Post by deadbat on Jan 30, 2021 19:29:52 GMT
Podcast and report below….
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open.spotify.com/episode/7BpENPARRpgCcBczg9CMmJ?si=KfxfjhQeQbSOUYv6KAt1BA&nd=1
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After the jubilation of the midweek and the shock victory at Old Trafford, the Blades next trip to Manchester did not quite go as well. In form City made it eight straight wins in the league and twelve in all competitions to extend their advantage at the top of the league. Today the side in first place saw off the bottom placed side off despite being without several star players but it was a close contest.
United’s miserable run against Man City continued and it is now six league contests without even a goal, with five defeats and one 0-0 draw in the Premier League. The Blades have never won at the Etihad Stadium and have not even scored at Man City since 1991 when Brian Gayle scored in a 3-2 defeat. United’s last win was 1987 in a 3-2 success when Billy McEwan was the managed in a tier two contest and Chris Wilder played!
Today, City got an early goal after sloppy defending with Jesus profiting from several moments of indecision and then strolled the game although created little and in the end the Blades had a go in the final few minutes with Fleck so close to stealing a late leveller.
The Blades made four changes with John Egan back in for Man of the Match from the week, Phil Jagielka and Jayden Bogle starting for Kean Bryan at left back who was possibly deemed not to be quite fit after hobbling off in the week. United rotated the front two with goalscoring hero Burke and Rhian Brewster replacing old stagers Sharp and McGoldrick. Oli McBurnie was back in the squad and on the bench.
City made 5 changes and of course were missing Aguero and De Bruyne and also left Sterling and Mahrez out but still had a strong side with talented youngster Phil Foden being instrumental in the recent good run.
The home side started in the ascendancy and were moving the ball about with pace, often all one touch. United tried to set out with two banks of defence and midfield but City had players popping up all over and the Blades had to stay focused to plug any gaps. One decent spell of possession at least gave United a chance to get up the field but they were behind soon after on only 8 minutes.
It actually came from a ball over the top but Ampadu did not deal with it and flicked his header down the inside right channel. Torres was onto it but Bogle had a chance to clear but dithered. The winger managed to somehow wriggle around him tight on the goal line and then Ampadu could not execute any kind of tackle. The cross came over and inexplicably Basham left his man coming out for the reason only he could explain and JESUS took a touch and actually stumbled which put Ramsdale on the floor, before the striker easily scored from close range. An awful piece of defending with several players culpable and the Blades were trailing.
The next spell saw City again moving it about and the Blades struggling to get any kind of foothold on the game. However, it was nearly another error when Norwood’s header back was risky and Silva flicked on but Ramsdale saved. Any more kind of contact and it would have been a second goal.
Lundstram gave it away twice with the second after a promising move from Bogle and Fleck. Norwood was then booked after City broke as he brought down Foden in a typically poor challenge. On 25 minutes a ball over was finally cleared despite more confusion at the back. City were dictating the game if not really creating lots of chances but were coping easily with the threat the other way despite Burke gamely running across the line when the ball came forward. Brewster had not been in the game at all.
City continued to pick up any loose balls and then the Blades could not get it off them with City’s defence effectively playing as midfielders they were so high up and so involved in the play with touches aplenty. United did have a decent move on 34 minutes and a shot as Brewster hit a tame effort with Ederson saved easily. Soon after Burke nearly got in but Dias made a timely full stretch block. A second foul throw for City was about the only thing they had not done with ease as they were still controlling the game and tempo.
Play transferred to the other end and City had another spell with the ball and often it ended up with Torres with the ball as City targeted Bogle’s defensive weakness especially playing in an unfamiliar left back role. He made another mistake and Egan had to make an interception. The ball was played back down the right soon after and Torres skinned his man again but it went out for a corner before Ramsdale flicked over under his bar.
A silly foul from Fleck gave a chance for another whipped free kick but it was cleared. The half ended with City knocking it about with no pressure on the ball and the Blades probably glad to go in only 1-0 down even though City had not actually created any chances at all outside of the goal and the Silva class.
The second half saw City win an early corner but Dias headed wide as he got away from Egan. City moved it about well again and Foden found Zinchenko whose cross was met by Torres with Bogle dithering again but United cleared.
Foden and Lundstram both had treatment after a clash on 52 minutes but both could carry on. City then continued to move it about patiently and with thought as the Blades tried to stay in the game.
Torres then nutmegged Bogle but Egan cleared before more patient stuff from City saw them move it about side to side but were struggling to penetrate a compact Blades defence. A rare break saw Burke get down the left side and put a dangerous ball in but Brewster was stationary as the ball was cleared. The ball fell for Bogle but his poor day continued as he skewed horribly wide.
McGoldrick was on for Brewster but he was having to defend after he came on as City through quick work from Foden won two corners. A decent move from the home side saw Foden feed Zinchenko whose dangerous cross found Torres outjumping the hesitant Bogle but United managed to snaffle it away.
