Post by deadbat on Nov 12, 2022 18:14:06 GMT
The Blades went back to the top of the Championship, albeit temporarily with one of Blackburn or Burnley set to displace them tomorrow but it was a fantastic way to finish before the international break. After the disappointment of the week when a poor performance saw United meekly lose to Rotherham, United with a severely weakened team were again not at the races in the first 45 minutes and should have trailed. However, after the break they improved hugely with substitute James McAtee having his best game as a Blade and his runs were the catalyst to many of the chances the visitors created. In the end it was an unlikely source that gave United the winner as wing back George Baldock smashed in after stealing possession from a dithering defender. United saw it out with relative comfort and had chances to make it more comfortable.
There were doubts over a number of players for United and McBurnie, Fleck, Ahmedhodzic and Doyle did not make it meaning it was a severely weakened United line up. Oliver Arblaster made his league debut for the Blades with Sharp partnering Ndiaye and Basham back in the line-up. Heckingbottom strangely named two keepers on the bench in a baffling selection.
Cardiff still under temporary manager Mark Hudson had experienced a stop start season with a managerial change after a poor run and seem a team/club in transition. They had former Blade Callum Robinson starting up top.
The game began with United having lots of possession but not really getting into the last third and the first ball over the top saw the ball pulled back and Robinson fired over. Baldock managed to play the ball off the corner flag in an incident that was as entertaining as it got inside the first 10 minutes. Robinson went down holding his leg after he landed awkwardly and it seemed another hamstring injury. Clark came on for him as the outgoing player limped off.
Arblaster had been quiet but a good run saw Baldock played in but for the second time in the game his cross was poor. Stevens poor ball then led to Cardiff having some pressure and a ball was cleared before a Robinson run saw the ball played inside but United again got a foot in. Robinson was causing problems and his strong running down the sides nearly paid off as he put a ball in and Foderingham held the low cross. Romeo then got past Stevens but Clark was able to step in and the home side were enjoying the better of the game.
United did have a decent spell as Sharp put a good ball in that was flicked just away from Ndiaye from Cardiff defender and Norwood was constantly looking for Baldock which seemed United’s main focal point of the attack with Sharp and Ndiaye quiet. After a better spell, the home side regained control again and Harris volleyed over before Sharp and then Osborn both went to ground too easily and City broke. The ball fell to Wintle and his shot dipped just wide with Foderingham well beaten. Soon after the ball went just past the same post again. Arblaster this time lost possession and Cardiff broke and O’Dowda stood up the cross that Robinson headed wide and narrowly wide.
Romeo then got in down the other side and Foderingham flapped at the cross but did enough to knock it away. Robinson continued to be the game’s most outstanding player and looked lively as the Blades looked clueless having not tested the Cardiff backline at all. Baldock was tripped but Norwood’s cross was headed into the air by Egan.
Calamitous defending should have seen United behind as Basham played a ball without looking and Harris nipped in and went round the keeper before looking certain to score but maybe took too long and in the end when the shot came in Egan made the last-ditch block to deny a certain goal. Cardiff continued to press and the Blades would have been glad of the half time whistle in the end in a game that they had never got going, creating nothing going forward and being breached too often at the back. Foderingham had not made a save of note either but two past his post and then last-ditch block denied them a deserved lead.
Heckingbottom opted to change things at the break after another flat performance and McAtee came on for Arblaster. Instantly the move nearly paid off as McAtee was in but with players over he dithered and the chance went. United had clearly felt they needed to play at a better pace and another move saw Norwood find Osborn and his cross was deflected wide. United had a series of corners with Egan having a header blocked and another not quite dropping.
One ball in from McAtee was really dangerous but Clark took it off Egan’s head who was probably in a better position. McAtee went on another driving run and his ability to carry the ball was a real feature of United’s improvements. Cardiff had been the better side before the break but had barely got the ball in the United half and another chance came for the visitors from a corner but Egan headed his effort down and wide when it was a really good opportunity. Sharp then turned inside and had a shot which was straight at Allsop. United had been dominant after the interval but Basham’s giveaway saw Cardiff break but Egan stepped in to make the interception.
Norwood’s free kick was straight down Allsop’s throat but the Blades were getting the ball into the box and quicker on and off the ball. Colwill came on for Harris for the home side but they had not been able to have any fluency or possession at all.
