Post by deadbat on Aug 30, 2022 23:54:07 GMT
Podcast to come tomorrow (can’t record till later in the day on Wednesday) and then report below….
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The Blades excellent start to the season continued with another resounding victory at Bramall Lane. For the second consecutive home game they faced the league leaders but as with the game against Blackburn Rovers, there was only one winner from almost start to finish as United dominated a startled Reading side who were completely overmatched. In an almost perfect performance, every single United player were at the top of their game. Goals came from McBurnie, Ahmedhodzic (x 2) and Ndiaye but it could have been even more emphatic such was the domination from the home side.
Manager Heckingbottom made two changes with Doyle in for McAtee and Ahmedhodzic in for Basham and injury/illness doubts Foderingham and Khadra both back involved with the latter on the bench. Reading started with former Wednesday man Joao leading the line after success in his last appearance at the Lane last season. They had experience throughout the side in Hoilett, Hendrick and Ince, along with new signing Naby Sarr who scored the winner at the weekend at the Den. The Royals had been one of the surprise outfits of the new season and came into the game leading the division, just ahead of the home side they faced tonight.
United started well on top with Norwood and Berge prompting from midfield and Ndiaye and McBurnie's work rate and link play causing problems for the Reading defence. McBurnie was proving a real handful and his clever play and step over created space for Doyle with Ndiaye involved also. Lowe and Baldock were well forward and Reading, much like Blackburn, in the last game found it hard to stem the tide. Ndiaye was tripped as he advanced with a run forward and Norwood tried from a similar range to the free kick, he scored from in the previous home game but this time it went over the bar.
The opening goal was not long coming and it came after 11 minutes with swift and quick interchange as the ball was played to Doyle who moved it onto Lowe and he hit a first time cross that was superbly headed home by MCBURNIE who powered past Lumley. It was the strikers second goal in consecutive games and reward for his improved performances.
United were full value for this lead and continued to come in waves as Reading had no answer. Doyle was busy and Norwood dictating the play and with the front two dovetailing nicely in terms of hold up and link play, Reading were struggling to stop the tide. McBurnie had an effort deflected into the keeper after lovely build up and then McBurnie intelligently headed back and Ndiaye had his shot blocked after Norwood had centred.
Reading had barely been in the game but did improve around the 25th minute and had a spell of possession and Norrington Davies did well to block Joao as Reading had numbers on the break. Ince then dragged a shot wide after Reading broke out of a few challenges and started to win some of them loose stuff for the first time in the game.
United broke out of this and Ndiaye continued to find gaps and weave his way into dangerous areas but Reading made a few last-ditch tackles to deny the dangerous Senegalese forward. However, the striker had a great chance to make it 2-0 when he ran onto Doyle’s clever pass to beat the offside trap but pulled his shot wide. He had another opportunity just before the break when Lowe once again put an excellent first time cross in but Ndiaye fired over with the instinctive first-time effort which he also should have done better with. The Blades had been the far better side despite Reading having a brief spell and were good value for their lead.
After the break, Fornah came on for Sarr as Reading tried to get a foothold by putting an extra man in the middle of the field but the Blades began strongly again. United won a corner after McBurnie’s clever work led to the ball being cleared behind. Doyle took it and put it right on the centre spot and AHMEDHODZIC absolutely buried it with a volley that left Lumley motionless. It was the centre back’s second goal of the season and showed his innate ability to not only defend but look a threat going forward too.
Reading won a corner but this was cleared by Egan and soon after Lowe and Norrington Davies did well to get to the ball and stop any chance of any comeback before Berge cruised through the thirds.
Long came on for Joao who got a less than positive reaction as he trooped off with the former Wednesday man cutting a forlorn figure in a Reading side that were second best throughout. However, the game was effectively sealed when the third goal came just after the hour. Norrington Davies did well to make an interception and Lowe carried the ball on and fed Berge whose pass found NDIAYE. There was still a lot to do but he came inside and worked space before curling a superb effort almost into the same place as his goal the previous home game and once again the keeper had no chance. The Kop saluted the new darling of the Lane who kissed the turf before moving back to halfway as the crowd chants of ‘I…I…Ili…Ili…I’ cascaded down from the terraces.
Khadra came on for Ndiaye and Brewster for McBurnie shortly after with both players who departed getting standing ovations from all sides of Bramall Lane as an appreciation for their efforts and goals. United had further chances as Doyle fired over after good work from Norwood. Brewster then nearly got in after Berge powered forward but the ball did not quite sit for the substitute.
