Post by deadbat on Apr 30, 2022 0:12:24 GMT
Podcast links and then report below….
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-21-22-qpr-away
open.spotify.com/episode/5rDO8hvCCwkZ5LpUIb81cz
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1508158343?i=1000559153399
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United’s hopes of securing a ticket into the end of season dance took a huge step forward after a rampant 2nd half comeback in the capital saw them deservedly beat Queens Park Rangers. The home side who effectively had nothing to play for, had announced their manager Mark Warburton was moving on prior to the game, but led 1-0 at half time with pretty much their first attack. The Blades had dominated the ball but again had struggled to forge any clear chances and it was a timid performance in the attacking areas from the side that needed the result. After Austin’s header, United had a sticky spell before the break and it needed a significant change for them to avoid a disastrous result. Credit to Heckingbottom and the coaching staff, as the visitors came out and completely dominated the home side in the second half. Effectively camped in the QPR side, it seemed only a matter of time before the goals came and Ndiaye and then Robinson turned the match around. There was still a late scare when from another rare attack, Dunne struck the bar but in stoppage time, Hourihane’s delicious volley sealed the three points in front of the jubilant Blades fans.
Before the game United were given a blow when it was revealed Sharp had picked up a calf injury and was not in the matchday squad so it was an unchanged starting line up but it was a very inexperienced bench in terms of striking options. Warburton, in his final home game as manager, changed things round with veteran Austin starting and a start for young keeper Mahoney in place of ex Wednesday keeper Westwood.
The game started with United in the ascendancy and they moved the ball around nicely with Norwood having an effort blocked and then an early corner seeing Basham nod wide on the stretch at the far post. The Blades were moving the ball about and dominating the possession and Gibbs White’s ball was just overplayed for Sharp but Norwood was controlling the midfield and Rangers were being forced back.
Berge had a surging run where he came across and after his pass then fell to Stevens, he could not quite angle his shot and it was blocked away for a corner. Soon after Gibbs White and Ndiaye exchanged flicks but it was maybe one back heel too many and the home defence smuggled it away. Adomah tried a ‘Blanco’ style flick which was oddly not penalised but it did at least allow Robinson change to hurl over a throw which caused problems before Rangers managed to finally clear.
Fleck then broke with a run but took too long before a defender nicked the ball away before Ndiaye then also had a run but he too, took too many touches and the ball was poked clear. United were seeing all of the ball and looking to probe but the final moments lacked quality and a Basham shank wide from a corner was as close as they got as they had still not tested the young keeper.
As often happens, United’s lack of potency and penetration was made to pay when Rangers with pretty much their first attack of any significance, moved it over to Adomah who was given too much time to come inside and put over a cross with no pressure on the ball. Still United should have dealt with it but Basham was ball watching and AUSTIN stole in with a downward header into the corner past the motionless Foderingham. It was a really poor goal to concede and completely against the run of play.
The next spell saw United give the ball away and Osborn running it out summed up the frustration that the Blades had in going behind when they had not been troubled prior to this. A few loose passes and moments of indecision and you worried that the game was starting to get away from the Blades.
United tried to respond but Stevens and Berge’s link up did not quite see the finish from Gibbs White, whose finish lacked power and was easily saved. Berge then came inside and fed the ball to Ndiaye but his finish was rushed and well over. Osborn then got in down the right but his cross was cleared at the near post.
The final minutes of the half saw Rangers have another effort on goal as Austin tested Foderingham and after the keeper pushed away, the Blades got lucky as the ball did not quite sit for the incoming forward. The half time whistle came and Heckingbottom darted into the tunnel, Klopp like, as he clearly wanted to prepare his team talk that he needed to affect some much-needed changes in urgency and forward play that may yield more chances at much needed goals.
After the break, the Blades came at Rangers from the outset. They won an early long throw that Mahoney made a mess of and Gibbs White poked it goal wards but McCallum cleared near the goal line. Soon after from the other side another ball was swung in and the ball was finally cleared. The Blades had Rangers completely penned in for a period. The next effort saw Norwood send a cross over and Robinson cleverly flicked his header goal wards but Mahoney made an excellent flying save to push away.
Gibbs White and Berge linked feeding Osborn but the ball was not quite accurate as Gibbs White waited to pounce but led to another corner. The ball came over and Gibbs White met this and flicked his header onto the post and it bounced across the line and eventually cleared as no United player could react to turn it home.
The pressure was incessant and it was wave after wave of attack with set plays and long throws causing real issues as much as open play at this stage but United seemed like they would surely get back into it and sure enough the leveller came. On 54 minutes, another ball over from Norwood saw Egan head across goal and as Berge turned to shoot, the ball bounced off a defender and fell for NDIAYE who scored from close range amongst a sea of bodies around him. It was a vital leveller but United were quickly back to half way sensing they needed another goal and the win they needed.