On 68 minutes the opening goal came. Unsurprisingly it came from McAtee’s running as Baldock slipped him in but after the cross was half cleared Nkounkou dithered badly and BALDOCK nipped in to rob him and smashed the ball in at Allsop’s near post who got his location all wrong.
Whyte came on for Ralls and Ojo for Nkounkou as the home side looked to find some energy but United still looking the better side and Stevens regained possession after he lost it to feed Sharp who was in on the angle but his shot was too close to the keeper who pushed behind. City’s final change was Rinomhota for Sang on 77 minutes but it was the Blades who should have finished the game. McAtee again did well to break free and his ball to Osborn saw him come inside and hit a powerful shot the keeper pushed away and Ndiaye looked set to score but could not find the finish as his effort trickled wide as a defender put him under pressure.
Cardiff won three corners but Egan and then Clark headed clear before Robinson had their first effort on goal but it was easy for Foderingham. The home fans got frustrated when they felt Robinson was fouled by Egan before referee Donohue pulled things up for an offence on Sharp. City had not threatened at all but a poor moment saw Basham and Egan lose their man and the header should have caused the Blades keeper more problems but was straight at him.
Khadra came on for Sharp with 2 minutes to play and Stevens then got down the wing and nearly got in and this led to a corner but United were content on playing timeout as the four extra minutes allotted were held up. Cardiff did win two late corners and Allsop was up for the second but their final chance came when the ball was pulled back and Ojo had a great chance but side footed well wide. United were able to celebrate a big three points soon after and will be relieved that a patched up side were able to go into the break with a win.
United – Big win and I did not really care about the performance. The most important thing with such a weakened team was not getting more injuries and trying to get something from the game. I would not have devastated at a draw when I saw the starting line up so three points is excellent. Of course, we did get another injury in Robinson but this seems to be just accepted now. The amount of hamstring injuries is really beyond bad luck and often these muscle injuries happen in first half of games which needs a serious review about preparation in terms of training, conditioning and before the game in what the fitness team are doing? They need to change what they are doing urgently or our season will be derailed.
In terms of the game first half, we were rubbish. It was the same, if not worse than Rotherham for me. We just sat off the ball and did not even try and attack save for the diagonal ball from Norwood to Baldock. Sharp and Ndiaye were not in it and Arblaster and Osborn rarely got on the ball. The other way we did not get tight to men and the runners (Robinson in particular) were not paid close enough attention to and chances came from slow play and ball watching. We were just not quick enough to react to simple balls over the top or loose stuff and they had chances as a result. Two efforts went just past the post and the defensive mess should have seen them score after Basham made a real rick. The other way we did nothing and never looked like scoring. Cardiff definitely did enough to lead and even though I felt they did press and run around a lot, not sure they had much quality and we did not hurt them at all the other way. It was like we were not even trying to pass it or attack and it was aimless balls for the most part of safe football in our half when we did keep it. Gage said we were fine and had been ok but must have been watching a different game as our intensity and quality on and off the ball was miles off – just like the week.
The most frustrating thing was Cardiff were not that great either. They had a few efforts but were hardly ripping us to shreds and it was just giveaways or sloppy marking that led to chances. I was worried outside of Ndiaye, who was quiet, where the creativity and chances/goals would come from. I felt we might just drip out 1-0 as they just looked more likely of two poor sides in a bad game. I just thought with more chances (glad he did not risk anyone though if not fully fit as not worth it) and we really only had maybe 4 or 5 players who would start in our strongest team, I would have been pleased just to nick a draw, especially how off it we seemed again in the first half.
Second half we were miles better and McAtee made a real difference. Do not think Arblaster was any worse than half a dozen others but McAtee helped us get up the field and was much braver than he has been in any other game. He ran at them and created/had chances. He was really good despite making a mess of the early one. The wing backs improved hugely and the whole team played further up the field. We got on the ball and started to make them face the other way and got things into better areas and into their box. We just seemed to look hungrier and were able to show how poor Cardiff actually are. We had a few half chances and then we scored with Baldock really showing his determination and took it well – although poor defending and keeping. After that we had a few chances to seal it but then at 1-0 you are always nervous and they had a few half chances but nothing actually that close in the end. We were miles better after the break and Cardiff sort of run out of ideas and in the end, we saw it out well. We will probably play better in games and not win and whilst it was better than at Bristol City, we managed to keep another clean sheet away (third straight- odd when we concede so many at home!).
