Post by deadbat on May 23, 2021 17:16:17 GMT
The curtain came down on United’s Premier League season as in front of some returning fans at Bramall Lane, the Blades were able to reward those that returned with a victory over Burnley.
David McGoldrick gave the Blades the win with his strike after 23 minutes with a curling shot reminiscent of the one that had seen him get goal of the season (at Arsenal) and it was fitting he got the winner, the day he was named player of the season for the Blades.
Manager Heckingbottom made just one change with Baldock returning after injury to replace Jayden Bogle. Daniel Jebbison got his third first start and his first at the Lane alongside David McGoldrick. 17-year-old striker, William Osula was a new name on the bench for United.
Burnley who could finish anywhere between 15th and 17th place after the conclusion of today’s games, were again without England keeper Nick Pope, who misses a third successive game with a knee injury that will require minor surgery, the club has confirmed. Will Norris, who made his first league start for the Clarets in their midweek defeat by Liverpool, again deputised between the sticks. Ben Mee was replaced by Jimmy Dunne in Burnley's only change whilst the dangerous Chris Wood started as the loan striker behind a 5-man midfield. Burnley had lost 6 of their last 8 league games in a poor end to the season.
As the Greasy Chip Butty rang out, sang by real voices for the first time in 14 months, the game began with the Blades kicking towards the Bramall Lane end. After 2 minutes, there was a nice moment with a round of applause for Len Badger, the popular and long serving right back who passed away in the week.
The first shot saw Gudmundsson hit a daisy cutter that was easy for Ramsdale. McGoldrick fizzed over a cross at the other end and Robinson returned it but Baldock’s header was a long way over. Burnley nearly got in with a good ball from Tarkoswki saw Egan turned but he managed to get a foot in leading to a corner.
Fleck and Norwood both had given it away under little pressure and after the latter’s poor touch, McNeil was able to get on it and hit a shot that Ramsdale had to flick over. He repeated this from a deep corner. The next delivery from Burnley from the other side, led to a whole host of confusion as the ball ricocheted around and some half-hearted appeals for two penalties before the ball was finally cleared.
United got out for a period and Osborn and Jebbison linked with the former’s cross just evading any incoming players before soon after a decent move saw the ball come across from Stevens and Baldock sent it back but McGoldrick could not quite hook it goalward.
After United nearly got in at one end, Burnley broke and Baldock committed a late foul and was booked after the game stopped for his challenge on Baldock.
On 23 minutes, the Blades took the lead when United broke. Stevens found MCGOLDRICK came inside and with the Burnley defence pack pedalling curled the ball beyond Norris and into the net. The keeper was slow to react but it was a nice moment for the Blades fans in the ground to celebrate a goal.
After Ramsdale found Osborn, the midfielder then broke and with Jebbison blocked off, opted to try his luck. Norris was not convincing again as he parried this one.
The next period saw the game become scrappier with little goalmouth action and Robinson and Egan did well to clear two balls through.
McGoldrick then got onto Dunne’s mistake and drifted down the right and hit a shot that deflected over before from the resulting corner that was not cleared properly, Basham cushioned it down and jinked past a man before hitting a rasping drive that cannoned off the near post denying him that elusive first Premier League goal.
Fleck was then booked for chopping down McNeil cynically. The subsequent free kick saw Ramsdale unable to get much on it and Basham was collateral damage in the challenge and went down with a head injury. He came back on after lengthy treatment wearing a natty bandage, the like of which we have seen him wear before as he resembled a rapper from South LA rather than a utility man from Hebburn in the North East.
Jebbison was unable to keep the ball and McNeil came onto it and took a low shot straight at Ramsdale. There was 3 minutes of additional time, surprising, considering that Basham had been down for quite a period. United ended up on the attack after Jebbison forced Burnley to concede a corner but Basham mis controlled as the ball came out.