More patient football from City with Gundogan, Silva and Fernandinho all just moving it around from side to side as United could not get a foot in or even have a spell of play. A superb move saw Gundogan feed Zinchenko who hit a fierce shot but Ramsdale got down the left to push away spectacularly. A save you would expect to make but still he showed good reactions and firm hands.
The corner saw more poor work and lack of desire sadly on a set play as Laporte outjumped Basham who barely got off the ground but Ramsdale flicked over. United were still in it at 1-0 but were not really looking a threat so took off Burke and Basham for McBurnie and Sharp and Wilder tried to show a more attacking hand.
Foden won a corner with more quick feet but McBurnie’s first act was to head clear despite taking a whack. Baldock and Egan were both booked for cynical fouls on Foden and Fernandinho respectively but a chance for a break came when McGoldrick worked some space but Sharp took too long and was crowded out. The veteran did create a chance not long after when he breasted down for Fleck and the midfielder’s shot from outside the box whistled narrowly wide with Ederson beaten. It was the big chance to salvage something and was so close. Sharp then won a free kick which resulted in Norwood having a shot blocked and then Fleck’s cross clutched by the City keeper.
Rodri came on for Torres as Pep reacted to the new threat the Blades were creating as they threw caution to the wind. There was 5 minutes of stoppage time after a number of players had done down and another half chance came when Sharp and McBurnie combined but it would not quite sit and City broke. Jesus was in on goal and as Baldock tried to close down the danger he came left and hit a shot that Ramsdale saved superbly flicking around the post. City then were wasting time near the corner showing how close the Blades had pushed them. United cleared the ball and hit one final ball forward but McGoldrick’s foul was the final act and the Blades efforts were all in vain.
United had stayed in the game and not been battered in terms of chances or goals and even though they were chasing the game and the ball; it was a solid and disciplined performance. The Blades certainly can take heart from two solid performances this week and although today they were deservedly beaten, they put in a better performance than they had done in many of the defeats earlier in the season.
United – I did not expect anything from either game so 3 points I would have been delighted with form both. I would have taken one point to be fair. Today I knew it would be hard even with some of the players City had missing. They just knock it about and even if you stay compact and solid, they have more movement and better footballers that can find gaps even against that low block that we had enjoyed such success against a few days ago. The annoying thing is the goal was awful and not a brilliant goal where they picked us apart. After this they kind of settled for what they had and moved it about but they have taken teams like WBA and Chelsea (a team near the top) apart so we limited them to few chances.
Some may say we gave them too much respect but if you get tight or press, they move it around and can pick you off. I think we did what we could in the game. I saw Chelsea get destroyed but them recently where they tried to go toe to toe and they are miles better than us.
I felt we were compact, organised, covered for each other (outside of the goal) and were resolute. We did not look a side with so few points and the confidence seemed to be back. I felt Bogle and Brewster struggled but the rest were ok-decent without any outfield player being brilliant. Fleck and Norwood took another positive step again with the former our best and most dangerous player in terms of creating a threat. We had a go at the end and maybe on another day nick an undeserved point.
I think tactically we got it right. Players worked hard and covered ground or each other. We closed down gaps like we did in the week with Man Utd and they did not have many chances at all. It is a huge improvement that we have limited two good sides to barely any chances. The goal was desperately disappointing with Bogle, Ampadu and Basham all guilty to some degree. Weirdly though this game gave us a chance as City then sat back knowing they had a goal and were kind of happy with 1-0 for long periods. We stayed in the game for long spells. The game was dull as some neutrals alluded to but we had to make it dull and almost keep it 1-0 for as long as we could. At the end I thought we did have a flurry and went for it as much as we could without potentially losing the second goal too early on the break. Fleck’s shot is so close to going in and then it could have been a storybook week.
For me the big things are we are seeing things we have not seen. Some of the players are getting back to form (Ramsdale, Fleck, Norwood etc) and collectively we do not look a soft touch. Off the ball we have been great. We can still do more with it and lack a serious attacking threat at times but I cannot say we were bad today. We were decent and kept City to very few chances. Maybe they would/could have upped it if we had scored but we will never know that. A much better week and signs for the future for United. We may well be further from the other teams and the impending relegation nears even closer but we have known that for some time. This week and the results have not dictated us going down. At least we have finally seen signs of the old United.
Big game Tuesday. We need to carry on the improvements and be bang at it. Different kind of game as pressure will be on us more and being the home side too. West Brom have been decent away actually. You feel it will dictate how the rest of the season goes. If we win then we are right on West Brom’s heels and any talk of us being the worst side of EPL history goes (we would then need just a point to overtake Derby) and you would feel even if/when we go down, we could not finish bottom and finish the season with momentum for the Championship. If we lose though then you can literally feel the balloon being burst and the whole air of the season (if any left) has gone. We then are not only almost certainly down (we are as good as anyway of course) but then the questions and confidence could be eroding again. It is a big game not necessarily for this season but building for next season. I expect Sharp and McGoldrick back and hope we can come out and really show we are actually a better side than West Brom, even though the table at the moment suggests otherwise.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7.5/10 – On the goal he gambled a bit as he went to ground but not sure I can blame him that close but he does slip and slide a lot – another who needs to look at his stud choice? Outside of this he caught a few crosses and saved the header. He was given so many back passes for no reason as the other players did not take responsibility and subsequently some really bad kick outs that went our or too long but felt for him a bit. Second half made a good save from Zinchenko’s shot and then flipped a header over. A few moments of hesitancy coming out and more bad kicks but he then made a great save at the end from the Jesus break. One great save, one decent one and generally handling was better. A marked improvement. Still a few things to work on but he has had a better week.