Delighted to win a game I felt we probably would not when I saw the side and was even less convinced at half time but credit the manager and the players for doing enough to move the ball quicker and up the intensity. We scored a goal and then had the games other best chances really despite them going close first half – their keeper had more to do and we had a few better opportunities. We of course will be knocked off the top tomorrow but will go into the break top two which is great after such a drop off and all the injuries. To win 3/4 of the games before the break is a real fill up but it is typical United, we lose the one you would think was the easiest game but it was a tricky run and we have picked things up.
We now had a four-week break. We hope Ndiaye does not get injured (do hope he plays a bit though so we can watch him!) and hope we can get some of the players back. We will wait on Robinson – did not seem like a really bad one but never can tell with our injuries. Lowe and Bogle seem close and then you would think Anel, Fleck, McBurnie and Doyle all will be fine after a month off. Throw in maybe Berge getting back and we suddenly have a lot more options and do not have to name two keepers on the bench – was this a nudge to the Prince as it seemed an off move when you could name an academy player like Marsh maybe instead?
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Actually no real saves to make first half – saved a cross and flicked a cross away and then watched two shots go wide and another he needed his defence to bail Basham out after the mistake. After the break largely unemployed and only had the one save to make from the Robinson shot and saw one go wide at the death but had a fairly comfortable time as the defence/side improved.
Baldock 7/10 – Our main attacking threat first half in how forward he got but despite some good runs, his final cross was poor on two occasions. He tried to make things happen but nothing really materialised. They also got down his side too often the other way. Second half much better in terms of being the typical George forcing them back and being a real nuisance. He was involved in quite a few attacking moves and then scored with a real determined rob of the defender and driven finish. It was all down to him really. He made a few defensive tackles and as always left it all out there. His efforts and desire for the club is phenomenal even if the quality is sometimes off but today it wasn’t when it mattered!
Stevens 5.5/10 – Started the game poorly with the ball coming off him and he got beat a few times. Just seems to bounce off him or he can’t really make the right decisions or combine. The runs he used to make with others or the power/pace as he got down the wing seems just not there. He did make a few tackles or get his foot in normally after poor control/touch originally so least kept competing. I do think wingers get away from him rather routinely. Credit after the break he did improve a fair bit and defensively was more secure and had one good run forward. Still think Lowe comes back in when fit.
Robinson – Arguing over nothing right at the start and then he fell awkwardly and seemed to hold his leg suggesting another hamstring injury. This is not bad luck. It is happening too much and we need an urgent review of the preparation and conditioning at the club.
Basham 5.5/10 – He was fine and got a few blocks in and did come forward once too but then made a right rick that should have cost us a goal. He does make mistakes quite often now sadly. Second half he was ok in what he did defensively but then twice he tried to gamble or gave it away and set them off and at the end was not marking twice. I think Egan was the stronger of the two and even Clark defensively.
Egan 7/10 – He was fine really but he did lose a few headers to smaller men. Had that volley from 40 yards – the closest we came! Defensively he was ok in that he made that block right at the end of the half and then made a number of headed clearances. One moment when him and Bash were ball watching at the end leading to the free header nearly cost us.
Osborn 5/10 – Looked lost as he ran around but did nothing of note at all and when he got it then he just came back or lost it. Did not even really get tackles in either. I saw some saying he played well but I can only recall one cross and the shot when he really got into good areas. Outside of this just seemed to look slow and weak. Constantly comes out of challenges second best and his quality on the ball is really lacking. When players are back, he should only be used as a run around sub for the last few minutes.
Norwood 7/10 – Thought he was ok and his passing was fine but he maybe did not see as much of the ball as he normally does. He did play some decent balls to Baldock and set up Sharp for the chance. Just a steady game where he did what he had to.
Arblaster 5/10 – He started quietly but then he had a few decent runs and involvements but then fell over looking for a foul and set them on the attack and also defensively seemed to be too far forward meaning they had some chances down that side. He was ok and not awful but clearly got a lot to learn of course but glad he had his debut and will only learn from that.