United won a series of corners and then Gibbs White had another header at goal that was saved before Berge fired wide after more good build up. The Blades were absolutely dominating the game and kept powering forward and looking for opportunities. The home side replaced Austin with Dykes but it did not change things and another good flowing move saw Robinson’s shot was deflected wide for a corner. The delivery came over and Egan headed across but Berge could not quite react. Another corner was headed over by Egan who was dominating in the box but just could not quite execute the opportunities despite his aerial domination.
Gibbs White did well down the right-hand side with superb skill to come out of a tight spot and come inside but Ndiaye’s shot was blocked. The young striker went down with cramp soon after and he had to come off for Osula. This was just after a double home change when Kakay and Thomas came on for Amos and Dozzell.
The vital second goal came when a clever free kick routine as Fleck played in Norwood who sent over a high floated ball that Basham met and headed across and ROBINSON came in and absolutely powered the ball into the net. It was a goal reminiscent of the Bob Booker goal at Loftus Road back in 1991 in another vital end of season goal! The celebrations were as jubilant with a few fans coming onto the pitch to join the now popular Scouse defender!
United carried on attacking rather than sitting back and Berge and Stevens linked to lead to an opportunity to Gibbs White but his shot deflected wide. The loan man was chopped down in the corner before Osborn was then also taken out as the free kick was finally give. Egan got the run on his man as another ball came across but his header from point blank range was blocked as the Irish centre back will have wondered again how he has not scored a goal in the game!
Fleck then found a way through and fed Berge but his shot lacked power and was straight at the keeper. United looked like they wanted to kill the game and were going for the jugular but after such domination for 40 minutes, the home side finally mounted an attack! They got it forward and Robinson had to clear but then out of nothing a ball to the back post and Kakay bounced a volley across and Dunne instinctively hit it and it bounced off the bar and eventually away after a bout of pinball in the Blades box. It was a let off after such a dominating performance from Heckingbottom’s side. Soon after this Foderingham could not quite gather a cross and Rangers sensed they could maybe get an unlikely point. This feeling was strengthened when the referee adjudged there would be 8 minutes of stoppage time, which was ironic as it was the home side that had time wasted for long periods of the game.
Fleck, McCallum, Robinson and Johansen all got yellow cards late in with a skirmish involving the latter two seeing Robinson almost ‘WWE slam’ his man in an attempt to shake him off! Hourihane replaced Fleck as the midfielder seemed to tire at the end.
In the first minute of additional time, Osborn got down the right and set over a cross which Osula poked wide on the stretch. The next attack saw the game sealed as Norwood found Berge and the Norwegian sent over a lovely deep cross which HOURIHANE hit first time on the volley to smash home into the roof of the net and spark wild celebrations behind the goal.
The Blades saw out the final minutes with ease and even had opportunities to break and maybe score more goals. In the end the verdict probably flattered the home side who had been well beaten and given a real going over in the second half. A massive win for United who turn up the heat on their playoff rivals playing later this weekend.
United – First half was very meh. We did ok with the ball and controlled things but did not hurt them or test a young keeper. A few corners or efforts blocked but was all a bit safe and in front of them. We were not troubled at all and it seemed like we just needed to find a better final ball or show more purpose in their last third. Sadly, it did not quite happen and then we switch off and concede a really soft goal. After this we sort of went messy and turned it over and they nearly got another. I thought we looked a bit like we felt sorry for ourselves and no one was making things happen. It kind of was how the last few months have been. I felt we were timid and it was as if Sharp was missing, then we had no leader or forward who would be there even if we made a chance. I thought for an experienced side that too many were not doing enough. They had been ok but we needed much more than this and after such a sloppy goal, I wondered how we would score one, let alone two. Hecky looked as mad as we all were actually and clearly got into them at half time. As he said it is what happens in the two boxes that is important and to quote Hecky everything in between is ‘Fluff…Propaganda’
Second half was a different story. We had the same amount of possession and ball in their half but it was purposeful and we put them under pressure and it was wave after wave of attack. Yes, a lot of long throws, corners and set plays but we also played some good stuff in between all this. We turned them around and got loads of men forward. We looked determined not to go out with a whimper and we turned up and delivered a performance full of passion, intensity and high tempo. We had urgency and desire and players getting in the box and wanting to make things happen and score a goal. I felt like we were going to have a chance and maybe score almost every attack for around 20-25 minutes. We missed a few and the keeper saved one and then we hit the post and you think here we go! Finally, we score and then we keep going and keep attacking. The 2nd comes with a fantastic header that embodied that desire I discussed above, as he made it his! A really significant moment for a player that has overcome a lot of stick (some deserved as he was making some appalling mistakes) and become a bit of an unlikely cult hero! After this we did keep attacking but then they got a chance after small pocket of play and we all held our breath as it bounced off the bar. We started to panic a bit which is natural so late on but then went and got the third and it was game over.