Baldock 6/10 – Did ok defensively to begin with as City attacked more down the left, I would say. Not sure he did much wrong and cleared/tackled when he could. He got forward a bit but often looked frustrated as he received it too late so never had much impact. Second half felt he struggled more with Foden who just showed quick feet to get away from him and he was chasing City a fair bit and ended up getting frustrated and got booked in the end for kicking Foden x 2.
Bogle 3.5/10 – Had a bit of a mare first half as Torres beat him on the goal. No idea why he does not get his body in the way and keep him goal side – it was awful defending. After this they targeted him and they had quite a few moves down this side. He was not tight enough to his man at all and gave him too much space. He then made a few other errors nearly letting them in. Second half then let Torres get over him on the cross in the air to head back. Carried on poor play second half and he got beat a few times. When he was on the ball he dithered or gave it away sloppily. Had a good chance with a long-range effort but panicked. Looked poor defensively but not sure he always got much help and left one on one too much. Not sure he is the answer in that position and showed today he has a lot to work on defensively.
Basham 6/10 – He seemed to guess the ball was being pulled back on the goal and completely left his man. Inexcusable really but maybe a lot of the damage was done before that. After this fine really with solid defensive work and stayed compact and closed down the angle. Did get beat on a header where he kind of got rooted to the floor when Laporte outjumped him and this seems a feature of the game.
Ampadu 6/10 – Really bad on the goal as he mistimed his header and let them in and then when he got back, he did not help out with an apology of a tackle as the player walked through him. After this he did ok and was better in his defensive work. I thought second half he was good and denied gaps and got in some blocks and interceptions and was more assured. Not sure we saw him go over half way but it was hard with the players they had to gamble too much. He too has looked much better but today will be disappointed with his part in the goal.
Egan 6.5/10 – Fine really as City often’s best work came down the sides and he was not really pressed into action too much. Dias got away from Egan for a header to start the second half that went wide but he then made some decent interceptions and was able to just keep to a good position. They did not have many clear chances (maybe 2 or 3) outside the goal so the defence has to be praised for that.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was poor first half. Lots of effort but kept giving it away with bad balls/touches and one led to Norwood being booked. Just sloppy and not careful enough with the ball and it carried on much of the game with some silly flicks or touches. He was a bit better second half in the work he did off the ball and with the others keeping a solid shape. Not sure we saw much from him at all in terms of breaking things up or as an attacking threat though and was the worst of the midfield.
Fleck 7/10 – Started well with some good runs and carried on from the other night. Some little jinks, passes and runs and involved in a few of our decent moves and one of our better players. Then started to give it away a bit and gave away a few silly fouls. Second half we did not have much of the ball at all for a long spell and he was having to just keep to shape and deny space but then the last 10 minutes got involved again – had a few runs down the left and then the really good effort just wide of the post. He is definitely getting back to where he was on the evidence of this week. Two really good performance this week.
Norwood 7/10 – Did not have as much of the ball as even the other night. Some ok passes but too slow to do it and then nearly put them in with a bad header. He gave away another booking when he went to ground – I thought he must have about 10 bookings as seems to get booked every game so was stunned it was only his fourth (one from suspension). He struggled with movement, pace and constant switch of play. He just does not have the legs to keep up with some of their lads. I thought second half he actually did better in this regard, broke things up, did a decent job to protect the defence and used it when he could. He has had a much better week and please him and Fleck look more like the players we have seen for a few years.
Burke 6.5/10 – Thought he tried really hard and kept running and chasing and tried to at least run at them but was feeding off scarps. Often, he had it there was no one up with him. Had one run where he nearly got in and I felt was our main outlet and threat to actually getting a chance. He just kept running and was doing the job of two strikers. Sure, at times he did not quite get it under control or was a bit headless chicken but at least ran around (yes, I know we need more than that). He put in a good cross 2nd half but Brewster stood waiting. Think there is still a player in there and he can be a huge asset next season.
Brewster 4/10 – Did have a few neat touches but mostly not in the game. He is often stationery and his movement is quite poor in general play really. He seems to wait for the game to come to him instead of getting involved and getting in front of his man. He gave it away a few times alongside a few ok passes but probably touched the ball the least of any player on the field outside Ederson. Second half Burke got away and put a lovely cross over and he just stood there. He came off not long after. Still learning the game but movement/technique/work rate and all-round play nowhere near at this level yet. Sharp and McBurnie did more in 10 minutes to cause nuisance than he did in an hour. Will probably be used from the bench I feel in much of the run in especially with McBurnie back now too. I still think he is the least effective of the 6 strikers we have but agree he is one for the future.
