Post by deadbat on Aug 1, 2022 23:00:06 GMT
Podcast to come tomorrow. Report below….
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It was a defeat on opening day for the third consecutive season and seven from the last nine to open the season as the Blades also continued their poor away form on the first day of new campaigns. This is a record which has only seen them once since 1989! Newly relegated Watford were quicker out of the blocks than the Blades and in the end a winning goal from Pedro after the home side broke from a United corner saw the Hornets achieve a relatively comfortable victory in the end.
The first day team news saw United once again having to deal with injuries even with a summer off with no places for Basham and Robinson. Anel Ahmedhodzic was suspended with a ban carrying over into the new season that United only found out about on Thursday! It meant Ciaran Clark playing on the right and Stevens/Norrington Davies on the left-hand side of defence.
Manager Heckingbottom sprang another surprise when he named teenager Daniel Jebbison up front instead of record signing Rhian Brewster.
In terms of other newcomers, Reda Khadira was on the bench, a substitute pool that could be delved into more this season with up to 5 changes. He was joined by youngsters Amissah and Gordon and Sharp, Lowe and Osborn. There was no place in the squad for Ismaila Coulibaly.
Watford started with all three of the rumoured outgoings in exciting trio of Sarr, Pedro and Dennis under new manager Rob Edwards.
The Blades wearing their new home strip, unveiled today, kicked away from their fans in the first half but it was the home side who came out looking the more purposeful. Dennis nearly got in after a Norwood giveaway and then Sarr’s run had to be checked. The first chance came when Dennis nutmegged Clark and was away. The ball was played into Sarr down the outside right channel and his shot went the wrong side of the post as far as the home side were concerned.
Pedro and Kaymenbe linked leading to a corner but Egan cleared before Ndiaye showed some lively skill to find space to give United some breathing space. Watford came again with Dennis continuing to be too quick and skilful for Clark but Dennis has his shot blocked. However, Clark’s hesitant debut continued as he was booked for a cynical foul as the home side broke. Dennis then had space but pulled his shot as Watford continued to exploit space in the gaps between United’s midfield and defence.
On 19 minutes Berge had United’s first effort as his low shot deflected into Bachmann’s hands. The home side continued to be the aggressor and Pedro, Sarr and Dennis interchanging and causing problems for the Blades who were getting pulled apart.
Ndiaye was United’s best player and was pulled by Cleverly leading to Fleck and Sierralta pushing each over in the chest to both stupidly pick up yellow cards.
Watford had not created any real clear chances outside of the Sarr effort but looked to be the more likely side and United were not keeping the ball up the top. Despite this they forced arguable the best chance of the game as Jebbison flicked on Foderingham’s kick and Ndiaye used his strength to get in but his shot lacked direction and was saved by Bachmann.
At the other end the Hornets then had their best opening as Sema got away down the left and sent over an excellent cross that Pedro headed firmly goal wards but Foderingham sprang across to make the save. The game was opening up just before the break and Jebbison who had been quiet, did well to win the first ball and then was able to get onto the ball after Berge and then Baldock broke, and the effort towards goal was tipped over from the Watford keeper.
Ndiaye was clearly being targeted and Cleverley was finally booked for his third foul on the Blades man of the half. The half time whistle came soon after Egan had headed over from a set play. Watford had shaded things in terms of ball retention, possession and movement but United had as many clear chances with a couple of either side and Bachmann being the busier of the two despite United lacking fluency.
The second half began with Clark headed out as Watford attacked down the right-hand side. The home side continued to press but the fans were frustrated by some refereeing decisions that seemed to go against them. Still, they continued to force the Blades back and swift movement had to be monitored closely by Clark and then Egan. Watford won two corners but failed to make anything of them before United broke to win one of their own. It was ironic that from this opportunity, it was the home side that broke to score.
Norwood tried to roll it to Fleck and his fellow midfielder came onto it but checked his run somewhat maybe distracted by the referee in close attention but his effort was poor and easily blocked. Watford were off to the races and Dennis broke but his ball should have been cut out by Fleck and/or Norrington Davies but the former inexplicably seemed to dummy it and this let Sarr in. United had men back but no one spotted the one Watford man in the box and as the cross came in PEDRO converted coolly from close range. In truth Watford had been the better side and deserved to lead but it was a very sloppy goal from a Blades point of view but for the home side showed the qualities of the front three as they broke at pace.