After the break Vydra came on for Brownhill and Burnley won an early corner with the sub involved down the left. Burnley seemed more determined and Ramsdale made a brave save from Wood but was offside as the stupid rule where the linesman has to wait, came into effect.
United then broke away and McGoldrick again was the man on the charge but maybe took too long with this particular attack, and it was blocked out for a corner. This came to nothing and Stevens stood on a Burnley man. Jebbison made up for an error to block out a Burnley player.
Osborn then had men over but took too long and in turn Stevens played it behind his man McGoldrick who could not gather. Basham was then in down the right but also took too long and a Burnley man got back.
Burnley won a corner at the other end with Vydra doing well but the delivery was headed over. Jebbison’s industry saw him come inside with lovely skill and found Fleck who did not take the shot on and the chance had gone with Robinson miskicking.
Burnley then knocked a high ball in and Ramsdale was unable to get there convincingly as Tarkoswki challenged and the ref allowed things to go but it did not lead to a chance fortunately for the Blades. Baldock was getting in some good areas down the right but there were not many chances coming for either side.
Robinson and McGoldrick played a one two and the cross came over from the goal scorer but Dunne did well as Jebbison tried to get across him and it led to a corner.
Norwood’s give away saw McNeil get away and he nutmegged Fleck but United got back to hold him up before a good spell of play from the away side saw McNeil cause more problems and win a corner.
Rodriguez was on for the dangerous McNeil as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Basham needed to double up on his head bandage.
Stevens got up the field and linked well with McGoldrick after more good work from the striker but the wing back’s cross was poor. Burnley won a corner after McGoldrick’s miskick. The cross came in and hit Osborn with his arm out and perhaps not in a natural position. United were maybe a bit lucky to get away with this after looking at the replays. With VAR these days it is hard to tell what they are going to give.
Brewster came on for Jebbison with just over 10 minutes to play. He was involved with a low cross and could not quite get on the end of Stevens cross soon after.
Jagielka came on for Osborn with just over 5 minutes to go and was given the captains armband in what was probably his final game as a Blades player and at the Lane.
McGoldrick did well to work space again after Fleck found him but Brewster’s shot lacked power. The sub then won a free kick when Dunne caught him very late leading to him being the first Burnley man booked. Gudmundsson was replaced by Barnes as the match entered the closing stages.
Brewster’s hard work won a corner in the final minute before McGoldrick got in on Stevens ball but was offside as he blazed wide on the stretch. The final chance came when Ramsdale could not gather a ball through after Wood flicked on and Rodriguez got there first and Robinson did brilliantly to get back and make the clearance as the leveller loomed. From the corner Norwood headed away and the final whistle went. The Blades fans who went applauded a winning side to end the season at least as thoughts turned to next season.
United – I was hoping ‘some’ fans in may inject some energy or life into proceedings and maybe we saw this at time with the tempo of the game. It certainly seemed quicker to begin with and the game was end to end – not with exciting attacks/incidents but both teams trying to attack rather than it being more in midfield. They began slightly better but we grew into it and started to have our own attacks. After one Ramsdale save, then we got the goal with a lovely individual strike from McGoldrick. The midfield started to come out more and we saw Basham and Stevens high up the field and the former hit the post and could have doubled the lead.
I thought first half we were the better side and had a few other moments with McGoldrick central to everything we did. There were some decent link ups actually even if we did not have tons of chances but a few players like Osborn was busy too. The other way McNeil showed a few flashes but they did not have many chances with a few moments from corners/free kicks where we did not clear first time actually the main concerns. They did not really have any concerted pressure and I felt we deserved to lead at the half- just in a game between two very ordinary sides.
They came out and looked more determined with Vydra on from the start of the second half. He caused a few problems but he had moments too with McGoldrick and Osborn getting into some nice pockets. We had a few good breaks but took too long to make decisions when we could have created things but had shots or efforts blocked. Burnley put a few high balls in but Burnley did not have any clear chances as the game ticked into the final quarter. United actually won the game quite easily and they did not really have any clear chances at all until the late scrambled chance.