Basham and McAtee replaced Baldock and Doyle for the Blades as manager Heckingbottom opted to keep rotating players with the game seemingly in the bag. Reading put on Loum for Craig in their final change (third separate substitution anyway meaning they could not use anymore). United nearly got a fourth when McAtee sent over an inviting cross that Basham attacked and headed down but Lumley tipped over with a great save at full stretch. However, the fourth goal was not long coming. More excellent build up saw it switched around with more swift probing football and Norwood sent over an inviting cross that AHMEDHODZIC was able to stoop and position his header into the net for his second goal.
Hutchinson had a header blocked and Hoilet fired over as Reading tried to find a consolation goal but United looked more like scoring again as they pressed and harried all over the field and forced more mistakes. Brewster and Khadra nearly got in and then Berge fed Basham who’s cross was blocked. Ahmedhodzic then tried an ambitious shot from fully 30 yards as the crowd shouted ‘Shoot!’ in an attempt to persuade the new crowd favourite to try and go for a hat trick!
The additional four minutes of time were played out with total comfort with the verdict being decided some time before the final whistle went as United cruised to another excellent win.
United – Not many seasons have started where I have seen us win all four opening home games and win them all deservedly and mostly at a canter. Even the Sunderland game which was 2-1 could have been a lot more in truth. The other games have seen us win 2, 3 and now 4-0 and every one the games if we had scored 5 or 6 goals it would not have flattered us. We played really well against Blackburn and I did not think we could repeat such a complete team performance but we did today and maybe even better it as Reading on the face of it might be a better team than Blackburn and have more experienced players. We were superb from start to finish again. We played crisp, fluent football and it was a nice mix between playing it longer and shorter and also the patient keep ball versus the quicker more direct passing.
Norwood was superb at the hub of it all but Doyle did well and got in some great areas and Berge just cruised it doing what he had to with passing and running when he needed to. The wing backs got forward and were threats, with Lowe in particular putting in some great first-time crosses and was involved in two goals. Egan was solid and the two other centre backs did their job with Norrington Davies continuing to grow and making some great interceptions and Anel of course continuing to pop up all over and score two almost strikers type poacher goals! He just gets into great areas and hard to pick up but does the defensive stuff too.
The two up front worked their socks off and McBurnie led from the front and he came off and held it up but won all his headers/hold ups and also was linking well and the ball just stuck. Ndiaye missed two chances and at times did not always work but love the fact he kept going and worked so hard and was always on the ball or in areas where he was a threat and this work ethic was rewarded when he scored another fantastic individual goal. He is a joy to watch and hope we can keep him for quite a while yet but teams will be looking at him no doubt (maybe as much as Berge if not more).
The subs did well too when they came on and I loved the fact we kept pressing and working and harrying right to the end. Reading maybe had a 5-minute spell first half and a 5-minute spell after 2-0 but they never looked like scoring at all and Wes did not have a save to make. Like the Blackburn game we protected him well and the defence looked really solid. We got tackles and interceptions and covered round for each other. Norwood and Doyle made tackles and got the loose stuff and we dominated the ball in key areas and we were the only side that looked like scoring for the entirety of the game. You felt chances would keep coming as we played some lovely football and done at a good tempo too and we just cut through a side that should have been confident after their start.
It feels almost odd to come away from the Lane and think it was almost perfect. Everyone was buzzing (again) leaving the Lane and you think we look a powerful, exciting and very good side. We look weirdly better than the one that went up under Wilder in terms of excitement and attacking threats/flair and I cannot recall that side blowing teams away like we have so far. We have to temper the excitement with the fact we have the window coming up and hope we can keep the likes of Berge and Ndiaye. The board have to hold their nerve. Of course, if someone offers us 35 million for Berge there is nothing we can do if that is the fee that triggers his release but other than that, the board have to see keeping this squad together and with the players coming back that we have a real chance of going up and all the money that comes with it. The division seems wide open and whilst Norwich, Watford and Burnley all seem to be improving too and seem strong, there is nothing to stop us being right at the top on what we have seen so far.
At the moment regardless of what happens, I am just enjoying going to the Lane and seeing us play some superb football and score some great goals and absolutely dominating sides and winning games handsomely. We have to address the approach and away form somewhat and Hull are a side that have done ok (but lost tonight) and take the game to them at the weekend. We then have Rotherham to come and a few strugglers in Swansea and Preston where we have to be confident of picking up a decent spread of points before the first break. It’s going really well but with United you always know something might kick us in the teeth so am excited but cautiously so!
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – 7 might be too hight but can’t mark him down as he had nothing to do! Took a few balls or crosses over but even those were not particularly in a crowd of bodies. A few shots went over the bar but he had an easy night and a nice way to come back after his sickness bug!
Baldock 7.5/10 – Excellent effort all night where he was all action in terms of his work ethic and got up and down. A few ok touches and crosses/passes but he does at times still take too long to make decisions but he was a constant threat down that side. Did the defensive work well too.
