Post by deadbat on Feb 2, 2021 22:56:05 GMT
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The battle of the bottom sides went the way of the Blades at a wet and cold Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening. Today had seen a dolloping of snow around Sheffield and the foul weather continued throughout the game but United showed fight and resolve to come back from a half time deficit to win the game. Matt Phillips first half goal against the run of play had seen the Blades with effectively 45 minutes to save their season. The second half saw United give it a real go and force West Brom back. Goals from Bogle and skipper Sharp turned the game round and with Fleck and Basham inspirational; the home side got the vital three points.
Chris Wilder made two changes to the side that started their 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday. David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp start in attack as Oliver Burke and Rhian Brewster dropped to the bench that included youngsters Iliman Ndiaye and Zak Brunt. West Brom made three changes with Conor Townsend, Matt Phillips and new striker Mbaye Diagne all starting.
Kieran Gibbs, Darnell Furlong and Conor Gallagher all drop to the bench. Blades nemesis Robert Snodgrass started for the Baggies.
The game started with the temperature valve showing 3 degrees around S2. The bitterly cold conditions seemed to affect the home side as West Brom started the game well and a long throw showed their intent to get the ball in the box. Norwood then gave away a cheap foul and the free kick was not cleared despite several opportunities to get it away. Ramsdale punched the corner clear and this led to a Lundstram break but Sharp took way too long to make a decision and West Brom got back.
Basham did well to rob Pereira and come away with it but generally West Brom had began better and were quicker to the ball with Sharp again not quick enough to a ball forward. Bogle finally got United going with good work and linked with Fleck and the wing back was clipped by O’Shea. The free kick represented an excellent chance being just outside the box and the message had to be to get it on target with the conditions but Norwood fired it high and wide.
At the other end Robinson was away and, on the angle, but pulled his shot wide. It was a good break and United had left gaps for their former player to exploit. McGoldrick then brought a ball down and turned beautifully to come away but his shot was straight at Johnstone in United’s first effort on goal. United were starting to edge back into the game and had a good spell of possession. Fleck was fouled but the free kick was cleared by Bartley.
The next period saw the Blades dominated the ball but often it was in front of West Brom and finally any ball in was headed clear easily. It was a better phase but it was too slow and deliberate and the Baggies coped with ease. McGoldrick tried to play in Bogle but he could not get it under control before Baldock linked with Basham but Robinson got his foot in.
Ampadu then went forward and with no one denying the ball, tried a shot from range which was comfortable for Johnstone and was maybe one for the cameras but still one he had to push away. Norwood then had two corners pushed away from Johnstone as United kept West Brom locked into their own area but they had not really threatened.
Baldock was then brought down by Snodgrass and Fleck’s delivery was dangerous but well dealt with by Townsend. Lundstram then put a cross over that Sharp got on the end of but under pressure and up early headed wide.
Sharp could not hold the ball up and Norwood failed to win it as it broke through and West Brom were away. Robinson again was in space with Basham and Baldock nowhere near him and the ex-Blade cut in and got a shot away which Ramsdale palmed away but back into the danger area. Diagne was first to it and looked set to score but his effort was saved by Ramsdale (Ampadu behind ironically may have cleared but the keeper was not to know) and PHILLIPS smashed home from close range. It was a massive goal in a game that United had to win.
The Blades had been the better side with the ball but had not create much at all and West Brom had looked dangerous on the break. It was a bit of a sucker punch but West Brom via Bartley ahead of Sharp and the midfield challenge where Norwood lost out – saw the visitors clear. Twice after Ramsdale’s saves, West Brom reacted quicker.
McBurnie came on for Norwood as United knew they had to go for it and McGoldrick played just behind the front two. Basham got in down the right but Bogle took a touch and maybe denied Lundstram a chance when the midfielder may have had the better chance.
United definitely looked to have upped the tempo and they kept men well up the pitch. It paid rewards when they got level. Sharp put over a dangerous cross that finally caused some panic and as the ball was only half cleared, Basham got on it and seemed to shimmy past a defender but then came back inside with a Cryuff turn as the defenders converged on him. BOGLE took over though and buried it with a firm left footed finish into the near post. United had got level relatively early in the 2nd half and it was most definitely game on!
The Blades continued to push West Brom back and Fleck was often the architect as he drove down the left with another god run. His pull back was into the path of McBurnie and his shot was blocked before it fell for Lundstram who took too long and West Brom threw bodies in the way.
United had been completely dominant this half and were looking more likely to score but a break from West Brom saw Phillips put in a superb ball that Robinson met from close range and it seemed a certain goal but Ramsdale made a superb save to deny him. A huge moment in the game although replays showed the striker may have been offside if it had gone in.
United recovered quickly from this let off and were back on the attack. Basham was driving forward at every chance and his cross was cleared by Ayari. Basham was then back on the attack rampaging through again and carrying the fight. Ramsdale had to punch clear though after a free kick as the game still remained in the balance. West Brom had certainly been hanging on though and Allardyce put on Robson Kanu and Grant for Diagne and Robinson.
Fleck then threaded a ball down the inside left channel that Lowe ran onto and won a corner before soon after this Lundstram put a cross in that Ajayi cleared with a brave header under pressure from Egan. Sharp then was the next to put a cross in but Bartley cleared. United kept coming though and Basham, McBurnie linked up to feed Bogle whose shot looped over for another corner.
On 72 minutes the pressure finally told. Fleck and Basham combined and the cross that came over was not cleared and as Egan challenged the defender the ball dropped and SHARP reacted quickest to fire home with the outside of his foot. It was only a half chance but the captain reacted superbly to do what he does best.
Sharp had been about to be withdrawn with Rhian Brewster readied but the young striker was sent back to the bench to put his tracksuit top on after the goal!
Gallagher came on for Phillips in the final West Brom change but United kept trying to go forward and Lowe’s cross was dangerous but Bogle could only head over under pressure. The game entered the final 10 minutes and West Brom started to gamble.
