.
On 38 minutes, the game changed when Lundstram dived in on Veltman. He got some of the ball but was late and out of control somewhat. Years ago, it would not have ben considered for a red card but these days you feared the worst and the Brighton’s players reactions said it all. After the initial yellow, referee Bankes was asked to consult his monitor pitch side and you knew what the result would be. As expected, the yellow as changed to red and maybe the end of Lundstram’s Blades career with him able to potentially move on in January (certainly able to sign a pre-Bosman contract).
Basham headed behind for a corner but United managed to see this out and indeed the final minutes of the half as the game became scrappy up the break.
Veltman came off and Jahanbaksh was on and Brighton sensed the game was there with the man advantage.
Brighton had a few chances with men on the overload but they were unable to seriously trouble Ramsdale with a few efforts blocked for a corner. On 53 minutes Bogle came on for Brewster and seemed to play wide right with United have a 4-4-1 with McGoldrick on the left and Basham and Ampadu in the middle and Burke up top.
On 56 minutes, United had a chance when a great tackle from Basham saw McGoldrick put a lovely ball through and Burke was in on the angle. He pulled it back and Stevens hit a rasping shot just wide. This paved the way for the game to open up. At the other end a clever through ball saw Maupay in but Ramsdale was quick off his line and managed to smother the first effort before he flicked it away from Connolly on the follow up.
Just after the hour mark, the Blades took a shock lead. Once again Burke was central to the attack with his strong running and he fed McGoldrick whose pull back was met by BOGLE running in and on his debut the sub hit it firmly with his left foot and it deflected in off Webster. There was a quick check for two offsides but March was playing United on twice and the goal was given.
Brighton tried to respond and Webster had a header flicked over by Ramsdale before McGoldrick was withdrawn for Osborn who went into a wide left midfield role. United were keeping a nice and compact shape and Brighton’s fans inside the stadium were getting frustrated. Brighton did win a few corners but these looped over from two successive headers. Welbeck came on for Maupay and then Zequiri for White in the final changes for the home side.
Bogle did well to break with Burke again but the offside flag went up when Baldock tried to get on the substitute’s pass. Brighton tried to find gaps and moved it about but Ramsdale saved another Webster header and March then had a short corner routine where his shot was deflected wide.
The game ticked over into the final 10 minutes and United were ticking off each minute as Brighton seemed to be running out of ideas but they had a golden chance on 82 minutes when the cross came over and the faultless Ramsdale made his first error. He completely missed the cross but Connolly headed over with the goal at his mercy.
After this let off United should have sealed the game when they had a great chance at the other end. Burke won the initial header and Osborn played him back in but the striker took a too heavy touch and on the angle blazed badly over. He had to hit the target. Both teams had missed guilt edged chances.
You feared Brighton may make United pay and so it proved. Osborn was booked for a cynical foul and the free kick came off Basham’s head inadvertently and fell perfectly for WELLBECK who took a touch and smashed home right in front of goal giving Ramsdale no chance.
Now Brighton sensed they could win it although the Blades did win a late corner as the game entered four minutes of additional time but Brighton broke and after Basham’s wild lunge earned him a yellow card, the home team had a final chance. The free kick was not cleared and bounced up off Egan and Jahanbaskhsh headed against the bar from only a few yards. Wellbeck follow up was cleared from Baldock off the line. Somehow the Blades survived. They had gone from having three points, to one and nearly none in a matter of moments!
United cleared the corner and could at least celebrate a point and stopping the rot after a run of eight losses and finally got something on the board away. They are still a long way adrift at the bottom and of getting out of the relegation places but at least it is a more positive feeling and a committed performance, meaning there has been two shoots of life inside a week.
United – Hard to analyse this as I felt we were crap for half an hour. It was really similar to the Southampton game where we never engaged/tackled/pressed and sat back. We did not even try and go forward and when we had it gave it away or tossed it long. They were having all the ball but unlike Southampton, they had little quality with it and were not that much better than us. They had a few efforts but nothing clear cut. You just worried playing as we were, like last week, the home side would get a moment or chance and score. It was like we were waiting for them to score.
To be fair to Wilder he changed it and put some pace and running on and took off the awful Fleck and Burke made a difference and we nearly scored from the free kick he won. We seemed to be getting better and impacting the game in some way and then the red card. I have seen a lot say it was not a red card but it was sadly. I don’t like the rules and feel tackling is almost outlawed but it is a red card. He goes in quite out of control and he is off the floor somewhat when he connects. Yes, he wins the ball but he is dangerous and those who say what is he meant to do with his foot? Well not kick the opponent. As soon as he did it you knew he was in trouble. I was surprised he did not red card him straight away but maybe knew he could overturn. I expected nothing else on the review. I know people say it looks worse slowed down but I actually think it looked worse in real speed with the impact and his out of control way of tackling. Stupid. I am all for commitment but that was just rash and made it even more uphill. We sat in up the half time and then after the break we got better.