Lowe 8/10 – As above. He was good defensively making some good interceptions but also was able to get down the side well and his cross for the McBurnie goal was superb, driven first time and into a great area. He put another in for Ndiaye too that should have been a better effort and then he carried on second half reading things well and always looking to get forward too. He set up the third with a run and pass too. Looks a different player from the one I saw at the Lane a few seasons ago.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Defensively fine as he stepped out and won the ball and also carried it on a number of occasions. Got down the right quite a bit first half even a few things did not quite come off, he carried on bombing forward. He then scored a beauty of a volley second half and made several more runs and got into more great areas. He made a good tackle showing his defensive side too before heading in another! Seems to be attracted to the ball all over the field. Looks a splendid player who had a bit of everything and how we got him for such a fee and no one else signed him (higher up) I do not know?
Norrington Davies 8/10 – Continuing to get better game after game. He loves the scrap and won’t back down but his play on the ball has been improving as he looks composed and calm. He made a great interception to stop Joao but he also just got into good areas and came across to block space. He had a few decent runs too in the attacking sense.
Egan 7/10 – Easy game in relative terms but he got there before Joao and then later Long and was on his guard for any long stuff over the top. Just was able to come onto the ball and helped us dictate from the back outwards. Did play one poor ball that they nearly got in and intercepted us. He was a bit loose in a spell for 10 mins.
Norwood 8/10 – Thought he continued his superb early season form and completely controlled the midfield from start to finish. He moved it around and at pace but they did not get close to him as he was just the complete fulcrum for everything we did. He showed a superb range of passing and most good things came from him. Off target with a free kick but he has several great passes and assisted on the fourth but he it was more his complete control of the game. Made some good interceptions and helped us press and win the ball back too.
Doyle 8/10 – Impressive full home debut. Got up and down the field and was able to get into good areas. He was involved in the first goal and had a few chances before that with him just getting into those areas off the front two. Busy and active and will tackle too. Great ball to Ndiaye too. He could have had a goal but hit one over but he was never quiet and looked for the ball too. Quite mobile and can do a bit of everything. Really encouraging as he showed ability on the ball but got stuck in too and broke things up. Looked a clever player who got in good positions to receive the ball.
Berge 7.5/10 – Just cruised the game. The mark may seem high but felt he was superb at just getting it and moving it. He was so fluent and knew when to take a touch or move it first time and/or when to switch play. Oozed class and then a few times he motored away from them and nearly made chances/goals. He set up the third goal and had a great run soon after and nearly set one up for Brewster. He had moments where he was quiet but when he needed to, he got on the ball.
Ndiaye 8/10 – Yes, he missed two good chances and maybe should score at least one – tried to be too precise on the first chance when Doyle played him in and then wellied one too hard on the next chance. However, outside of this his play was excellent and even when the ball came off him, he worked hard to get it back and his work rate is something else. Got some tap/hammer too when he ran with it but never let it deter him and continued to be an outlet and then of course scored a superb goal. This was another superb individual goal that was barely a half chance but he worked space and hit a superb curling shot that went right in the side netting – quite similar the Blackburn game. Love to watch him. Exciting. He dribbles, he runs and he looks to be positive. Just the sort of player why you watch football.
McBurnie 8/10 – Another excellent showing full of work rate, skill and goal threat. The last few games are as consistent as he has been at the Lane in terms of a spell of games where he has done all the aforementioned things. He started the game holding it up and holding men off but also came deep and was able to link and be almost another midfielder as he and Ndiaye both alternated in this role before the other went more advanced. He was tussling but in an effective way and then scored a brilliant header reminiscent of the one against Chelsea. It was not an easy one to convert but he did it superbly. He had another shot blocked and continued to work tirelessly and then helped win the corner that led to the second. Continued to fight and scrap but also use the ball well. When he plays like he has the last few games, he looks like the player we courted that summer and paid a lot of money for. Needs a run of games now but defences will not want to face him and Ndiaye on the form they are showing but it is as much about work rate and off the ball stuff as scoring for me. The goals will come if they do the other more unfashionable stuff.
Subs –
Khadra 6.5/10 – Chased defenders down and had a few bits and pieces but the game was won and he did not see that much of the ball actually. A few flicks did not work and then he had to chase back and win the ball back! Great lad to come off the bench though.
Brewster 6.5/10 – Came on and got into some good areas but it did not quite sit a few times and he needs to do better when that Berge chance fell to him instead of trying to flick it in. He did help us to keep pressing towards the end.
McAtee – Did well albeit in limited time after his struggles at Luton. Got on the ball and moved it well and put in a great cross for Basham. One other poor corner again but overall, he was involved and looked confident – great game for him to come back into for a period with the game won and chance to regain some confidence. Crowd gave him a nice hand before the corners he took.