Substitute Gallagher was brought down by Fleck as he ran through in what was a good foul and booking to give away after Ampadu had initially given it away. McGoldrick then took a booking as he then stopped O’Shea from getting clear.
The free kick dropped to Pereira but his shot sliced well wide before Sharp came off for Burke. The sub’s first contribution was to give away a silly foul. West Brom were now getting it forward whenever they could with long throws and balls pumped int the box forcing United back. However, a foul throw gave the ball back to stop another chance coming in.
The game ticked into three minutes of stoppage time and United did well to stem the flow with Ampadu picking up a knock and then Burke showing great control. A final chance when the otherwise impressive Basham gave a foul away but the free kick dropped and United scrambled clear. The final whistle came soon after. A huge three points for the home side to at least keep their hopes alive of an improbable escape.
United – Phew. A night that could have seen our season effectively ended you feared if we lost. At half time it seemed the game was up for us and if we had gone on to lose, I think most United fans would have given it up and rightly so. Yes, there were points to play for but it would have been pretty much done I think. First half we started badly and they were quicker and seemed to adapt to the tough conditions. We lost some loose things and they just seemed more up for it but we grew into it and took over possession and territory but did not hurt them. It was neat and tidy but as we said on the pod, we looked like a poor man’s Man City. We passed and passed and went side to side but the tempo was slow and no penetration at all. It was easy for them. I felt Sharp was not in it and too often when we got into areas, we went further wide instead of trying to turn them around or get it into the box to force issues. It was quite comfortable for them. We had a few efforts but nothing clear and Robinson had already had one break when he got through again after poor play from Sharp and Norwood. The way it went on the goal summed up our season as Ramsdale maybe should have pushed further away and then it just fell for them twice although our players did not react. Ampadu would have cleared the second shot but Ramsdale would not know and you could see it going in before it did. It seemed a crushing blow and you felt it would take a lot of character and bottle to recover. We were literally staring relegation in the face tonight.
To Wilder’s and the team’s credit we made a positive sub with Norwood, who had been poor, coming off and McBurnie forcing them back. We had Didzy in the 10 role and we had a real go. Bash was fantastic driving us forward and Fleck constantly involved too. Lowe and Bogle were high up the field. We did things quicker with more one touch stuff rather than a number of touches to do basic things. Players drove and tried to commit men and we got more balls in the box. Bogle took his goal well but came from the first time we got a cross in before they could be set- so credit to Sharp. After this it was all us and we had more chances blocked or cleared but we kept coming at them and you felt we would score again. However, they had a big chance (might have been offside) and huge credit to Ramsdale for the save which was a fantastic point-blank effort which was reminiscent of the ones Henderson used to make (sorry but it did remind me of him – I know I should not compare!). It may have been ruled out but this seemed to be a pivotal moment and we went again. We had more half chances and lots of corner and play deep in their half and then the winner comes. More good work from Fleck and Basham and a fantastic instinctive finish from Sharp. We did keep attacking for a bit but eventually we started to sit back and gave a few fouls away and then started to get it into our box and won a few corners and free kicks but not sure they really had a clear chance. In the end, it was a thoroughly deserved win. Not a classic game and two quite poor sides but we played the better football all game and had much more of it and looked more threatening for most of the game.
United showed real bravery and showed some guts and heart which we have criticised at times this season. Players wanted to get on the ball and make things happen. Bash was fantastic driving us on and was relentless all second half. I felt we would get chances as we forced them further back and so it proved. They are a poor side and had to be beat really and we managed to do that. The hope is still faint and we still need an incredible run but at least now we can dismiss probably all the talk about us being the worst ever Premier League side (surely, we will get one more point and even if we don’t then our goal difference won’t be as bad as Derby). We had little targets – the Derby record was one and next is to get above West Brom and off bottom and hopefully in a few weeks we may be able to do that and then you look at the next team and so forth. I am not sure we will do it as we have to win a lot of games and not sure we have done enough to show we can do that but the last 4 or 5 weeks we have shown some bottle and desire and started to get some results and at last things are interesting again.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7.5/10 – Not much to do with one shot flashed wide and then punched one corner away. On the goal I think he could have done better. Not sure he could have held the first one but he pushed it back into the area of danger. The second he just reacted to and would not know Ampadu was behind him but again and that one is just one you save and hope for the best. It is a double save but think he could have done better on the first maybe. He was badly exposed again. After this he punched another one clear and then made a great save – albeit may have been offside. This was maybe the moment of his United career and after this we go on and win the game. I am still not convinced by him but a fantastic save tonight and a key moment in the game and maybe our season.
Baldock 5.5/10 – Thought he gave Robinson way too much space and there was a big gap down that side. It was not as if he went forward and caused lots of problems the other way. Robinson had one warning strike wide and then got in to set up the goal. He went forward but dithered and was slow and kept coming back. I thought they had a few attacks down this side but maybe it was just because he pushed up the field. Seemed to pull his hamstring and maybe out for a while now? We looked much better when Bogle went down the right second half and there is often more of an end product. Still think I prefer Baldock due to his defensive work but if we go down be interesting to see what happens – if we sacrificed him if a bid came in (not sure how many would want a wing back who is not great attacking wise) as we would have more of the ball and Bogle could be a real threat at a lower level where we do not need to defend as much.
Bogle 7/10 – A few passes or runs where he made the wrong decisions but always involved, I felt and had a run that won a free kick, he then got in again but mis controlled and put another cross over. Not sure he quite read things of others at times and I felt defensively he still gives his man way too much space. Second half he continued to go forward and scored with another good finish (now 3 goals of course in not many games) which was only a half chance. He had a headed effort that went wide.
Basham 8.5/10 – First half he got forward a bit but maybe took too long to do things but was high up the field. Made a good tackle early on Pereira when he came out with the ball and a few other interceptions. He did give it away on the Robinson first chance and then him and Baldock both too far up for the goal. First half not the best due to these moments but then second half he was simply sensational. He carried the fight from the off and kept driving, dribbling, surging, crossing, linking. He took the ball forward on so many occasions and forced them back with cavalier runs and he was involved in the first getting in the box and then the second with a cross that led to the winner. Just all over the place – and was simply fantastic embodying everything good about this team and era when it is at it’s best. He nearly undid it with a daft foul at the end but overall, I just thought he was superb – our talisman that helped turn round the game. He dragged us forward and dragged us towards the win.