He made changes to the formation and personnel and Burke, Bogle gave us energy and new life. We actually defended quite well and had a few moments on the break even before we scored. It was a good goal albeit a bit lucky and we had something to hold. I felt we did it quite well. They had a few half chances but nothing clear and the defence was solid. We had a nice shape and you felt we may see it out but then they had a sitter missed and you thought it definitely is our day. Burke goes through and ….the moment he misses that you knew. The goal was sloppy and fell nice but then our goal was fortunate. After this you just hope we don’t lose again. They hit the bar and have one cleared off the line. How that did not go in I do not know? Another few minutes I think we have lost.
In the end we did well to get a point, even if the goal was late on. Not sure we did enough to come close to winning and if anyone deserved to win maybe it was them but I will say for commitment, organisation and the quality of chance we had (as good as anything they had until the end) we merited a draw I felt. We were better with 10 than 11 and the odd line up and way we played almost made sure we had to focus, keep our shape and when we had it be more careful and purposeful with it. Burke missed the chance but was excellent and the defence did ok with a better showing from Ramsdale too. It’s a shame we did not hang on but it’s a better result and performance away than we have seen and some things to build on. Burke and Bogle should start next game you would think in some capacity – Wilder talks about grabbing the shirt. Those both did even if Bogle may have to play maybe midfield perhaps? Not sure we can keep having non performances from the likes of Fleck, Brewster and then Lundstram of course who won’t play.
The midfield is all a bit of a mess. Norwood miles off, Fleck awful, Lundstram suspended and off soon and Berge out for three months with a serious injury – ripping tendon away from the bone and basically done until April and we will probably be down by then. Not sure we will ever see him in a red and white shirt again. We can state a case with Ampadu not being our player – we will need three new midfielder – four if we change shape. We have lots of strikers but not consistent or scoring and no partnership emerging. The defence on paper looks ok but is shipping goals every week. So there are still lots of big questions and we seem to have gone from a settled side where we are adding odd pieces every window to holes all over it. Whether the Prince sanctions more outlay in January I do not know. I think I would just wait till the summer. Teams will want premium in January and not sure we will pay silly money as Wilder has said and another loan might be the best we can do. Worrying we may finish the season with two loan midfielders and then they just move on. As I say I’d rather wait. However the fact is we don’t have anyone so may not have an option!
He cannot play a three against Everton as they will pick holes through it so he may finally have to change the formation due to personnel and match ups. If he goes with three then that would be suicidal. Hope the way we played albeit with 10 gives him food for thought and we try something different now.
We still have not won but to not lose a game after the season we have had feels so much better after week after week of losing. Everton are flying but you never know. If we can show some of the things we have the last few games and show a goal threat (we have looked more dangerous) than maybe we might not be far off actually winning a game! I was gutted for Wilder as wanted him to have the pressure taken off but at least he has got something and means it is a different feeling.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7/10 – Best he has played for a long time. His handling was good, he did everything well with a few smart but expected saves and then the good double save when he came out 2nd half. No chance on the goal but he was lucky when he completely missed the cross just before that. A better showing but still no clean sheet.
Baldock 6.5/10 – Thought he was a bit reckless to win the game and gave away two silly fouls and was trying to get too tight to March. He did get better second half and defensively was solid. We saw him get forward a bit too and probably enjoyed having some pace and energy in front of him rather than the static Berge.
Stevens 6/10 – He has been quietly getting a bit better for me in the last few games. Still a way from his best but improved. We saw him getting forward a few times and he had that shot wide. His defensive work still mixed and I thought first half they had lots of joy down his and Robinson’s side but he got better second half in this respect with McGoldrick and Osborn helping.
Basham 7/10 – One of our better players in terms of all around commitment and will to win. A few times a bit over zealous but he was at least always getting stuck in and going 100%. He won a few tackles that set us on the attack second half. A few ropey moments as he was a bit unfortunate on the goal as he headed it into Wellbeck’s pass and then first half nearly made a mistake letting in Maupay.
Robinson 5.5/10 – I thought he had a dreadful first half and was shoved off the ball three times – once almost fatally when they got in after he was just easily out muscled. For a big-gish lad he is pitifully weak. He also lost a few key headers from corners. I do think he was better in the second half in a two when Bash moved further forward and was able to at least win a few tackles and get his foot in. I am not convinced he is the answer though and looks a lower Champ player to me in technique, physique and pace.
Egan 6.5/10 – Thought he was one of our better players in a game where no one stood out for both teams really in two poor collection of players and two poor teams. He did his job defensively with headers and clearances. A few times they ran off the back of him but when we went to two that would always happen as they found extra spaces. The goal I want him or someone to go and really dominate but the defence did not win that vital header and indeed lost a few that had looped wide or over. I want us to be more dominant in key moments. It was too easy how it ended up in our net.
Ampadu 6/10 – Thought he began the game poorly a we had none of the ball, no protection for the defence again and they dissected the midfield with a straight ball a few times. We had big gaps in the middle and I am not sure what his role was – as an enforcer, sitter or a rover? They had so much of the ball but were just crap with it! I thought he like the rest of the team improved oddly when he had more defined roles, when in a two and he just had to keep it simple. Win tackles, blocks and play balls to Burke/McGoldrick when he had it. I think his form has been quite ordinary and I am not convinced he is the answer but with Norwood and Fleck so out of form, Lundstram now suspended and Berge injured, by default he is our first midfield starter now. Sums it up. Least gives us some legs and athleticism.
