Post by deadbat on Aug 7, 2022 9:05:55 GMT
Podcast to come later. report below….
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The Blades got their season up and running with a regulation home victory against Millwall at Bramall Lane. The Lions, in recent years, have been somewhat of a bogey side for United but today the home side were quick out of the blocks and dominated the first half going in two goals to the good thanks to goals from the game’s two outstanding players Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge. Indeed, the Blades could have put the game away but Ollie Norwood missed a penalty just before half time after Rhian Brewster had been clumsily upended. The second half was somewhat of an anti-climax as United managed the game out effectively without having to really exert too much energy. The visitors improved but never really threatened Wes Foderingham’s goal and in the end the home side eased to a rather comfortable three points.
Manager Heckingbottom made a few changes to his line up with Enda Stevens out injured and brought in Anel Ahmedhodzic for his United debut with a more familiar looking back line after the enforced shuffling on Monday night. Rhian Brewster was deemed fit enough to start and replaced Daniel Jebbison at the top of the field. New signings Khadra and McAtee were both on the bench along with club captain Billy Sharp.
Millwall were without the suspended George Honeyman but fielded two Leeds loanees Charlie Creswell, the hero of last week, and Jamie Shackleton. Blades nemesis Jake Cooper also took his place in the Millwall backline. Former United keeper George Long was on the bench but there was no place for another ex-Blade, Ryan Leonard or forwards Zian Flemming and Tom Bradshaw, due to injuries.
In bright sunshine, United kicked away from their supporters in the first half, with a number wearing the new home strip that of course the side wore for the first time at Bramall Lane. The home side began well and were dominating the ball and moving it at a far quicker tempo than the previous game at Vicarage Road. Fleck and Norwood were busy and, on the ball, and Ndiaye was coming off deep into dangerous pockets. Norwood tried an audacious lob that nearly caught Bialkowski
Millwall were struggling to get out and it was no real surprise when the opener came although how it came about was not quite in keeping wit the crisp, passing movement that had been the feature of United’s excellent start. Foderingham actually provided the assist with the big kick forward and as Brewster eased Cooper out of it, the ball ran onto NDIAYE who brushed off Wallace and fired emphatically past Bialkowski for a really well finished goal. Millwall wanted a foul for the challenge from Brewster and replays suggested they may have had a case although the defending after this was really poor.
United continued to dominate. Newcomer Ahmedhodzic was impressing as he came out of defence with real comfort and one marauding run had the Lane on their feet. Another run then saw him go right into the box before Ndiaye took over, beat his man but then a last gasp challenge from McNamara denied him a second goal. United then had two efforts in quick succession from defenders with Baldock having an effort saved and then Ahmedhodzic having his effort knocked away from Bialkowski before he smashed his rebound over after the ball came back to him.
It was not long before the second goal came though and this time it was a defensive error. The architect of the goal was from a Millwall free kick and it was United this time that turned defence into attack as cleared the ball and then saw a mistake they ruthlessly exposed. Cresswell made a hash of his clearance and had to chase his own errant pass but Fleck was first to it. The midfielder threaded the ball through to BERGE who rounded the keeper and coolly rolled it into the net despite McNamara trying to get back onto the line.
United had been excellent and 2-0 certainly did not flatter them. Ndiaye was a constant threat with his control, movement and intelligence and Cooper, Wallace and Cresswell were really struggling to pick him up or know how to deal with his clever play. Fleck had an effort over the bar as it continued to be one way traffic and Millwall had only offered a token threat from Mitchell’s long throws but they had not really had any moves of note and were cheaply giving the ball away under waves of United pressure.
Just before the break, the Blades could have put the game away as the ball was moved across the field with neat football and Brewster turned inside and wriggled his way from a few defenders before Cooper clumsily tripped him up. It was as obvious a penalty as you could wish to see and there were no grumbles from a dispirited looking set of Millwall players. Norwood took it but as with his last kick in the play offs at the City Ground, her rather telegraphed the kick sending it into the same area and height he normally chooses and Bialkowski sprang to his right to make a good save but one where if he guessed correct, then he would always have a chance of executing. It was not long before the half time whistle and this moment was the only real disappointment of a dominant first half showing from Heckingbottom’s Blades who looked a much different side from the limp effort they gave forth at Watford in the week.