Ampadu 7/10 – He was ok I felt and continued his steady improvements. He was able to read a few balls through and kept it nice and simple. Had one run and shot when he took the initiative and seems to be doing that more -that is one think even Basham, Egan and O’Connell do not do – run forward and take a shot so something he has shown a few times recently. Second half did not have much to do but the one cross seemed to go between him and Egan for the chance. He also gave away a ball which led to Fleck having to take a foul and a card.
Egan 6.5/10 – Not sure he had much pressure on him but too much the ball came in and they won things in the box as we saw on the goal when twice they got to it before out defenders and then same again with the Robinson chance. We have to do much better and to say they only maybe put it in our box a few times they did look more dangerous than they should have done. I thought he did ok with the ball and was able to move it quicker second half after everything was so slow and did win a few key headers at the end and was involved in the goal as he challenged.
Lundstram 6/10 – Not his best game I don’t think. Thought he was off the pace a bit and that he did not get involved as he has been doing. He had a few neat touches and helped move play across but the fact I am struggling much he did much of the game sums up how quiet he was in terms of affecting things even if he was ok. I felt in some ways he was better after Norwood went off as had to come central and then saw bit more of it and helped us keep a shape and has more mobility. He had a good chance which he took too long to get away.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Continued his good recent form. Not everything came off but the fact is he is now involved and running at players, advancing, looking for the ball and wanting to make things happening. Much of this season he has hid a bit on and off the ball but now he wants to get on it. He was constantly moving. It seems he has had injuries that have seen him looking like Jimmy Fleck as Wilder said, his brother who has gone back to Scotland! Second half felt he was more forceful and made things happen quicker. He was involved first half but he was too just slow to make things happen and then he started to do it at pace. Linked well with Basham, McBurnie, Lowe and a few others and a lot of our good play and attacks came from him. Not always an end product but some lovely balls and probing runs. Booking was one he was right to take and took it before the player got any further forward. 2nd to Basham for man of the match I felt in his desire to get us going and forward.
Norwood 4.5/10 – He started the game losing a 50-50 and this set the tone for our poor start. He then took that bad free kick when he did not get it close. After this he actually got on the ball and was neat and tidy and moved it around and a few decent balls but did think he and the team were a bit slow to move it and it was not really done at any tempo. Then of course he loses a crucial tackle as they come through and score. He was taken off and it was the right move to be made as it allowed us to get more pressure on and another forward that would force them back. Sacrificed at half time.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Started the game as the one who wanted to make things happen and got on it and tried to link. I felt he and Fleck were our better players first half in terms of getting on it and making things happen. He came deep and tried to make forays or find players. Had that good touch and shot and nearly set up Bogle. Second half dropped back and not as involved actually but he still had some decent touches and moments and helped us keep it going and sprayed a few balls about. He took a booking at the end which was not the worst foul as they broke. Still our most creative player much of the time and the one who can make things happen and find that bit of quality although Basham and Fleck usurped him second half.
Sharp 7/10 – I thought he was really poor first half albeit with limited service but the defenders were first to the ball and he as not even a nuisance factor. He missed a headed chance that was not easy but then got robbed in the build up to the goal. Looked off the pace and not the Sharp we have seen the last few games where he has been tenacious and causing defenders problems. Second half he started to get involved with McBurnie’s present probably helping. He put the cross in for the first goal which caused problems and then was in and around a few things before he got the chance he craves and buried it to win the game. His overall performance was not great but two key moments mean he will rightly get credit for having a big effect on the game.
Subs –
Lowe 6.5/10 – Started the game with a kick straight to them and dallied on another and I was concerned with Baldock going off that we had two quite raw and inexperienced performers at Premier League level as wing backs. He recovered from an inauspicious start and he actually had a decent second half and had a few runs that he linked with Fleck and Lundstram. Won a few corners and put one good cross in for Bogle (bad one after this though!). Not fantastic but decent in terms of getting forward and pushing them back.
McBurnie 7/10 – The commentators talked about what a difference he made and he did in a sense. I am not sure he was that fantastic individually and at times he gave it away or took too long to do things (had two shooting opportunities). However, he put himself about and forced them back and a few things came from him challenging or chasing things. He did come deep a bit to link play too and showed some decent touches and really helped us link things. He definitely made a difference and with him and Didzy both coming short we seemed to have extra men all over and swarmed all over them.
Burke - Only had 5 minutes. Gave away one daft foul and then brought a lovely ball down out of the sky to kill a few moments.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – It’s a win. I think he is right in that the first half was way too slow and the tempo allowed them to get set. It was an awful goal to give away but they had moments on the break where we kind of left gaps – it was odd though as we got up the field but did not hurt them as they defended deep. We took too many touches or too long to do things and often no one took responsibility to cross or dribble or make decisions. 2nd half he made the move to take Norwood off and McBurnie came them something to think about and we pushed them back. We made quicker passes and runs and players started to drive at them and opportunities came. I am glad we even did that when we went 2-1 up and it was only the last few minutes, we started to get anxious and sit back. I am just pleased that a month ago there was real concerns he could be gone and now it seems he is not only set to stay but we won’t be the worst team ever and we have a small chance of staying up. At least we are still alive and he has done a good job of getting some players back to form by keeping the belief in them. He ironically gets credit today also for not making a change when he could have and then Sharp scores the winner!
West Brom – They have done exactly what I expected them to do this season and if it was not for us, everyone would be saying how they are the worst team and by some margin. They sacked Bilic and brought in Allardyce. Not sure I agreed with this but teams get desperate at this level and see the pound signs quickly disappearing. Bilic did well with them and did not spend a fortune so not sure what they expected from them. I guess Allardyce has a reputation of trouble shooting and can get teams out of trouble with a no-nonsense approach and he gets teams organised and resolute. They have had a few decent results since he went there but overall, not sure they have improved massively. I am glad we did not go down such approach. If they do down as I expect and he cannot save them, then what? Surely a plan to move forward and try and come back would be with someone else so do they then get rid of him and face another expensive pay off.
