Post by deadbat on Dec 5, 2021 0:21:13 GMT
Podcast links to come later Sunday - report below….
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After Paul Heckingbottom had got his first victory as permanent manager in his opening game, the Blades followed it up with another win in South Wales as a struggling Cardiff side were put to the sword. United had missed a number of good chances before they conceded a sloppy goal but after Sean Morrison’s red card in the 2nd half, they were able to rip through Cardiff’s rear guard with three excellent goals with Gibbs White scoring an individual stunner and two good team goals. A late set piece goal made it a nervy finish but United deservedly held on and the victory saw United’s recent mini resurgence continue.
United made one enforced change with Sharp in for Brewster with the latter picking up a knock in the win last week. Back on the bench was Oli McBurnie and Lys Mousset. Cardiff started with Collins up front on his own and maybe surprisingly had Flint, Vaulks and dangerman Moore on the bench. Promising youngster Colwill was also on the bench.
The game started with little in the way of goalmouth action although Cardiff won a corner with a header off target. United slowly started to come into the game and move it around and Bogle’s cross was overhit for McGoldrick. On 12 minutes the Blades had a superb chance when Bogle’s cross bounced up and Sharp’s header was straight at Smithies. It was a really poor finish but he missed an even better chance only a minute later. Gibbs White played him in with a clever ball and Sharp was in on goal but he took too long and then Smithies narrowed the angle and made the save. The ball stayed in the box and Basham was able to help it back and somehow the ball was scrambled clear.
The Blades had created three great chances in a similar amount of minutes and the chances kept coming. On 16 minutes a corner came in from Norwood and the ball was stepped over and Hourihane blazed a good opportunity miles over the bar.
Norwood then threaded a neat ball through but McGoldrick let the ball go across his body and the chance was too far over on the angle and he wrongly opted to take it from such a position and it was straight at Smithies for an easy save.
It had been an excellent first 20 minutes from the Blades and they should have led after a number of good chances. Cardiff then came back into the game and it started with Egan’s sloppy back pass to Foderingham that saw him on the stretch and it went the wrong side of the post.
Sharp got down the left and found Gibbs White but he poked wide before Cardiff then had a superb chance to take the lead. Ball came in from a set play and Nelson headed towards goal and it came off Bogle and Foderingham readjusted to make a point blank save to tip it onto the post and somehow it stayed out.
Cardiff now were enjoyed a really good spell and they took the lead when another set play was not cleared and Cardiff were able to knock it back in and Morrison won the header and then with no pressure Ralls scooped it over the defence with some coming out and some staying back and HARRIS could take a touch and slammed it in. It was awful defending from the Blades with Cardiff allowed to take several touches and get through the centre of the defence easily.
United were rocked and were nearly two down as Davies came inside and completely skinned Egan and then went past Egan and was right in on goal but his shot was saved superbly by Foderingham. After such a good start, the visitors were now getting cut apart. Norwood was booked for the Blades and Collins for Cardiff for poor challenges, one sliding in and the latter with a high arm that saw Davies down for the second time.
The Blades did finish the half strongly and had better possession with Stevens, McGoldrick and then Sharp involved before a chance came when McGoldrick came inside and hit a shot that fell via a deflection for Bogle but the wing back was blocked at point blank range. It was a great defensive challenge and denied probably a certain goal. The half time whistle came soon after and United will feel they had the majority of the half and chances but a really poor 10-minute spell could have seen Cardiff score twice more in addition to the one they got.
Cardiff started the 2nd half forcing United back and Davies down the right was causing issued and he got away from Egan with superb skill. This led to a long throw that bounced around the box. United had not got going yet but then came a pivotal moment.
McGoldrick advanced through and slid a delightful ball through that saw Sharp in on goal and Morrison chopped him down. He claimed he got the ball but it was an obvious a red card as you could see and the inevitable card came out. The skipper trooped off and Flint came on for the scorer Harris just after Gibbs White had wasted the free kick blazing over the bar.
United were no pressing Cardiff back and making the man advantage count. They moved it about and Gibbs White was getting on the ball at every opportunity. He played a lovely ball into Sharp but he oddly tried to go back to the Wolves man and the ball was cleared. Hourihane over hit his cross but it was not long before the Blades were level just past the hour mark.
The ball came to the left and GIBBS WHITE had drifted off to the left this time and jinked past his man before unleashing a howitzer of a shot that dipped and arrowed past the flailing Smithies and into the top corner. A tremendous strike and United sprinted back to the centre circle knowing it was a game they now could go on and win.
On the next attack the ball came over from the left and Bogle was well placed but mishit his shot and McGoldrick re-directed it towards goal but somehow Smithies got back to make the save right on the line palming it away at full stretch.