Ndiaye 6/10 – Some good bits of skill where he comes out of those corners/tight situations and always looks a threat when he gets it. However, some of his final balls and decisions not quite secure enough today and missed that really good chance. He does keep the ball for the most part though and allow us a breather if we need a get out. Not sure he had much help especially first half but saw more of it when McAtee came on.
Sharp 5.5/10 -Thought it was a real struggle first half and he was not in it as he fell over looking for free kicks and just not close enough to Ndiaye or the midfield. He looked slow and lacking the power/athleticism to help us keep the ball and we had nothing up top – one good cross apart to Ndiaye. After the break he improved and got on the ball, made sure we kept it and had two efforts at goal – one he should have done better with. Not sure why he did not come off though as looked shattered!
Subs –
Clark 6.5/10 – He was ok and felt he did what he had to in terms of headers/clearances. He does give us more of a presence in terms of height. At the end of the half, the defence were all a bit at sea but that was as a unit. After the break they all played higher up the field and it was much better from everyone. He had two headers and maybe should have done better taking one off Egan and then heading one down. Did make a few clearances at the end though.
McAtee 7.5/10 – My man of the match in only 45 minutes and easily the best he has played for us. He instantly got on the ball and made things happen. He ran at players and was dangerous carrying it. Made a bit of a mess of one break early on but then played in some good balls (to Clark/Sharp) and was the main threat on the field with his ball carrying and running. He was involved in everything good we did and showed positivity in trying to get at them. Involved in the goal too. He carried on running and penetrating and finally he showed some bravery and had a really good contribution.
Khadra – I would have brought him on earlier as we needed an out ball and when he came on we were just seeing it out. Lost it once and fouled his man but by the time he came on they started to have a bit of pressure/corners. Mystified why he does not get more time? He may as well send him back if he does not trust him and is still playing Sharp 90 minutes.
Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – First half was more like 3/10 as another flat and subdued performance where we barely attacked and did not try and hurt a poor side and sat back almost waiting to concede. Our energy levels lacked as did our intent and we were lucky to go in 0-0. After the break miles better and to a man we improved. We were not sensational but I thought Cardiff were a poor side and if we just upped the intensity and tempo we could and would win and so it proved. Credit for the change in putting McAtee on. He has been criticised for his subs but this one worked. I do think Khadra was left too long again and still does not use his subs well enough overall. Still with a thread bare team, we got the win. I was pleased regardless of the result; we did not risk any of the players with injuries. Maybe some might have been risked but the season and after the break is more important so it was the right call.
Cardiff – Seen bit of them and they look poor. They have a few players who now and again can score/make things but on the whole, it is a squad that lacks ability, goals and experience. They have a few younger players coming through but they also lack the defensive nous to see teams out and with the lack of a regular goal scorer the other way, I do worry they may end up in trouble and think they may be looking over their shoulder. They have not really sorted the managerial situation out and Hudson seems to have been caretaker for a while now? They are a side that lacks character and leadership to me on the outside. They have a few ‘nice’ and ‘neat and tidy’ players but not winners so my tip of them being on the relegation fringes remains.
Today they did ok first half as they probably could not believe how bad we were and had a few close efforts wide but just came at us as we sat off really. They gained confidence and ought to have led. They were not playing superb stuff but did enough to get through us easily. Maybe they were not ready for us to improve and regressed badly after the break. The goal was awful to concede with the full back so slow and the keeper leaving his near post but it had been coming really. After this they did little save for a few late corners and they had a few half chances but think Foderingham only had one easy save all game. In the end they seemed to lack belief they could score or come back and it was a timid defeat after being decent first half.
Opponent Man of the Match – Robinson was their best player. I still do not rate him and Cardiff is about his level. He did look lively and a few good runs but missed a headed chance and he was bottled up with little service second half. Romeo had a few decent runs down the right first half but was kept back second half.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Kipre and Ng when McAtee and Ndiaye ran at them struggled second half but the lad who made the error wins this award this week. Nkounkou was so slow and it was an awful piece of defending and cost his team. The keeper also did not cover himself in glory here.