Fleck 3/10 – Another awful display. Thought we saw some shoots in the week when he at least got on the ball a bit and looked busy even if he missed a big chance and then faded but today he was back to the form he has shown almost every week since we restarted in June/July time. His touch is badly off, he wants too long to do things and looks leaden footed. Looks totally out of shape and well off the standards to be a Premier League player. I love the guy but he needs to wake up. He can grin all he wants as he goes off but unless he pulls his finger out he will find he can go the other way (to lower Champ/League One) just as fast. This is not a few games he has been off but 5/6 months of appalling form really. I have been the advocate for keeping him in and playing himself back into form but no more I am afraid – we need to see players who are showing something whether it be ono or off the ball. He is a complete passenger at the moment. So let’s give others a go and he will have to fight his way back but needs to get properly fit for starters.
Lundstram 2/10 – Started the game not in at all ad only noticed him 10 minutes in with one tackle where he won a free kick and had an ambitious attempt which was miles off working. After this he was not in it as they controlled midfield but at least did not give it away as much as Fleck and Ampadu, more as he was never on it. Then the tackle. His touch is awful and then sees him dive in. I get what others are saying about him winning the ball but as soon as he leaves his feet it is dangerous and the connection with the player leaves the official with no other judgement. Is that his last act for the Blades? He can sign a pre contract before his suspension is up but then depends if he goes early or sits on his contract. I am not sure today’s act will see Wilder desperate to play him anytime soon. Sadly, the lack of form of the others sees him keep coming back in. It’s desperate really that we have to go back to him so much so bad are the rest of the midfield. Today he could and should have cost us but oddly we got better after he went off!
Brewster 4/10 – Never in the game at all. Granted he had no service but look at what Burke did when he came on. Even McGoldrick linked a bit and had a few moments. He seems to be waiting for the game to come to him and needs to make things happen. At the moment he looks better as an impact sub and it all looks a bit much for him and too quick. The fact he had nothing to do and was caught offside twice summed up how he seems not quite ready for it all. I was glad he was given a start today as he had shown a bit of life and improvement but in a poor team performance to begin, he also has to do much better.
McGoldrick 6/10 – First half the front two did not hold up the ball albeit with limited amount of possession but think he too was guilty of just aimless kicks – recall one ball to Brewster he had no chance of getting, they broke from the giveaway and nearly had a chance. He did then have the free kick chance which was a good effort and was so much better second half. He was clever and cute in what he did with a few good moments on our better attacks including the Stevens chance with a good ball and then the goal with a good pull back. He came back and played in midfield for a spell and did the little things well off the ball too. Right change to give us more legs though near the end.
Subs –
Bogle 7/10 – The fact our two subs were our better players along with Bash and Egan summed it up that we improved after the red and the changes. He came on and looked likely from the get go and then not only got into a good area and in the box but scored with a powerful shot albeit deflected. He got in good forward areas a few times in an unfamiliar right-hand side of midfield although he was more a right back at times of course. He will be pleased to finally see some action and took his chance.
Burke 7/10 – What a baffling talent he is. Our pod described him as a cross between Craig Beattie and Matt Done in that he gets in great positions, is fast and mobile and decent in the air too. Everything good came from him. He won a free kick instantly in the first half with his pace and then nearly made one for Stevens. He then set up the goal and was involved in so many good things on the break and always seemed to get there first and really is strong. However, he badly fluffed his lines with that late chance and you sensed that was the moment that our relegation was all but confirmed – may seem dramatic but you felt it at the time. He does great things and is a threat but clearly, he has failed at every other club as he has no composure or cannot do the final bit. There is a player in there but maybe it is not a footballer! He has all the attributes but when he has the ball it all goes wrong! Somewhere! I actually said he would destroy some teams in the Championship when we go down. I think him and McGoldrick (if McBurnie is out) with the latter a bit more withdrawn probably had to be the combo for a bit now.
Osborn – Came on as we tried to see out the game but got forward a few times and nearly made a goal for Burke. He did keep falling over though (footwear?) and then gave away the foul (maybe necessary) for the goal. May get a run to start games with Fleck and Norwood falling off a cliff.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – I will give him his due. Finally he picked a team and it was not working so changed it early and we had a foothold after this before the red card. After this was brave with leaving two up for a bit and then he at least left an attacking threat with Burke and McGoldrick, with the latter moving back at times to left midfield. Bogle made an impact too. The team did improve massively after the bad start and showed a commited and organised aspect I have not seen for much of this season. It nearly was enough to win. At least we have seen some better signs even if we still have not won and still seem like we are destined for the Championship in super quick time. This result will at least take the pressure off a bit in that if we had lost today and then maybe the 2 Xmas games you would have thought that talks of his departure would have increased. I think most if not the majority of United fans want him to remain and try and find some improvements and at least we have seen a bit of that. Still, to not win a game and be the only side in the 92 and the worst start ever in the top flight is still embarrassing. The fact we are happier to draw at Brighton and be on 2 points shows how bad our season is!
