Post by deadbat on Feb 10, 2021 23:32:20 GMT
Podcast and Match Report below……
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The FA Cup has been providing United with a boost in a really poor season and after wins against League One opponents in Bristol Rovers and Plymouth, a higher-level side from the same part of the country did not offer a particularly sterner test and the Blades eased through. United were not fantastic but did enough to win the game with a Billy Sharp penalty after Alfie Mawson departed for a hand ball that denied a goal for McGoldrick. United are now in the quarter final draw to be made tomorrow evening.
Wilder made two changes to his line up and brought back Ethan Ampadu into the back line and opted to play David McGoldrick in front of Lundstram and Fleck. Rhian Brewster started with Billy Sharp up top. The two Oliver’s, Burke and Norwood dropped to a bench that included the returning Lys Mousset and 17-year-old Frankie Maguire, who was the latest youngster to sample first team life on a match day.
Dean Holder also made some tweaks to his personnel with five changes from their 2-0 defeat by Cardiff, with Ryley Towler, 18, making a debut in midfield. Max O'Leary, Taylor Moore, Zak Vyner and Jamie Paterson were the other changes. Two former United nemesis’, Diedhiou and Wells started up front. Jamie Paterson also began the game, another player that has caused problems for the Blades before.
Playing again under the lights at the Lane for the third time in just over a week, the pitch had seemed to hold up remarkably well despite some terrible weather with days of snow and rain. Bristol City started with a 5-3-2 formation to try and counter the Blades line up. United started the game the better side but Brewster and Ampadu gave the ball away cheaply.
The first effort came when Bristol City gave it away – Lundstram fed McGoldrick whose shot was deflected over for a corner. Fleck gave away a silly foul with a push and City had the first effort on target as Lowe’s header was poor from the free kick. The ball dropped to Kalas whose low shot was pushed out by Ramsdale and United were able to clear the subsequent loose ball.
On 8 minutes, the Blades nearly took the lead. Good work from McGoldrick again played in Bogle and his cute ball was took on by Lowe with a good first touch but his finish was too high and clipped the bar. It was a really good chance that saw both wing backs involved.
United were the better side but the ball was not sticking up top and Sharp and Brewster were both guilty of not holding it up. Twice they had a chance to link but it bounced off them and away. Williams then went on a good run and was brought down by Bogle after McGoldrick had tried to do the same earlier in the move. The free kick was wasted and then at the other end Sharp won a corner but tow poor crosses saw the visitors also clear with ease.
United were having all the ball but it was very slow and deliberate and Bristol City were just banking up and making the Blades shuffle it side to side. There was a decent move when Sharp fed Lowe whose cross was decent but Bogle’s header was straight at O’Leary. The other wing back should have done better on this occasion but it was pleasing to see them high up the field and linking up well.
On the half hour mark, there was a penalty check for a handball on Ampadu but was rightly waved away quickly as it fell from his body and maybe did not even hit his hand on the second touch. Bogle had continued to be a threat and he once again linked with McGoldrick but Sharp stayed offside before his ball came in.
Lundstram executed his turn that we see so often to try and work some space but his shot was straight at the keeper before on the next attack Bogle came inside again and took a touch but blazed well over with Sharp not happy he did not get the pass.
The game had been poor standard and was summed up when a rare Bristol City break saw Lundstram miscue a clearance but Wells executed a similarly shambolic kick and also miskicked straight after, failing to capitalise.
McGoldrick was constantly trying to get on the ball but the movement around him was poor with the front two showing little movement. The build-up was really slow and ponderous and this was summed up when after several passes across the field, Ampadu’s pass was too heavy and Lowe could not make anything of a cross on the stretch.
A few silly fouls from Fleck and Lowe gave Bristol City the chance to take the string out of things but in truth, even though United had most of the ball, O’Leary had made a few easy saves and United had created little. The best effort of the game probably came from the visitors in a really lacklustre contest.
The second half began with a break and Wells was in down the left but went for goal rather than passing and Ramsdale made the save on his near post as it was straight at him.
Sharp gave away a foul as United tried to get into the box but a few minutes later McGoldrick did well down the left and put a good low cross in but Brewster was a bit on his heels and the defender cleared it for a corner. Sharp committed another foul as it came over.
A move soon after saw Sharp down the left but he took too long to get it away but the next move saw Lowe get in down the left after good football but his cross evaded both Sharp and Brewster- it seemed to go through the latter’s legs. McGoldrick then came inside and had curling effort wide as United at least were now upping the tempo.
Bogle was next to go on a run but he took too long and his ball was threaded through with Sharp offside.
The next spell saw the game mired in midfield as the snow started to come down but United still were not really forcing the pace in a continually slow-paced game where Bristol City were coping quite easily with the slow build up and lack of attacking threat. Nagy came on for Williams.