They have quite an ageing team and the defence is awful for this level. The keeper Johnstone is left horribly exposed but is an upgrade on Ramsdale and not sure he has had the jittery season like our keeper. They have had some hammerings though unlike us but picked up some great results at Wolves and Liverpool. They let in a fair few at Championship level and have not really brought in EPL experience outside of Ivanovic but at 36, like Jags with us, he is about done. The Maitland Niles signing was a surprise and a good addition as he was linked with Wolves and I think even Man Utd earlier in the season. I am not sure why he has gone there if other teams at this level were still being linked with him even if not of the level of those two.
Like us feel they have a lot of players that maybe are not quite at this level or might sadly be on the way down mixed with some decent players who might be ok in a better team. I like Sawyers and the loan lad Gallagher who scored at The Hawthorns has shown glimpses. They signed an enforcer type on loan in Yokusul to bolster midfield – he seems the sort of lads we may benefit from. They do have some maverick types in Pereira and Diangana. I like both of these and maybe this is the one advantage they have with players who can create a bit of something out of nothing.
Up top they have a lot of Championship performers like Grant, Robson Kanu, Robinson etc. Robinson has scored a few and looked lively in odd games but I prefer Burke to him from the evidence of this season and feel he has more chance of making an impact now and next season in the Championship. Robinson is a player that is ok technically but does not impose himself and not sure the sort of player that I ever see being better than a mid table Champ player. He is a nice lad but lacks heart, determination and knowledge of how to play either a wide or centre forward role at top level. I think Wilder realised quite quickly for all the bits and pieces he will never be a regular for us.
They did sign Diagne to supplement what they have. To be fair they signed 3 players this window and at least have done something -the argument could be they have tried more than us to add to the group.
They have been better away from home and seems to suit them more. I do expect them to go down and feel that they and us will be long gone before the end of the season as the gap even now is too much. I actually think despite the table we have shown in games we are mostly more competitive at times and can keep in games more. I also think we are better built to challenge next season but we will see I suppose.
Today, they will say the first half performance was good in that they defended well and restricted us to few chances if any really save for the McGoldrick shot and Sharp header which were not really clear chances. They had started well and won a lot of the loose stuff and were better but gradually we took over and dominated possession. They let us have the ball I suppose but countered quite well and had a few chances via Robinson. The goal was a bit scrappy but they robbed it off us and won the key tackle and then reacted twice and wanted it more. They would have thought it was going as they wanted and to plan. Second half we really ran at them and forced them back and they never really got a foothold. Yes, Robinson missed the chance after we levelled but I felt we were having wave after wave and it seemed to be coming our second goal. After this they kind of had a got but it was throws and free kicks and never any real concerted pressure or attacks. They had the late free kick that was scrambled clear but it was all a bit too late. I thought as solid as they were first half, they kind of buckled when we upped it and they did not deserve anything from the game.
They looked a really poor side technically and in and out of possession. I thought even we, when we stepped it up, looked better than them and in the end forced chances and they looked a bit desperate and at full stretch. I am not sure they had any belief they could see the game out and sat back which played into our hands and they conceded a lot of chances and territory. The approach and style is dull to watch and thank god we did not get rid of Wilder and bring Allardyce in. At least even in losing we have still at times played football and not just gone ugly and resorted to hoofs and long throws.
Opponent Man of the Match – Johnstone made some good saves although to be expected. Pereira showed some bits and I suppose Robinson had one effort wide, one saved he should have scored and then set up the goal – I do not rate him but he was ok today in limited moments. I would say Phillips was the man of the match in that he scored and set up the goal. O’Shea was one of the other main threats with his long throw. Gallagher also made a bit of a difference when he came on.
Opponent Weak link – I think they had a number of poor players. Bartley and Ajayi made some blocks and headers but they are technically quite poor and just not Premier League players for me. I actually thought Snodgrass was poor – he looks done at this level. He gave away a few fouls and looked as slow as Norwood. The big lad up top was not much of a threat either Diagne and looked a bit clumsy.
Referee/Officials – Paul Tierney. Not the hardest game to ref. A few meaty tackles went in but nothing that was controversial. Fleck was maybe lucky not to get booked first half and then did get booked rightly second half but probably does not make that pull back if he was already booked. McGoldrick was booked for a clumsy one too. Pereira was booked at the end but not sure if this was before the game was finished or right at the end? Anyone. I can’t even recall Tierney booking him? The rest of the game saw no real VAR incidents. I panicked a bit on the winner as they appealed and thought Egan might get penalised in real time but then saw it back and it was not even close to a foul and he ducked low anyway.
Coverage -Not heard Nigel Spackman much so must have been a bad game as he must be low down the list of pundits BT chooses! He was incredibly ‘end of the world’ about us. I know we are bad but he was throwing various stats about how few we have scored, how little we create and going through every issue we had! He then said we would need 38-39 points to stay up and would need to win like 2/3rds of our games which is a nonsense. It will surely be a much lower figure for the third bottom team. I know I am pessimistic but come on Nigel – I know you managed and played here but he was giving us pelters! He did rightly praise Basham and gave him man of the match. Some pundits would lazily give it Sharp for the goal and winner but Bash was the best player on the field. Amusingly called our substitute wing back Max Lewis at least twice, I think?