The second half you would expect Millwall to improve and they did and forced a number of set plays and forced United back who were clearly defending deeper to begin with. The away side had much more of the ball than the first half but did not create anything clear cut despite their improvements. United seemed content to soak up the play and any pressure to begin the half did not lead to any concerns. Ahmedhodzic used his telescopic legs to make one crucial tackle and the much-improved Clark also made a good interception. Ndiaye shot wide after Berge’s clever play set him up in a rare break for the home team who had set up deeper in this half.
Foderingham saved a header that flicked towards goal on a deflection and Baldock had to head behind after Malone cut inside. There were a number of corners and throws but United were really solid in how the defended these. As an attacking threat, the Blades did not offer as much going the other way but Norwood did sting the palms of Bialkowski and Ahmedhodzic stepped out before curling a left footed effort well off target. Berge was still showing his class with a few gliding runs that saw United get up the field and stopped any momentum building from Millwall. Ndiaye went down with cramp and he came off soon after, along with Brewster, with Sharp and Jebbison coming on.
The game seemed to be drifting to a comfortable conclusion for the home side as Millwall seemed to have run out of ideas with a Savile shot blocked and then Ahmedhodzic making another good tackle to deny Afobe.
Osborn came on for Fleck to give United some more legs in the midfield and Burey and Olaofe came on for Bennett and Savile as Rowett surprisingly did not make his first change/s until the game only had 10 minutes remaining. Jebbison went for goal after Ahmedhozic made the chance and wanted the return ball but the striker went on his own but pulled his shot wide. Sharp then made space and sent over a cross for the smallest man on the field Osborn to head over. Clark also fired over after more good work from Berge. United had not had any real clear chances but then neither had Millwall and the game petered towards its conclusion. There was five minutes additional time but a flare up between Norrington Davies and McNamara was the only real moment of note in this period before the full-time whistle.
United – Night and day (literally) from Watford! First half today we looked like the side that saw in the 2nd half at Forest and v Fulham and some of the good performances under Hecky last season. We dominated the ball; the tempo was quick and we looked dangerous with Ndiaye and Berge constant threats to the Millwall defence with their movement and ability to get into dangerous areas. Millwall looked powerless to offer any resistance and the goals came. Maybe the first was a foul but you felt it was coming. Maybe Bialkowski did not have lots to do but we completely dominated the game and played good stuff. Not sure anyone played badly in that first half and the defence came out and got forward, the midfield were busy and getting forward and Ndiaye and Brewster linked well too. Really good to watch and I felt we were total value for the lead. Shame about the penalty (I would have let Brewster take it personally – not sure why Norwood is the taker with his record?) and you always worried if they got one, then they may come back and of course were always a threat from set plays.
To be fair Millwall did improve after the break but never looked hugely threatening. There is an argument we just sort of managed the game and did a professional job although critics may say we eased off and were poor after the break and did not keep it and sat back. I am probably in the camp of the former in terms of argument. We did what we had to and never were threatened at all against a poor Millwall side (a team who played well last week showing after our own poor showing what a strange league this is) who kind of never had the belief they would get back into it. I think United possibly could have upped it and Berge continued to show when he got on the ball how influential he could be as he eased his way around the field and took the sting out of any momentum or possible head of steam for Millwall. We changed things near the end but as I say it was maybe not the game for a Khadra or a McAtee as we were just seeing it out – sure we will see more of them in the coming weeks of course.
Overall, it was a case of job well done and a good response from a disappointing start. We looked the side we all hoped we could be first half and with players still to come in, was quite exciting to watch. The second half was a bit flat but I won’t be too critical – the job had been done and the most important thing was just getting the three points. Felt they were a number of good to very good performance with Clark and Ahmedhodzic the stand outs at the back and Berge and Ndiaye further forward. Maybe the four outstanding players on the pitch for me. United won nearly every battle which again was a striking contrast from the game last Monday.
We will probably give some of the players from the bench and/or some coming back from injury some ‘game time’ at West Brom in the Cup and then go to Boro who are yet to get a win and this will be tough with Wilder desperate for revenge for last season. It is a ground we have not got many results at in recent years but we can go there with confidence knowing they will be the side under pressure and with expectations after a poor-er start than us (granted still early days).