Overall, though, I thought we deserved the win and looked the more likely and actually from the little football we played, we played more of it and McGoldrick was the difference in terms of goalscoring threats.
Nice to end on a win and at least we kept a rare clean sheet. It was certainly not a classic game and not one that will be remembered even in a few weeks!
Now thoughts turn to next season. Hopefully, there will be news on the manager coming soon and we can start to have a plan. Too many questions remain unanswered and the board need some decisive action soon. The longer it goes on the harder next season will be in terms of getting things moving and having a clear plan for style, tactics and personnel.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 6/10 – One routine save and then a push over from McNeil that you expected him to save. He pushed a corner over. Set up an attack with a kick out. Struggled to take another high ball amongst bodies. A few other routine moments. Second half made the block from Wood which was brave but the striker was offside. Second half Tarkoswki beat him to one in a muscular challenge but the ref was not giving them. Not totally convincing on the high ball today but did what he had to on the few shots he had but then at the end was beaten to a through ball and they nearly scored. Named Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year this weekend.
Baldock 6.5/10 – Started getting forward and had a header and nearly got on the end of a Stevens cross. They did have some room down his side and he also got booked for a late tackle as they broke. Second half saw him get in better areas but not sure the final bits were executed but kept going forward. Both wing backs delivery mostly is atrocious sadly. It’s got worse over the last few years. Defensively he was ok for the most part.
Stevens 7/10 – Did get high up the field and got some crosses over. High up the field and helped set up McGoldrick for the goal with a decent forward pass. Kicked one out once when he had no one near him. Defensively he was ok first half against a tricky customer in McNeil. Second half again got up the pitch but then switched off when Burnley won a header at the far post. Poor cross when well placed after some good work around 75 mins but then drove in a few decent crosses after this in the last 10 minutes. Better game than he has had to be fair.
Basham 7/10 – Quiet start to the game and did not see much of him defensively or attacking wise. Then got in the box and had a shot to hit the post before a few minutes later, he collided with his own keeper which saw rather a lot of claret! Came back on looking like Tupac Shakur (had this look before -definitely fancies himself as a rapper!) and headed it away twice showing no ill effects. Well forward with a few runs 2nd half. Then brought his man down when he got down for pace as he got turned by Vydra. Had to get another bandage put on 2nd half. Booked for a cynical foul as they broke.
Egan 6.5/10 – Early on got turned and had to react to knock out for a corner but then started winning his headers more and getting in the right area. Did what he had to first half. Made a few tackles and then had a headed chance but as he always does headed it over. They kept lumping balls in and a number of crossfield balls he dealt with.
Robinson 8/10 – A few ok moments early as he intercepted a few things and looked quite steady. I have been critical of him when he has played earlier this season/last but he has actually done ok (save for the error in the lead up to the goal last week) since he got back. A bit of a mis kicked cross second half when he went forward but ok defensively. Then did really well to deny Vydra with a run back showing some strength and surprising pace. He then did the same a few moments later. As the game got on, he got stronger and a great interception at the end of the game to deny them. My Man of the Match just beating McGoldrick.
Norwood 5.5/10 – Early bad control led to a shot for them and careless on it. One moment he had aa 50-50 on around 20 minutes and just tamely went in and they won it. Did settle down and was a bit surer on the ball but it all seems at full stretch for our midfield. A few ok passes and moment and his set plays were ok today. Second half one give away set them on the attack and saw little of him on the ball. Always goes to ground too. Some ok passes but nothing that significant really and we just lack cohesion and ideas outside of McGoldrick and no creativity.
Osborn 7/10 – Hard working all over the field and got across the front line and around midfield. He never quite has the pace or strength to get onto some of the through balls. He was also involved and busy throughout. Continued to be involved and does get in great positions. Second half this continued with him coming off and winning the ball and finding little openings. Some lovely control and touch at times actually after being critical of him at times for this. Bit lucky maybe with the hand ball incident. I thought it could have been given. Went off for Jagielka.