The next spell did not really see a Blades response and if anything Watford continued to look the more dangerous side and Sarr and Pedro both got away from United players twice and Norrington Davies was lucky not to be cautioned. The Blades simply could not offer anything really in response and had to make a triple change as Khadra, Brewster and Osborn came on for Jebbison, Clark and Norwood. United switched to a 4-4-2 seemingly and Khadra was lively after his introduction with a few darting runs.
The next spell was stop start with a stoppage in the crowd due to a Blades fan being taken ill. After the game re-started, the Blades tried to force Watford back but had still not really hurt them. The home side now seemed to be settling for what they had but were relatively comfortable. Sharp came on for Ndiaye and United did have a half chance from a free kick but Egan got caught between going across goal or for goal and it went harmlessly wide. Watford had a chance on the counter when Manaj hit a powerful shot at Foderingham.
The game entered 6 minutes of additional time but as much as United huffed and puffed, poor balls or decisions saw Watford run down time and in the end the game came to an end with Watford not really troubled.
United – I know people will say it is only one game but I thought we were really poor tonight. I watched pre season and saw no real clear plan to how we were going to play or attack and felt it continued tonight. Losing a few players to injury cannot have helped but also do think that other than Ahmedhodzic, I think the rest of the defence may have been the same and he clearly chose Stevens over Lowe and picked Jebbison over Brewster. So I am not sure I buy this mass disruption some have said? Even with all the injuries maybe only Doyle and AA would possibly start. If he plays that system it's going to be Ndiaye or Khadra – maybe at home we can play both.
Watford were not even as good as I thought. They did look bigger and stronger and just quicker at times but not sure they cut us to pieces. The first 15 minutes I was really worried but then they sort of ran out of steam a bit and we ended the first half better than them and had a few chances. The way we started the second half was poor and we never got going and they were much better. I thought they were going to score before they did but it was an awful goal and so avoidable but in general play, they were far superior. After this we made changes but it was all a bit ragged and their keeper did not have a touch/save to make all second half I do not think with one Egan header across goal the sum of our efforts. Our response to conceding was non existent really. Khadra had a few runs but he had no options to pass to and in the end it kind of frittered out.
I was really disappointed with our approach. It was all a bit timid and safe. We never tried to go through them or get behind them and yes individuals were poor but the set up was never going to allow us to create much. Jebbison looked lost but was isolated and only Ndiaye tried to make things happen. I thought Norwood, Berge and Fleck were awful with and without the ball and non-existent. Fleck set them up for 4 breaks on goal and they scored with one of them! His legs have completely gone and it is sad to see – same for Stevens. We have too many average players like them, Osborn and Lowe. They need moving out for me if we are to progress but sadly, they are all on decent wages/contracts.
I do think tonight showed how much Gibbs White was part of what we did. Even when we had poor games, he would show a bit of magic or his work rate would spark us into life. However, we often forget we have played like that away from home for a good 2 and a half seasons now – almost playing for a draw and hoping we can nick something. A really poor way to approach things. I watched Burnley on Friday who attacked with wing backs high up, got on the ball and first intention was to pass forward. I know they have maybe different players but I was bored by watching us tonight. We were slow and negative and meant we ended up going back constantly and then invariably gave it away.
It is worrying we come into a season seemingly underprepared again with injuries (keeps happening so something must be wrong) happening before a ball has been kicked (at least proper games) and with a poor pre season again. He does not seem to know his best team (injuries have not helped) and we seem to be sort of throwing people into areas/positions and hoping it will work (maybe he had no choice but why play Brewster and Lowe all pre season and then not start them?). Courtney Sweetman Kirk summed it up when she said it looked like a Premier League team with quicker and stronger players playing a Championship side. I did not even think Watford were that great either but did enough.
It's one game and Watford might have the best attacking trio in the league but to say it was a performance lacking cohesion, purpose and confidence is an understatement. I was really disappointed with us tonight individually and collectively. We looked massively undercooked in terms of being ready and the number of passes/touches that came off us was worrying. It was more like a weary team in the middle of a season.
Hopefully we can put in a better showing but we need to be more prepared as Millwall or a big, physical side who will not sit back when they come here on Saturday and we need to better in everything we do. At least the kit looked good but tonight was like last season’s opener – all the excitement, hope and enthusiasm and you kind of have it zapped away after 90 minutes when you think ‘Is that the best you can do?’
