Post by deadbat on May 7, 2022 20:00:48 GMT
Podcast links to come tomorrow and then report below….
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The Blades’ season will continue after a fantastic final day performance against Champions Fulham at the Lane saw them clinch a playoff spot. Fulham had been in imperious form after routing Luton on Monday night but Heckingbottom’s Blades were too strong for them as they dominated the game and completed the league double over the top side with a resounding 4-0 victory. Goals from Gibbs White, Ndiaye, Berge and Stevens saw United achieve a play-off spot with relative comfort in the end as rivals Boro were well beaten at Preston and meant Luton’s win was immaterial in the end. United now are set to face a duel with Forest over two legs in the quest for Wembley and a tie to decide a place in the Premier League.
Manager Heckingbottom named a side that was unchanged from the previous two games with Ndiaye, Gibbs White and Berge up front. Baldock was on the bench for Uremovic. Fulham fresh off a 7-0 win against Luton that sealed the title and saw them break various divisional and individual records, named a side with a smattering of changes with Gazzaniga named in goal and Hector, Seri and Chalobah named to start with Rodak, Adarabioyo, Cairney and Wilson not named in the squad.
The game began in front of a sold-out crowd and the home fans were well behind the Blades as the action got underway but the early going saw Fulham move it around nicely and their clever one touch stuff was forcing the Blades back. United had to be on their guard to make several interceptions and struggled to see much of the ball for the opening of the game. Slowly, the home side started to win some tackles and get amongst the technical opponents they faced and a few snapping tackles saw them move up the field and start to get into the game.
On 10 minutes, the Blades took the lead. The ball was moved around and Berge and then Osborn moved it back and Norwood whipped over a dangerous cross that saw GIBBS WHITE jump and flick goal wards and Gazzaniga seemed to misjudge it and the ball bounced in off the post. The relief and euphoria inside the ground was palpable. United settled after this and Gibbs White and Ndiaye started to link well and Fleck and Norwood now were seeing much more of the ball. The crowd was really ramping up the atmosphere as the Blades started to swarm all over Fulham and on 21 minutes, the lead was doubled. It came from a slip as Seri stumbled and Berge robbed him and fed Gibbs White and with a two on one, he played in NDIAYE who was in on goal and he coolly swept it home with his left foot into the corner and United were in dreamland.
The Blades were snapping at every tackle with Robinson and Egan coming onto every ball and winning everything and the home side were now looking very dangerous against a hesitant defence that was struggling with the movement of the Blades front men. Gibbs White and Ndiaye were playing some lovely one touch combination play and the home crowd were loving what they were seeing. It was not long after the third goal came. It came down the left-hand side and Gibbs White flicked on, Ndiaye moved it on again and BERGE swept home, maybe with the aid of a slight deflection. 3-0 and it seemed that the playoff place was all but sealed inside 25 minutes.
Onomah came on for Chalabah as a shell-shocked Fulham tried to change things in a game they had been blown away, in the same way that they had destroyed Luton in the week.
Fleck had been tenacious all game but got a yellow for being a touch over zealous for a foul on Tete but United were still swarming all over the league leaders and Gibbs White and then Ndiaye had goals disallowed after more clever build up saw the away side moved around with the fleet footed forwards for the Blades causing all sorts of problems. After starting well, Fulham looked shell shocked and had not been in the game but just before half time, Der Cordova Reid’s ball beat the offside trap and Carvalho was in on the angle but Foderingham made a point blank save to deny him. The corner came to nothing and the half time whistle came soon after and the Lane rose as one to salute a highly impressive first half where the Blades had dominated the best side in the league away. With Middlesbrough two down, it seemed like the afternoon that had threatened to be a nervous one, had ended up being one where the Blades were as it stands, in complete control.
The second half saw United continue to win all the loose balls and look so determined to ensure Fulham would not have any possession where it mattered. In turn they went forward with purpose and the fourth goal came only 4 minutes after the break. It was a lovely move and maybe the best goal of the game as Osborn, Fleck and then Berge moved it across before the Norwegian slid it across to STEVENS who calmly side footed into the net, in a goal reminiscent of some of his strikes in the promotion season of 2018-19. The Kop rose to acclaim another fantastic goal and surely the strike that sealed the deal.
United continued to move the ball around well with Berge being instrumental in many of the dangerous moves and Gibbs White’s creativity and work rate continued to be a joy to watch for the capacity crowd. Fulham had not looked like coming back and every time they tried to move it around, United were able to nick it off their toes and go on the attack. Ndiaye had put a great work rate in but his issues with cramp continued and he had to come off for Osula just after the hour mark. Muniz came on for Mitrovic which maybe suggested the white flag from the Champions as the division’s leading striker got a standing ovation from all four sides who recognised the efforts of the leading scorer in the Championship.
