Post by deadbat on Mar 9, 2022 1:00:42 GMT
Podcast links to come tomorrow and then report below….
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In a game that had been building up since he returned to management and even more eagerly anticipated after the original game was called off by Middlesbrough due to ‘covid’ issues, Chris Wilder’s Boro were soundly beaten in his first return to the Lane as a manager of an opponent. The Blades were superb from start to finish as they trampled all over their playoff rivals with high energy, superb desire to win the ball and a constant threat as an attacking force. United flew out of the blocks and led 2-0 at half time with goals form Berge and Sharp. Jack Robinson’s goal from a set play looked to have sealed it but a rare slip from Wes Foderingham gifted Balogun one back, Gibbs White finished off a superb night for the home side with a brilliant individual goal to cap his own almost unplayable performance.
Heckingbottom made one change with Osborn coming in for Seriki in very left footed defence. The lights were clicking as the teams came out but it was clear whom the photographers were waiting for as Wilder made his way out and he was introduced to the crowd by Gary Sinclair. The reception from the whole of the ground was fantastic to salute a special period for the Blades where the connection between Wilder and the fans was such a big part of the journey the club went on. The ground was almost full and you sensed it had the feel of a big game with the teams separated by only a point and a place and the hype and noise around the former manager’s return to his boyhood club.
Boro turned United round to kick towards the Kop first probably under instruction from their manager who would know what an advantage it can be in the second half.
The game started at a frantic pace as Wilder turned the Blades round to but neither side could really get hold of the ball and it spent a fair bit of time in the air! The Blades were certainly flying into tackles and seemed to be picking up more of the loose balls. They settled quicker than Boro who struggled to get going and, in this sense, was quite different to the previous game when Forest had settled far quicker a few days previous. United won a corner after Bola was pressurised by Berge. Then Gibbs White fired over after a Robinson long throw dropped and it was certainly the Blades the aggressor. Berge was also looking to get on the ball and make things happen. However, Jones did get in a dangerous position and went to ground under Norrington Davis’ challenge but the referee decided the contact was not enough and waved play on. Soon after Connolly was on the floor but he quickly got up drawing ironic cheers from the crowd as United went back on the attack.
However, in general play United were superior and winning the ball in most one-to-one duels. Gibbs White’s movement and Sharp’s sheer stubbornness were complemented by Berge’s forceful running and the energy and pressing from Fleck and Norwood
On 20 minutes, United took the lead. The ball was turned down the side and Sharp got in and was able to use a short burst of pace before turning his man and sending over a dangerous cross. Lumley flapped at it and it bounced off the back of Bola and fell perfectly for BERGE to smash the ball home at the Kop end.
It was only two minutes later when the lead was doubled. Norwood was all over the dithering Howson and after robbing him, Gibbs White was on the ball and driving at the Boro defence and United suddenly had a two on one. The Wolves loanee waited perfectly before delivering the pass to SHARP who tapped in at the Kop end. United were in dreamland and Wilder looked down to the turf knowing his former team had seized a firm grip of this vital contest.
Despite the domination, Boro broke in a rare attack and Jones got down the right side and sent over an inviting cross but Sporar spooned his effort badly over from the penalty spot. It was a rare moment for the visitors but a very good chance.
Norwood did waste two decent set play opportunities after Gibbs White was fouled twice after showing his quick feet but then superb football saw United break. After one touch play saw the ball flicked on twice, Sharp found Gibbs White who was in and powering towards goal. His finish was too close to Lumley who saved. McNair made a mess of a clearance soon after in an error ridden first half for the Boro back line who were being picked off at will. Fleck picked up a knock and had to limp off for Hourihane which was the only negative of the first half although Boro won two late corners before 6 minutes of stoppage time was somehow found despite only a few stoppages!
The second half began with Boro trying to get closer to United and Gibbs White particularly seemed to come in for some rough stuff but then on the touchline it was Sharp and Peltier clashing and both players were in a headlock almost. Gibbs White came in and got involved and all three players were booked after the melee right in front of messrs Wilder and Knill. Sharp’s smile on his face after showed how up for the fight he was.