Owen Hargreaves said West Brom deserved to lead at half time which was another nonsensical comment. Him and Jenas were right that we offered little and it was too slow and West Brom had offered a bit on the break but they did not deserve to lead. At least they said we were worthy winners at the end although they could not wait to talk about the next match – it was as if we have got that tripe out of the way at least now we can discuss some proper teams. It was not the best of matches in terms of quality but had some excitement and I compare that to some of the games between the top teams playing each other and it was probably more fun to watch!
open.spotify.com/episode/4IxihvJGiJn6PbBDjNMSjs?si=eOo4aaKJQGy0kHaixGnvDw&nd=1
The battle of the bottom sides went the way of the Blades at a wet and cold Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening. Today had seen a dolloping of snow around Sheffield and the foul weather continued throughout the game but United showed fight and resolve to come back from a half time deficit to win the game. Matt Phillips first half goal against the run of play had seen the Blades with effectively 45 minutes to save their season. The second half saw United give it a real go and force West Brom back. Goals from Bogle and skipper Sharp turned the game round and with Fleck and Basham inspirational; the home side got the vital three points.
Chris Wilder made two changes to the side that started their 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday. David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp start in attack as Oliver Burke and Rhian Brewster dropped to the bench that included youngsters Iliman Ndiaye and Zak Brunt. West Brom made three changes with Conor Townsend, Matt Phillips and new striker Mbaye Diagne all starting.
Kieran Gibbs, Darnell Furlong and Conor Gallagher all drop to the bench. Blades nemesis Robert Snodgrass started for the Baggies.
The game started with the temperature valve showing 3 degrees around S2. The bitterly cold conditions seemed to affect the home side as West Brom started the game well and a long throw showed their intent to get the ball in the box. Norwood then gave away a cheap foul and the free kick was not cleared despite several opportunities to get it away. Ramsdale punched the corner clear and this led to a Lundstram break but Sharp took way too long to make a decision and West Brom got back.
Basham did well to rob Pereira and come away with it but generally West Brom had began better and were quicker to the ball with Sharp again not quick enough to a ball forward. Bogle finally got United going with good work and linked with Fleck and the wing back was clipped by O’Shea. The free kick represented an excellent chance being just outside the box and the message had to be to get it on target with the conditions but Norwood fired it high and wide.
At the other end Robinson was away and, on the angle, but pulled his shot wide. It was a good break and United had left gaps for their former player to exploit. McGoldrick then brought a ball down and turned beautifully to come away but his shot was straight at Johnstone in United’s first effort on goal. United were starting to edge back into the game and had a good spell of possession. Fleck was fouled but the free kick was cleared by Bartley.
The next period saw the Blades dominated the ball but often it was in front of West Brom and finally any ball in was headed clear easily. It was a better phase but it was too slow and deliberate and the Baggies coped with ease. McGoldrick tried to play in Bogle but he could not get it under control before Baldock linked with Basham but Robinson got his foot in.
Ampadu then went forward and with no one denying the ball, tried a shot from range which was comfortable for Johnstone and was maybe one for the cameras but still one he had to push away. Norwood then had two corners pushed away from Johnstone as United kept West Brom locked into their own area but they had not really threatened.
Baldock was then brought down by Snodgrass and Fleck’s delivery was dangerous but well dealt with by Townsend. Lundstram then put a cross over that Sharp got on the end of but under pressure and up early headed wide.
Sharp could not hold the ball up and Norwood failed to win it as it broke through and West Brom were away. Robinson again was in space with Basham and Baldock nowhere near him and the ex-Blade cut in and got a shot away which Ramsdale palmed away but back into the danger area. Diagne was first to it and looked set to score but his effort was saved by Ramsdale (Ampadu behind ironically may have cleared but the keeper was not to know) and PHILLIPS smashed home from close range. It was a massive goal in a game that United had to win.
The Blades had been the better side with the ball but had not create much at all and West Brom had looked dangerous on the break. It was a bit of a sucker punch but West Brom via Bartley ahead of Sharp and the midfield challenge where Norwood lost out – saw the visitors clear. Twice after Ramsdale’s saves, West Brom reacted quicker.
McBurnie came on for Norwood as United knew they had to go for it and McGoldrick played just behind the front two. Basham got in down the right but Bogle took a touch and maybe denied Lundstram a chance when the midfielder may have had the better chance.
United definitely looked to have upped the tempo and they kept men well up the pitch. It paid rewards when they got level. Sharp put over a dangerous cross that finally caused some panic and as the ball was only half cleared, Basham got on it and seemed to shimmy past a defender but then came back inside with a Cryuff turn as the defenders converged on him. BOGLE took over though and buried it with a firm left footed finish into the near post. United had got level relatively early in the 2nd half and it was most definitely game on!
The Blades continued to push West Brom back and Fleck was often the architect as he drove down the left with another god run. His pull back was into the path of McBurnie and his shot was blocked before it fell for Lundstram who took too long and West Brom threw bodies in the way.
United had been completely dominant this half and were looking more likely to score but a break from West Brom saw Phillips put in a superb ball that Robinson met from close range and it seemed a certain goal but Ramsdale made a superb save to deny him. A huge moment in the game although replays showed the striker may have been offside if it had gone in.
United recovered quickly from this let off and were back on the attack. Basham was driving forward at every chance and his cross was cleared by Ayari. Basham was then back on the attack rampaging through again and carrying the fight. Ramsdale had to punch clear though after a free kick as the game still remained in the balance. West Brom had certainly been hanging on though and Allardyce put on Robson Kanu and Grant for Diagne and Robinson.
Fleck then threaded a ball down the inside left channel that Lowe ran onto and won a corner before soon after this Lundstram put a cross in that Ajayi cleared with a brave header under pressure from Egan. Sharp then was the next to put a cross in but Bartley cleared. United kept coming though and Basham, McBurnie linked up to feed Bogle whose shot looped over for another corner.
On 72 minutes the pressure finally told. Fleck and Basham combined and the cross that came over was not cleared and as Egan challenged the defender the ball dropped and SHARP reacted quickest to fire home with the outside of his foot. It was only a half chance but the captain reacted superbly to do what he does best.
Sharp had been about to be withdrawn with Rhian Brewster readied but the young striker was sent back to the bench to put his tracksuit top on after the goal!
Gallagher came on for Phillips in the final West Brom change but United kept trying to go forward and Lowe’s cross was dangerous but Bogle could only head over under pressure. The game entered the final 10 minutes and West Brom started to gamble.