Brighton – I must admit I thought last season would be a bit transitional a bit like Southampton under a new manager and with the defence they had and some of the good young players like Bissouma, White and Lamptey they would have a better season but so far it’s been much the same and they are firmly in a relegation battle again. There has been some unrest and criticism of Potter who last season for all the talk of pass and move actually for much of the campaign we saw a more pragmatic approach. They featured a defence with like 5 6 foot+ centre halves at times and were more industrious and direct which was the reason Hughton went. I expected them to evolve and play more football and they brought in Lallana and some other decent ball players but so far, they have struggled and seem in a bit of a flux. They have probably spent a lot less on transfers but maybe more on wages and there is the issue we have as it is not always about fees.
Today they had a lot of the ball but against a poor side with no confidence not sure they did anywhere near enough. The late goal and efforts masked a really poor showing that for 55 minutes (with stoppages) was against 10 men. They did not have lots of efforts or rip us open. We may be going down but if I was a Brighton fan I would be very worried watching that and even Burnley and Fulham seem to be showing more than them at the moment. You wonder what the board will do there if they keep struggling as last season they were near the bottom too for much of it. Will they hold their nerve with Potter if they carry on such poor form?
Opponent Man of the Match – They have like us a number of players underachieving really. Trossard ad March showed some flashes but were wasteful too and not sure they had many efforts on goal. I do like Bissouma. A hard working, fierce tackling player who is decent on the ball and felt he stood out from a poor side. Wellbeck made a difference in that he scored and at least looked a threat and like Burke at least gave the defence something to think about.
Opponent Weak link – Webster won a lot of headers but also got a bit of a chasing when Burke came on. The lad Connolly though was quite selfish when he had it and then missed an absolute sitter. Like us, you worry where the goals are coming from as if Maupay dries up or Wellbeck does not stay fit then they do not have a lot up top. I thought Maupay (I do like him- he is a bit of a cheating git though) was poor today. He had a few half chances which were blocked/saved.
Referee/Officials/VAR – The big talking point was the red and you could sadly see why it was given. The slowing down and replays and you sense the VAR lads telling the refs to have a look is basically code for you have got it wrong, go and change it! The rest of the game he was fine - we had a lot of cynical fouls - they had one Webster. We timewasted a lot and needed to be punished earlier and for more time at the end. Have to be honest and say that. Ramsdale was taking the p**ss and should have been booked a lot earlier.
A few not so positive words on Sky. They were really slow to tell us it was definitely a goal – we were looking at replays and the game had restarted. Also a few bookings (McGoldrick when he went off – kicked it away did he?) were not flashed up so was a bit unclear. They showed replays at wrong times. After watching the excellent Amazon Prime coverage, I think Sky have maybe become a bit complacent at times.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Worked for us as the natives got restless as they could not break us down but then they started to give them a lift after the goal so can go the other way. Nice just to see some fans in even if (going to go all Wilder) it is not a level playing field at all having some in at some grounds and none at most. I think that the way it is going will mean that fans will be banned from attending everywhere in a few weeks and we will see out the season with no one at grounds. It looked like it may change the other way but we have gone from say 8 or 9 teams having crowds to like 3 or 4 now and will continue to get worse before it gets better in those areas. I think many thought we would see the odd game before the end of the season but cannot see it now.
If we get back for next season even if it is say 30-50% for the opening months then that is at least something to look forward to. Not sure they will be selling season tickets for a few years though. I think it will be almost like those mini ticket deals where you will buy a ticket that gets you in for say 4 or 5 games a season next season. Sad to think that none of us will be regulars at the Lane anytime soon probably and even then the days of us all attending every game might be a few years off.
open.spotify.com/episode/7HPlCULQK2cWY9svZV0u33
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tufty-club-reaction-20-21-brighton-away/id1508158343?i=1000502996079
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Finally, a positive result of sorts for the Blades as they get a point on the road and avoid a ninth straight defeat after a 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion. United were up against it again after a red card was given to John Lundstram just before half time. Ironically, the Blades were probably better with 10 men than 11 and at least showed some togetherness and resilience. They even got a goal thanks to sub and debutant in the Premier League, Jayden Bogle. Sadly, they could not hang on and Danny Wellbeck’s late goal levelled matters and the home side could have won it at the death after hitting the bar with nearly the last kick. Before the equaliser Connolly and Burke had missed sitters for both sides.
This time last year United won 1-0 at the Amex Stadium and were firmly in the European places amidst a fantastic season. Fast forward twelve months and it could not be any more different.
The Blades made two changes with no place for injured Sander Berge and Oliver Burke moving down to the bench. In from the cold this week came John Lundstram with Rhian Brewster getting a start up front. In the new rules where clubs could field nine substitutes, United had three strikers and also named Jayden Bogle in a Premier League squad for the match day. Oli McBurnie was still not deemed fit enough to feature. Brighton had former Blades target Neal Maupay leading the line and former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana also got a start. Wantaway keeper Mat Ryan again did not start with Spaniard Robert Sanchez preferred between the sticks.
Brighton began the game with all the possession and Trossard nearly got in on the angle but Egan made a good block. Fleck, McGoldrick and Basham all gave it away cheaply as United could not get on the ball at all as Maupay and Trossard both went down with knocks. The game was being played exclusively in the United half and Brighton were slowly starting to find gaps. Two straight balls dissected the Blades midfield and led to a corner. The delivery came in and Dunk headed over. Worryingly it was a free header though from a team who have not scored any goals from set plays this season against a team that has conceded the most chances from such a phase of play.