The contest continued to be all action and Boro were now committing more men forward but this led to United being dangerous when they broke and Berge surged forward and shot narrowly side. Hourihane was booked for an innocuous foul on Howson before United were able to get back on the offensive and win a corner after Gibbs White nearly found Sharp. From the delivery to the back stick, Egan headed across and ROBINSON turned home through a body of players with a calm and composed finish. This seemed to be game, set and match and Wilder brought on Balogun and Watmore for Sporar and Bola soon after (changes he had actually been readying before the goal).
Just after the hour mark, Boro who had not threatened at all, got a goal out of nothing. A routine back pass saw Foderingham slip as he went to clear and the ball squirted only a few yards away from him and BALOGUN was able to round him and score from a tight angle before any defenders could react. It was an unfortunate moment for the keeper who has been excellent this season and indeed maybe the star man in recent weeks.
This gave the visitors some hope and the game became a bit like a basketball game and maybe too open for United’s liking although Gibbs White nearly got in again but and not long after Howson had a shot blocked. Great work from Gibbs White again saw him stand up a cross and Norrington Davies header over before Balogun had a shot saved from Foderingham. Connolly then fired wide too after the Blades had for the first time in the game left too much space.
Coburn came on for Peltier as Boro really tried to have a final push with a number of forwards on the pitch but this saw gaps opening up at the other end. A back pass nearly saw the ball go in past Lumley after poor defending led to a corner.
On 79 minutes, the game was decided once for all as Gibbs White was involved yet again and then a ball through saw Osborn take the initiative running from deep and his right footed cross was flicked sumptuously via an intentional back heel volley into the corner of the net from GIBBS WHITE. The ooooooos and ahhhhhhhs from the crowd summed up what a piece of individual magic this was and capped a great night from the Wolves loanee.
Crooks chopped down Sharp as United now looked back in full flow before the Blades skipper came off for McBurnie. The sub’s first contribution was to tackle Gibbs White – to be fair he was the closest anyone had got to him all night! Berge fired well over before Gordon came on for Osborn who had done really well in an unfamiliar position again.
The final moments saw Boro struggle to really create much at all as United’s energy and fitness was of such high levels right to the end. Even in 6 minutes of stoppage time, Norwood, Hourihane and Norrington Davies were snapping into tackles and not giving the visitors a moment. They did have a late chance from a free kick when Coburn headed wide under pressure but the final whistle went soon after and the jubilant Blades fans gave the side a standing ovation for an outstanding team performance where they were far too good for their former managers charges
United – A month or so ago and I felt we had lots of momentum and the wins kept coming. You sensed a real belief we could make the top 6 and even win the playoffs with the form we had. Slowly with injuries or Brewster, McGoldrick, Bogle and latterly other key defenders such as Basham and Baldock, and you sensed maybe the belief has not been there in the last 4 or 5 games (aside from Swansea). We have actually won points through effort and heart rather than us controlling games and dictating to opponents. We have looked a weary bunch where the passing and movement has seemed to be sporadic in a number of poor individual performances and disjointed team ones. That might be harsh as the team have done great to get here but now the performances were not quite what they had been but maybe understandable as we looked a bit flat and tired in games and the other teams were kind of controlling possession in key areas. Forest we were second best and actually despite the ending, did well to even get a draw.
Tonight, was completely opposite and surprised me in a totally positive way. I had not really seen that performance coming at all! Maybe that is harsh on the group and they were due one. We came out full of energy, pressed, harried and won almost every loose ball all night. We stared on the front foot and it was the complete opposite for Forest. We were swarming all over Boro and soon enough we made a chance and although not great keeping/defending, we took it and led with good work from Sharp who suddenly found some pace I did not know he had! We then got a second after Norwood snapping at his an won it and Gibbs White was so composed to find Billy. We could have made it three nil with a lovely one touch move and we were in complete control although they had missed a chance also – their only real effort of the half. They finished a bit better but we had been full value for the lead and I loved the fact we had been in their faces and never let them settle. They rarely had a move of note and all the good football and quality came from MGW, Berge and Sharp with Norwood and Fleck buzzing around behind.
The second half saw them a bit more up for it as shown in the Peltier and Sharp incident but we got a third goal and that seemed it before Wes had a bit of a nightmare, unfortunate as it was and then for a spell, we became a bit ragged and it seemed too much like end to end with no control of the game from either side as they went Gung Ho with extra forwards on. However, the next goal was ours, after efforts either way before and it was the goal of the game with a superb piece of execution from the superb Gibbs White. After this the Blades saw it out easily and it was a comfortable win and a resounding and deserved margin.