Substitute Gallagher was brought down by Fleck as he ran through in what was a good foul and booking to give away after Ampadu had initially given it away. McGoldrick then took a booking as he then stopped O’Shea from getting clear.
The free kick dropped to Pereira but his shot sliced well wide before Sharp came off for Burke. The sub’s first contribution was to give away a silly foul. West Brom were now getting it forward whenever they could with long throws and balls pumped int the box forcing United back. However, a foul throw gave the ball back to stop another chance coming in.
The game ticked into three minutes of stoppage time and United did well to stem the flow with Ampadu picking up a knock and then Burke showing great control. A final chance when the otherwise impressive Basham gave a foul away but the free kick dropped and United scrambled clear. The final whistle came soon after. A huge three points for the home side to at least keep their hopes alive of an improbable escape.
United – Phew. A night that could have seen our season effectively ended you feared if we lost. At half time it seemed the game was up for us and if we had gone on to lose, I think most United fans would have given it up and rightly so. Yes, there were points to play for but it would have been pretty much done I think. First half we started badly and they were quicker and seemed to adapt to the tough conditions. We lost some loose things and they just seemed more up for it but we grew into it and took over possession and territory but did not hurt them. It was neat and tidy but as we said on the pod, we looked like a poor man’s Man City. We passed and passed and went side to side but the tempo was slow and no penetration at all. It was easy for them. I felt Sharp was not in it and too often when we got into areas, we went further wide instead of trying to turn them around or get it into the box to force issues. It was quite comfortable for them. We had a few efforts but nothing clear and Robinson had already had one break when he got through again after poor play from Sharp and Norwood. The way it went on the goal summed up our season as Ramsdale maybe should have pushed further away and then it just fell for them twice although our players did not react. Ampadu would have cleared the second shot but Ramsdale would not know and you could see it going in before it did. It seemed a crushing blow and you felt it would take a lot of character and bottle to recover. We were literally staring relegation in the face tonight.
To Wilder’s and the team’s credit we made a positive sub with Norwood, who had been poor, coming off and McBurnie forcing them back. We had Didzy in the 10 role and we had a real go. Bash was fantastic driving us forward and Fleck constantly involved too. Lowe and Bogle were high up the field. We did things quicker with more one touch stuff rather than a number of touches to do basic things. Players drove and tried to commit men and we got more balls in the box. Bogle took his goal well but came from the first time we got a cross in before they could be set- so credit to Sharp. After this it was all us and we had more chances blocked or cleared but we kept coming at them and you felt we would score again. However, they had a big chance (might have been offside) and huge credit to Ramsdale for the save which was a fantastic point-blank effort which was reminiscent of the ones Henderson used to make (sorry but it did remind me of him – I know I should not compare!). It may have been ruled out but this seemed to be a pivotal moment and we went again. We had more half chances and lots of corner and play deep in their half and then the winner comes. More good work from Fleck and Basham and a fantastic instinctive finish from Sharp. We did keep attacking for a bit but eventually we started to sit back and gave a few fouls away and then started to get it into our box and won a few corners and free kicks but not sure they really had a clear chance. In the end, it was a thoroughly deserved win. Not a classic game and two quite poor sides but we played the better football all game and had much more of it and looked more threatening for most of the game.
United showed real bravery and showed some guts and heart which we have criticised at times this season. Players wanted to get on the ball and make things happen. Bash was fantastic driving us on and was relentless all second half. I felt we would get chances as we forced them further back and so it proved. They are a poor side and had to be beat really and we managed to do that. The hope is still faint and we still need an incredible run but at least now we can dismiss probably all the talk about us being the worst ever Premier League side (surely, we will get one more point and even if we don’t then our goal difference won’t be as bad as Derby). We had little targets – the Derby record was one and next is to get above West Brom and off bottom and hopefully in a few weeks we may be able to do that and then you look at the next team and so forth. I am not sure we will do it as we have to win a lot of games and not sure we have done enough to show we can do that but the last 4 or 5 weeks we have shown some bottle and desire and started to get some results and at last things are interesting again.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7.5/10 – Not much to do with one shot flashed wide and then punched one corner away. On the goal I think he could have done better. Not sure he could have held the first one but he pushed it back into the area of danger. The second he just reacted to and would not know Ampadu was behind him but again and that one is just one you save and hope for the best. It is a double save but think he could have done better on the first maybe. He was badly exposed again. After this he punched another one clear and then made a great save – albeit may have been offside. This was maybe the moment of his United career and after this we go on and win the game. I am still not convinced by him but a fantastic save tonight and a key moment in the game and maybe our season.
Baldock 5.5/10 – Thought he gave Robinson way too much space and there was a big gap down that side. It was not as if he went forward and caused lots of problems the other way. Robinson had one warning strike wide and then got in to set up the goal. He went forward but dithered and was slow and kept coming back. I thought they had a few attacks down this side but maybe it was just because he pushed up the field. Seemed to pull his hamstring and maybe out for a while now? We looked much better when Bogle went down the right second half and there is often more of an end product. Still think I prefer Baldock due to his defensive work but if we go down be interesting to see what happens – if we sacrificed him if a bid came in (not sure how many would want a wing back who is not great attacking wise) as we would have more of the ball and Bogle could be a real threat at a lower level where we do not need to defend as much.
Bogle 7/10 – A few passes or runs where he made the wrong decisions but always involved, I felt and had a run that won a free kick, he then got in again but mis controlled and put another cross over. Not sure he quite read things of others at times and I felt defensively he still gives his man way too much space. Second half he continued to go forward and scored with another good finish (now 3 goals of course in not many games) which was only a half chance. He had a headed effort that went wide.
Basham 8.5/10 – First half he got forward a bit but maybe took too long to do things but was high up the field. Made a good tackle early on Pereira when he came out with the ball and a few other interceptions. He did give it away on the Robinson first chance and then him and Baldock both too far up for the goal. First half not the best due to these moments but then second half he was simply sensational. He carried the fight from the off and kept driving, dribbling, surging, crossing, linking. He took the ball forward on so many occasions and forced them back with cavalier runs and he was involved in the first getting in the box and then the second with a cross that led to the winner. Just all over the place – and was simply fantastic embodying everything good about this team and era when it is at it’s best. He nearly undid it with a daft foul at the end but overall, I just thought he was superb – our talisman that helped turn round the game. He dragged us forward and dragged us towards the win.