Osula drew a booking for Hector after good work down the left before Egan was denied a fifth after a deep free kick was headed across by the skipper but saved by Gazzaniga. The game settled down for a spell with fewer chances and the home side were happy to take the sting out of the game. It became a bit more stop start before Stevens was booked and then Robinson also pulled down his man as United tried to stop Fulham having any kind of foothold in the game. Osula and Gibbs White had a two on one but the youngster took too long and the chance went awry as the crowd looked for more. Gibbs White then fired over as the Fulham defence backed off.
Reed came on for Seri and then Hourihane replaced Fleck as we entered the final 15 minutes of the contest. Fulham had a rare chance when Kebano got down the left and hit a shot that seemed to deflect off Basham and hit the post and go behind. Fulham had a free kick that was blocked before Jebbison came on for the outstanding Gibbs White. The visitors did at least have a spell but Foderingham pushed away a header to deny them even a late goal. United had chances on the break to get more chances but in the end opted to move it around. A late Hourihane free kick was blocked by the wall in stoppage time but both teams had been ready for full time long before it came such was the comprehensive margin of victory for the Blades. With results coming in it emerged United would have to face Forest in the two-legged play offs a week today.
United – Wow. I did not see that 2nd half coming at QPR and did not see that coming today. After watching Fulham in the week, I was really worried. Even with the league in the bag and Mitrovic breaking records, I felt them relaxed was still very dangerous with the talent they possess. I thought they may be too strong and would be relying on Preston or Reading to help us over the line. I thought it might be a bit much for us against a fast, athletic and very technical side who on their day can destroy sides easily. In the end we did that to them! They started well and you worried as they pinged it around but slowly, we started to get stuck in and I felt the midfield of Norwood and Fleck got amongst them and won the loose balls and then Egan and Robinson were first to the ball coming through. We began to rattle them and then of course scored. A good ball and decent header but not great keeping and seemed a soft goal and then they made another mistake and we were calm to find the change and Ndiaye took it really well. Then the third came and it felt like it was game over already. With Boro 2-0 down it suddenly seemed like we had it done before the half hour mark! After this we continued to keep the standards high and then got the fourth. This killed it. You always worried even at 2 or 3-0 they could score goals easily but the fourth killed them and they sort of gave up and Mitrovic was withdrawn.
They had a late rally but we could have scored more goals too. It was a comprehensive win. United were excellent today. We were at it all game (well after 10 minutes at least) and won the 50-50 stuff, were dangerous in the attacking areas and forced them to defend all game. We moved it around with some lovely football and seized on poor mistakes but thought it was as much about us as them being poor. Sure, they made a few changes and in the end sort of gave up but out attitude and play overwhelmed them so huge credit to our players. No one played badly and individually and collectively we were the far better side and of course have done the league double (the only side to do this?) over by far the best side in the whole league. I was really proud of out attitude and how we played. We were competitive, tenacious and full of energy but also played some good football. Last week it was more direct and back to basics to over power QPR with set plays and percentage stuff as we kind of bombarded them but today there was some fierce tackling and pressing but then one touch and link play in the attacking third that was great. Gibbs White, Ndiaye and Berge were a joy to watch for that 10 minute to 60 minutes spell and they struggled to hold us back. I was worried about Mitrovic and some of their movement to compliment him but in the end, they could not live with our football and attacking fluency and indeed power. We were excellent today and 4-0 was not a flattering score. Indeed, the last game and a half has seen us find that Boro win type performance and akin to some of those game either side of Xmas when we defended well, competed and attacked with vigour. We may not have a natural striker but those three can cause all sorts of problems. We really have turned up when it mattered and won 3 from 3 and got in the top 6 with a bit so spare after the wobbles over Easter.
I have to say I would have rather have played Huddersfield over 2 legs and it was annoying that late Hull goal but Forest have stuttered a bit recently and to be honest if we want to go up, we have to beat 2 of the 3 teams in there. Everyone is tipping Forest to get the last spot and we will go in underdogs but you never know. If we play like we have the last couple then we will have a great chance. We need a similar atmosphere next week at the Lane but it is a two-legged game and whilst Forest have been hammering teams at the City Ground, they are due a bad game there and won’t have faced sides as good (if we play like today) as us there recently. We have a chance and then who knows if we come through that. Maybe Sharp can be around to play some part and if we can come up with a few more big performances then you never know? I am just delighted to extend the season and have another few games. We never thought we would be close to this and thought we would be mid table at best so to go on a run and finish 5th is a massive testament to Heckingbottom and the players. I am fairly relaxed going into next week. I think we can just go out and have a real go. If the players repeat what they have done the last few, the crowd will be appreciative of their efforts and what will be, will be.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7.5/10 – Did not have much to do but he made a standard save from a shot straight at him and then made a great save as they had a one on one just before half time. After the break saw a shot deflect onto his post (did he got a slight touch?) and then one for the cameras from a header but he held the crosses or punched them and he was faultless keeping another clean sheet. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he is just really assured and we feel comfortable with him in the sticks.