Lundstram won a free kick and tried an ambitious long range shot but it barely even reached the goal and then at the other end Basham made a mistake and Maupay was nearly in. Two stupid fouls by Baldock saw Brighton have two free kick opportunities. United cleared these but then another half chance saw Lallana in but his shot went wide. Brighton then had another chance when Connolly was in on the angle after a quick turnover but Ramsdale saved easily.
Robinson was brushed aside physically too easily by Trossard and as the ball came in Maupay had a great chance but miskicked badly although it nearly went in off Basham but Ramsdale saved at close range.
Brighton were dominating the ball but had only had fashioned a few chances. United had been passive on and off the ball and seemed happy to sit back. Brewster had hardly been in the game. Brighton then had another good chance. Stevens conceded a corner and from the delivery Dunk headed down and after United dithered, Maupay turned and fired goalwards but Ampadu blocked really well.
On the half hour mark, the disappointing Fleck came off and did not seem to ne injured as Wilder tried to find something from the away side who had been second best albeit of two poor teams in a dreadful game. Burke came on and McGoldrick seemed to drop deep and instantly the sub got in and was away using his pace and Dunk chopped him down. The ball ran onto McGoldrick but maybe the defender had stopped meaning any criticism of no advantage was a little harsh. The free kick was taken by McGoldrick and stopped by a team mate and then the Irish striker curled a great effort that Sanchez did superbly to tip behind. United had been poor but this was the closest effort to a goal.
On 38 minutes, the game changed when Lundstram dived in on Veltman. He got some of the ball but was late and out of control somewhat. Years ago, it would not have ben considered for a red card but these days you feared the worst and the Brighton’s players reactions said it all. After the initial yellow, referee Bankes was asked to consult his monitor pitch side and you knew what the result would be. As expected, the yellow as changed to red and maybe the end of Lundstram’s Blades career with him able to potentially move on in January (certainly able to sign a pre-Bosman contract).
Basham headed behind for a corner but United managed to see this out and indeed the final minutes of the half as the game became scrappy up the break.
Veltman came off and Jahanbaksh was on and Brighton sensed the game was there with the man advantage.
Brighton had a few chances with men on the overload but they were unable to seriously trouble Ramsdale with a few efforts blocked for a corner. On 53 minutes Bogle came on for Brewster and seemed to play wide right with United have a 4-4-1 with McGoldrick on the left and Basham and Ampadu in the middle and Burke up top.
On 56 minutes, United had a chance when a great tackle from Basham saw McGoldrick put a lovely ball through and Burke was in on the angle. He pulled it back and Stevens hit a rasping shot just wide. This paved the way for the game to open up. At the other end a clever through ball saw Maupay in but Ramsdale was quick off his line and managed to smother the first effort before he flicked it away from Connolly on the follow up.
Just after the hour mark, the Blades took a shock lead. Once again Burke was central to the attack with his strong running and he fed McGoldrick whose pull back was met by BOGLE running in and on his debut the sub hit it firmly with his left foot and it deflected in off Webster. There was a quick check for two offsides but March was playing United on twice and the goal was given.
Brighton tried to respond and Webster had a header flicked over by Ramsdale before McGoldrick was withdrawn for Osborn who went into a wide left midfield role. United were keeping a nice and compact shape and Brighton’s fans inside the stadium were getting frustrated. Brighton did win a few corners but these looped over from two successive headers. Welbeck came on for Maupay and then Zequiri for White in the final changes for the home side.
Bogle did well to break with Burke again but the offside flag went up when Baldock tried to get on the substitute’s pass. Brighton tried to find gaps and moved it about but Ramsdale saved another Webster header and March then had a short corner routine where his shot was deflected wide.
The game ticked over into the final 10 minutes and United were ticking off each minute as Brighton seemed to be running out of ideas but they had a golden chance on 82 minutes when the cross came over and the faultless Ramsdale made his first error. He completely missed the cross but Connolly headed over with the goal at his mercy.
After this let off United should have sealed the game when they had a great chance at the other end. Burke won the initial header and Osborn played him back in but the striker took a too heavy touch and on the angle blazed badly over. He had to hit the target. Both teams had missed guilt edged chances.
You feared Brighton may make United pay and so it proved. Osborn was booked for a cynical foul and the free kick came off Basham’s head inadvertently and fell perfectly for WELLBECK who took a touch and smashed home right in front of goal giving Ramsdale no chance.
Now Brighton sensed they could win it although the Blades did win a late corner as the game entered four minutes of additional time but Brighton broke and after Basham’s wild lunge earned him a yellow card, the home team had a final chance. The free kick was not cleared and bounced up off Egan and Jahanbaskhsh headed against the bar from only a few yards. Wellbeck follow up was cleared from Baldock off the line. Somehow the Blades survived. They had gone from having three points, to one and nearly none in a matter of moments!