The game ticked over the hour mark and the snow started to come down but on 66 minutes the moment of the match occurred. Sharp had the ball in the box and took a touch before patiently crossing for McGoldrick, who in turn took his time and hit a pierce shot that hit Mawson and onto the bar. The ball came back and Lundstram then fired goalward but his shot was cleared off the line too. Amidst the drama with the ball somehow staying out, there were appeals for a penalty for the first clearance. Referee Jones was told to look at his monitor, a sure sign that there had been wrongdoing. The replay showed that Mawson had used his hand to nock it onto the woodwork and it had been going in. The penalty was given and the defender was given a red card for denying the goal.
SHARP took it and despatched it into the corner despite O’Leary going the right way. it was Sharp’s third penalty success this season.
Immediately after this Bristol City coughed up the kick off and United were on the attack again. McGoldrick jinked inside but got the ball stuck under his foot a bit and it lacked power but O’Leary seemed to tip behind despite a goal kick being given.
Basham then got in as United really looked to put the game away and make use of the numerical advantage but his cross was taken off the toes of the waiting Sharp.
On 72 minutes, the skipper and scorer Sharp departed for Norwood as United opted to go more solid whilst Bristol City threw on Massengo for Wells and then soon after a double change with Semengo and Palmer on for Paterson and Diedhiou.
United appealed for another fed card on 77 minutes as O’Leary came out and seemed to use his hand outside the box but replays showed it came off his chest and through his hands farther fortunately for the keeper.
The visiting team had not really looked like creating since that early Wells chance and losing a man had not helped. They had a spell of possession but Egan and Basham marshalled them away before Burke come on for the disappointing Brewster on 83 minutes.
Decent play from Lowe twice down the left won two corners as the game ticked into the final minutes but despite United giving it away a few times, City could not really force anything.
Three minutes of stoppage time were to be played and the only real highlight was Burke using his pace to get in round the keeper but opted to go for goal from a narrow angle and the defender cleared. The square ball to Fleck may have resulted in another goal but it did no matter as a few minutes later the final whistle went. It was a safe and relatively comfortable passage for United, albeit in a poor contest.
United – We won. We deserved to win. It was a dreadful game. We were not great by any stretch but Bristol City were even worse. Granted they had a few out and also brought some younger players in but they were quite negative. They had one shot first half saved and the Wells effort but outside of this not sure they were that adventurous but will say they kept us out quite easily and we only had half chances first half. We were way too slow and deliberate and I felt (a bit like WBA a few weeks ago) we just let them bank up and we could not get through. Not sure the front two did enough and outside of the wing backs and Didzy, the rest lacked dynamism and urgency. I thought it was all a bit safe and whilst we had lots of it, I felt they were there for the taking if someone took responsibility and did things with pace or urgency and committed to get into the box either running with the ball or a quicker forward pass.
I am not sure we had many issues defensively outside those two chances and I suppose 2nd half we had a number of crosses or closer moments as the ball came across a few times and then the penalty came when somehow it stayed out/we missed two chances. After this, we had a man advantage and had already dominated possession, so was going to be hard for them. We did not quite get a second and then just kind of saw it out. It remined me a bit of teams versus us, where the better side just kept the ball for the most part (some daft give aways/fouls granted) and did what they had to. Bristol City did not seem to be capable or want to really go for it and the red card meant it was hard but even at the end not sure they gambled really despite a plethora of subs. It was quite a comfortable win and 1-0 (maybe 2-0) was about right. We gave it away a bit but they gave it away even more, often under no pressure. I think if we had stepped up or could have done, then it may have been a 3 or 4-0 win but in the end we just won the game and I felt although the game was boring we did what we had to.
Thought McGoldrick was decent and Bogle all action but many others were average really and outside of those two I am not sure anyone can say they were very good. We saw bits from Lowe at times too but the rest were very mediocre but did not need to do any more as the opponents could not take advantage of slow play, poor passes or silly fouls.
The two midfielders were slow and deliberate and lacked zip and drive. The defence did what they had to but the wide centre backs were also too ponderous to move forward with and without it. Sharp scored but had a frustrating night and Brewster really struggled to make any kind of impact. It must be worrying how poor he is looking. This is the sort of team he will face regularly next season and still did not really look like scoring and his general play is sub-standard. He may be young but has to do much more or we simply will not play him. We cannot keep playing him and hoping he starts to work harder or does the basics. Maybe he is trying too hard but I think actually maybe the opposite and he needs to chase/harry and do things that show a good work ethic and then the touch/passing/link and even goals may come. At the moment he is waiting for things to happen and not reading anything really. He looks completely lost. I should feel sorry for him but this guy cost 23 million and looks really poor sadly so far.
So, we go through although nearly all Premier League teams left now (outside of Bournemouth – hope we get them at home) and you worry that our run will not go on much longer. Be fantastic to get to another semi and Wembley even if we are not there but my concern is, we now draw a better team which they 6/7 are and we go out now. Still keeps the interest going for another month or so.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6.5/10 – Had lots of back passes which annoyed me – not his fault but we constantly gave it him in the first 10-15 minutes. Fleck gave him a shocker early on and a few others did the same. He did well with them actually. Just put him under unnecessary pressure but he is not bad with his feet. Then made one decent save. Did push it centrally again but we got back to clear and at least got some distance on it but again needs to maybe push it wider. Second half he made a save which was straight at him but he had to save it. After this other than a few balls he claimed, he was relatively untroubled.