Ampadu 7/10 – He was ok I felt and continued his steady improvements. He was able to read a few balls through and kept it nice and simple. Had one run and shot when he took the initiative and seems to be doing that more -that is one think even Basham, Egan and O’Connell do not do – run forward and take a shot so something he has shown a few times recently. Second half did not have much to do but the one cross seemed to go between him and Egan for the chance. He also gave away a ball which led to Fleck having to take a foul and a card.
Egan 6.5/10 – Not sure he had much pressure on him but too much the ball came in and they won things in the box as we saw on the goal when twice they got to it before out defenders and then same again with the Robinson chance. We have to do much better and to say they only maybe put it in our box a few times they did look more dangerous than they should have done. I thought he did ok with the ball and was able to move it quicker second half after everything was so slow and did win a few key headers at the end and was involved in the goal as he challenged.
Lundstram 6/10 – Not his best game I don’t think. Thought he was off the pace a bit and that he did not get involved as he has been doing. He had a few neat touches and helped move play across but the fact I am struggling much he did much of the game sums up how quiet he was in terms of affecting things even if he was ok. I felt in some ways he was better after Norwood went off as had to come central and then saw bit more of it and helped us keep a shape and has more mobility. He had a good chance which he took too long to get away.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Continued his good recent form. Not everything came off but the fact is he is now involved and running at players, advancing, looking for the ball and wanting to make things happening. Much of this season he has hid a bit on and off the ball but now he wants to get on it. He was constantly moving. It seems he has had injuries that have seen him looking like Jimmy Fleck as Wilder said, his brother who has gone back to Scotland! Second half felt he was more forceful and made things happen quicker. He was involved first half but he was too just slow to make things happen and then he started to do it at pace. Linked well with Basham, McBurnie, Lowe and a few others and a lot of our good play and attacks came from him. Not always an end product but some lovely balls and probing runs. Booking was one he was right to take and took it before the player got any further forward. 2nd to Basham for man of the match I felt in his desire to get us going and forward.
Norwood 4.5/10 – He started the game losing a 50-50 and this set the tone for our poor start. He then took that bad free kick when he did not get it close. After this he actually got on the ball and was neat and tidy and moved it around and a few decent balls but did think he and the team were a bit slow to move it and it was not really done at any tempo. Then of course he loses a crucial tackle as they come through and score. He was taken off and it was the right move to be made as it allowed us to get more pressure on and another forward that would force them back. Sacrificed at half time.
McGoldrick 7/10 – Started the game as the one who wanted to make things happen and got on it and tried to link. I felt he and Fleck were our better players first half in terms of getting on it and making things happen. He came deep and tried to make forays or find players. Had that good touch and shot and nearly set up Bogle. Second half dropped back and not as involved actually but he still had some decent touches and moments and helped us keep it going and sprayed a few balls about. He took a booking at the end which was not the worst foul as they broke. Still our most creative player much of the time and the one who can make things happen and find that bit of quality although Basham and Fleck usurped him second half.
Sharp 7/10 – I thought he was really poor first half albeit with limited service but the defenders were first to the ball and he as not even a nuisance factor. He missed a headed chance that was not easy but then got robbed in the build up to the goal. Looked off the pace and not the Sharp we have seen the last few games where he has been tenacious and causing defenders problems. Second half he started to get involved with McBurnie’s present probably helping. He put the cross in for the first goal which caused problems and then was in and around a few things before he got the chance he craves and buried it to win the game. His overall performance was not great but two key moments mean he will rightly get credit for having a big effect on the game.
Subs –
Lowe 6.5/10 – Started the game with a kick straight to them and dallied on another and I was concerned with Baldock going off that we had two quite raw and inexperienced performers at Premier League level as wing backs. He recovered from an inauspicious start and he actually had a decent second half and had a few runs that he linked with Fleck and Lundstram. Won a few corners and put one good cross in for Bogle (bad one after this though!). Not fantastic but decent in terms of getting forward and pushing them back.
McBurnie 7/10 – The commentators talked about what a difference he made and he did in a sense. I am not sure he was that fantastic individually and at times he gave it away or took too long to do things (had two shooting opportunities). However, he put himself about and forced them back and a few things came from him challenging or chasing things. He did come deep a bit to link play too and showed some decent touches and really helped us link things. He definitely made a difference and with him and Didzy both coming short we seemed to have extra men all over and swarmed all over them.
Burke - Only had 5 minutes. Gave away one daft foul and then brought a lovely ball down out of the sky to kill a few moments.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – It’s a win. I think he is right in that the first half was way too slow and the tempo allowed them to get set. It was an awful goal to give away but they had moments on the break where we kind of left gaps – it was odd though as we got up the field but did not hurt them as they defended deep. We took too many touches or too long to do things and often no one took responsibility to cross or dribble or make decisions. 2nd half he made the move to take Norwood off and McBurnie came them something to think about and we pushed them back. We made quicker passes and runs and players started to drive at them and opportunities came. I am glad we even did that when we went 2-1 up and it was only the last few minutes, we started to get anxious and sit back. I am just pleased that a month ago there was real concerns he could be gone and now it seems he is not only set to stay but we won’t be the worst team ever and we have a small chance of staying up. At least we are still alive and he has done a good job of getting some players back to form by keeping the belief in them. He ironically gets credit today also for not making a change when he could have and then Sharp scores the winner!
West Brom – They have done exactly what I expected them to do this season and if it was not for us, everyone would be saying how they are the worst team and by some margin. They sacked Bilic and brought in Allardyce. Not sure I agreed with this but teams get desperate at this level and see the pound signs quickly disappearing. Bilic did well with them and did not spend a fortune so not sure what they expected from them. I guess Allardyce has a reputation of trouble shooting and can get teams out of trouble with a no-nonsense approach and he gets teams organised and resolute. They have had a few decent results since he went there but overall, not sure they have improved massively. I am glad we did not go down such approach. If they do down as I expect and he cannot save them, then what? Surely a plan to move forward and try and come back would be with someone else so do they then get rid of him and face another expensive pay off.