Overall, it was good to be back at the Lane. The sun was shining, new kit, home debutants played well and we won with a solid and at times very impressive performance. A good day.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Had little to do all game. One save from a deflected header. A couple of punches from long throws – one excellent, one he maybe did not get enough on but overall, he was solid today although totally unemployed for the most part which is good. Only negative was he was rightly booked for taking an age on set plays – he did not really need to.
Baldock 7/10 – No issues. A solid performance where he did the defensive stuff well and got up and down with usual energy. A few times his final moments attacking wise let him down but he did some ok stuff in those areas too. I love Pommpey’s description in comparing him to the Bill Roache/Ken Barlow character in his report – in that he plays the same role every week. Lots of effort etc/lacking quality. However today he was fine
Norrington Davies 6.5/10 – As with Baldock he was fine but maybe our weakest defender in terms of not necessarily his defending (I know that should be his priority) but his overall play – control, passing and link up. I felt he did not really offer much going that way and often came back inside or his touch was not as secure as it needed to be. Silly to get involved at the end in the pushing match and a cheap booking. He was fine and we looked improved in this area from the previous game. He needs a run of games for me and with Stevens out and Lowe’s showing in the week, should get it.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Excellent debut. He clearly is a class act on the ball and technically superb for a defensive player at the Championship level. He loves getting on it and coming out and was Bash like in this sense but he may offer more of a threat and he actually set up a few chances for Ndiaye and Jebbison. He had a few shots too as he showed his confidence. Defensively I was intrigued to see him as that still has to what he will ultimately get judged on and he was good with a few clumsy fouls apart (but liked he got stuck in) he made a number of great tackles. One early second half denied a clear shot at goal as he came across to make the interception. His long legs mean he can make those recovery runs and tackles. Just looked really unflustered and you can see why they spent a fair bit of money and pursued him for so long on that evidence. Be tough for Bash to get back in if he plays like that.
Clark 7.5/10 – Was close to an 8 but for two or three hurried slices or odd clearances and a wild finish when he went forward but his defensive work was excellent and he summed up the improvement sin terms of performance from Watford. He was solid on the ball and moved it on well but it was his ability to make interceptions, read things and get into good areas to deny any chances that impressed. He made a number of these and second half he just got positioned himself really well.
Egan 7.5/10 – Really sound showing in which he marshalled the back line and won the headers and clearances that he needed to. He also was quite advanced in the first half as we initiated out attacks almost from half way with him and Norwood rotating the initial outlet pass or start of that phase. He dealt with Afobe well as he can be a strong and powerful runner.
Norwood 6/10 – Thought he was out weakest player but he was still ‘ok.’ I just thought he gave the ball away an awful lot and often under no pressure. Don’t get me wrong, he began well and was key to us getting up the pitch and moving it quickly. Some nice passes and switch of play and he was influential and involved. However, as the game went on, he started to misplace passes and we saw two or three before half time. He then missed the penalty – you can argue he strikes a ball well and has scored penalties before for us but he has missed a lot too (recall at least 2 in shoot outs he has missed and now today – his record is maybe no more than 50%?). He seems to put the ball in the same area which is a nice height to save. I would have let Brewster take it – he won the penalty and would have been good to get the goal. After the break he helped us keep control with some ok things but then kept trying that first time whipped cross and 2 or 3 times it just sailed over everyone and kept giving it back to them. Sure, some may disagree with my rating but that is how I saw it.
Fleck 7/10 – Far better than the week and first half thought he was good as he got on the ball, probed and was central to some our play in the middle and down the left. He got his foot in and used it better than the week. He was quicker in what he did and we dominated midfield. Had one shot over and then on the goal he was really good as he intercepted and turned defence (from clearing the free kick) into a goal – the opposite of what he did in the week! Second half he was quieter as we saw less of the ball and came off near the end but the job had been done.
Berge 8/10 – Thought he played very well today. Yes, at times maybe he can do more and not only do it in fits and bursts but I actually think that is the kind of player he is. He is not going to burst through constantly but what he did well today is keep the ball and give us control and move us up the field. First half he just got on it and moved it left and right but also had some runs down the channel and was able to force them back. He took his goal really well too. Second half he was our best player as he was the one who just kept getting on it and moving it up the field. I think he got frustrated with the lack of movement/options in front a few times but I felt they were terrified whenever he got it and glided forward and could not hold him up. Maybe you could ask for that final bits after a few of his lung bursting runs but overall, he was one of the games stand out and along with Ndiaye and Ahmedhodzic, the man/men of the match.