Subs –
McGoldrick 6/10 – Bit of a mixed bag. Held it up a few times and then gave it away a few but only the last period did he see more of it and linked a few times as we got into their area for once. Will start again in the week I am sure.
McBurnie – Nice to at least see another body back. Showed his defensive strength as he won a header and got smashed at a corner and then involved in a few moves at the end as he won headers/linked as we had a few glimpses.
Sharp – Had had a good week against good sides and defenders. He gave it away first time he had a chance when he took too long but after that did really well. Held up the chance for Fleck, then won a free kick, ran one down into the corner to create a chance and nearly linked with McBurnie right at the end as it bounced around. I would start him with McGoldrick against WBA.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – In some ways 7.5 may seem way too much for a team dominated for possession but outside of the awful goal we gave away we did really well defensively and out of possession which you will be a lot against City we did really well. I felt the game plan was almost perfect. Maybe we could have been a bit more of a threat when we had it and kept it a bit better but overall, I thought the players and team did as much as they could to restrict them and tried to break albeit it did not quite happen. Eventually he made the changes and we had a bit of a go. Some may say we should have gone for it earlier but if we had I reckon we would have got done 2, 3 or 4. He got it about right in terms of his selection and the subs. The Fleck goal goes in and everyone says Wilder is a genius as City have been battering everyone they play and much better teams than us. He has had a better week and nice to see him smiling again.
Man City – Last season they were not that far off Liverpool who were of course incredible but City did seem to lose a beat a bit. This season they continued with patchy form to start and even when they won, they did not always seem as dominant as in years gone when they have passed teams off the pitch. In recent times they have lost Aguero and De Bruyne but actually seem to have gone on a run during the time these two have been unavailable. Foden has started to play regularly and a few others really hit form including the much-maligned John Stones. Liverpool have been up and down and Man Utd of course lost to us after a good run. Leicester have done well but others such as Spurs and Chelsea dropped off too. As it stands, I see City moving away from the rest with only maybe Liverpool keeping close to them. City are miles better than Man Utd as we saw today as a side in everything they do.
Some of the teams mentioned of course have done well and look good on their day and Man Utd have started to show some form but there is only Liverpool who can get close to City for me. City are the one team that if they are in the mood and knock it about then can blow teams away. I always fear playing them more than any of the rest. We have done ok to only lose narrowly and of course ran them close at the Etihad last year.
Today, they were much the better of the two sides but whilst they dominated possession (75%) and had 10 corners to 0, they barely had any chances after the goal which was a bad one to concede. It had been good persistent work from Torres who took advantage of hesitancy. They did not create much at all really after this. Ramsdale made one good save and then one right at the end but nothing in the box really at all fell to them? I felt we restricted them but of course maybe they could have upped it and scored more if they needed to. They perhaps conserved energy and just did what they could. Still, they will smash many teams and have this season.
I think we did what we could – I know that some may say City won it easy but that shot goes in at the end and we get a draw. They never put the game away and did not create chance after chance. If we had gambled too early or pressed too much, they would have picked us off or slaughtered us on the break with the football they play. They are so quick in and out of possession with one touch and fluid football and then when the opponents have it, they swarm all over them and stop them getting out as we saw at times. I felt we did well in both aspects really and although saw little of the ball, we at least limited them to probably hurting us.
They are a joy to watch and even without key men (suppose we can say same to a much lesser extent with O’Connell and Berge!) they still ooze class and purr as they knock it around. The players do not seem to have fixed positions and even the centre backs come into midfield and the full backs move about. The lads across the front just move around effortlessly. The football is so quick and done one touch which means you cannot react and they pull you around. Off the ball is where they are as impressive though as they stop you getting out and press you. Pep gave us credit rightly for our efforts and we seem to be able to restrict them to dominating us; at least in score lines but they did enough to win and that was all they needed to do.
Opponent Man of the Match – Several commanding performances from likes of Dias and Laporte and Fernandinho is still a class act even at his advancing years. The lad Torres was a constant threat though and him and Foden were the main threats running with the ball. Torres made the goal and caused Bogle problems all game so will give it to him.
Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was terrible. I felt Zinchenko sometimes left gaps and Burke nearly exposed that a few times with runs. I know he scored but Gabriel Jesus I do not rate. He nearly missed the chance and for a team at that level they need another striker with Aguero coming towards the end as brilliant as he has been and still is. Still City have been good even with the players they have had out and seen some like Gundogan and Stones really hit form when they had been much maligned by City.
Referee/Officials - David Coote. Fairly easy game to ref. We had a few bookings, Norwood, Baldock and Egan and were all correct and easy yellow cards. Not sure they made many fouls at all in the game (says 7 to our 10 which seems wrong?) as we never really had much of the ball or ran at them. There was nothing controversial all game – VAR had a quick look at the Baldock one but that was never handball. The only thing really noteworthy to discuss was
Coverage – Least we had Michael Brown, who of course played for both sides. Think whilst City were good, Hinchcliffe (ex City) went a bit far with his love in. City are a good side but not sure Dias and Fernandinho had quite the sensational performances he seemed to see!