We were excellent tonight. No one played badly. We really looked up for it – whether it was just they wanted to bounce back from Friday’s languid performance, the Wilder factor (some players seemed so up for it – point to prove maybe even though he signed most of them so not sure?!) or a bit of everything but feeding off the players, the crowd were good too. Proper night match where the atmosphere crackled, the players were at it and we saw some great skill with some lovely passing and one touch stuff. We could have scored more. They offered very little in contrast. The thing I loved was the work rate. The quality and attacking stuff from the front trio was a joy at times but as much as this was good, their efforts to close down along with the midfield’s covering, chasing was great. The defence also got to the ball first and were determined to make it an uncomfortable night for them who seemed a bit like rabbits in headlights. It was a total contrast from Friday. We gave a few fouls and bookings but liked the aggressiveness on the whole and we made sure we the dominant side in all aspects of the game. It’s still very tight at the top and can swing both ways in terms of us being in or out of the top 6. Hecky was right in that we will not play like that every week but we have kind of set the standards tonight in what we can do. If we can get Baldock, Basham and Goode back and keep those front three fit and firing (he may have to rest them a la Millwall the odd game even though people will get annoyed when this happens but we cannot afford to lose even one of these), then we have as good a chance of any of making the top 6. Some are talking about 2nd still but with games in hand, Bournemouth would have to implode and we would have to almost go unbeaten.
A great night though and to see the Lane bouncing and the team fighting so hard, with quality added in, was fantastic to see and showed what a marvellous job Heckingbottom has done, in such a short space of time. Just a shame likes of Bogle, Didzy and Brewster are not fit, as we would be tough to stop, I feel if they were but if we can avoid any other injuries, we still have a chance. Tonight, showed what this team can do if they are at it and firing. Coventry and Blackpool will not be easy. You almost would take one win from two really. Anything more a bonus as then they have some home games to come and some games that seem easier on paper than we have had. We do play a lot of mid-table teams coming up also but some of these such as those above will still feel they have a chance of the top 6 so will want to attack and give us chances particularly away from home.
Ratings:
Foderingham 6/10 – Mark may seem low and I know he had little to do but he has made an absolute rick (unfortunate of course) that led to a goal. Outside of this made a regulation save and a few takes as he came out. His kicking was not great tonight and he kicked two out. Can forgive him one howler after such great form and fortunately did not cost us in the end.
Osborn 7.5/10 – Did really well against Forest and carried on with a hardworking, intelligent performance where he defended well but also used it well when he had it. Got out and attacked and covered loads of ground. Saw him down the right wing first half and he was solid in most things he did. Made the fourth with a run and cross with his right foot!
Norrington Davies 7/10 – Started a bit sloppy again and another rash tackle could have been penalised and then Jones ran away from him for the chance for Sporar but got better as the game went on and thought he won his battle eventually. Second half restricted them down his side and also won his tackles and pressed without fouling till one late one at the end. Had two good second halves where he tightened up on everything he has done after being lax in the first halves.
Davies 7/10 – Steady enough. Of course, hard for him on the wrong side and a few overhit balls but he generally read the game well and was able to use it smartly. Made a few interceptions and came out when he could with it. Not really pressurised at all against a lacklustre Boro frontline.
Robinson 8/10 – Another excellent showing where he was once again the best defender. He won so many loose balls, pressurised his man and was always first to it. He made some good tackles and also got round on the cover a few times. Looked composed on the ball too and then capped it off with a good finish that was not easy. His turnaround has been remarkable and now one of our most consistent players and completely eradicated the big errors at the moment. Seemed to be always there to clear/tackle when we needed it.
Egan 7.5/10 – Front foot and determined. Best he has been for a while. He was completely off it last week but tonight imposed himself and was too physical for his international team mate Connolly who was given a rough ride. He was a threat from corners too but his headers always over until he headed that one back for the goal.