Basham – What a sub to come on. Has ended up replacing Baldock and just being a runner down the right but if his job was to come on and help us be solid, he has not followed the script but that’s Bash – just running down the wing and being a nuisance. He nearly scored with a downward header and showed his usual all action style! Less said about his throw in though.
Manager: Heckingbottom 9/10 – Changed the team but the two changes worked with Ahmedhodzic scoring two and Doyle impressing. The team were at it from the start and after last season when Ince seemed to outcoach him as they swarmed midfield and made it hard with the pacy front lads getting in, we never gave them a moment. We played high up and ensured Norwood could dominate the ball The work ethic of the side was superb and then allowed the talent to take over. We absolutely dominated a side that was high flying and had 57% possession (seemed much more) and 18 shots (7 on target) to there 5 (0 on target). It was a real statement win and the work rate was complimented by some superb and slick football which led to some great moves, chances and more superb goals. It was brilliant to watch. Fair play to him as he has got us sharp and ready seemingly for the season after we looked so far off it to start the least campaign. His next step is to improve the away form of course.
Reading – Whilst Paul Ince was an odd appointment last season, he kept them up and deservedly got a new deal. He seemed to have been out of the game for so long but credit to him for the job he did and he has continued this under difficult circumstances where financial problems continue to beset them. I did not see them going down as many did as if you took off the points deduction, they would have been comfortable last season and even though they lost a few players including their star man, Swift, I still felt they had enough and particularly goals at the top of the field to not be in any distress this year. I did not (and still do not) see them as being anywhere near the top 6 but the start they have had means it will be a season of at worst just below mid table and possibly higher.
Joao of course always does well against us but they have other decent players at this level and whilst the squad lacks maybe depth, they do have plenty there to be ok and will be competitive in most games. I was surprised they got hammered at Rotherham but that seems to be an aberration in a season so far of great success. I did think that they were punching a bit higher than they may end up as I have said but did not want to say too much before the game but like Blackburn, they came here and were hammered really. They lost 4-0 and it could have been more. Not sure they had a shot of note and other than a few small spells in either half where they had a few ok moves and got into the game a bit, they were second best individually and collectively. They had won well at the Lane last season by attacking us but tonight never hurt us and were just dealing with wave after wave of United attacks. It was incessant and seemed a matter of time when we scored. They were lucky to only go in a goal behind. They put an extra midfielder on as realised Ndiaye and McBurnie were coming off and we had men all over and they had surplus defenders but the second goal so quick killed it. After this it was a matter of how many and in the end, we made changes after the third and maybe let them off the hook a bit as it could have gone on to be even more.
United just looked too good for them. Like Blackburn their fans/manager can point to errors or failings but sometimes you have to take your hat off to the opponents who worked harder, pressed more but just looked technically superior all over the field. Only one team ever looked like scoring all game and it was not them.
Opponent Man of the Match – I am struggling. For the second consecutive game I am not sure anyone really came out with much credit, maybe you cannot blame the keeper but he only made one save of note? Hoilett kept plugging away and had a few efforts and the lad McIntyre kept trying hard but overall lacked any real quality and the former Wednesday lads Hutchinson and Joao had a sorry night with the former given a torrid time from Ndiaye and the latter completely isolated.
Opponent Weak link – Take your pick. Again. The defence was turned inside out all night, the midfield never in it and attack not a threat at all. The lad on the right, Yiadom had a nightmare. He kicked it out, mis controlled the ball and seemed incapable of doing much right. He takes the award but he had strong competition. Ince, the manager’s son, spent most of the night moaning and Hendrick, an experienced midfielder was completely dominated by Norwood, Doyle and Berge.
Referee/Officials – Gavin Ward. Reffed us last season in the corresponding fixture and recall him being poor but my frustration was more with United that day than the man in the middle! Today it was an easy one to ref but he still made some odd calls and again like a few others is still struggling with the new direction to let more physical stuff go as he did that for spells but then pulled up nothing stuff (fouls from Ndiaye and Brewster stand out) whilst letting likes of Ndiaye and McBurnie be manhandled all game. Suppose he did not book anyone which was good. He did warn Lumley but his timewasting was rendered useless when they conceded so early but pathetic, he time wasted three times in the first 10 minutes! Ward was not helped by more officials who did not give any throws and just stood there – it seems to be getting worse with assistants who do not want to make decisions. The ref was overall way too fussy and miles behind the play. Easy to slag a ref when we lose but we won easily and still thought he was rubbish.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Reading brought maybe 3-400 fans and that was not a surprise as they are not a well-supported side really and, on a Tuesday, night where never going to bring many. United’s crowd were appreciative of the efforts and got behind them early but like the last home game it became flat for period as it was so easy in terms of the comfort of win. Do think the crowd can sing/show more noise especially when we play so well?