I was quite proud of them second half. I thought we showed real balls to go out and seize the game. Yes, QPR had nothing to play for but with them leading and us lacking that threat up top and maybe not having the belief we had a few months ago, but so many players stepped up and the whole team played much higher up and delivered the best performance (in the 2nd half) since Boro and certainly away from home since maybe Fulham (yes we have won a few since but these were against strugglers). A lot of players really had excellent 2nd half performances. Berge, Gibbs White, Robinson, Egan and Norwood were the stand outs but most stepped up. Fleck and Stevens continued to be very frustrating down the left and not sure Bash is close to his best but we had far more positive than negatives and as a team we did put in a really good performance after the break and blew them away.
Overall, it is a big win. We needed it and I said not to settle and wait for something to happen as if that was the case, the Fulham game would be very tricky. Of course, we still may need something but now we are in the box seat to get that final spot. Heck we may even go 5th if Luton lose to Fulham! I expect Middlesbrough may win, Blackburn may draw and Millwall may win (but GD may have meant they are nearly out of it) and that would make it a straight shoot out between us, Luton and Boro for the final three slots with us having the hardest game but Boro having an away game. We will see but we now have given ourselves a great chance and need to go out and attack and not hold back next week. We saw against Wigan what being tentative resulted in back in 2007! Sharp being out is a huge blow and it is ridiculous we have gone from 6 strikers to 0 in 3 months. Right now, I’d even take a half fit Mousset or a headless chicken like Burke but we showed tonight we can score goals in different ways and do not have to play intricate stuff and the percentage stuff and pressure football worked and caused them major issues and they could not cope with us.
For now, we can enjoy the big win and wait and see what happens to our rivals but we have done our work and the pressure now switches over to them.
Ratings:
Foderingham 5.5/10 – No real chance on the headed goal and was left exposed. He did kind of push one out not long after and got away with it and then at the end he sorts of flapped at a cross. His kicking was good as he was given quite a few hard and dodgy back passes.
Osborn 6.5/10 – He was ok. Nothing too bad defensively and going forward he tried to get into good areas but his crossing often hit his first man or he failed to pick anyone out. Always puts the effort in and works hard but not sure there is always the quality there.
Stevens 4/10 – Thought he was our poorest player. He seemed to just kick it blindly at times and his decision making and passing was all over the place. Had one or two attacking moments but rarely anything that helped us create much. One wayward shot blocked and some poor crosses. On the goal gives his man too much time. Just does some bewildering things at times and puts us under pressure with such simple passes given away.
Basham 5.5/10 –Our next poorest player to Stevens and he has made a big mistake losing his man on the goal and that is two bad errors in consecutive games. He was a bit slow to react to things and whilst he did get on the ball a bit more as the game went on, he seemed to take too long to do things. Missed two half chances badly first half. Gets an extra mark for the great header in the set up for the second goal.
Robinson 8/10 – Our best defender in terms of basic tackling, reading of the game and interceptions. He then caused issues with his throws and nearly scored a really good header when the keeper saved after the break. Undeterred he then powered home a brilliant header that put us in the lead. He was a real talisman as he attacked the ball both defensively and attacking wise. Really turned fans opinions round.
Egan 7/10 – He switched off a few times at the end of the first half but then he was massively influential second half as he won header after header that helped us create and have so many chances. Sure, he missed a few himself but so many times he recycled things back into the box and he set up the first and was involved in numerous other opportunities. They struggled to stop him and he seemed to win everything and was like an extra attacker as we had waves of attacks.
Norwood 8/10 – He was excellent all game. Steady first half with switches of play and some decent corners/free kicks which led to our main half chances and helped us dominate the ball. He stepped it up even more after the break and in open and set play, he showed his quality. Lots of our efforts came from his corners/free kicks or whipped in balls. He put balls into exactly the right areas but also mixed it up playing some deep and some nearer too. They struggled to defend his balls into the box and there was danger every time he put something in.
Fleck 6/10 – Mixed bag. Some good runs and interceptions but too often he took forever to do things and execute simple passes and got robbed a few times when well placed. He did keep going and carried the ball a fair bit though and some decent interchanges with others. He tired badly as the game went on and then got booked and started hacking at people. He seemed completely knackered and rightly was taken off! Maybe should have come off sooner.