Referee/Officials – Matthew Donogue we had last season and he was awful against Millwall and Blackburn. We had him against Hull this season and nothing controversial really happened at all. Today thought with minimal difficult decisions to make that he favoured us actually. Not a lot really of note but the 50-50 ones seemed to go to us – like when Egan seemed to trip Robinson and he said he got the ball but then he gave a similar one against Sharp. The rest of the game not sure there were many bad fouls though and the only booking was Stevens which was right as the man had gone and he was cynical in his act to bring him down.
There were doubts over a number of players for United and McBurnie, Fleck, Ahmedhodzic and Doyle did not make it meaning it was a severely weakened United line up. Oliver Arblaster made his league debut for the Blades with Sharp partnering Ndiaye and Basham back in the line-up. Heckingbottom strangely named two keepers on the bench in a baffling selection.
Cardiff still under temporary manager Mark Hudson had experienced a stop start season with a managerial change after a poor run and seem a team/club in transition. They had former Blade Callum Robinson starting up top.
The game began with United having lots of possession but not really getting into the last third and the first ball over the top saw the ball pulled back and Robinson fired over. Baldock managed to play the ball off the corner flag in an incident that was as entertaining as it got inside the first 10 minutes. Robinson went down holding his leg after he landed awkwardly and it seemed another hamstring injury. Clark came on for him as the outgoing player limped off.
Arblaster had been quiet but a good run saw Baldock played in but for the second time in the game his cross was poor. Stevens poor ball then led to Cardiff having some pressure and a ball was cleared before a Robinson run saw the ball played inside but United again got a foot in. Robinson was causing problems and his strong running down the sides nearly paid off as he put a ball in and Foderingham held the low cross. Romeo then got past Stevens but Clark was able to step in and the home side were enjoying the better of the game.
United did have a decent spell as Sharp put a good ball in that was flicked just away from Ndiaye from Cardiff defender and Norwood was constantly looking for Baldock which seemed United’s main focal point of the attack with Sharp and Ndiaye quiet. After a better spell, the home side regained control again and Harris volleyed over before Sharp and then Osborn both went to ground too easily and City broke. The ball fell to Wintle and his shot dipped just wide with Foderingham well beaten. Soon after the ball went just past the same post again. Arblaster this time lost possession and Cardiff broke and O’Dowda stood up the cross that Robinson headed wide and narrowly wide.
Romeo then got in down the other side and Foderingham flapped at the cross but did enough to knock it away. Robinson continued to be the game’s most outstanding player and looked lively as the Blades looked clueless having not tested the Cardiff backline at all. Baldock was tripped but Norwood’s cross was headed into the air by Egan.
Calamitous defending should have seen United behind as Basham played a ball without looking and Harris nipped in and went round the keeper before looking certain to score but maybe took too long and in the end when the shot came in Egan made the last-ditch block to deny a certain goal. Cardiff continued to press and the Blades would have been glad of the half time whistle in the end in a game that they had never got going, creating nothing going forward and being breached too often at the back. Foderingham had not made a save of note either but two past his post and then last-ditch block denied them a deserved lead.
Heckingbottom opted to change things at the break after another flat performance and McAtee came on for Arblaster. Instantly the move nearly paid off as McAtee was in but with players over he dithered and the chance went. United had clearly felt they needed to play at a better pace and another move saw Norwood find Osborn and his cross was deflected wide. United had a series of corners with Egan having a header blocked and another not quite dropping.
One ball in from McAtee was really dangerous but Clark took it off Egan’s head who was probably in a better position. McAtee went on another driving run and his ability to carry the ball was a real feature of United’s improvements. Cardiff had been the better side before the break but had barely got the ball in the United half and another chance came for the visitors from a corner but Egan headed his effort down and wide when it was a really good opportunity. Sharp then turned inside and had a shot which was straight at Allsop. United had been dominant after the interval but Basham’s giveaway saw Cardiff break but Egan stepped in to make the interception.
Norwood’s free kick was straight down Allsop’s throat but the Blades were getting the ball into the box and quicker on and off the ball. Colwill came on for Harris for the home side but they had not been able to have any fluency or possession at all.
On 68 minutes the opening goal came. Unsurprisingly it came from McAtee’s running as Baldock slipped him in but after the cross was half cleared Nkounkou dithered badly and BALDOCK nipped in to rob him and smashed the ball in at Allsop’s near post who got his location all wrong.