They have quite an ageing team and the defence is awful for this level. The keeper Johnstone is left horribly exposed but is an upgrade on Ramsdale and not sure he has had the jittery season like our keeper. They have had some hammerings though unlike us but picked up some great results at Wolves and Liverpool. They let in a fair few at Championship level and have not really brought in EPL experience outside of Ivanovic but at 36, like Jags with us, he is about done. The Maitland Niles signing was a surprise and a good addition as he was linked with Wolves and I think even Man Utd earlier in the season. I am not sure why he has gone there if other teams at this level were still being linked with him even if not of the level of those two.
Like us feel they have a lot of players that maybe are not quite at this level or might sadly be on the way down mixed with some decent players who might be ok in a better team. I like Sawyers and the loan lad Gallagher who scored at The Hawthorns has shown glimpses. They signed an enforcer type on loan in Yokusul to bolster midfield – he seems the sort of lads we may benefit from. They do have some maverick types in Pereira and Diangana. I like both of these and maybe this is the one advantage they have with players who can create a bit of something out of nothing.
Up top they have a lot of Championship performers like Grant, Robson Kanu, Robinson etc. Robinson has scored a few and looked lively in odd games but I prefer Burke to him from the evidence of this season and feel he has more chance of making an impact now and next season in the Championship. Robinson is a player that is ok technically but does not impose himself and not sure the sort of player that I ever see being better than a mid table Champ player. He is a nice lad but lacks heart, determination and knowledge of how to play either a wide or centre forward role at top level. I think Wilder realised quite quickly for all the bits and pieces he will never be a regular for us.
They did sign Diagne to supplement what they have. To be fair they signed 3 players this window and at least have done something -the argument could be they have tried more than us to add to the group.
They have been better away from home and seems to suit them more. I do expect them to go down and feel that they and us will be long gone before the end of the season as the gap even now is too much. I actually think despite the table we have shown in games we are mostly more competitive at times and can keep in games more. I also think we are better built to challenge next season but we will see I suppose.
Today, they will say the first half performance was good in that they defended well and restricted us to few chances if any really save for the McGoldrick shot and Sharp header which were not really clear chances. They had started well and won a lot of the loose stuff and were better but gradually we took over and dominated possession. They let us have the ball I suppose but countered quite well and had a few chances via Robinson. The goal was a bit scrappy but they robbed it off us and won the key tackle and then reacted twice and wanted it more. They would have thought it was going as they wanted and to plan. Second half we really ran at them and forced them back and they never really got a foothold. Yes, Robinson missed the chance after we levelled but I felt we were having wave after wave and it seemed to be coming our second goal. After this they kind of had a got but it was throws and free kicks and never any real concerted pressure or attacks. They had the late free kick that was scrambled clear but it was all a bit too late. I thought as solid as they were first half, they kind of buckled when we upped it and they did not deserve anything from the game.
They looked a really poor side technically and in and out of possession. I thought even we, when we stepped it up, looked better than them and in the end forced chances and they looked a bit desperate and at full stretch. I am not sure they had any belief they could see the game out and sat back which played into our hands and they conceded a lot of chances and territory. The approach and style is dull to watch and thank god we did not get rid of Wilder and bring Allardyce in. At least even in losing we have still at times played football and not just gone ugly and resorted to hoofs and long throws.
Opponent Man of the Match – Johnstone made some good saves although to be expected. Pereira showed some bits and I suppose Robinson had one effort wide, one saved he should have scored and then set up the goal – I do not rate him but he was ok today in limited moments. I would say Phillips was the man of the match in that he scored and set up the goal. O’Shea was one of the other main threats with his long throw. Gallagher also made a bit of a difference when he came on.
Opponent Weak link – I think they had a number of poor players. Bartley and Ajayi made some blocks and headers but they are technically quite poor and just not Premier League players for me. I actually thought Snodgrass was poor – he looks done at this level. He gave away a few fouls and looked as slow as Norwood. The big lad up top was not much of a threat either Diagne and looked a bit clumsy.
Referee/Officials – Paul Tierney. Not the hardest game to ref. A few meaty tackles went in but nothing that was controversial. Fleck was maybe lucky not to get booked first half and then did get booked rightly second half but probably does not make that pull back if he was already booked. McGoldrick was booked for a clumsy one too. Pereira was booked at the end but not sure if this was before the game was finished or right at the end? Anyone. I can’t even recall Tierney booking him? The rest of the game saw no real VAR incidents. I panicked a bit on the winner as they appealed and thought Egan might get penalised in real time but then saw it back and it was not even close to a foul and he ducked low anyway.
Coverage -Not heard Nigel Spackman much so must have been a bad game as he must be low down the list of pundits BT chooses! He was incredibly ‘end of the world’ about us. I know we are bad but he was throwing various stats about how few we have scored, how little we create and going through every issue we had! He then said we would need 38-39 points to stay up and would need to win like 2/3rds of our games which is a nonsense. It will surely be a much lower figure for the third bottom team. I know I am pessimistic but come on Nigel – I know you managed and played here but he was giving us pelters! He did rightly praise Basham and gave him man of the match. Some pundits would lazily give it Sharp for the goal and winner but Bash was the best player on the field. Amusingly called our substitute wing back Max Lewis at least twice, I think?
Owen Hargreaves said West Brom deserved to lead at half time which was another nonsensical comment. Him and Jenas were right that we offered little and it was too slow and West Brom had offered a bit on the break but they did not deserve to lead. At least they said we were worthy winners at the end although they could not wait to talk about the next match – it was as if we have got that tripe out of the way at least now we can discuss some proper teams. It was not the best of matches in terms of quality but had some excitement and I compare that to some of the games between the top teams playing each other and it was probably more fun to watch!