Moore and Vaulks came on for Collins and Davies as Cardiff looked to arrest the one-way traffic but United were now swarming all over the home side and it was attack after attack with Gibbs White and McGoldrick influential in all aspects of the play.
Flint won a header over Foderingham but it looped over but at the other end United continued to look a threat and Bogle was played in by Norwood and the cross was headed home by Sharp but Bogle had gone too soon and was adjudged offside. United were dominating the ball and Stevens had a chance but his cross was poor before Norwood’s cross was headed away by Flint.
It seemed like more chances would come and that happened with a flurry of goals with around a quarter of an hour to go.
On 73 minutes, the ball came down the right and Basham found Bogle who turned it inside the man cleverly to play in Gibbs White who hit a driven cross that SHARP gobbled up and converted. After missing two good chances, he would not miss another and he and McGoldrick celebrated in front of the visiting fans with Blades crosses arms signals!
Two minutes later and it was three. Gibbs White sprinted clear and waited perfectly to provide the pass to MCGOLDRICK whose shot was not the most convincing but it squirmed into the corner, maybe with the aid of a deflection off Flint. From 1-0 down at half time, United had turned it round in 15 minutes of play with three quick fire goals. Clearly the red card had changed things but United had been the better side in the first half.
United could have made it 4 as Hourihane’s ball came in and Bogle was on the angle but could not quite divert it goalward and it went wide. McBurnie came on for Sharp with 10 minutes to play but struggled to get up to the pace of the game. Moore had a shot a long way over and then had a header wide but was offside. Giles got a few crosses in and United were now having to defend for the first time and introduced Osborn for Gibbs White.
Cardiff had a chance on 88 minutes when a ball in saw Moore’s header down into the ground and Foderingham did brilliantly to flick it over the bar. From the corner MCGUINESS won the header above Davies and it may have bounced off the United man as it looped up and into the top corner. 2-3 and with 4 minutes of stoppage time to come, the Blades defensive frailties were exposed in a game they should have seen out easily.
Osborn, Hourihane and then Davies gave it away to allow Cardiff to punt it forward and then Basham foolishly conceded a long throw that came in and was cleared leading to Hourihane to break and maybe caught between going for the corner flag and for another goal with no one back, the loan midfielder cut in and hit a left footed effort that Smithies tipped over. There was no time for the corner and United had won again and continued their steady rise up the league table.
United – Just delighted to get the win. The performance was decent to good for the most part and we definitely were the better side. A lot will be made of the red card but it was our good play that led to it and saw him make the challenge. Going back to the start of the game we could have easily been 3-0 up with two great chances for Sharp and two good ones for Hourihane and McGoldrick. After this we started to make mistakes (Egan back pass) and could not defend crosses. We got lucky to survive one with poor marking when it hit the post via Foderingham but were not so lucky soon after and they should never have time to pick a scooped pass out and then to control, turn and score. We were not good after this for the next 10 minutes or so and they nearly scored again. Davies and Egan were struggling either side of half time and we looked like we might concede another I felt if they got the ball in the right areas. The red card came against the run of play but completely changed things and we scored a fantastic individual goal and then two well made and taken goals and we had completely put the pedal to the floor when we had the man advantage. It was all us and they could not live with some of the football we played with Bogle, Norwood Basham, McGoldrick and Gibbs White all central to the good stuff we were playing. The 2nd goal was a lovely goal and similar to last week with a man moving off the ball and the pass recognising this playing Gibbs White down the side. The third came and you sensed that was it as we actually looked more like scoring more goals. However, with Vaulks throws, the ball into the box from wide and you were worried they may always have a route back into it, even with a man less. So, it proved as Moore could have scored two before they got the late header. I was really worried after this and they had a few more balls go in our box. We simply could not deal with the high balls and crosses. We looked as susceptible as we did earlier in the season and you were just thankful Moore/Flint had not played from the start and that time ran out also.
As I have said, attacking wide and with the ball for 20-25 minutes to start the game we were good and then for 20 minutes in the 2nd half we again looked superb cutting through then. We scored 3 but could have had that many to start the game. Sadly, we have these mad spells where teams just put it into the box and we cannot deal with it – the 10-minute spell punctuated when they scored first half and then the last 10 minutes. They had 15-20 minutes of a 90-minute game. We had the rest and looked technically better with more skilled players who looked like they could open the opposition up. Sadly, all that counts for nothing if we cannot head it and clear balls into the box and set plays continue to be an issue. For all our own chances, Foderingham made 3 great saves and they did have a lot of moments themselves. It was a weird game really as both teams had good chances but United had more possession, more chances and more quality. Overall, the best team won and the score if anything flattered Cardiff a bit on the reflection of the whole game.