Bogle 7/10 – One of our main threat first half. Got up and was playing almost as a right winger and looked more of a threat than Sharp and Brewster. He set up a few chances with a couple of good runs and played in Lowe. He needed to do better with the headed chance when he got in well. Shot over when maybe needed to pass. After the break, carried on being one of our most attacking threats and always in the box and looking to shoot or make things happen. He is a real threat attacking wise and you can see he has so much potential. Some things to iron out and defensively still concerns me but as a raw talent has the pace and athleticism (and ability) to look like being a really good signing.
Lowe 6.5/10 – A few poor things and touches (the header that led to the Kalas shot) and some sloppy moments but he did get forward a lot and hit the bar and then made the chance for the Bogle header. I thought he made some decent runs but final ball mixed. 2nd half he was much better attacking wise in the things he did and drove into dangerous areas more. A couple of crosses led to corners. Does get into good areas but not always an end product.
Basham 6/10 – Quiet game really and not sure we saw much of him as an influential attacker even if he got forward a fair bit – we did not see the drive and running we have to begin with. He was neat and tidy but a few times he over hit passes or did not push on when he could have done with the ball. One decent cross intercepted when Sharp nearly got in after we had gone 1-0 up.
Ampadu 6/10 – Thought he like many others did a few ok bits but was too slow and deliberate and his passing was really mixed. He just was not as crisp as he has been. He did not make too many mistakes defensively but I just felt attacking wise he made the wrong choices or over/under played. 2nd half he came onto quicker and played a bit higher up and started to just move it on more. After we scored, he broke up a few attacks as they tried to find a way back.
Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough to start with. Struggled with Diedhiou in games past but first half he was not really troubled. He had little really to do and another game which the ball did not really come into his area. They had the one shot first half and then Wells broke second half where we seemed too high up the field. Not sure they put too many balls into the box and they took off the big lad and went with pace but they could not really get up the field and never found any headway.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was more secure and influential than Fleck and of course played more centrally. Took too long to do things though and that come back skill he does is frustrating. He did it so many times and it slows everything down. Did play in a mor restricted role and had to sit a bit with him being in a two, behind McGoldrick. He was a bit more forceful in the things he did second half and was involved in a few moves such as the follow up to the penalty move and a few other efforts blocked.
Fleck 5/10 – Stupid foul early and I felt this set the scene for a poor first half where he was too slow and sloppy on the ball and then off it, he just kept giving away fouls. He has improved a fair recently but felt his standards dropped again. So many times, he got wrong side of his man or jumped in for no reason. On the ball he was involved but it was all a bit safe and predictable. Was a bit better second half in possession as we moved it quicker and linked well with Lowe a few times down this side. Thought he was more like the Fleck of much of the season sadly tonight.
McGoldrick 7/10 – First half constantly in on the action and was our best player in terms of trying to make things happen. Always on the ball and wanted more movement but often that did not happen. I felt sorry for him at times as no one was moving outside of the wing backs. He tried to work openings and had a few shots first half or bits of creativity. Second half this continued with a curler over and he had a cross that nearly led to the Sharp/Brewster close range finish and then his shot won the penalty, that would have gone in. Then got in again but his shot lacked power and the keeper saved. Had another couple of efforts with a shot well off target and another blocked. Ended up as a more traditional striker up top by the end. Maybe competing with Bogle for our man of the match.
Sharp 5/10 – Thought he was ineffective first half. The ball was not held up by him and he was not making good runs really. Seemed to not link with Brewster at all and not sure that combination worked. He was offside a lot and gave away numerous free kicks which took the pressure off. Looked more like the Sharp we saw earlier in the season than the resurgence we have seen recently. Second half we saw him involved a bit more but actually again got caught offside a few times or took too long. He did set up the chance for McGoldrick for the penalty. General play not sure he is more than a 4 really but gains extra for role in the match winner but thought both the front two were poo.
Brewster 2/10 – Not sure what to say. I do not see any improvement at all. His basic touch and control were poor, his movement minimal and he did not hold it up link at all. He does not look dangerous at all and even versus poorer player he struggled. He had two chances with balls across from McGoldrick and Sharp but was on his heels both times – the second he has to react. I have given him 2 but not sure I can recall much he did right all game other than a couple of touches/passes. They kept him on and gave him as long as he could to make an impact but it did not happen at all. Burke did more in 10 minutes than he did in 80+. It is really concerning that more than not scoring or looking like scoring, he is not even doing the basics right. I am concerned that I am not seeing much in terms of natural ability and that combined with poor movement/work rates means he is offering absolutely nothing at all. They will have to keep trying and he is young but not seen any progress at all. He looks bereft of confidence.
Subs –
Norwood 5.5/10 – Not sure I saw much of him when he came on. One give away but generally he was neat and tidy as we saw the game out.