Whyte came on for Ralls and Ojo for Nkounkou as the home side looked to find some energy but United still looking the better side and Stevens regained possession after he lost it to feed Sharp who was in on the angle but his shot was too close to the keeper who pushed behind. City’s final change was Rinomhota for Sang on 77 minutes but it was the Blades who should have finished the game. McAtee again did well to break free and his ball to Osborn saw him come inside and hit a powerful shot the keeper pushed away and Ndiaye looked set to score but could not find the finish as his effort trickled wide as a defender put him under pressure.
Cardiff won three corners but Egan and then Clark headed clear before Robinson had their first effort on goal but it was easy for Foderingham. The home fans got frustrated when they felt Robinson was fouled by Egan before referee Donohue pulled things up for an offence on Sharp. City had not threatened at all but a poor moment saw Basham and Egan lose their man and the header should have caused the Blades keeper more problems but was straight at him.
Khadra came on for Sharp with 2 minutes to play and Stevens then got down the wing and nearly got in and this led to a corner but United were content on playing timeout as the four extra minutes allotted were held up. Cardiff did win two late corners and Allsop was up for the second but their final chance came when the ball was pulled back and Ojo had a great chance but side footed well wide. United were able to celebrate a big three points soon after and will be relieved that a patched up side were able to go into the break with a win.
United – Big win and I did not really care about the performance. The most important thing with such a weakened team was not getting more injuries and trying to get something from the game. I would not have devastated at a draw when I saw the starting line up so three points is excellent. Of course, we did get another injury in Robinson but this seems to be just accepted now. The amount of hamstring injuries is really beyond bad luck and often these muscle injuries happen in first half of games which needs a serious review about preparation in terms of training, conditioning and before the game in what the fitness team are doing? They need to change what they are doing urgently or our season will be derailed.
In terms of the game first half, we were rubbish. It was the same, if not worse than Rotherham for me. We just sat off the ball and did not even try and attack save for the diagonal ball from Norwood to Baldock. Sharp and Ndiaye were not in it and Arblaster and Osborn rarely got on the ball. The other way we did not get tight to men and the runners (Robinson in particular) were not paid close enough attention to and chances came from slow play and ball watching. We were just not quick enough to react to simple balls over the top or loose stuff and they had chances as a result. Two efforts went just past the post and the defensive mess should have seen them score after Basham made a real rick. The other way we did nothing and never looked like scoring. Cardiff definitely did enough to lead and even though I felt they did press and run around a lot, not sure they had much quality and we did not hurt them at all the other way. It was like we were not even trying to pass it or attack and it was aimless balls for the most part of safe football in our half when we did keep it. Gage said we were fine and had been ok but must have been watching a different game as our intensity and quality on and off the ball was miles off – just like the week.
The most frustrating thing was Cardiff were not that great either. They had a few efforts but were hardly ripping us to shreds and it was just giveaways or sloppy marking that led to chances. I was worried outside of Ndiaye, who was quiet, where the creativity and chances/goals would come from. I felt we might just drip out 1-0 as they just looked more likely of two poor sides in a bad game. I just thought with more chances (glad he did not risk anyone though if not fully fit as not worth it) and we really only had maybe 4 or 5 players who would start in our strongest team, I would have been pleased just to nick a draw, especially how off it we seemed again in the first half.
Second half we were miles better and McAtee made a real difference. Do not think Arblaster was any worse than half a dozen others but McAtee helped us get up the field and was much braver than he has been in any other game. He ran at them and created/had chances. He was really good despite making a mess of the early one. The wing backs improved hugely and the whole team played further up the field. We got on the ball and started to make them face the other way and got things into better areas and into their box. We just seemed to look hungrier and were able to show how poor Cardiff actually are. We had a few half chances and then we scored with Baldock really showing his determination and took it well – although poor defending and keeping. After that we had a few chances to seal it but then at 1-0 you are always nervous and they had a few half chances but nothing actually that close in the end. We were miles better after the break and Cardiff sort of run out of ideas and in the end, we saw it out well. We will probably play better in games and not win and whilst it was better than at Bristol City, we managed to keep another clean sheet away (third straight- odd when we concede so many at home!).