Ndiaye 8/10 – I struggle to separate him and Berge for man of the match even after time to reflect. I thought has by far the best player on the pitch first half and everything we did well seemed to have him at the hub of it. Came off the defence and picked it up and always on the half turn and wanting to go at the defenders. His close control, strength and dribbling is superb to watch. He took the goal very well showing power to shrug off his man (he seems to have got even stronger over the summer) and composure (he has missed a few like that before). After this he nearly had another and then shot wide in the second half with more good movement. He did fade as we had less of the ball but then got cramp again and came off (hoping this is less of an issue this season). Exciting first few games from him and the only worry is that if he carries on playing like he is and keeps improving, surely there is going to be interest from above? He looks to have a fantastic future and sort of footballer you love to watch (much like Gibbs White).
Brewster 7/10 – I have been critical of him in the past but today thought he gave a mature first half performance where for a youngster playing as a lone striker (yes Ndiaye and others supported) he held it up, linked well and worked hard. He had no real chances at goal I suppose but think it just did not sit for him. He helped ‘set’ up the first goal and thought generally he did not get knocked off the ball like he did when he first joined us. He chased and harried and general play was ok. Maybe the only knock is him not having any efforts but he did then win the penalty and as I say would have been a great way to get him off the mark for the season but easy to say in hindsight.
Subs –
Sharp 7/10 – Usual Sharp type stuff. Sticking his arse in, winning a free kick, sending over a good cross and just doing the experienced veteran stuff we needed to help see out the game.
Jebbison 6/10 – Mixed bag. Won a free kick and put himself about with his running across the line but he was selfish on one chance which he did well initially to come inside after Anel had set him up but could have had the pass back. At times I do worry that he does not quite know the game yet as he sometimes players (Berge was one) seem to be wanting a run at certain times and he does not always know when to come short or go off long on a run for a pass.
Osborn – Just brought on to give us more legs but actually saw him in an attacking sense more with a header over and another where he nearly got in down the left.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – Solid win where we played really well first half and tactically, we got up the pitch, moved it quickly and caused them problems. It was a perfect first half apart from the penalty miss. The defence were onto the ball quicker and the midfield won the 50-50’s and we had a really good tempo. We were switched onto set plays and did the basic/ugly stuff to stop them getting a sniff from these – their only real threat. Second half we managed the game. I do think we sat a bit deep but then you can argue they did not cause us any issues and just saw it out. Maybe if I was being greedy, a really good side goes on and gets more goals but then you attack more and concede and everyone criticises the manager so he probably got it right in the approach.
Millwall – Credit to Rowett. Not sure I rate him that much as a manager and another who always seems to get a job at this level no matter what he does but he has done well there. They are not the prettiest to watch but he always has them competitive and despite a lesser budget than most, he has fostered a way of playing and a team spirit added to some underrated players to get them always in the top half seemingly. They never seem to quite have enough to make the top 6 and I expect it might be that way again. They lost Wallace but brought in Honeyman and a couple of Leeds loan players. They have a small squad but are tight knit and know what works. They will continue to surprise teams and their togetherness allied to the Den will mean they will flirt with the playoffs.
However today they were well beaten. They were very good apparently last week and easily despatched Stoke. They like us had a few missing with a few forwards out but looked a poor side today. We got about them and moved it around and they struggled with the movement of Ndiaye and Berge first half. They can argue there was a foul in the goal but overall can have no complaints to be two down and had their keeper to thank it was not more. They did not even try and keep it or pass it first half and not sure they had ‘a move’ of note in the opening half. United were too good for them and looked like a side wanting to attack and play football on the floor against a side relying on nicking a goal from a set play.
They did improve after the break but did no really hurt us and Wes had maybe one easy save to make from a deflection. They had a number of long throws and corners but it becomes a bit predictable. Even Cooper, Cresswell and Wallace a few times trooped up and almost looked like they felt ‘do we have to?’ as they then have to lollop back if it goes awry. Shocked they did not make changes especially when you can do 5 – they left it till 10 minutes from the end and the game was almost up and then did not bother with anymore.