Osborn 7.5/10 – Steady game. He defended well and got his foot in and made interceptions when he could. He also got forward well and had some decent passes/bits of interchange but too often he had to check back inside so that slowed him down. He put a real graft in though and always made sure he closed down space and made them not have any clear chances or breaks down that side.
Stevens 7.5/10 – He started badly actually and made 2 or 3 errors but then settled down and also as well as doing better with the defending, he then got forward and found some gaps and opening down there. A few decent crosses that did not quite sit but then second half he got down the left, found space and finished really calmly. He used to score goals like that a while ago but not seen that for some time so lovely to see him get into that area and finish so well. He picked up a booking for a clumsy foul and did get run past a few times towards the end.
Basham 7.5/10 – Not quite to the level he was before and still a few slices or mis controls but he got better as the game went on. He swept up behind others and made a few good forward runs too to give us another outlet. A steady game.
Robinson 8/10 – Felt he set the tone with some crunching tackles and always came onto the ball and won things when he needed to and had the nice mix of determined/dirty! He won so many of the loose things coming into our area and read the game well. Yes, he committed a few fouls but they were good fouls and stopped any kind of momentum at all. Fresh off getting a contract extension, he gave another excellent showing on the back of his heroics at QPR.
Egan 8.5/10 – Superb today. He won the battle completely against Mitrovic who barely had a kick. He has actually completely outplayed him two games. Odd as lesser opponents like the lad Gyokeres at Coventry/Davis v Forest have caused him more problems. He was first to everything, strong, made tackles and denied any chances. They did not have a sniff today and has the fulcrum of the defence. Really good and one of his best showings of the season.
Norwood 8.5/10 – Started slowly but grew into the game and started to win the ball and get on it and move it around. Showed his range of passing and he was able to control much of the first half as they lost the midfield after beginning in control. Good cross for the opener and a few other dangerous balls whipped in. Some poor ones too but he was always looking to move it forward and not play the safe balls. After the break the midfield just broke things up when they needed to and we played a very intelligent game in the middle of the field with him at the heart of it.
Fleck 7.5/10 – Yes, he got booked but he made a number of tackles and set the tone as we attacked their defence and made sure they could not come out and he pressed very high. He made sure they could not find those pockets of space or turn it around into the midfield to cause us problems with two on ones. He just crowded them out and made sure he got in areas to deny them. On the ball he also did some decent things and was involved in some of our opportunities, including the third goal.
Berge 8/10 – A rolls Royce of a performance again as he showed his class. He began slowly but grew into the game and started to glide past them with some great runs and they could not hold him up as he moved it forward. He probed and prompted and was involved in a number of good moves. Even showed some physicality at times and also won a few headers! He scored the third getting into the box and then was involved in the fourth with an assist. He does have spells out of the game but the last few he has been much more involved over 90 minutes and been more instrumental and consistent throughout. Loved his comments at the end about it being the ‘best place in the world’ when it is like that. Lovely to see him a big part of things as we have a genuine chance of going up.
Gibbs White 9/10 – My man of the match, ahead of Egan, Robinson, Norwood and Berge – all who were close! Gibbs White still was the one who made everything happen. The tricks and flicks are great but as I have said before, his work ethic is something else. Never seen a loan player work so hard and care so much (maybe Henderson in recent times but a different kind of position of course). He continues to hassle, harry and press and then when he does get it, he is so positive. Weighs in with another goal and then he makes the second and third. He was constantly involved and perpetually in motion. Love to watch this lad play and a real connection between fans and players is clear for all to see. He just excites the fans but it is creativity and skill with an end product and making defences worries. A clever player and the partnership with Ndiaye has started to yield real opportunities again. A big player who if he plays well the next few then we have a real chance. Will be sadly missed when he goes back but at least we get to see another few games from him because as I have said, he has been a joy to watch this season.
Ndiaye 8/10 – Flits in and out but he did so many good things again today and when we had that spell from the first goal to half time, he was a big part of things linking with Gibbs White, Berge and others. Some things do not come off but a lot did today and the one twos, flicks and overs between him and MGW was delicious at times. He got into some great areas and showed his strength and running power. He had a few half chances that just did not sit before he did score with a really cool finish. He is then involved in a number of other chances too and he was a real threat. Only negative is his inability to play full games and went off with cramp again today.