Burke – Quite impactful as he chased two balls down, won one foul and then nearly scored. He may frustrate fans but he makes things happen and causes problems which Brewster and even McBurnie do not.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – Like the fact he put McGoldrick in the 10 and maybe has one eye on next season and how we may play. He is determined to try and get Brewster going but it is still not happening. Not sure what he does with him the rest of the season as he is not impacting games at all. We dominated the ball and territory but were too slow and did not create too much first half. 2nd half we did up it a bit and had a few half chances and then the goal came. After this we saw it out but maybe could have been a bit more ruthless but did what we had to do.
Bristol City – A side that seems to have been in the Championship for age but they only went up maybe 5 or 6 years ago – was it in Clough’s final season when they won the league. They have never really looked like going down and been in and around the playoff places to mid table but with a fairly rich owner and new ground, maybe felt they should be doing better. Lee Johnson who was as condescending and annoying as they come was jettisoned this season after they did not push on after spending a fair bit seemingly but they went with his coach in Dean Holden taking over. They had been near the top as he started well but seemed to have levelled off since then and seem to be heading for a season of mid table mediocrity, although a good run and they could push top 6 and a bad run they could be in a scrap but seem to be more likely to do the former than the latter.
The squad has some decent players but they have evolved quite a bit since even we were at this level a few years ago. The lad up top Diedhiou always seems a handful and recall him causing us issues in the defeat at the Lane a few years ago. Weimann of course scored a hat trick in this game but both of these been in and out. They signed a fair few in recent times, including Nakhi Wells who is a decent Championship striker – not sure he is any more than that. They do have experienced players such as Bentley, Hunt, Baker, Mariappa and Paterson.
They signed Mawson at the back who went for a fair bit but seemed to lose his way and then have some experience in Chris Martin (currently injured) but it seems a very big squad but lacking star power or the necessary quality to push for the top 6. It all looks a bit of a muchness to me when I look down it and not sure many could or will go on and play Premier League or are on the way down.
Bristol is a big city and might be nice to have a side from that area in the top flight but they seem a bit off and not sure Holden is the long-term answer and expect they will look for someone to try and take them to the next level. They have spent a fair bit and their owner is probably wealthier than ours so shows there is no given they can get out of the league and now seem to be just trying to find their identity as a side and club with the changes to the stadium. Maybe building a younger side with potential to improve maybe the way and they do have a bit of young talent, rather than a lot of ageing players who are not going to get better or have resale value.
Today they had the two strikers they often use but changed the team round a bit. They had the experience of Mawson and Hunt at the back but rotated the keeper and brought a few younger/fringe players in and was arguably a way off the strongest side they could pick. They stayed in the game but not sure they really attacked us. When they put a few set plays in we panicked a bit and they won headers or got the half chance through Kalas but mostly they just defended. 2nd half they had the early chance when Well shot selfishly but then were hanging on a bit and the penalty/red card almost killed it there and then. After this they tried to inject something into the game with changes but not sure they even had many attacks and no real chances and went out quite tamely. They will point to the changes they had to make and numerous injuries but if they had a go at us, I think they would have done better. They seemed like us in the Premier League and oddly a bit scared of us? Not sure why. Even before the red they were just sitting back and trying to soak things up but normally you will concede if that happens.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought a few of the young lads did ok but the midfielder Williams was the stand out – he had a few good runs and drew a few free kicks. Paterson put in a few decent set plays.
Opponent Weak link – The front two never got in the game at all but of course Mawson’s handball and red card is the defining moment so maybe has to take this award. Seen some say he could not do much about it but surely, he purposefully handled it to save a goal as it had gone past him? Hunt looked terrible. Never rated him at Wednesday but looked slow, clumsy and error prone. Though the keeper made some ill-timed dashes and seemed a bit all over at times but made a few saves – best one not even noticed by the officials.
Referee/Officials – Robert Jones. Someone I am not aware of but I looked and he is a Premier League ref and has recently been promoted to the select group but not someone I know particularly. No cards at all aside from the red. He did not have much choice and can sympathise with him for missing it real time as was not an easy one at real speed. That is where VAR is really helpful and what it should be used for. Mind you after the Plymouth game I was not sure what they may give but the tell-tale sign of them being told to go to the monitor meant he was always going to give it really (‘You might want to look at this ref….’ is surely code for you need to change what you have given!) and the red card was easy too. After this not a lot happened. The keeper came haring out and maybe did not hit his hand and hit his chest. They waved away an Ampadu one first half rightly and missed a keeper touching it being from McGoldrick where they gave a goal kick.
Coverage – BBC red button. Jonathan Pearce and Rachel Brown Finnis. She has done a few of our games and seems to love talking about Brewster. She talks a lot actually. Not sure the Chemistry worked between these two. Like the way Pearce did not hide he was a Bristol City fan – fair dos and then the game was that bad he kept going back to recounting an old game from the 70’s and who featured for both teams! I’m all for rambling inane nonsense like that when the game is so bad. She is irritating though and offers very little insight or analysis but just stock phrases and obvious statements.