Fleck 5.5/10 – Started badly with a slip and a give away but then he started to get on it and look busy and was involved in some triangles up the left side. He then was booked for another foul where he just chopped his man down again rather than trying to run back. Lazy. We do not get on the ball enough in this area of the field – even Burnley seemed to have lots of time and space. He did some ok things but takes too long – he had the chance when Jebbison teed him up 2nd half but chose not to shoot taking more touches. He cannot do things quickly and also defensively he takes himself out of the game too much. A number of times he got it and just does not move it quick enough or take men out with running or a forward pass. Frustrated me this season.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Always on the ball early. One fierce cross and looking to link with others. Showing for things as he often does. Great goal where he just as he always does was determined to make things happen. The one shining light outfield all season for us and never hid. He always wanted to get on the front foot. Had a few other runs second half where he drifted forward and maybe took wrong choices a few times but he continued to look dangerous. Kept linking with Jebbison, Osborn and latterly Brewster. Had a late chance but was well off target and offside! Named Players player of the year and won goal of the year (Arsenal away – slim pickings) in the official awards.
Jebbison 6/10 – Started the game getting bounced off a few and outmuscled but he kept going and was not afraid to show for the ball even if it did not stick or he did not have many touches. Did well to battle and win a corner on half time and then second half he worked a bit of space showing good feet to come inside and find Fleck. In between this not everything came off for him but there was some promise.
Subs –
Brewster – Came on and was on his heels on one cross but then got down the right for one centre he put in. Slipped over (does this a fair bit needs to look at his boot choice I the summer). Had one shot on the edge of the box but lacked power. He then did well to win a free kick and a corner. Did ok today in limited minutes.
Jagielka – Nice to see him come on and get the skippers armband for the final moments of his United career and maybe his whole career. Kicked and headed a few away. Nice way for him to out it is his final game.
Manager Heckingbottom 7/10 – Should be his final ever game in charge. He came in and was unable to make significant change really individually or collectively. We had a few flashes (Brighton and Everton) but for the most part it was no better under him but the tide could not be turned back. I thought he may have changed things but late tweaks to formations a bit and some youth (Jebbison) came too late. For the most part it was the same rubbish we were forced to ensure. He is not a first team manager at top level as shown in his other jobs with only some success at Barnsley and has seemed a rabbit in headlights here, at Leeds and even at Hibs where the pressure was not as high maybe with Rangers and Celtic around.
Today, he had most of the old guard start of course with Jebbison starting again and rewarded for doing ok. We had an ok tempo and togetherness today. We were not fantastic but deserved to win and kept a rare clean sheet. He got Jagielka on which was a nice touch and overall, I thought that it was at least a decent way to end a horrid season. It is only fair that a decision is made for him too in terms of the manager as he said himself at the end of the game. He will need to know what he is doing also.
Burnley – it is interesting as seen really mixed opinions (Roys view from for instance) from Burnley fans. From an outsider’s point of view, I just think they have done fantastic again to stay up, be competitive and upset some big teams (Liverpool) again. They never get hammered seemingly, defensively are sound and are well organised. Not sure they have many players that you think, ‘Wow!’ but they have Pope, Tarkowski and Mee at the back and then midfielders like Westwood, Cork and Brownhill that are just so solid and consistent. McNeil and Vydra provide some attacking threat and Wood will always get goals. Dyche for me has done a fantastic job and they do remarkable every season. Whether they are exciting to watch does not matter really as they get the job done and each year they stay up bring further financial reward and allowed them to keep moving forward. Interesting to see what the new owners do or if Dyche will stick around forever. Without significant financial investment they will not do any better than they have already and you of course know one season they may get a bad start or get caught out and come down. When you look at so called much bigger clubs in the Championship and League One, you realise how well they do. As I say it’s pretty much all down to Dyche, who like Wilder just is/was the club really. You do wonder how they fare when he goes. Really decent chap too who pulls no punches but gets the most out of individuals and his man management is clearly superb. Some Burnley fans feel it has not been a great season and point to some drab showings, them being close positionally wise to the bottom three and I suppose in that sense from mid-table last year to now they have dropped off and maybe are worried about next season with some sides Norwich and Watford who may do better than last time? I do think it will be a struggle to keep staying up every year and eventually the grim reaper will come calling but I don’t think it will be next season just due to Dyche.