We still have to work on our defensive side as if we continue to defend like that then we won’t be near the top 6. All the good attacking stuff is effectively wasted if we cannot deal with a simple cross or throw in. Still, it is a win and one we merited. Gibbs White was superb – McGoldrick good too and I felt Bogle, Norwood and Foderingham did well too. A few (Stevens, Davies and Hourihane) still need to do more as it is rare, we have 8 or 9 players at it and are relying on MGW and Didz play on the ball to create goals and win games.
We are up to 10th and definitely now can sense we seem to be going in the right direction. We have some tougher games to come but then after Xmas, I also feel there are some games we can win too. We need to ensure we are in around those top 6 places. It is certainly building up nicely to the return of Mr Wilder in 3 or 4 games with their upward resurgence too.
It is positive we have McBurnie, Mousset, Berge back too so if players standards drop then they should lose minutes. I do feel we need to try and find a powerful and physically dominant centre back in January though.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8/10 – Had an awful back pass from Egan but then made one great reflex save from the deflected header that he somehow pushed onto the post. Had little chance on the goal. He made a superb save from Davies to keep us in it not long after. Felt he was badly exposed as we started to struggle on set plays first half for that spell. 2nd half got outjumped to one header from Flint but then made another brilliant save at 1-3 from Moore and not a lot he could do on the 2nd goal. Three fantastic saves even though United deserved the win and at crucial times. He is playing well at the moment and has improved that position.
Bogle 7/10 – Well forward to begin and lovely ball to Sharp but then defensively he lost his man a few times and lucky not to score an own goal. He showed he could get into good areas but also that he was not always concentrating defensively. Had a good chance but took too long just before the half time whistle. 2nd half he was well forward and linked well on the Sharp goal and nearly got one himself. He still does not get close enough to his man – they broke a few times at 1-3 and he was nowhere to be seen. Attacking wise he gives us a lot more than Bogle though and I would keep him in the team.
Stevens 5/10 – Frustrating again as he did some ok things first half but then took too long or simply cannot use his right foot. I felt they got down this side between him and Davies a few times too. He carried this on with some good runs forward or in good areas but always hits that low weak cross that is cleared. He lost it a few times running inside. Seems to be the main weak link in the side who is not improving even though the side is.
Basham 6.5/10 – Ok to start with and a few driving runs but then the whole defence started to struggle with set plays and aerial stuff. He came out of it and 2nd half had some good driving runs and started to be almost like a winger down that side. When we do good things, he is normally high up the field and attacking with others. Towards the end he made some blocks but also did some daft things conceding a few throws etc which was the last thing we needed.
Davies 5/10 – Had a really dodgy opening with some poor moments where he got skinned a few times or lost his man and showed his lack of strength. The way his namesake went past him was worrying. He struggled with the high ball and any physical challenge I just worried he would lose it and often he did. On the goal he has to do much more and jumps quite timidly in the challenge. I am still not convinced by him. If Moore had played from the start, I would have worried.
Egan 5.5/10 – Sliced one out and then a bad back pass and also, we did not win the big headers we needed to in that spell first half and we looked like we had done earlier in the season for a spell. He carried on with some poor moments but at least started to win a few headers but at the end every time it went in our box, they tended to win it and had 2 or 3 chances outside of the goal. He needs to be more dominating in the physical stuff and too often teams win headers in our box.
Norwood 6.5/10 – Steady-decent game. He was not amazing but used the ball ok and went forward with it when he could. Also, some clever balls – such as the one to McGoldrick and a few others 2nd half that got us into good areas. Some of his corners were better too. A few decent crosses such as the one Flint had to clear. He got booked for a poor foul and then nearly dived in again later on but thought better of it.
Hourihane 5.5/10 – Thought he was ok in spells with a few neat and tidy things and got about the pitch more but then he would give it away or just cross it out. He blazed one shot miles over when well placed and at the end his finish was not great although it did not matter as it was right on full time. He has been better than he was in those completely anonymous games when we first saw him. However, I am not convinced he is the answer in there but at least in recent games we have not got over run or run through.
Gibbs White 8.5/10 – Began the game well and always looking to get on the ball. He threaded a few clever through balls through and the one to Sharp should have led to the skipper scoring. Had a spell where he was not involved as they came back but then 2nd half, he was the best player on the pitch. Anything good we did come through him. We saw the flicks, nutmegs and tricks but there was end product too. He scored a tremendous individual goal and then was involved in the 2nd and 3rd goals too with two more assists. They struggled to keep up with him at times and looked a class above. Still does frustrating things (awful free kick and dived again) but that is nit picking. We will do well to keep him in January as he looks too good for this level.