Norwood 7.5/10 – This mark may seem too high but it was for a different reason to when I normally rate him highly. His set plays were off as he overhit a number of balls and a few passes did not find his target but tonight he worked so hard. He covered a lot of ground and was constantly nicking the ball off them or closing them down. He won the ball for the second and did this for a few other moves as they never had a minute to themselves. He continued this second half and I thought other than a spell at 3-1 they never had any control of midfield. His work ethic was something that surprised me.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Thought he has a good game until he went off – he worked hard and got in their faces and was running with the ball more than he has. Involved in some of the neat moves down the sides and was also able to win some tackles and along with Norwood help us dictate the play from midfield and stop them having any time on the ball. Shame he went off and seemed to hold his groin. Hope it was more a precaution – he seemed like he was suggesting he wanted to try and play on but think it was the right move.
Berge 8/10 – Another excellent showing after being a bit off it v Forest, after an otherwise a really good run of consistent and powerful showings. He was a constant threat and showed his range of passing, some good runs with the ball and linked with a number of players, particularly Gibbs White. Had a chance early on but maybe dithered a bit after MGW’s flick but then he scored a poacher’s goal and had another shot go just side. Just looked very accomplished as he glided past players and showed his physicality too. My friend who sat with me (a neutral) said he looked a class above in terms of his touch and way he can just make time.
Gibbs White 9/10 – Wow. The best individual performance from a United player this season. He has been very good in other games at times but tonight he was almost unplayable I felt. Sure a few thins did not come off and he missed a chance in the first half but they could not handle him. His close control, dribbling, running with the ball and his flicks and tricks were a joy to watch. However, he linked well with others and also was impactful in creating and scoring tonight. There was end product in many things he did. He began with a flick to Berge for a chance and continued to draw two or three defenders with his close control and running with the ball. The second goal he delivered the perfect pass and as I say could have had a third when he maybe took too long but he had been involved in this move. Continued to cause problems all game and second half some of his control from balls from the sky and how he carried the ball was brilliant to watch. The only negatives 2nd half was the one he overrun when he could have played Sharp in and getting involved in the shoving match. The goal he scored was incredible and the sort if you see on TV from a Premier League player, the pundits would drool about. Fantastic skill. Loved watching him play tonight and on that evidence, he could easily play top level if he can deliver even close to that on a match-by-match basis.
Sharp 8/10 – Worked so hard for the team but also a constant threat. He was an absolute pest. Showed a bit of pace as he got down the side and sent over a cross that led to the first and then scored the second being in the right place at the right time. He then set up MGW. First to the ball all game, he held it up intelligently and was constantly in motion belying his years. Second half got involved in that dust up when he reacted and maybe another day, they both get sent off but admire how he was so up for the battle and that summed us up tonight in not backing down and showing our assertiveness. With a few better balls he could have had more but he was excellent tonight and linked superbly with Berge and Gibbs White.
Subs –
Hourihane 7/10 - Did ok. Nothing flash but won a few tackles and used it fairly well. We did have a spell where they sort of broke through end of the first half and then at 3-1 and we became a bit loose I felt. He got a booking too. Still, he did work hard and I felt covered across midfield and did put a shift in.
McBurnie – Only on for 5 minutes + stoppage. Woeful sadly and stood out the drop off. He tackled Gibbs White who ran through, gave away two fouls and not sure he even touched the ball. Need much more from him. So reliant on Sharp at the moment and worry if he gets injured or loses his form.
Gordon – Came on at the death maybe just to give us some pace down that side against Jones but the ball rarely went over this side and so there was no real threat in the end.
Manager:
Heckingbottom 9/10 – Excellent in how he got us fired up and ready to go but played in an assertive but controlled manner. We came out of the blocks fast, pressed them and won the ball from their midfield and then got them facing their own way. Scored two goals from this high intensity way of playing and we were all over them when they had the ball. Played 4 left footers in defence but the experience was the right call. Will mean a lot to win the game even if him and Wilder are pals and he hired him. He showed tonight what a good manager he is proving to be for us, in his own right. We were superb and he got a big reaction after some ‘subpar’ performances and every player almost was good to excellent and the teams fitness levels and energy right to the end has to be praised.
Middlesbrough – After a stop start season under Warnock, they struggled and decided to change things. Warnock had done his job in kind of steadying the ship but was never really a long-term appointment so it was odd he got so frustrated when they changed it. Not sure they would sanction lots of signings for someone who was only going to be there a season or so? He felt they had not backed him and certainly since they brought Wilder in the have spent a fair whack on wages for the likes of Connolly and Balogan. I did expect them to improve as Wilder gets seems going and can motivate and get them moving – in the same way Warnock had when he first went there.