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open.spotify.com/episode/7BpENPARRpgCcBczg9CMmJ?si=KfxfjhQeQbSOUYv6KAt1BA&nd=1
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After the jubilation of the midweek and the shock victory at Old Trafford, the Blades next trip to Manchester did not quite go as well. In form City made it eight straight wins in the league and twelve in all competitions to extend their advantage at the top of the league. Today the side in first place saw off the bottom placed side off despite being without several star players but it was a close contest.
United’s miserable run against Man City continued and it is now six league contests without even a goal, with five defeats and one 0-0 draw in the Premier League. The Blades have never won at the Etihad Stadium and have not even scored at Man City since 1991 when Brian Gayle scored in a 3-2 defeat. United’s last win was 1987 in a 3-2 success when Billy McEwan was the managed in a tier two contest and Chris Wilder played!
Today, City got an early goal after sloppy defending with Jesus profiting from several moments of indecision and then strolled the game although created little and in the end the Blades had a go in the final few minutes with Fleck so close to stealing a late leveller.
The Blades made four changes with John Egan back in for Man of the Match from the week, Phil Jagielka and Jayden Bogle starting for Kean Bryan at left back who was possibly deemed not to be quite fit after hobbling off in the week. United rotated the front two with goalscoring hero Burke and Rhian Brewster replacing old stagers Sharp and McGoldrick. Oli McBurnie was back in the squad and on the bench.
City made 5 changes and of course were missing Aguero and De Bruyne and also left Sterling and Mahrez out but still had a strong side with talented youngster Phil Foden being instrumental in the recent good run.
The home side started in the ascendancy and were moving the ball about with pace, often all one touch. United tried to set out with two banks of defence and midfield but City had players popping up all over and the Blades had to stay focused to plug any gaps. One decent spell of possession at least gave United a chance to get up the field but they were behind soon after on only 8 minutes.
It actually came from a ball over the top but Ampadu did not deal with it and flicked his header down the inside right channel. Torres was onto it but Bogle had a chance to clear but dithered. The winger managed to somehow wriggle around him tight on the goal line and then Ampadu could not execute any kind of tackle. The cross came over and inexplicably Basham left his man coming out for the reason only he could explain and JESUS took a touch and actually stumbled which put Ramsdale on the floor, before the striker easily scored from close range. An awful piece of defending with several players culpable and the Blades were trailing.
The next spell saw City again moving it about and the Blades struggling to get any kind of foothold on the game. However, it was nearly another error when Norwood’s header back was risky and Silva flicked on but Ramsdale saved. Any more kind of contact and it would have been a second goal.
Lundstram gave it away twice with the second after a promising move from Bogle and Fleck. Norwood was then booked after City broke as he brought down Foden in a typically poor challenge. On 25 minutes a ball over was finally cleared despite more confusion at the back. City were dictating the game if not really creating lots of chances but were coping easily with the threat the other way despite Burke gamely running across the line when the ball came forward. Brewster had not been in the game at all.
City continued to pick up any loose balls and then the Blades could not get it off them with City’s defence effectively playing as midfielders they were so high up and so involved in the play with touches aplenty. United did have a decent move on 34 minutes and a shot as Brewster hit a tame effort with Ederson saved easily. Soon after Burke nearly got in but Dias made a timely full stretch block. A second foul throw for City was about the only thing they had not done with ease as they were still controlling the game and tempo.
Play transferred to the other end and City had another spell with the ball and often it ended up with Torres with the ball as City targeted Bogle’s defensive weakness especially playing in an unfamiliar left back role. He made another mistake and Egan had to make an interception. The ball was played back down the right soon after and Torres skinned his man again but it went out for a corner before Ramsdale flicked over under his bar.
A silly foul from Fleck gave a chance for another whipped free kick but it was cleared. The half ended with City knocking it about with no pressure on the ball and the Blades probably glad to go in only 1-0 down even though City had not actually created any chances at all outside of the goal and the Silva class.
The second half saw City win an early corner but Dias headed wide as he got away from Egan. City moved it about well again and Foden found Zinchenko whose cross was met by Torres with Bogle dithering again but United cleared.
Foden and Lundstram both had treatment after a clash on 52 minutes but both could carry on. City then continued to move it about patiently and with thought as the Blades tried to stay in the game.
Torres then nutmegged Bogle but Egan cleared before more patient stuff from City saw them move it about side to side but were struggling to penetrate a compact Blades defence. A rare break saw Burke get down the left side and put a dangerous ball in but Brewster was stationary as the ball was cleared. The ball fell for Bogle but his poor day continued as he skewed horribly wide.
McGoldrick was on for Brewster but he was having to defend after he came on as City through quick work from Foden won two corners. A decent move from the home side saw Foden feed Zinchenko whose dangerous cross found Torres outjumping the hesitant Bogle but United managed to snaffle it away.
More patient football from City with Gundogan, Silva and Fernandinho all just moving it around from side to side as United could not get a foot in or even have a spell of play. A superb move saw Gundogan feed Zinchenko who hit a fierce shot but Ramsdale got down the left to push away spectacularly. A save you would expect to make but still he showed good reactions and firm hands.