United cleared the corner and could at least celebrate a point and stopping the rot after a run of eight losses and finally got something on the board away. They are still a long way adrift at the bottom and of getting out of the relegation places but at least it is a more positive feeling and a committed performance, meaning there has been two shoots of life inside a week.
United – Hard to analyse this as I felt we were crap for half an hour. It was really similar to the Southampton game where we never engaged/tackled/pressed and sat back. We did not even try and go forward and when we had it gave it away or tossed it long. They were having all the ball but unlike Southampton, they had little quality with it and were not that much better than us. They had a few efforts but nothing clear cut. You just worried playing as we were, like last week, the home side would get a moment or chance and score. It was like we were waiting for them to score.
To be fair to Wilder he changed it and put some pace and running on and took off the awful Fleck and Burke made a difference and we nearly scored from the free kick he won. We seemed to be getting better and impacting the game in some way and then the red card. I have seen a lot say it was not a red card but it was sadly. I don’t like the rules and feel tackling is almost outlawed but it is a red card. He goes in quite out of control and he is off the floor somewhat when he connects. Yes, he wins the ball but he is dangerous and those who say what is he meant to do with his foot? Well not kick the opponent. As soon as he did it you knew he was in trouble. I was surprised he did not red card him straight away but maybe knew he could overturn. I expected nothing else on the review. I know people say it looks worse slowed down but I actually think it looked worse in real speed with the impact and his out of control way of tackling. Stupid. I am all for commitment but that was just rash and made it even more uphill. We sat in up the half time and then after the break we got better.
He made changes to the formation and personnel and Burke, Bogle gave us energy and new life. We actually defended quite well and had a few moments on the break even before we scored. It was a good goal albeit a bit lucky and we had something to hold. I felt we did it quite well. They had a few half chances but nothing clear and the defence was solid. We had a nice shape and you felt we may see it out but then they had a sitter missed and you thought it definitely is our day. Burke goes through and ….the moment he misses that you knew. The goal was sloppy and fell nice but then our goal was fortunate. After this you just hope we don’t lose again. They hit the bar and have one cleared off the line. How that did not go in I do not know? Another few minutes I think we have lost.
In the end we did well to get a point, even if the goal was late on. Not sure we did enough to come close to winning and if anyone deserved to win maybe it was them but I will say for commitment, organisation and the quality of chance we had (as good as anything they had until the end) we merited a draw I felt. We were better with 10 than 11 and the odd line up and way we played almost made sure we had to focus, keep our shape and when we had it be more careful and purposeful with it. Burke missed the chance but was excellent and the defence did ok with a better showing from Ramsdale too. It’s a shame we did not hang on but it’s a better result and performance away than we have seen and some things to build on. Burke and Bogle should start next game you would think in some capacity – Wilder talks about grabbing the shirt. Those both did even if Bogle may have to play maybe midfield perhaps? Not sure we can keep having non performances from the likes of Fleck, Brewster and then Lundstram of course who won’t play.
The midfield is all a bit of a mess. Norwood miles off, Fleck awful, Lundstram suspended and off soon and Berge out for three months with a serious injury – ripping tendon away from the bone and basically done until April and we will probably be down by then. Not sure we will ever see him in a red and white shirt again. We can state a case with Ampadu not being our player – we will need three new midfielder – four if we change shape. We have lots of strikers but not consistent or scoring and no partnership emerging. The defence on paper looks ok but is shipping goals every week. So there are still lots of big questions and we seem to have gone from a settled side where we are adding odd pieces every window to holes all over it. Whether the Prince sanctions more outlay in January I do not know. I think I would just wait till the summer. Teams will want premium in January and not sure we will pay silly money as Wilder has said and another loan might be the best we can do. Worrying we may finish the season with two loan midfielders and then they just move on. As I say I’d rather wait. However the fact is we don’t have anyone so may not have an option!
He cannot play a three against Everton as they will pick holes through it so he may finally have to change the formation due to personnel and match ups. If he goes with three then that would be suicidal. Hope the way we played albeit with 10 gives him food for thought and we try something different now.
We still have not won but to not lose a game after the season we have had feels so much better after week after week of losing. Everton are flying but you never know. If we can show some of the things we have the last few games and show a goal threat (we have looked more dangerous) than maybe we might not be far off actually winning a game! I was gutted for Wilder as wanted him to have the pressure taken off but at least he has got something and means it is a different feeling.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7/10 – Best he has played for a long time. His handling was good, he did everything well with a few smart but expected saves and then the good double save when he came out 2nd half. No chance on the goal but he was lucky when he completely missed the cross just before that. A better showing but still no clean sheet.
Baldock 6.5/10 – Thought he was a bit reckless to win the game and gave away two silly fouls and was trying to get too tight to March. He did get better second half and defensively was solid. We saw him get forward a bit too and probably enjoyed having some pace and energy in front of him rather than the static Berge.
Stevens 6/10 – He has been quietly getting a bit better for me in the last few games. Still a way from his best but improved. We saw him getting forward a few times and he had that shot wide. His defensive work still mixed and I thought first half they had lots of joy down his and Robinson’s side but he got better second half in this respect with McGoldrick and Osborn helping.