They have been surged up the league and had some impressive cup wins. They quickly went to the same kind of formation and style with the likes of McNair and Jones being superb in forward play as much as defensive work. They have a lot of hard working and functional players but they are experienced and solid at this level and the likes of Crooks, Taylor Howson and Tavernier will always work hard and show some quality too. At the top I wondered if there is enough goals and the lads that have come in have not really got going goals wise and it is still Sporar and Watmore getting the bulk of the goals.
They have not been as good away as their home form which has almost been faultless and of course a number of cup games have maybe helped them rather than hindered in terms of the momentum. They certainly have a stronger squad than they did when they were due to play us which is annoying – not quite sure why there was not more done about the proposals to stop any new players being eligible for when the covid games were called off – but there you go.
In terms of the game tonight, they carried on their awful away form and were simply blown away really. They looked poor at the back and lost the ball in awful positions in midfield but so many times we had men over when we attacked and the two goals were shocking defending as they coughed up possession and had us going at them. There is no way we should have tap ins at home inside 20 minutes really as they looked so open. They never got going although Sporar missed a decent chance but other than a few corners, United were much the better side and Gibbs White could have made it 3-0. I thought they may have a go 2nd half but it never really happened and we had lots more chances again and went 3 up and nearly had more. The goal was an error of course and then they did have a few efforts and maybe if it goes 3-2 it is a nervy ending but in the end the Gibbs White goal gave the score line a more realistic feel.
Overall, they were well beaten. As Wilder said, they lost battles all over the field and we won the first and second balls but we also looked like we had more quality at the top of the field and looked like scoring I felt almost every time we had a decent attack. They looked so slow and cumbersome at the back and midfield with the workmanlike Crooks and Howson overran and they could not cope with the movement and quality of our front three. They tried to change the frontline and improved a bit after this but it was a very disjointed performance where they were just second best and taken apart really.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure anyone stood out. Balagun took his goal well and maybe Jones was the main threat with some decent runs and crosses so perhaps the one who at least looked a threat?
Opponent Weak link – A number will know they had a poor night. The keeper looked ropey all night and the centre backs also got turned and caught out – I like McNair but he had a poor night. I thought Crooks in midfield who is a useful utility player who gets goals was terrible and looked clumsy and slow. Up top Sporar missed his only real chance and barely had a kick. The most annoying player was Connolly. Completely lost his battle to Egan but he kept rolling round and looking for free kicks. Moaning to the ref too – pathetic really. Just play the game. His recovery after one ‘bad’ injury was Lazarus like!
Referee/Officials – Tim Robinson. Better than the ones we have seen down here but in the end the game was quite one sided making it easy. He dealt with the Sharp-Peltier incident sensibly as he had to book both and MGW for getting involved. He did not book one of the Boro players for chopping MGW down as he drove towards the box but then booked Hourihane for a nothing foul – same really for Crooks on Sharp. The rest of the game he handled ok but struggled at times to know when to play advantage and just give the free kick as there was no advantage. He had to help his assistants out with throw ins (and foul throws) as neither seemed particularly keen on making a decision. One odd moment when they seemed to just boot it out and the officials gave them a corner? Not sure there was too many clear decisions he got wrong. Felt Jones was looking for the penalty earlier on and a few of theirs were going down way too easy and he actually was just waving play on rightly.
Matchday/Crowd – Good atmosphere and we have had two games now where there has been more noise and backing. Helps with a sold out away end which it has been the last two games. Boro fans actually were still singing even after the game had gone so credit to them. Wilder of course got a great reception – it was not a rapturous ovation but a pretty good one from all of the ground. After this the fans rightly got behind the team and there were Hecky chants etc – rightly so. There was good noise throughout the game as the crowd appreciated the efforts and some good football. Had a good feel as the win was secured and you sensed a real pride in how the side had turned up and to quote a certain CW, delivered a ‘proper performance.’
Not sure about the ‘Wilder, Wilder, what’s the score?’ one. No need for me but maybe it mattered little at that stage. Thought he may go to the Kop after but he went down the tunnel quite quickly. Maybe if he had not been hammered, he may have been more inclined to give the fans another clap. I felt some stayed for that possibly as well as saluting our own team and current manager, but can also understand him going into the dressing room. Probably furious that his team simply did not turn up as ‘his’ team walloped his employer!