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open.spotify.com/episode/2rzHAd129ExPwsTL08NWEY?si=vFGWfo3sQhKNXtcFgqFU_w&nd=1
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The FA Cup has been providing United with a boost in a really poor season and after wins against League One opponents in Bristol Rovers and Plymouth, a higher-level side from the same part of the country did not offer a particularly sterner test and the Blades eased through. United were not fantastic but did enough to win the game with a Billy Sharp penalty after Alfie Mawson departed for a hand ball that denied a goal for McGoldrick. United are now in the quarter final draw to be made tomorrow evening.
Wilder made two changes to his line up and brought back Ethan Ampadu into the back line and opted to play David McGoldrick in front of Lundstram and Fleck. Rhian Brewster started with Billy Sharp up top. The two Oliver’s, Burke and Norwood dropped to a bench that included the returning Lys Mousset and 17-year-old Frankie Maguire, who was the latest youngster to sample first team life on a match day.
Dean Holder also made some tweaks to his personnel with five changes from their 2-0 defeat by Cardiff, with Ryley Towler, 18, making a debut in midfield. Max O'Leary, Taylor Moore, Zak Vyner and Jamie Paterson were the other changes. Two former United nemesis’, Diedhiou and Wells started up front. Jamie Paterson also began the game, another player that has caused problems for the Blades before.
Playing again under the lights at the Lane for the third time in just over a week, the pitch had seemed to hold up remarkably well despite some terrible weather with days of snow and rain. Bristol City started with a 5-3-2 formation to try and counter the Blades line up. United started the game the better side but Brewster and Ampadu gave the ball away cheaply.
The first effort came when Bristol City gave it away – Lundstram fed McGoldrick whose shot was deflected over for a corner. Fleck gave away a silly foul with a push and City had the first effort on target as Lowe’s header was poor from the free kick. The ball dropped to Kalas whose low shot was pushed out by Ramsdale and United were able to clear the subsequent loose ball.
On 8 minutes, the Blades nearly took the lead. Good work from McGoldrick again played in Bogle and his cute ball was took on by Lowe with a good first touch but his finish was too high and clipped the bar. It was a really good chance that saw both wing backs involved.
United were the better side but the ball was not sticking up top and Sharp and Brewster were both guilty of not holding it up. Twice they had a chance to link but it bounced off them and away. Williams then went on a good run and was brought down by Bogle after McGoldrick had tried to do the same earlier in the move. The free kick was wasted and then at the other end Sharp won a corner but tow poor crosses saw the visitors also clear with ease.
United were having all the ball but it was very slow and deliberate and Bristol City were just banking up and making the Blades shuffle it side to side. There was a decent move when Sharp fed Lowe whose cross was decent but Bogle’s header was straight at O’Leary. The other wing back should have done better on this occasion but it was pleasing to see them high up the field and linking up well.
On the half hour mark, there was a penalty check for a handball on Ampadu but was rightly waved away quickly as it fell from his body and maybe did not even hit his hand on the second touch. Bogle had continued to be a threat and he once again linked with McGoldrick but Sharp stayed offside before his ball came in.
Lundstram executed his turn that we see so often to try and work some space but his shot was straight at the keeper before on the next attack Bogle came inside again and took a touch but blazed well over with Sharp not happy he did not get the pass.
The game had been poor standard and was summed up when a rare Bristol City break saw Lundstram miscue a clearance but Wells executed a similarly shambolic kick and also miskicked straight after, failing to capitalise.
McGoldrick was constantly trying to get on the ball but the movement around him was poor with the front two showing little movement. The build-up was really slow and ponderous and this was summed up when after several passes across the field, Ampadu’s pass was too heavy and Lowe could not make anything of a cross on the stretch.
A few silly fouls from Fleck and Lowe gave Bristol City the chance to take the string out of things but in truth, even though United had most of the ball, O’Leary had made a few easy saves and United had created little. The best effort of the game probably came from the visitors in a really lacklustre contest.
The second half began with a break and Wells was in down the left but went for goal rather than passing and Ramsdale made the save on his near post as it was straight at him.
Sharp gave away a foul as United tried to get into the box but a few minutes later McGoldrick did well down the left and put a good low cross in but Brewster was a bit on his heels and the defender cleared it for a corner. Sharp committed another foul as it came over.
A move soon after saw Sharp down the left but he took too long to get it away but the next move saw Lowe get in down the left after good football but his cross evaded both Sharp and Brewster- it seemed to go through the latter’s legs. McGoldrick then came inside and had curling effort wide as United at least were now upping the tempo.
Bogle was next to go on a run but he took too long and his ball was threaded through with Sharp offside.
The next spell saw the game mired in midfield as the snow started to come down but United still were not really forcing the pace in a continually slow-paced game where Bristol City were coping quite easily with the slow build up and lack of attacking threat. Nagy came on for Williams.