They did not create much at all from open play and the tactics although will work and cause teams problems, is rather basic and limited. I would not want to watch that every week but as I say with a smaller budget than most at this level, they have to do what they can to get results. Today they looked a side that were inferior both individually and collectively and never really got going. In years past they have come down here and had a go but today they surrendered rather meekly and was not the ‘Wall that you expect and have often seen down here that shows no fear.
Opponent Man of the Match – Bialkowksi actually did not have that much to do in the game but saved the penalty. Maybe the lad that took the throws might have been the stand out (blonde lad – was it Mitchell?) as he had more touches than anyone else! Malone had a few good runs 2nd half I suppose but no one was great.
Opponent Weak link – A number struggled but you would have to look at the three centre backs. Of course, Cresswell made the mistake on the 2nd goal and Wallace got brushed aside on the opener. Cooper then gave away the penalty too. All three struggled with the movement in front and maybe needed help from midfield who left them exposed to our runners. However, after years of bemoaning his scoring and threat, I am going to give it to Cooper as the weak link! I never thought I would say that but today he actually looked clumsy and slow – all those (including me) demanding we signed him saw probably why he is still at Millwall and that for the most part he is a solid defender that is susceptible to pace/movement but can offer goals at the other end of course mainly against us!
Referee/Officials – David Coote. A Premier League referee. He last did us in defeats to Man City and Everton in our relegation season. He also reffed us in the games v Palace (first win), Wolves 1-1, Watford 1-1 and Newcastle 3-0 (Egan harsh red?) in the previous season. Felt he was fine today although Millwall fans may disagree. At the time I felt Brewster just eased his man out of it and showed good strength but watched it back and it’s not really like Cooper got under the ball – it’s probably a foul as he shoves him as he goes to head it. So, I probably agree with Rowett on that. It is a big moment but I would say we were dominant and probably would have scored anyway at that point. After this he let the game flow most of the time and it seems as Rowett said post game they are almost letting more physical stuff go which is good. The penalty was the correct decision and just sloppy. We had one skirmish which rightly saw Norrington Davies and McNamara both get booked rightly so for squaring up. The other bookings seemed regulation and good he booked Foderingham for timewasting as hopefully (pointless as right at the end) we will see this tactic clamped down on more. The assistants did not give many decisions I felt and often looked at Coote for direction/decisions on throws or fouls near them.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Thought the crowd were good to start and appreciative of our efforts first half and the way we played but when you get in the lead and it is comfortable it inevitable can be quieter as the game goes on and the 2nd half it was as flat in the stands as it was on the pitch as the game became a bit practice match as the verdict seemed well settled long before it actually was. Good to be back in the Lane and nearly 28,000 is another superb crowd especially as Millwall who normally travel in large numbers did not. To say it was the first away game of the season for them and a Saturday (often played them midweek or early kick offs) at 3pm, I actually expected more in terms of numbers but it is expensive for an away ticket at the Lane (way too much). They tried to get behind them but the side gave such a poor performance it was hard for them to keep the noise up and many had drifted away long before full time.
Night Out – Quick mention for the pre- and post-match which was really good. Pre game me and @webding (other half of Tufty Club) met @roygbiv , Eggy, Liam (from Living with Madeley with Roy), Bladespod’s Dad aka the Pod father – Ben/BladesPod has covid so was missing sadly. Also saw Hal (@yorkblade) /Hal’s Dad and @greenwich Blade Blade was around too. Good few hours at triple point. We also met up with Chad and his girlfriend Lindsey – Chad for those who do not know is one half of the excellent Red Half of Sheffield. Chad (and Noah) are an American duo who support the Blades from over the pond and do a superbly entertaining and insightful podcast. It was his first time in Sheffield and at the Lane and had an arduous journey with flights cancelled and delayed and came straight from Heathrow on the morning of the game. Glad they won for him.
After we also met Traveling Blade and my wife joined us too and we went down Abbeydale Road and partook in the beer festival having good and plenty of drinks long into the night which explains why my report (pod too will be delayed) was not done till this morning. First time I have properly met Traveling and he is a cracking lad and does not live close to Sheffield so great he came and joined Chad and all of us. Bit of a pod/vlog crossover and maybe we should have recorded something. We have spoken about getting everyone involved in a game of football at some point involving Ingoodnick and some of the 4 Blades in a Pub lot too and maybe one Saturday morning having a game before a Blades game and people could come and watch or maybe play and try and raise some money for charity? Anyway, it was a good night and a great set of lads as I say.