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – First half he had little top do even though they were the better side. One flashed past his post and then he made a good save to get across to Pedro’s header. His kick led to the flick on from Jebbison and the chance for Ndiaye. Second half even though they came at us, he did not really have much to do but was left badly exposed on the goal. After this not sure he made any real saves other than one at the end actually.
Baldock 6/10 – Started ok and looked up for it but a few sloppy touches and then they got behind him a few times down that side as he and Clark were too far apart. They had a few chances from that side. He did cross one with his left foot (not that bad!) and involved in the Jebbison chance. Second half saw nothing from him going forward and stuck to his job defensively and they had less joy down that side.
Stevens 4/10 – Looked heavy legged to me. He just seems not to be able to run anymore with any conviction and never really a forward threat. Defensively he just kicks it out or rotates onto his left side. A player I am surprised that started as he looks like someone who should not be playing much now. Hobbled a few times and then went down with cramp and then came off.
Norrington Davies 5.5/10 – Did ok but a few times they got behind him and he was slow to react and like with Clark and Baldock, they found those gaps down that side. He (along) with Fleck should have cut the ball out. Then lucky not to get booked after he took his man out and they started to find more gaps in between. He competed and got stuck in but not sure he is a centre back.
Clark 2.5/10 – Had a shocking first half. Slow to the ball, got beat for skill a few times and they seemed to target him. Clumsy booking and on the ball, he looked woeful with kicks out of play or passes straight to them. Worrying that he looked so poor when he was in the top division last season. Second half he was less error ridden but they still found space down that side. He at least won a few tackles but then of course was sacrificed after they took the lead.
Egan 6.5/10 – Our best defender with the others struggling with movement and pace. He won a few headers and blocks. He had a headed chance first half and another second half where he made a mess of both of them. Defensively he was ok though and did not make any real errors I can recall.
Norwood 4/10 – Quiet game where he did not have much of the ball and ended up being more involved in a defensive type sense. When he does not see the ball, he struggles as lacks pace and the legs to chase back and with no protection alongside it will be hard for him. Second half he was not really in it again and then after a few more misplaced passes as they threatened to run through us, we took him off.
Fleck 2/10 – Thought he looked tired and weary again and seems to lack the power and dynamism he once had. First game of the season and looked dead on his feet after 20 minutes! On the ball he was sloppy. Stupid booking too where he raised his hands (first before their man). Second half he was even worse as he constantly had bad touches that gave it away and then of course a poor shot from the corner and then failed to cut out the ball and they score. He blamed the ref but it was awful from him twice regardless of if he had to check his run a bit. He then put them in twice more after this. He just wanted rid of it whenever he had it and cannot run with it at all anymore. Sad to watch but for me we need to upgrade in here. It seems Coulibaly is not seen as the answer (not on the bench) and Osborn is not realty any better. We either have to wait for Doyle or give the young lad Arblaster a go. I said lack of legs in midfield would hurt us and it showed again tonight.
Berge 4.5/10 – Started ok and one or two bits and then a shot but then faded and saw little of him as he did not impose himself. He tried to find and link but then 2nd half he was even more anonymous and sadly looked a bit disinterested. After Norwood went off, he came a bit deeper but it made no difference as he still saw nothing of it. The bit at the end where he just ran into his man and then pulled him back summed him and us up tonight.
Ndiaye 7/10 – Our best player first half showing good skill, strength and some nice runs. Had a good chance which he maybe should do better with but he was the main outlet and only one who looked comparable to their front three. Had no real help either. Second half he kept going but kind of got crowded out as they had the dominant spell and we saw little of it. I would still have kept him on as he offered a threat.
Jebbison 4/10 – Game mostly passed him by. One flicked header to Ndiaye and the shot before half time but too often the ball did not stick to the front and he sort of got lost. He lacks strength and the ability to hold it up and so it just kept coming back. Second half not really involved but then we never had the ball the first 15 minutes and then he was taken off. To me he is a long way off being a striker who can lead the line and if we are playing one like that, he cannot be the player as lacks strength, experience and understanding of how to do that role. Surprised he started tonight and a big kick in the teeth for Brewster really who would be seen as the main man this season but was not given the role?