Berge 7.5/10 – He did have spells where he was not involved but this was much less than previous games and he seemed to far more influential and wanting to make things happen over a full game than he has been. Started well getting on the ball and driving at the defenders and played some intelligent balls too. He kept going and trying to run at players and draw space. He did waft at a few balls that came into the box and sort of cowers when the ball comes to him, particularly aerially. He did not react to the MGW one off the post and needs to be a bit more alert. Still on the ball he was always looking to probe and create and the assist for the third was excellent. Better performance.
Gibbs White 7.5/10 – As always, works for the team and keeps going. He was always in motion and trying to run at them. First half a few flicks did not work but he tried to run down the channels or find space but it was hard as when he did have it, he looked up and there was no one ahead of him as Ndiaye was often in the same pocket of space. Second half his desire was such he had two headed chances and was unlucky not to score (one post/one saved) but despite a few knocks, he continued to work for the side and showed some lovely skill to set a few more chances up. Nice we won and he did not score or assist (which is a rarity).
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Flitted in and out of things but gets a mark for the finish for the vital equaliser. Early on had a few runs but took too long but he always does try and attack and go forward which I like. He blazed one over when well placed but then on the spot he finished well. He did tire after this and got cramp again which is a concern as he struggles to finish games and needs to work on his conditioning, as a few do really!
Subs –
Osula – Worked hard and won a few balls up to him and kept it once well. He then poked one over. He is a big lad and has more physicality than Jebbison which is maybe why he is being used first currently. Did ok though when he came on.
Hourihane – First touch and scores! A great finish and lovely cushioned volley and that kills the game! We heard he could strike a ball and get a goal but that has not happened until tonight but in a brief cameo, what a time to get it!
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – The first half was too safe and we did not look like scoring or having a spell of prolonged chances. After the break we were excellent and it was sustained pressure where we pushed them further and further back and hammered them really. We had chance after chance and even though they had the late one off the bar, it would have been a travesty if we had not won the game. It was completely one way traffic and a ruthless and determined performance so he deserves lots of credit for getting that out of them. The change at the end was quite inspired too even if he was just brought on to see things out in all likelihood.
QPR – Seemed certain to get in the playoffs a few months ago and even flirted with the top two but fell away after such a good start and really hit a rut (far more than we have done and we have not been anywhere near as consistent). They struggled to put results together and seemed to chop and change the side but overall, it was not the consistency or level of performance they had at the start of the season. At the start of the season, I thought they may sneak the playoffs with the experience they had and the signings (Austin and Johansen etc) but they probably ended up where many thought they might. Just after the start they had will feel disappointing to miss out completely.
Always seem strong at home (maybe a lazy cliché) and I think they are a side over the last few years who can be beaten when they travel but tougher to get a result at Loftus Road. With the news Warburton was departing, I thought this could go one of two ways. They may want to have given him a good send off but equally the players may think, well he won’t be here next season and the fans likewise. I thought it probably helped our chances but even though we dominated the first half on the ball, they took the one big chance. I thought they may go on and see the game out but of course would have expected a reaction but they got a Blades team absolutely pumped up and came out and just put them on the ropes time after time. They lost 1-3 and it could and should have been a lot more. They had no answer for our set plays and struggled to deal with Egan, Robinson and Basham who won everything. In the end they were well beaten. Be interesting to see what happens with the manager but they have a mix of young players but mostly a lot of experienced ‘decent to good’ Championship calibre players on their way down (like us maybe you could say).
Opponent Man of the Match – Austin scored the goal and had one other effort saved. Outside of this Adomah got forward a bit and the sub Kakay looked dangerous but to a man they lost their battle second half.
Opponent Weak link – A number struggled. The young keeper made one great save but did not look comfortable with the balls coming in. I actually through their ball players Johansen and Chair did not look remotely interested at all tonight though. I also thought Dozzell and Amos were not in it at all. However, the whole team/defensive unit have to ask questions why they kept struggling with set plays with so many deep crosses they failed to defend or even contest.
Referee/Officials – Peter Bankes. Recall he sent off Lundstram at Brighton harshly. Believe he is a Premier League referee? Not sure we have seen him for a while – last time I think was the 0-3 defeat to Arsenal at the Lane- but then he would not slum it at this level apart from the odd game as they have to do now and again! Tonight, he was ok and only started booking people at the end (all deserved – what was Robinson doing? Bit daft!) Fleck did his usual lazy grab/pull and they got a booking for a cynical foul. Not sure what Johansen did to get booked. MGW took some hammer and got fouled once and the assistant just stood and watched and only gave it when Osborn got fouled just after. Overall, the officials were decent thought but if they had levelled in the extra 8 minutes (about right as delays on two goals, 5 subs and then the break to allow the drinks for those fasting) I would not have been happy!