The game ticked over the hour mark and the snow started to come down but on 66 minutes the moment of the match occurred. Sharp had the ball in the box and took a touch before patiently crossing for McGoldrick, who in turn took his time and hit a pierce shot that hit Mawson and onto the bar. The ball came back and Lundstram then fired goalward but his shot was cleared off the line too. Amidst the drama with the ball somehow staying out, there were appeals for a penalty for the first clearance. Referee Jones was told to look at his monitor, a sure sign that there had been wrongdoing. The replay showed that Mawson had used his hand to nock it onto the woodwork and it had been going in. The penalty was given and the defender was given a red card for denying the goal.
SHARP took it and despatched it into the corner despite O’Leary going the right way. it was Sharp’s third penalty success this season.
Immediately after this Bristol City coughed up the kick off and United were on the attack again. McGoldrick jinked inside but got the ball stuck under his foot a bit and it lacked power but O’Leary seemed to tip behind despite a goal kick being given.
Basham then got in as United really looked to put the game away and make use of the numerical advantage but his cross was taken off the toes of the waiting Sharp.
On 72 minutes, the skipper and scorer Sharp departed for Norwood as United opted to go more solid whilst Bristol City threw on Massengo for Wells and then soon after a double change with Semengo and Palmer on for Paterson and Diedhiou.
United appealed for another fed card on 77 minutes as O’Leary came out and seemed to use his hand outside the box but replays showed it came off his chest and through his hands farther fortunately for the keeper.
The visiting team had not really looked like creating since that early Wells chance and losing a man had not helped. They had a spell of possession but Egan and Basham marshalled them away before Burke come on for the disappointing Brewster on 83 minutes.
Decent play from Lowe twice down the left won two corners as the game ticked into the final minutes but despite United giving it away a few times, City could not really force anything.
Three minutes of stoppage time were to be played and the only real highlight was Burke using his pace to get in round the keeper but opted to go for goal from a narrow angle and the defender cleared. The square ball to Fleck may have resulted in another goal but it did no matter as a few minutes later the final whistle went. It was a safe and relatively comfortable passage for United, albeit in a poor contest.
United – We won. We deserved to win. It was a dreadful game. We were not great by any stretch but Bristol City were even worse. Granted they had a few out and also brought some younger players in but they were quite negative. They had one shot first half saved and the Wells effort but outside of this not sure they were that adventurous but will say they kept us out quite easily and we only had half chances first half. We were way too slow and deliberate and I felt (a bit like WBA a few weeks ago) we just let them bank up and we could not get through. Not sure the front two did enough and outside of the wing backs and Didzy, the rest lacked dynamism and urgency. I thought it was all a bit safe and whilst we had lots of it, I felt they were there for the taking if someone took responsibility and did things with pace or urgency and committed to get into the box either running with the ball or a quicker forward pass.
I am not sure we had many issues defensively outside those two chances and I suppose 2nd half we had a number of crosses or closer moments as the ball came across a few times and then the penalty came when somehow it stayed out/we missed two chances. After this, we had a man advantage and had already dominated possession, so was going to be hard for them. We did not quite get a second and then just kind of saw it out. It remined me a bit of teams versus us, where the better side just kept the ball for the most part (some daft give aways/fouls granted) and did what they had to. Bristol City did not seem to be capable or want to really go for it and the red card meant it was hard but even at the end not sure they gambled really despite a plethora of subs. It was quite a comfortable win and 1-0 (maybe 2-0) was about right. We gave it away a bit but they gave it away even more, often under no pressure. I think if we had stepped up or could have done, then it may have been a 3 or 4-0 win but in the end we just won the game and I felt although the game was boring we did what we had to.
Thought McGoldrick was decent and Bogle all action but many others were average really and outside of those two I am not sure anyone can say they were very good. We saw bits from Lowe at times too but the rest were very mediocre but did not need to do any more as the opponents could not take advantage of slow play, poor passes or silly fouls.
The two midfielders were slow and deliberate and lacked zip and drive. The defence did what they had to but the wide centre backs were also too ponderous to move forward with and without it. Sharp scored but had a frustrating night and Brewster really struggled to make any kind of impact. It must be worrying how poor he is looking. This is the sort of team he will face regularly next season and still did not really look like scoring and his general play is sub-standard. He may be young but has to do much more or we simply will not play him. We cannot keep playing him and hoping he starts to work harder or does the basics. Maybe he is trying too hard but I think actually maybe the opposite and he needs to chase/harry and do things that show a good work ethic and then the touch/passing/link and even goals may come. At the moment he is waiting for things to happen and not reading anything really. He looks completely lost. I should feel sorry for him but this guy cost 23 million and looks really poor sadly so far.
So, we go through although nearly all Premier League teams left now (outside of Bournemouth – hope we get them at home) and you worry that our run will not go on much longer. Be fantastic to get to another semi and Wembley even if we are not there but my concern is, we now draw a better team which they 6/7 are and we go out now. Still keeps the interest going for another month or so.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6.5/10 – Had lots of back passes which annoyed me – not his fault but we constantly gave it him in the first 10-15 minutes. Fleck gave him a shocker early on and a few others did the same. He did well with them actually. Just put him under unnecessary pressure but he is not bad with his feet. Then made one decent save. Did push it centrally again but we got back to clear and at least got some distance on it but again needs to maybe push it wider. Second half he made a save which was straight at him but he had to save it. After this other than a few balls he claimed, he was relatively untroubled.