Basham 7/10 – One of our better players in terms of all around commitment and will to win. A few times a bit over zealous but he was at least always getting stuck in and going 100%. He won a few tackles that set us on the attack second half. A few ropey moments as he was a bit unfortunate on the goal as he headed it into Wellbeck’s pass and then first half nearly made a mistake letting in Maupay.
Robinson 5.5/10 – I thought he had a dreadful first half and was shoved off the ball three times – once almost fatally when they got in after he was just easily out muscled. For a big-gish lad he is pitifully weak. He also lost a few key headers from corners. I do think he was better in the second half in a two when Bash moved further forward and was able to at least win a few tackles and get his foot in. I am not convinced he is the answer though and looks a lower Champ player to me in technique, physique and pace.
Egan 6.5/10 – Thought he was one of our better players in a game where no one stood out for both teams really in two poor collection of players and two poor teams. He did his job defensively with headers and clearances. A few times they ran off the back of him but when we went to two that would always happen as they found extra spaces. The goal I want him or someone to go and really dominate but the defence did not win that vital header and indeed lost a few that had looped wide or over. I want us to be more dominant in key moments. It was too easy how it ended up in our net.
Ampadu 6/10 – Thought he began the game poorly a we had none of the ball, no protection for the defence again and they dissected the midfield with a straight ball a few times. We had big gaps in the middle and I am not sure what his role was – as an enforcer, sitter or a rover? They had so much of the ball but were just crap with it! I thought he like the rest of the team improved oddly when he had more defined roles, when in a two and he just had to keep it simple. Win tackles, blocks and play balls to Burke/McGoldrick when he had it. I think his form has been quite ordinary and I am not convinced he is the answer but with Norwood and Fleck so out of form, Lundstram now suspended and Berge injured, by default he is our first midfield starter now. Sums it up. Least gives us some legs and athleticism.
Fleck 3/10 – Another awful display. Thought we saw some shoots in the week when he at least got on the ball a bit and looked busy even if he missed a big chance and then faded but today he was back to the form he has shown almost every week since we restarted in June/July time. His touch is badly off, he wants too long to do things and looks leaden footed. Looks totally out of shape and well off the standards to be a Premier League player. I love the guy but he needs to wake up. He can grin all he wants as he goes off but unless he pulls his finger out he will find he can go the other way (to lower Champ/League One) just as fast. This is not a few games he has been off but 5/6 months of appalling form really. I have been the advocate for keeping him in and playing himself back into form but no more I am afraid – we need to see players who are showing something whether it be ono or off the ball. He is a complete passenger at the moment. So let’s give others a go and he will have to fight his way back but needs to get properly fit for starters.
Lundstram 2/10 – Started the game not in at all ad only noticed him 10 minutes in with one tackle where he won a free kick and had an ambitious attempt which was miles off working. After this he was not in it as they controlled midfield but at least did not give it away as much as Fleck and Ampadu, more as he was never on it. Then the tackle. His touch is awful and then sees him dive in. I get what others are saying about him winning the ball but as soon as he leaves his feet it is dangerous and the connection with the player leaves the official with no other judgement. Is that his last act for the Blades? He can sign a pre contract before his suspension is up but then depends if he goes early or sits on his contract. I am not sure today’s act will see Wilder desperate to play him anytime soon. Sadly, the lack of form of the others sees him keep coming back in. It’s desperate really that we have to go back to him so much so bad are the rest of the midfield. Today he could and should have cost us but oddly we got better after he went off!
Brewster 4/10 – Never in the game at all. Granted he had no service but look at what Burke did when he came on. Even McGoldrick linked a bit and had a few moments. He seems to be waiting for the game to come to him and needs to make things happen. At the moment he looks better as an impact sub and it all looks a bit much for him and too quick. The fact he had nothing to do and was caught offside twice summed up how he seems not quite ready for it all. I was glad he was given a start today as he had shown a bit of life and improvement but in a poor team performance to begin, he also has to do much better.
McGoldrick 6/10 – First half the front two did not hold up the ball albeit with limited amount of possession but think he too was guilty of just aimless kicks – recall one ball to Brewster he had no chance of getting, they broke from the giveaway and nearly had a chance. He did then have the free kick chance which was a good effort and was so much better second half. He was clever and cute in what he did with a few good moments on our better attacks including the Stevens chance with a good ball and then the goal with a good pull back. He came back and played in midfield for a spell and did the little things well off the ball too. Right change to give us more legs though near the end.
Subs –
Bogle 7/10 – The fact our two subs were our better players along with Bash and Egan summed it up that we improved after the red and the changes. He came on and looked likely from the get go and then not only got into a good area and in the box but scored with a powerful shot albeit deflected. He got in good forward areas a few times in an unfamiliar right-hand side of midfield although he was more a right back at times of course. He will be pleased to finally see some action and took his chance.
Burke 7/10 – What a baffling talent he is. Our pod described him as a cross between Craig Beattie and Matt Done in that he gets in great positions, is fast and mobile and decent in the air too. Everything good came from him. He won a free kick instantly in the first half with his pace and then nearly made one for Stevens. He then set up the goal and was involved in so many good things on the break and always seemed to get there first and really is strong. However, he badly fluffed his lines with that late chance and you sensed that was the moment that our relegation was all but confirmed – may seem dramatic but you felt it at the time. He does great things and is a threat but clearly, he has failed at every other club as he has no composure or cannot do the final bit. There is a player in there but maybe it is not a footballer! He has all the attributes but when he has the ball it all goes wrong! Somewhere! I actually said he would destroy some teams in the Championship when we go down. I think him and McGoldrick (if McBurnie is out) with the latter a bit more withdrawn probably had to be the combo for a bit now.