The corner saw more poor work and lack of desire sadly on a set play as Laporte outjumped Basham who barely got off the ground but Ramsdale flicked over. United were still in it at 1-0 but were not really looking a threat so took off Burke and Basham for McBurnie and Sharp and Wilder tried to show a more attacking hand.
Foden won a corner with more quick feet but McBurnie’s first act was to head clear despite taking a whack. Baldock and Egan were both booked for cynical fouls on Foden and Fernandinho respectively but a chance for a break came when McGoldrick worked some space but Sharp took too long and was crowded out. The veteran did create a chance not long after when he breasted down for Fleck and the midfielder’s shot from outside the box whistled narrowly wide with Ederson beaten. It was the big chance to salvage something and was so close. Sharp then won a free kick which resulted in Norwood having a shot blocked and then Fleck’s cross clutched by the City keeper.
Rodri came on for Torres as Pep reacted to the new threat the Blades were creating as they threw caution to the wind. There was 5 minutes of stoppage time after a number of players had done down and another half chance came when Sharp and McBurnie combined but it would not quite sit and City broke. Jesus was in on goal and as Baldock tried to close down the danger he came left and hit a shot that Ramsdale saved superbly flicking around the post. City then were wasting time near the corner showing how close the Blades had pushed them. United cleared the ball and hit one final ball forward but McGoldrick’s foul was the final act and the Blades efforts were all in vain.
United had stayed in the game and not been battered in terms of chances or goals and even though they were chasing the game and the ball; it was a solid and disciplined performance. The Blades certainly can take heart from two solid performances this week and although today they were deservedly beaten, they put in a better performance than they had done in many of the defeats earlier in the season.
United – I did not expect anything from either game so 3 points I would have been delighted with form both. I would have taken one point to be fair. Today I knew it would be hard even with some of the players City had missing. They just knock it about and even if you stay compact and solid, they have more movement and better footballers that can find gaps even against that low block that we had enjoyed such success against a few days ago. The annoying thing is the goal was awful and not a brilliant goal where they picked us apart. After this they kind of settled for what they had and moved it about but they have taken teams like WBA and Chelsea (a team near the top) apart so we limited them to few chances.
Some may say we gave them too much respect but if you get tight or press, they move it around and can pick you off. I think we did what we could in the game. I saw Chelsea get destroyed but them recently where they tried to go toe to toe and they are miles better than us.
I felt we were compact, organised, covered for each other (outside of the goal) and were resolute. We did not look a side with so few points and the confidence seemed to be back. I felt Bogle and Brewster struggled but the rest were ok-decent without any outfield player being brilliant. Fleck and Norwood took another positive step again with the former our best and most dangerous player in terms of creating a threat. We had a go at the end and maybe on another day nick an undeserved point.
I think tactically we got it right. Players worked hard and covered ground or each other. We closed down gaps like we did in the week with Man Utd and they did not have many chances at all. It is a huge improvement that we have limited two good sides to barely any chances. The goal was desperately disappointing with Bogle, Ampadu and Basham all guilty to some degree. Weirdly though this game gave us a chance as City then sat back knowing they had a goal and were kind of happy with 1-0 for long periods. We stayed in the game for long spells. The game was dull as some neutrals alluded to but we had to make it dull and almost keep it 1-0 for as long as we could. At the end I thought we did have a flurry and went for it as much as we could without potentially losing the second goal too early on the break. Fleck’s shot is so close to going in and then it could have been a storybook week.
For me the big things are we are seeing things we have not seen. Some of the players are getting back to form (Ramsdale, Fleck, Norwood etc) and collectively we do not look a soft touch. Off the ball we have been great. We can still do more with it and lack a serious attacking threat at times but I cannot say we were bad today. We were decent and kept City to very few chances. Maybe they would/could have upped it if we had scored but we will never know that. A much better week and signs for the future for United. We may well be further from the other teams and the impending relegation nears even closer but we have known that for some time. This week and the results have not dictated us going down. At least we have finally seen signs of the old United.
Big game Tuesday. We need to carry on the improvements and be bang at it. Different kind of game as pressure will be on us more and being the home side too. West Brom have been decent away actually. You feel it will dictate how the rest of the season goes. If we win then we are right on West Brom’s heels and any talk of us being the worst side of EPL history goes (we would then need just a point to overtake Derby) and you would feel even if/when we go down, we could not finish bottom and finish the season with momentum for the Championship. If we lose though then you can literally feel the balloon being burst and the whole air of the season (if any left) has gone. We then are not only almost certainly down (we are as good as anyway of course) but then the questions and confidence could be eroding again. It is a big game not necessarily for this season but building for next season. I expect Sharp and McGoldrick back and hope we can come out and really show we are actually a better side than West Brom, even though the table at the moment suggests otherwise.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7.5/10 – On the goal he gambled a bit as he went to ground but not sure I can blame him that close but he does slip and slide a lot – another who needs to look at his stud choice? Outside of this he caught a few crosses and saved the header. He was given so many back passes for no reason as the other players did not take responsibility and subsequently some really bad kick outs that went our or too long but felt for him a bit. Second half made a good save from Zinchenko’s shot and then flipped a header over. A few moments of hesitancy coming out and more bad kicks but he then made a great save at the end from the Jesus break. One great save, one decent one and generally handling was better. A marked improvement. Still a few things to work on but he has had a better week.