Bogle 7/10 – One of our main threat first half. Got up and was playing almost as a right winger and looked more of a threat than Sharp and Brewster. He set up a few chances with a couple of good runs and played in Lowe. He needed to do better with the headed chance when he got in well. Shot over when maybe needed to pass. After the break, carried on being one of our most attacking threats and always in the box and looking to shoot or make things happen. He is a real threat attacking wise and you can see he has so much potential. Some things to iron out and defensively still concerns me but as a raw talent has the pace and athleticism (and ability) to look like being a really good signing.
Lowe 6.5/10 – A few poor things and touches (the header that led to the Kalas shot) and some sloppy moments but he did get forward a lot and hit the bar and then made the chance for the Bogle header. I thought he made some decent runs but final ball mixed. 2nd half he was much better attacking wise in the things he did and drove into dangerous areas more. A couple of crosses led to corners. Does get into good areas but not always an end product.
Basham 6/10 – Quiet game really and not sure we saw much of him as an influential attacker even if he got forward a fair bit – we did not see the drive and running we have to begin with. He was neat and tidy but a few times he over hit passes or did not push on when he could have done with the ball. One decent cross intercepted when Sharp nearly got in after we had gone 1-0 up.
Ampadu 6/10 – Thought he like many others did a few ok bits but was too slow and deliberate and his passing was really mixed. He just was not as crisp as he has been. He did not make too many mistakes defensively but I just felt attacking wise he made the wrong choices or over/under played. 2nd half he came onto quicker and played a bit higher up and started to just move it on more. After we scored, he broke up a few attacks as they tried to find a way back.
Egan 6.5/10 – Solid enough to start with. Struggled with Diedhiou in games past but first half he was not really troubled. He had little really to do and another game which the ball did not really come into his area. They had the one shot first half and then Wells broke second half where we seemed too high up the field. Not sure they put too many balls into the box and they took off the big lad and went with pace but they could not really get up the field and never found any headway.
Lundstram 5.5/10 – Thought he was more secure and influential than Fleck and of course played more centrally. Took too long to do things though and that come back skill he does is frustrating. He did it so many times and it slows everything down. Did play in a mor restricted role and had to sit a bit with him being in a two, behind McGoldrick. He was a bit more forceful in the things he did second half and was involved in a few moves such as the follow up to the penalty move and a few other efforts blocked.
Fleck 5/10 – Stupid foul early and I felt this set the scene for a poor first half where he was too slow and sloppy on the ball and then off it, he just kept giving away fouls. He has improved a fair recently but felt his standards dropped again. So many times, he got wrong side of his man or jumped in for no reason. On the ball he was involved but it was all a bit safe and predictable. Was a bit better second half in possession as we moved it quicker and linked well with Lowe a few times down this side. Thought he was more like the Fleck of much of the season sadly tonight.
McGoldrick 7/10 – First half constantly in on the action and was our best player in terms of trying to make things happen. Always on the ball and wanted more movement but often that did not happen. I felt sorry for him at times as no one was moving outside of the wing backs. He tried to work openings and had a few shots first half or bits of creativity. Second half this continued with a curler over and he had a cross that nearly led to the Sharp/Brewster close range finish and then his shot won the penalty, that would have gone in. Then got in again but his shot lacked power and the keeper saved. Had another couple of efforts with a shot well off target and another blocked. Ended up as a more traditional striker up top by the end. Maybe competing with Bogle for our man of the match.
Sharp 5/10 – Thought he was ineffective first half. The ball was not held up by him and he was not making good runs really. Seemed to not link with Brewster at all and not sure that combination worked. He was offside a lot and gave away numerous free kicks which took the pressure off. Looked more like the Sharp we saw earlier in the season than the resurgence we have seen recently. Second half we saw him involved a bit more but actually again got caught offside a few times or took too long. He did set up the chance for McGoldrick for the penalty. General play not sure he is more than a 4 really but gains extra for role in the match winner but thought both the front two were poo.
Brewster 2/10 – Not sure what to say. I do not see any improvement at all. His basic touch and control were poor, his movement minimal and he did not hold it up link at all. He does not look dangerous at all and even versus poorer player he struggled. He had two chances with balls across from McGoldrick and Sharp but was on his heels both times – the second he has to react. I have given him 2 but not sure I can recall much he did right all game other than a couple of touches/passes. They kept him on and gave him as long as he could to make an impact but it did not happen at all. Burke did more in 10 minutes than he did in 80+. It is really concerning that more than not scoring or looking like scoring, he is not even doing the basics right. I am concerned that I am not seeing much in terms of natural ability and that combined with poor movement/work rates means he is offering absolutely nothing at all. They will have to keep trying and he is young but not seen any progress at all. He looks bereft of confidence.
Subs –
Norwood 5.5/10 – Not sure I saw much of him when he came on. One give away but generally he was neat and tidy as we saw the game out.