McGoldrick 7/10 – He was involved at the outset with his build up and link play but then did miss a decent chance on the angle when he needed to cut in more and take another touch. Second half though with the extra man, he came into his own and started to link with others and him and Gibbs White – as they were last week – were the best two players on the field. He got his goal and even if it was a bit fortuitous with the shot scuffed and deflected but how many times has, he had chances like that and blazed over or wide. Could have had another after his effort just lacked power and Smithies got back.
Sharp 5.5/10 – Seems a silly mark for someone who scored but he missed 2 sitters and his general play was poor today. The header early on, I felt he could have brought down and when he did head it, the effort was weak. The chance after was even better and he has to score that. It was too close to the keeper and he took too long. He had another half chance soon after from Basham’s cross. His hold up play was not good either. Just did not seem to be his day and his attempted one two with MGW when he could have turned summed it up in the 2nd half. Caught offside a fair bit too but then scores with a classic Sharp goal.
Subs –
McBurnie – I was asking for him to come on as was concerned they had big men up and he would be useful to help us defend set plays and aerial stuff but he lost his first three headers and then gave away some daft fouls too.
Osborn – Came on right at the end as we were looking to see things out. Helped a few balls on but at this stage it was more about defending the high ball.
Manager:
Heckingbottom 7/10 – It’s a win and continues his good start. We started the game well and easily could have been 2 or 3 up but then a bad spell and I was concerned we did not start the 2nd half well. The sending off helped. Our play with the ball was good but defensively we struggled. We definitely were the better side and deserved the win but the old penchant for giving away stupid goals came back and almost hurt us again. We cannot rely on great goals every week as the goals others score against us, are much more basic. He will be pleased how the players have responded and the tempo though on and off the ball is better. We looked like creating things and move through the pitch quicker and get the ball into the box with more crosses/shots. We will now face two much tougher tests in top 6 sides but has to be delighted with how they have started for him with more purpose.
Cardiff – Had a pretty bad start and a series of defeats meant McCarthy as expected went. I was surprised as thought they had a nucleus of an experienced and pretty savvy Championship side but had a few injuries and then just got stuck in a rut. The change to Morison even if temporary has lifted them a bit and at least they have got a few results. Seem to be in an odd state as Tan is not really investing anymore and they seem quite an old team at least on the surface and a bit like us have players that are not going to really improve and are ultimately not good enough for the higher level. They have a smattering of young players like Colwill .
Moore is a useful player and causes problems up top and is a good hold up/target man and they utilise Vaulks for the long throws and other big lads like Morrison and Flint always cause problems but it does seem quite a limited approach. Collins, Pack, Vassell and many others seem to have played for a number of clubs at this level and seem the classic mid table Championship player. I do not see Cardiff going down due to the physical size and experience but are now 4th bottom. They will be nowhere near the playoffs and without funds hard to turn the squad around and may have to build a new side under a new manager to start to develop a plan moving forward.
They had won 3 of 4 but had also now lost 9 of 10 home games in all competitions so you can look at their form in different ways. I was glad they left out dangerman Moore and also long throw expert Vaulks, another big lad in Flint and young protégé Colwill. The lad Davies did well down the left side of attack but I thought they got it badly wrong not playing some of the above but Morison said Moore had been unwell? When he came on, he caused all sorts of issues and showed our weakness. If they had started with some of the bigger players and gone more direct, they would have been more successful. They went ahead but had been lucky after the Sharp misses. After this they could have had a few more in a topsy turvy game. They seemed to have more control 2nd half but then Morrison gets the red and it changes it again. We cut them open as they could not live with MGW and the runners for a spell. We scored 3 and it could have been a lot more. They looked like they did not know how to stop the attacks and chances but did have a late flurry and, on another day, may have nicked a point but just ran out of time.
Opponent Man of the Match – Moore caused problems in the time he was on and Harris took his goal well but the lad Davies was their best player running at us and had a few jinking runs. Ng was decent at times with his runs forward. Giles also put some good balls in the box.
Opponent Weak link – Morrison the obvious one. He maybe on reflection would have let Sharp go – he had after all missed two already but reacted instinctively but it was an easy red. The ball caught the whole defence out. Outside of him not sure we saw much from Collins, Ralls or Pack. Collins was completely ineffective and they were better when he went off.
Referee/Officials – John Busby. Not a name I am familiar with an up and coming official. Indeed, it is his first proper season as an EFL referee after being an assistant previously. Not sure he got many major decisions wrong. The bookings seemed about right – for Norwood and Collins and the red card seemed easy. Not sure they could complain at all – the defender pointed to the ball but clearly any contact on the ball was after he came through Sharp who he clearly scythed down. After this he reffed it fairly sensibly. One of the better ones we have seen this season who officiated with a minimum of fuss.