Baldock 6/10 – Did ok defensively to begin with as City attacked more down the left, I would say. Not sure he did much wrong and cleared/tackled when he could. He got forward a bit but often looked frustrated as he received it too late so never had much impact. Second half felt he struggled more with Foden who just showed quick feet to get away from him and he was chasing City a fair bit and ended up getting frustrated and got booked in the end for kicking Foden x 2.
Bogle 3.5/10 – Had a bit of a mare first half as Torres beat him on the goal. No idea why he does not get his body in the way and keep him goal side – it was awful defending. After this they targeted him and they had quite a few moves down this side. He was not tight enough to his man at all and gave him too much space. He then made a few other errors nearly letting them in. Second half then let Torres get over him on the cross in the air to head back. Carried on poor play second half and he got beat a few times. When he was on the ball he dithered or gave it away sloppily. Had a good chance with a long-range effort but panicked. Looked poor defensively but not sure he always got much help and left one on one too much. Not sure he is the answer in that position and showed today he has a lot to work on defensively.
Basham 6/10 – He seemed to guess the ball was being pulled back on the goal and completely left his man. Inexcusable really but maybe a lot of the damage was done before that. After this fine really with solid defensive work and stayed compact and closed down the angle. Did get beat on a header where he kind of got rooted to the floor when Laporte outjumped him and this seems a feature of the game.
Ampadu 6/10 – Really bad on the goal as he mistimed his header and let them in and then when he got back, he did not help out with an apology of a tackle as the player walked through him. After this he did ok and was better in his defensive work. I thought second half he was good and denied gaps and got in some blocks and interceptions and was more assured. Not sure we saw him go over half way but it was hard with the players they had to gamble too much. He too has looked much better but today will be disappointed with his part in the goal.
Egan 6.5/10 – Fine really as City often’s best work came down the sides and he was not really pressed into action too much. Dias got away from Egan for a header to start the second half that went wide but he then made some decent interceptions and was able to just keep to a good position. They did not have many clear chances (maybe 2 or 3) outside the goal so the defence has to be praised for that.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was poor first half. Lots of effort but kept giving it away with bad balls/touches and one led to Norwood being booked. Just sloppy and not careful enough with the ball and it carried on much of the game with some silly flicks or touches. He was a bit better second half in the work he did off the ball and with the others keeping a solid shape. Not sure we saw much from him at all in terms of breaking things up or as an attacking threat though and was the worst of the midfield.
Fleck 7/10 – Started well with some good runs and carried on from the other night. Some little jinks, passes and runs and involved in a few of our decent moves and one of our better players. Then started to give it away a bit and gave away a few silly fouls. Second half we did not have much of the ball at all for a long spell and he was having to just keep to shape and deny space but then the last 10 minutes got involved again – had a few runs down the left and then the really good effort just wide of the post. He is definitely getting back to where he was on the evidence of this week. Two really good performance this week.
Norwood 7/10 – Did not have as much of the ball as even the other night. Some ok passes but too slow to do it and then nearly put them in with a bad header. He gave away another booking when he went to ground – I thought he must have about 10 bookings as seems to get booked every game so was stunned it was only his fourth (one from suspension). He struggled with movement, pace and constant switch of play. He just does not have the legs to keep up with some of their lads. I thought second half he actually did better in this regard, broke things up, did a decent job to protect the defence and used it when he could. He has had a much better week and please him and Fleck look more like the players we have seen for a few years.
Burke 6.5/10 – Thought he tried really hard and kept running and chasing and tried to at least run at them but was feeding off scarps. Often, he had it there was no one up with him. Had one run where he nearly got in and I felt was our main outlet and threat to actually getting a chance. He just kept running and was doing the job of two strikers. Sure, at times he did not quite get it under control or was a bit headless chicken but at least ran around (yes, I know we need more than that). He put in a good cross 2nd half but Brewster stood waiting. Think there is still a player in there and he can be a huge asset next season.
Brewster 4/10 – Did have a few neat touches but mostly not in the game. He is often stationery and his movement is quite poor in general play really. He seems to wait for the game to come to him instead of getting involved and getting in front of his man. He gave it away a few times alongside a few ok passes but probably touched the ball the least of any player on the field outside Ederson. Second half Burke got away and put a lovely cross over and he just stood there. He came off not long after. Still learning the game but movement/technique/work rate and all-round play nowhere near at this level yet. Sharp and McBurnie did more in 10 minutes to cause nuisance than he did in an hour. Will probably be used from the bench I feel in much of the run in especially with McBurnie back now too. I still think he is the least effective of the 6 strikers we have but agree he is one for the future.