In terms of the game today, they had a few senior men missing – such as Mee and of course Pope. The keeper was slow on the opening goal but they never got going and I thought they only had a few moments. They struggled with McGoldrick all game and even though we were not great in the centre of the field and our passing was poor, they were as bad really and did not have any fluency or create much at all.
Opponent Man of the Match – McNeil was the only one who really threatened and looked like he could do something. They then took him off!
Opponent Weak link – The keeper was poor with most things he did and the lad Dunne was a significant downgrade on Mee. Take your pick from one of those.
Referee/Officials – Kevin Friend. Ok to begin with and Baldock was rightly booked. Missed a clear push on Osborn in the middle of the field. Fleck was rightly booked for another cynical Blades foul. Basham also quite poor as he pulled someone down and then Dunne caught Brewster late for the only Burnley booking. There was no real controversy in the game expect the handball. I thought he moved his hand towards it actually and would not have been shocked if it was given.
Crowds/Fans – I obviously did not go. So much has been made of who was going or not going and so much back and forth. I had no issue with fans choosing to go if they wanted to. Up to them and many it was so important to get back. If we had been doing better or the game was relevant, I would have paid even the £40 but it was a kick in the teeth and with my own family health circumstances + the checks, hassle and the fact it would be so sanitised with so few there, I could not justify spending that much and decided just to wait till next season when more fans should be back all being well.
In terms of today, it was embarrassing for the club (not us as fans) that we did not sell out, even a small amount. Shows they got it badly wrong really and they should have listened to fans early. Even if they had said middle of this week, we are going to reduce it to £30/£15. The fact they ended up giving tickets away (albeit to a good cause) summed up that they knew they could not get rid of them despite saying there was only limited tickets left! I had a quick look before kick off and there was close to half of the tickets left of 5,000 left so be interesting to see what the official crowd is announced as.
It looked poor looking at it – at least other crowds they have had them in certain areas (Wembley – which goes against spacing out for health reasons) rather than dotted all over. There did not seem any kind of atmosphere at all – it was basically a League Cup crowd (worse) but fans all over the ground. There was some singing near the end but it was hardly vociferous. I do wonder apart from the just being back at the Lane to see live football, which is of course is the reason going, what fans made of it? Genuine question and nothing loaded or critical in those who chose to went.
Coverage – Our last time on BT (at least for a while). I won’t miss the cliches, bad pundits etc. They gave us McManaman, one of the worst of the lot and he seemed more bothered about the game elsewhere but cannot blame him! Will be weird next season not so be on every week on some channel and having to pay for ifollow (will that even be available for UK viewers with fans returning) or different more illegal streams. Quite a few fans will be back to the old pleasures of Radio Sheffield (certainly for away games if there is no away allocations for a while) which will be odd. As much as elements of the Premier League we all won’t miss, most fans have had access to most games somehow even when we could not go and that won’t be the case next season and many won’t see every game and be back to watching highlights/snippets rather than wall to wall coverage.
Next week: I will release my end of season School Review – every player graded and a summary of the season with stats, awards and thoughts for the future. Will drip feed it from the middle of the week moving into the following week. If you want a version then DM me on twitter : deadbat_DB
That’s it though for the match reports this season. They have been hard work at times so hopefully I am reporting on more wins next season and more fans in the ground!
, hmmm.