Burke – Quite impactful as he chased two balls down, won one foul and then nearly scored. He may frustrate fans but he makes things happen and causes problems which Brewster and even McBurnie do not.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – Like the fact he put McGoldrick in the 10 and maybe has one eye on next season and how we may play. He is determined to try and get Brewster going but it is still not happening. Not sure what he does with him the rest of the season as he is not impacting games at all. We dominated the ball and territory but were too slow and did not create too much first half. 2nd half we did up it a bit and had a few half chances and then the goal came. After this we saw it out but maybe could have been a bit more ruthless but did what we had to do.
Bristol City – A side that seems to have been in the Championship for age but they only went up maybe 5 or 6 years ago – was it in Clough’s final season when they won the league. They have never really looked like going down and been in and around the playoff places to mid table but with a fairly rich owner and new ground, maybe felt they should be doing better. Lee Johnson who was as condescending and annoying as they come was jettisoned this season after they did not push on after spending a fair bit seemingly but they went with his coach in Dean Holden taking over. They had been near the top as he started well but seemed to have levelled off since then and seem to be heading for a season of mid table mediocrity, although a good run and they could push top 6 and a bad run they could be in a scrap but seem to be more likely to do the former than the latter.
The squad has some decent players but they have evolved quite a bit since even we were at this level a few years ago. The lad up top Diedhiou always seems a handful and recall him causing us issues in the defeat at the Lane a few years ago. Weimann of course scored a hat trick in this game but both of these been in and out. They signed a fair few in recent times, including Nakhi Wells who is a decent Championship striker – not sure he is any more than that. They do have experienced players such as Bentley, Hunt, Baker, Mariappa and Paterson.
They signed Mawson at the back who went for a fair bit but seemed to lose his way and then have some experience in Chris Martin (currently injured) but it seems a very big squad but lacking star power or the necessary quality to push for the top 6. It all looks a bit of a muchness to me when I look down it and not sure many could or will go on and play Premier League or are on the way down.
Bristol is a big city and might be nice to have a side from that area in the top flight but they seem a bit off and not sure Holden is the long-term answer and expect they will look for someone to try and take them to the next level. They have spent a fair bit and their owner is probably wealthier than ours so shows there is no given they can get out of the league and now seem to be just trying to find their identity as a side and club with the changes to the stadium. Maybe building a younger side with potential to improve maybe the way and they do have a bit of young talent, rather than a lot of ageing players who are not going to get better or have resale value.
Today they had the two strikers they often use but changed the team round a bit. They had the experience of Mawson and Hunt at the back but rotated the keeper and brought a few younger/fringe players in and was arguably a way off the strongest side they could pick. They stayed in the game but not sure they really attacked us. When they put a few set plays in we panicked a bit and they won headers or got the half chance through Kalas but mostly they just defended. 2nd half they had the early chance when Well shot selfishly but then were hanging on a bit and the penalty/red card almost killed it there and then. After this they tried to inject something into the game with changes but not sure they even had many attacks and no real chances and went out quite tamely. They will point to the changes they had to make and numerous injuries but if they had a go at us, I think they would have done better. They seemed like us in the Premier League and oddly a bit scared of us? Not sure why. Even before the red they were just sitting back and trying to soak things up but normally you will concede if that happens.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought a few of the young lads did ok but the midfielder Williams was the stand out – he had a few good runs and drew a few free kicks. Paterson put in a few decent set plays.
Opponent Weak link – The front two never got in the game at all but of course Mawson’s handball and red card is the defining moment so maybe has to take this award. Seen some say he could not do much about it but surely, he purposefully handled it to save a goal as it had gone past him? Hunt looked terrible. Never rated him at Wednesday but looked slow, clumsy and error prone. Though the keeper made some ill-timed dashes and seemed a bit all over at times but made a few saves – best one not even noticed by the officials.
Referee/Officials – Robert Jones. Someone I am not aware of but I looked and he is a Premier League ref and has recently been promoted to the select group but not someone I know particularly. No cards at all aside from the red. He did not have much choice and can sympathise with him for missing it real time as was not an easy one at real speed. That is where VAR is really helpful and what it should be used for. Mind you after the Plymouth game I was not sure what they may give but the tell-tale sign of them being told to go to the monitor meant he was always going to give it really (‘You might want to look at this ref….’ is surely code for you need to change what you have given!) and the red card was easy too. After this not a lot happened. The keeper came haring out and maybe did not hit his hand and hit his chest. They waved away an Ampadu one first half rightly and missed a keeper touching it being from McGoldrick where they gave a goal kick.
Coverage – BBC red button. Jonathan Pearce and Rachel Brown Finnis. She has done a few of our games and seems to love talking about Brewster. She talks a lot actually. Not sure the Chemistry worked between these two. Like the way Pearce did not hide he was a Bristol City fan – fair dos and then the game was that bad he kept going back to recounting an old game from the 70’s and who featured for both teams! I’m all for rambling inane nonsense like that when the game is so bad. She is irritating though and offers very little insight or analysis but just stock phrases and obvious statements.