Delighted to win a game I felt we probably would not when I saw the side and was even less convinced at half time but credit the manager and the players for doing enough to move the ball quicker and up the intensity. We scored a goal and then had the games other best chances really despite them going close first half – their keeper had more to do and we had a few better opportunities. We of course will be knocked off the top tomorrow but will go into the break top two which is great after such a drop off and all the injuries. To win 3/4 of the games before the break is a real fill up but it is typical United, we lose the one you would think was the easiest game but it was a tricky run and we have picked things up.
We now had a four-week break. We hope Ndiaye does not get injured (do hope he plays a bit though so we can watch him!) and hope we can get some of the players back. We will wait on Robinson – did not seem like a really bad one but never can tell with our injuries. Lowe and Bogle seem close and then you would think Anel, Fleck, McBurnie and Doyle all will be fine after a month off. Throw in maybe Berge getting back and we suddenly have a lot more options and do not have to name two keepers on the bench – was this a nudge to the Prince as it seemed an off move when you could name an academy player like Marsh maybe instead?
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Actually no real saves to make first half – saved a cross and flicked a cross away and then watched two shots go wide and another he needed his defence to bail Basham out after the mistake. After the break largely unemployed and only had the one save to make from the Robinson shot and saw one go wide at the death but had a fairly comfortable time as the defence/side improved.
Baldock 7/10 – Our main attacking threat first half in how forward he got but despite some good runs, his final cross was poor on two occasions. He tried to make things happen but nothing really materialised. They also got down his side too often the other way. Second half much better in terms of being the typical George forcing them back and being a real nuisance. He was involved in quite a few attacking moves and then scored with a real determined rob of the defender and driven finish. It was all down to him really. He made a few defensive tackles and as always left it all out there. His efforts and desire for the club is phenomenal even if the quality is sometimes off but today it wasn’t when it mattered!
Stevens 5.5/10 – Started the game poorly with the ball coming off him and he got beat a few times. Just seems to bounce off him or he can’t really make the right decisions or combine. The runs he used to make with others or the power/pace as he got down the wing seems just not there. He did make a few tackles or get his foot in normally after poor control/touch originally so least kept competing. I do think wingers get away from him rather routinely. Credit after the break he did improve a fair bit and defensively was more secure and had one good run forward. Still think Lowe comes back in when fit.
Robinson – Arguing over nothing right at the start and then he fell awkwardly and seemed to hold his leg suggesting another hamstring injury. This is not bad luck. It is happening too much and we need an urgent review of the preparation and conditioning at the club.
Basham 5.5/10 – He was fine and got a few blocks in and did come forward once too but then made a right rick that should have cost us a goal. He does make mistakes quite often now sadly. Second half he was ok in what he did defensively but then twice he tried to gamble or gave it away and set them off and at the end was not marking twice. I think Egan was the stronger of the two and even Clark defensively.
Egan 7/10 – He was fine really but he did lose a few headers to smaller men. Had that volley from 40 yards – the closest we came! Defensively he was ok in that he made that block right at the end of the half and then made a number of headed clearances. One moment when him and Bash were ball watching at the end leading to the free header nearly cost us.
Osborn 5/10 – Looked lost as he ran around but did nothing of note at all and when he got it then he just came back or lost it. Did not even really get tackles in either. I saw some saying he played well but I can only recall one cross and the shot when he really got into good areas. Outside of this just seemed to look slow and weak. Constantly comes out of challenges second best and his quality on the ball is really lacking. When players are back, he should only be used as a run around sub for the last few minutes.
Norwood 7/10 – Thought he was ok and his passing was fine but he maybe did not see as much of the ball as he normally does. He did play some decent balls to Baldock and set up Sharp for the chance. Just a steady game where he did what he had to.
Arblaster 5/10 – He started quietly but then he had a few decent runs and involvements but then fell over looking for a foul and set them on the attack and also defensively seemed to be too far forward meaning they had some chances down that side. He was ok and not awful but clearly got a lot to learn of course but glad he had his debut and will only learn from that.
Ndiaye 6/10 – Some good bits of skill where he comes out of those corners/tight situations and always looks a threat when he gets it. However, some of his final balls and decisions not quite secure enough today and missed that really good chance. He does keep the ball for the most part though and allow us a breather if we need a get out. Not sure he had much help especially first half but saw more of it when McAtee came on.