Subs –
McGoldrick 6/10 – Bit of a mixed bag. Held it up a few times and then gave it away a few but only the last period did he see more of it and linked a few times as we got into their area for once. Will start again in the week I am sure.
McBurnie – Nice to at least see another body back. Showed his defensive strength as he won a header and got smashed at a corner and then involved in a few moves at the end as he won headers/linked as we had a few glimpses.
Sharp – Had had a good week against good sides and defenders. He gave it away first time he had a chance when he took too long but after that did really well. Held up the chance for Fleck, then won a free kick, ran one down into the corner to create a chance and nearly linked with McBurnie right at the end as it bounced around. I would start him with McGoldrick against WBA.
Manager Wilder 7.5/10 – In some ways 7.5 may seem way too much for a team dominated for possession but outside of the awful goal we gave away we did really well defensively and out of possession which you will be a lot against City we did really well. I felt the game plan was almost perfect. Maybe we could have been a bit more of a threat when we had it and kept it a bit better but overall, I thought the players and team did as much as they could to restrict them and tried to break albeit it did not quite happen. Eventually he made the changes and we had a bit of a go. Some may say we should have gone for it earlier but if we had I reckon we would have got done 2, 3 or 4. He got it about right in terms of his selection and the subs. The Fleck goal goes in and everyone says Wilder is a genius as City have been battering everyone they play and much better teams than us. He has had a better week and nice to see him smiling again.
Man City – Last season they were not that far off Liverpool who were of course incredible but City did seem to lose a beat a bit. This season they continued with patchy form to start and even when they won, they did not always seem as dominant as in years gone when they have passed teams off the pitch. In recent times they have lost Aguero and De Bruyne but actually seem to have gone on a run during the time these two have been unavailable. Foden has started to play regularly and a few others really hit form including the much-maligned John Stones. Liverpool have been up and down and Man Utd of course lost to us after a good run. Leicester have done well but others such as Spurs and Chelsea dropped off too. As it stands, I see City moving away from the rest with only maybe Liverpool keeping close to them. City are miles better than Man Utd as we saw today as a side in everything they do.
Some of the teams mentioned of course have done well and look good on their day and Man Utd have started to show some form but there is only Liverpool who can get close to City for me. City are the one team that if they are in the mood and knock it about then can blow teams away. I always fear playing them more than any of the rest. We have done ok to only lose narrowly and of course ran them close at the Etihad last year.
Today, they were much the better of the two sides but whilst they dominated possession (75%) and had 10 corners to 0, they barely had any chances after the goal which was a bad one to concede. It had been good persistent work from Torres who took advantage of hesitancy. They did not create much at all really after this. Ramsdale made one good save and then one right at the end but nothing in the box really at all fell to them? I felt we restricted them but of course maybe they could have upped it and scored more if they needed to. They perhaps conserved energy and just did what they could. Still, they will smash many teams and have this season.
I think we did what we could – I know that some may say City won it easy but that shot goes in at the end and we get a draw. They never put the game away and did not create chance after chance. If we had gambled too early or pressed too much, they would have picked us off or slaughtered us on the break with the football they play. They are so quick in and out of possession with one touch and fluid football and then when the opponents have it, they swarm all over them and stop them getting out as we saw at times. I felt we did well in both aspects really and although saw little of the ball, we at least limited them to probably hurting us.
They are a joy to watch and even without key men (suppose we can say same to a much lesser extent with O’Connell and Berge!) they still ooze class and purr as they knock it around. The players do not seem to have fixed positions and even the centre backs come into midfield and the full backs move about. The lads across the front just move around effortlessly. The football is so quick and done one touch which means you cannot react and they pull you around. Off the ball is where they are as impressive though as they stop you getting out and press you. Pep gave us credit rightly for our efforts and we seem to be able to restrict them to dominating us; at least in score lines but they did enough to win and that was all they needed to do.
Opponent Man of the Match – Several commanding performances from likes of Dias and Laporte and Fernandinho is still a class act even at his advancing years. The lad Torres was a constant threat though and him and Foden were the main threats running with the ball. Torres made the goal and caused Bogle problems all game so will give it to him.
Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was terrible. I felt Zinchenko sometimes left gaps and Burke nearly exposed that a few times with runs. I know he scored but Gabriel Jesus I do not rate. He nearly missed the chance and for a team at that level they need another striker with Aguero coming towards the end as brilliant as he has been and still is. Still City have been good even with the players they have had out and seen some like Gundogan and Stones really hit form when they had been much maligned by City.
Referee/Officials - David Coote. Fairly easy game to ref. We had a few bookings, Norwood, Baldock and Egan and were all correct and easy yellow cards. Not sure they made many fouls at all in the game (says 7 to our 10 which seems wrong?) as we never really had much of the ball or ran at them. There was nothing controversial all game – VAR had a quick look at the Baldock one but that was never handball. The only thing really noteworthy to discuss was
Coverage – Least we had Michael Brown, who of course played for both sides. Think whilst City were good, Hinchcliffe (ex City) went a bit far with his love in. City are a good side but not sure Dias and Fernandinho had quite the sensational performances he seemed to see!