Subs –
Osula 6.5/10 – Excellent first contribution as he twisted and turned and got chopped down in the corner. After this he made a few poor choices as we had two breaks to add more goals and he overplayed or made the wrong decision. Continued to work hard but as the game went on, they had more of it and him and Jebbison were more chasing and harrying as we saw the game out.
Hourihane – Steady enough as we just looked to keep the ball and deny them breaks. Had one free kick that hit the wall which seemed in an ideal spot for him to score.
Jebbison – Played the final 15 minutes but like Osula, it was more around stopping them have an easy out than him creating or going for more goals as we just needed to do a professional job. To finish the game with two 18-year-olds up front is encouraging for them and a feather in the cap for the academy but also shows the injuries we have too!
Manager: Heckingbottom 8.5/10 – Superb the last two in terms of how the team responded at half time last week and the complete performance today where we were ‘at it’ and determined on and off the ball. Loved the purpose and positivity of the team when we got the ball as we tried to create and score goals. We have not been safe (we had for a month or so before that) the last few and tried to take games to the opposition and credit him for this change in our attitude and renewed energy levels we have found. Even with the lack of strikers we have found a way to play in both the last two (quite different ways to win games) and the team have shown some real balls to get the results and get in there. I did not see us doing what we have done in terms of performances and results so he and the coaching team have to take a lot of praise for getting the team set up, prepared and ready to get these big results. Cooper is an outstanding coach and maybe he got the better of him in the two league games despite two draws so maybe it is our turn to adapt and see if we can cause them some problems next week.
Fulham – A side that has romped the league and I was concerned even with changes, they may be too strong with some real threats all over the field and the first 10 minutes, I was worried as they knocked it around and we struggled. I thought they may get one as they were finding those spaces and it was all one touch at pace but then we slowly started to get into them and the goal came. After this they sort of backtracked and started to make mistakes and lost the midfield completely. We played higher up and forced them back and our forwards and aggression in winning the ball was causing all sort of issues. They made errors but we did look like scoring every time we attacked for a spell and they kept coughing up possession. The second and third killed it and even though they had a chance on half time they had already made one change and then after the fourth, they took off Mitrovic, which felt like a concession of sorts. The game sort of drifted away then and even though they had a few chances, it would only have been a consolation at this stage and the game was up after the fourth and both teams would probably have shaken hands at this point.
I still think they are a very good side of course and they did make some changes but they still had most of the side that beat Luton and have run away with the league. It did show they may have to make some signings or could suffer the same fate as last time and like Norwich, need to show something different. They do rely on Mitrovic a lot and when he is off his game like today, they do not look the same threat. They play pretty football but it was all a bit toothless today and actually we looked the more fluent and dangerous in terms of the two attacks and they struggled with our movement. Sure, they did not expect to get a whacking like they did to Luton, but in the end, they were soundly beaten. Not even sure it was about them being ‘on the beach’ and not being interested. We just came out and swarmed all over them and were too good for them and after we raced in front, they then kind of gave up.
Not sure what I think they will do next year but without major additions, feel they will be similar to Watford/Norwich and need to change things from what they did last time. Mitrovic will do better I think at this level next time though and may score a lot more goals than before but they need to add to the defence and have some steel in midfield too.
Opponent Man of the Match – Carvalho and Kebano showed a few bits and pieces and at least tried to get on it but it was all in bits and pieces and not one player consistently played well. To a man they lost their battles today.
Opponent Weak link – Mitrovic was dominated and the midfield was poor with Seri making a number of mistakes with misplaced passes and slips and Chalobah withdrawn on the half hour mark. The lad at the back Ream just headed it out or fell over. The keeper looked dodgy too and should have done better I thought on the opening goal.
Referee/Officials – Josh Smith. Recall he did the Forest game and he gave a less than confident performance with the sort of officiating where no one knew what was coming next? Seemed to let things go and then was really fussy and this made it totally confusing. Today it was a much easier game and despite missing a few things, it was a fairly easy game to ref with a few standard bookings and not a lot really to grumble about for either side. Hecky was fuming though when Berge went down (head injury) and he played on for the chance on half time.
Matchday/Crowd – Really good to start and the first hour was excellent with a packed crowd up for it with singing, the noise on the kick off and then the goal very loud and then the flares and reaction to us pulling away helped us just cement things. The crowd were good today and it had a crackle and a buzz from the off. Of course, after the game was finished it went a bit quieter and the Fulham fans had some fun but at that stage the job was done by players and fans. It is great to see the Lane like it was today with a full house, lots of noise/singing and a fervour around the home support that makes it hard for the opponents. Need to replicate it next week.