Sharp 5.5/10 -Thought it was a real struggle first half and he was not in it as he fell over looking for free kicks and just not close enough to Ndiaye or the midfield. He looked slow and lacking the power/athleticism to help us keep the ball and we had nothing up top – one good cross apart to Ndiaye. After the break he improved and got on the ball, made sure we kept it and had two efforts at goal – one he should have done better with. Not sure why he did not come off though as looked shattered!
Subs –
Clark 6.5/10 – He was ok and felt he did what he had to in terms of headers/clearances. He does give us more of a presence in terms of height. At the end of the half, the defence were all a bit at sea but that was as a unit. After the break they all played higher up the field and it was much better from everyone. He had two headers and maybe should have done better taking one off Egan and then heading one down. Did make a few clearances at the end though.
McAtee 7.5/10 – My man of the match in only 45 minutes and easily the best he has played for us. He instantly got on the ball and made things happen. He ran at players and was dangerous carrying it. Made a bit of a mess of one break early on but then played in some good balls (to Clark/Sharp) and was the main threat on the field with his ball carrying and running. He was involved in everything good we did and showed positivity in trying to get at them. Involved in the goal too. He carried on running and penetrating and finally he showed some bravery and had a really good contribution.
Khadra – I would have brought him on earlier as we needed an out ball and when he came on we were just seeing it out. Lost it once and fouled his man but by the time he came on they started to have a bit of pressure/corners. Mystified why he does not get more time? He may as well send him back if he does not trust him and is still playing Sharp 90 minutes.
Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – First half was more like 3/10 as another flat and subdued performance where we barely attacked and did not try and hurt a poor side and sat back almost waiting to concede. Our energy levels lacked as did our intent and we were lucky to go in 0-0. After the break miles better and to a man we improved. We were not sensational but I thought Cardiff were a poor side and if we just upped the intensity and tempo we could and would win and so it proved. Credit for the change in putting McAtee on. He has been criticised for his subs but this one worked. I do think Khadra was left too long again and still does not use his subs well enough overall. Still with a thread bare team, we got the win. I was pleased regardless of the result; we did not risk any of the players with injuries. Maybe some might have been risked but the season and after the break is more important so it was the right call.
Cardiff – Seen bit of them and they look poor. They have a few players who now and again can score/make things but on the whole, it is a squad that lacks ability, goals and experience. They have a few younger players coming through but they also lack the defensive nous to see teams out and with the lack of a regular goal scorer the other way, I do worry they may end up in trouble and think they may be looking over their shoulder. They have not really sorted the managerial situation out and Hudson seems to have been caretaker for a while now? They are a side that lacks character and leadership to me on the outside. They have a few ‘nice’ and ‘neat and tidy’ players but not winners so my tip of them being on the relegation fringes remains.
Today they did ok first half as they probably could not believe how bad we were and had a few close efforts wide but just came at us as we sat off really. They gained confidence and ought to have led. They were not playing superb stuff but did enough to get through us easily. Maybe they were not ready for us to improve and regressed badly after the break. The goal was awful to concede with the full back so slow and the keeper leaving his near post but it had been coming really. After this they did little save for a few late corners and they had a few half chances but think Foderingham only had one easy save all game. In the end they seemed to lack belief they could score or come back and it was a timid defeat after being decent first half.
Opponent Man of the Match – Robinson was their best player. I still do not rate him and Cardiff is about his level. He did look lively and a few good runs but missed a headed chance and he was bottled up with little service second half. Romeo had a few decent runs down the right first half but was kept back second half.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Kipre and Ng when McAtee and Ndiaye ran at them struggled second half but the lad who made the error wins this award this week. Nkounkou was so slow and it was an awful piece of defending and cost his team. The keeper also did not cover himself in glory here.
Referee/Officials – Matthew Donogue we had last season and he was awful against Millwall and Blackburn. We had him against Hull this season and nothing controversial really happened at all. Today thought with minimal difficult decisions to make that he favoured us actually. Not a lot really of note but the 50-50 ones seemed to go to us – like when Egan seemed to trip Robinson and he said he got the ball but then he gave a similar one against Sharp. The rest of the game not sure there were many bad fouls though and the only booking was Stevens which was right as the man had gone and he was cynical in his act to bring him down.
. Now we has the boring world cup, with southgate picking the negative dudes over the class. Out in the group stage?