Osborn – Came on as we tried to see out the game but got forward a few times and nearly made a goal for Burke. He did keep falling over though (footwear?) and then gave away the foul (maybe necessary) for the goal. May get a run to start games with Fleck and Norwood falling off a cliff.
Manager Wilder 6/10 – I will give him his due. Finally he picked a team and it was not working so changed it early and we had a foothold after this before the red card. After this was brave with leaving two up for a bit and then he at least left an attacking threat with Burke and McGoldrick, with the latter moving back at times to left midfield. Bogle made an impact too. The team did improve massively after the bad start and showed a commited and organised aspect I have not seen for much of this season. It nearly was enough to win. At least we have seen some better signs even if we still have not won and still seem like we are destined for the Championship in super quick time. This result will at least take the pressure off a bit in that if we had lost today and then maybe the 2 Xmas games you would have thought that talks of his departure would have increased. I think most if not the majority of United fans want him to remain and try and find some improvements and at least we have seen a bit of that. Still, to not win a game and be the only side in the 92 and the worst start ever in the top flight is still embarrassing. The fact we are happier to draw at Brighton and be on 2 points shows how bad our season is!
Brighton – I must admit I thought last season would be a bit transitional a bit like Southampton under a new manager and with the defence they had and some of the good young players like Bissouma, White and Lamptey they would have a better season but so far it’s been much the same and they are firmly in a relegation battle again. There has been some unrest and criticism of Potter who last season for all the talk of pass and move actually for much of the campaign we saw a more pragmatic approach. They featured a defence with like 5 6 foot+ centre halves at times and were more industrious and direct which was the reason Hughton went. I expected them to evolve and play more football and they brought in Lallana and some other decent ball players but so far, they have struggled and seem in a bit of a flux. They have probably spent a lot less on transfers but maybe more on wages and there is the issue we have as it is not always about fees.
Today they had a lot of the ball but against a poor side with no confidence not sure they did anywhere near enough. The late goal and efforts masked a really poor showing that for 55 minutes (with stoppages) was against 10 men. They did not have lots of efforts or rip us open. We may be going down but if I was a Brighton fan I would be very worried watching that and even Burnley and Fulham seem to be showing more than them at the moment. You wonder what the board will do there if they keep struggling as last season they were near the bottom too for much of it. Will they hold their nerve with Potter if they carry on such poor form?
Opponent Man of the Match – They have like us a number of players underachieving really. Trossard ad March showed some flashes but were wasteful too and not sure they had many efforts on goal. I do like Bissouma. A hard working, fierce tackling player who is decent on the ball and felt he stood out from a poor side. Wellbeck made a difference in that he scored and at least looked a threat and like Burke at least gave the defence something to think about.
Opponent Weak link – Webster won a lot of headers but also got a bit of a chasing when Burke came on. The lad Connolly though was quite selfish when he had it and then missed an absolute sitter. Like us, you worry where the goals are coming from as if Maupay dries up or Wellbeck does not stay fit then they do not have a lot up top. I thought Maupay (I do like him- he is a bit of a cheating git though) was poor today. He had a few half chances which were blocked/saved.
Referee/Officials/VAR – The big talking point was the red and you could sadly see why it was given. The slowing down and replays and you sense the VAR lads telling the refs to have a look is basically code for you have got it wrong, go and change it! The rest of the game he was fine - we had a lot of cynical fouls - they had one Webster. We timewasted a lot and needed to be punished earlier and for more time at the end. Have to be honest and say that. Ramsdale was taking the p**ss and should have been booked a lot earlier.
A few not so positive words on Sky. They were really slow to tell us it was definitely a goal – we were looking at replays and the game had restarted. Also a few bookings (McGoldrick when he went off – kicked it away did he?) were not flashed up so was a bit unclear. They showed replays at wrong times. After watching the excellent Amazon Prime coverage, I think Sky have maybe become a bit complacent at times.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Worked for us as the natives got restless as they could not break us down but then they started to give them a lift after the goal so can go the other way. Nice just to see some fans in even if (going to go all Wilder) it is not a level playing field at all having some in at some grounds and none at most. I think that the way it is going will mean that fans will be banned from attending everywhere in a few weeks and we will see out the season with no one at grounds. It looked like it may change the other way but we have gone from say 8 or 9 teams having crowds to like 3 or 4 now and will continue to get worse before it gets better in those areas. I think many thought we would see the odd game before the end of the season but cannot see it now.
If we get back for next season even if it is say 30-50% for the opening months then that is at least something to look forward to. Not sure they will be selling season tickets for a few years though. I think it will be almost like those mini ticket deals where you will buy a ticket that gets you in for say 4 or 5 games a season next season. Sad to think that none of us will be regulars at the Lane anytime soon probably and even then the days of us all attending every game might be a few years off.