Subs –
Lowe 0.5/10 – Stop laughing! I was close to giving him a 0/10. He did run forward a few times so that gets him half a mark but I am not sure he found a red and white shirt once in about 8 or 9 passes/crosses. He mis controlled it, kicked it out and on the goal, he just ran into no man’s land. Absolutely woeful. Saw some saying he has to be the starter and was in many ‘projected’ teams. I thought he was awful when played a few years ago and when I saw him for Forest a few times did not see this improved player he apparently was? Whatever offer we had for him, I would have let him go -even nominal. May sound controversial but we saw tonight that he is not the answer (as we saw when he played for us before).
Khadra 6.5/10 – Looked lively and got on the ball to make things happen. He was always showing and tried to be direct. No real help at all in terms of players linking with him and had to kind of do it on his own. Like the fact he wanted to go at players and get them turned. Only him and Ndiaye tried to be positive tonight.
Osborn 2/10 – Another who lacks ability and his brief cameo showed that as he was against quicker and stronger players and got bustled out of it. Ran one out, passed it to them and one throw in where he played it straight out. Pointless sub. Rather see Coulibaly or Arblaster have a go.
Brewster 5/10 – Tried to get involved but not really any chances and then he tackled Khadra as he came forward. We did not get any balls into the box or behind the defenders at all so was living off scraps.
Sharp – Battled down the corner once or twice but we were just looking desperate to win a set play or corner as we just had no cohesion or pattern at all to our play.
Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Mark appears low and he was not helped by disruption which meant he had to change the defence but the formation and Jebbison selection did not work. We never had any of the ball and he did not change it at all and we eventually went behind. The subs were needed but seemed a bit knee jerk in terms of complete change to the whole approach/formation. It was like one extreme to the other and whilst we improved a bit, I am not sure we had a plan of how to create chances or force them back. Really negative approach in how we set up and played and the side looked woefully underprepared in terms of fitness to me as we came out slowly and were not first to lose balls. It was a nothing sorts of performance that deserved and got nothing as we barely had an attack of note or any kind of sustained pattern of play. Defensively we got cut through a few times and eventually they scored.
Watford – Really hard to analyse where they may finish and what might happen. They are probably the least predictable of the three coming down as maybe lack the continuity of the other two and you worry that they might the side that loses a few before the end of the window. If the likes of Sarr, Pedro and Dennis remain then they will be hard to stop at the top of the pitch and still have enough experience around the other areas but it is hard to know what the plan is? They went away from the continental manager approach bringing in a young up and comer from Forest Green but Edwards has never managed this level or had expectations like this.
The squad does have plenty of talent but hard to know how he will get them playing or what the plan is and from the outside it seems a bit unclear as they have lots of overseas players that you expect would move if they could (but on big wages) some experienced British talent and then some youngsters too. If they went up what would the approach be that would stop them coming down yet again? Like Norwich and Fulham, if the plan is to keep coming up and down and make the money whilst doing so, then that is fine but at some point, they need to try and stabilise at the higher level even if actually they take some time building something longer term, even if it means not chasing the quick buck and promotion necessarily.
Tonight, they began well and had a few chances with the attacking trio to the fore but then we had a better spell and they made a few errors at the back but after the break they upped it hugely and had a really good opening after half time. They scored with a well-made goal and well say they broke at pace. After this they threatened to go on and finish it but then for the final spell seemed a bit nervous but were never threatened. Not sure they were brilliant and maybe only a 7/10 performance but enough for a relatively easy win in the end. In general play they were much better than us but did not create tons I suppose but just felt they looked quicker and more athletic and sadly better players and other than Ndiaye won most of their battles 1-11.
Opponent Man of the Match –Any one of the front three but the man of the match Pedro was probably right in terms of Sky’s selection. Scored the goal and also looked the most dangerous.
Opponent Weak link – Cleverly was dirty and finally got booked after three fouls on Ndiaye and then put another bad one on Fleck. Outside of this no one was awful. They just did enough.
Referee/Officials – Josh Smith. Did the home league game against Forest where I recall he kind of lost the plot a bit I think and had no kind of consistency but then was fine against Fulham in an easy game to ref as we won at a canter. Hecky was annoyed at the goal and he was not in a great position but Fleck still had time to adjust and then also we made error after error after this. Blaming the ref is clutching. I also felt it was just onside but some have said it was offside? Seemed tight but defensively we need to look after ourselves instead of looking at the officials. Outside of this most of the other bookings he got right and indeed he did not give them a few decisions after half time they could have had. I think blaming him for the goal and defeat is a stretch really and focusing on the wrong areas of concern.
