Post by deadbat on Dec 19, 2022 23:25:49 GMT
United kept in touch with league leaders Burnley, as they made it 6 wins from 7 after seeing off relegation threatened Wigan at the DW Stadium on the Monday night game in front of the TV cameras. The Blades took the lead thanks to John Egan’s header from Oli Norwood’s corner and could have had more goals in a first half they controlled. Billy Sharp clinically converted from merely a half chance inside the hour mark and it seemed a routine win but a goal back from Nathan Broadhead gave Wigan hope. The final part of the game saw United defending more than attacking but they did enough to take the vital three points and remain a nice cushion in the automatic promotion places.
The Blades made one change with Sander Berge back in the starting line up with Ben Osborn missing out due to a muscle strain. Tommy Doyle was also back on the bench. Wigan started the evening in the bottom three for Kolo Toure’s first game as manager.
The contest begin with the home side quick out of the traps quickly and Baldock lost a challenge which saw Keane drive through but fired a long way over. McClean then sent a dangerous cross over which fell for Naylor but his shot struck Berge. It had been a strong start from Wigan as United had been careless with the ball with Sharp, McAtee and Norwood all giving cheap possession away.
However, the Blades slowly started to get into the game and McAtee drifted out wide before sending over a cross that fell for Sharp whose shot was saved by Jones. The returning Berge then drove at the Wigan defence and it led to a ball to Ndiaye, who cut one way and then another but his shot was saved by Jones. The follow up by Berge hit Darikwa. Suddenly after a slow start, United had created a flurry of chances.
From the resultant corner from Norwood, EGAN got across his man and powered in and past Jones. It was his first goal for 15 months, with his last effort being on the road in front of the TV cameras at Hull in September 2021.
The Blades sensed the visitor’s defensive frailty and Berge was central to the thrust. Another powerful run after he robbed his man saw him go at the retreating defenders before he ran out of steam.
Wigan seemed stunned but did break out and a speculative effort from McClean was fumbled from Foderingham but Keane was offside on the rebound fortunately for the Blades keeper. Sharp and Tilt then tussled off the ball and both were cautioned after he altercation continued for some time.
There was another good chance for United as Berge took advantage of Bennet’s mistake as Wigan continued to try and play out of the back. The midfielder fed Ndiaye but he could not quite get his feet sorted but managed to play it onto McAtee whose shot was blocked.
Wigan did win a corner that Foderingham fumbled but it was the away side that continued to cut Wigan open and more good work from McAtee saw United in but Sharp then overplayed the cross. Wigan continued to try and play out of the back and made another error which saw United steal the ball and Sharp’s backheel found McAtee whose shot was turned round his near post from Jones.
From the corner Clark had his shot ripped completely off his body and as the ball was cleared, he had to run back with the shirt in his hand. Wigan had a two-on-two break but the cross was away from any waiting attacker.
Norwood’s delivery was then headed over by Sharp who had strayed offside. United were looking like creating something every time they attacked but Wigan were not out of it as the game was really open. Whatmough and Tilt both went down injured at one point and soon after the former could not continue and Edmunds Green came on to replace him. The home side continued the policy of trying to move it from the keeper and out and it continued to cause them issues as Ndiaye nearly got in again.
Wigan finally started to go longer and found McClean whose crossing has been the main danger for the United defence. However, he could only flick his second effort wide of the post as it came back to him. Ndiaye’s superb skill saw him come out of an area where he seemed penned in and incredibly took two defenders out of the game as he came away with it. McAtee then dropped his shoulder and went down the left and his cross was perfect for Berge but he fluffed a really good chance with no real contact on the finish.
Stevens poor touch sent Wigan away and Egan chopped his man down for a yellow card. Wigan then were able to apply some sustained pressure for the first time since the opening few minutes and won two corners and Egan had to make a vital interception from another cross coming in. Tilt then brought McAtee down and was lucky not to get a second yellow card as the six minutes of stoppage elapsed soon after with United deservedly leading.
Cousens came on for Naylor at the break. United had a chance as Sharp got in but took too long and the tackle was made. Foderingham then took a low cross as the game was fairly even at this stage. However, on 55 minutes, the second goal came and Ndiaye made it with a run and pass into SHARP who took a touch and then from a position out wide, arrowed a perfect low left foot shot into the corner and beyond Jones. The striker celebrated his 249th goal of his career with the Blades fans behind the goal and cemented United’s strong position in the game.
Wigan made their third and fourth changes as Nymabe and Aasgaard came on for Bennett and Darikwa. Clark did well to get his foot in that led to a corner as Wigan tried to find a way back. The home side had a great chance when Lang danced his way into the box and his shot was saved by Foderingham but as the ball dropped, the shot came in from Aasgaard and appeared to hit Baldock’s hand but the referee waved play on despite strong appeals.
However, the reprieve was temporary for the Blades as Wigan did get a goal back soon after, on 65 minutes. The ball was knocked forward and Ahmedhodzic’s made a hash of the clearance and his slice saw Wigan turn it down the side and Aasgaard was able to get in and sent a low cross over. Foderingham made a mess of it and only pushed it to the waiting BROADHEAD who took a touch and tapped home from the six-yard box. A really soft goal to concede, although replays showed two Wigan players were offside in the build up and this would only add to United’s frustrations.
Wigan now sensed a real way back into the game and Clark’s wild tackle saw him rightly booked as he tried to stop Wigan advancing down the right again. The Latics were now having more of the ball in the midfield area and were stretching the Blades who had previously been in control. Ndiaye got United out with some superb skill once again as wriggled away from two defenders and drew a foul. Norwood took it but his effort went narrowly over.
Aasgaard was causing problems for United and won a free kick but Egan cleared before Sharp and McAtee came off for McBurnie and Doyle. The Man City loanee nearly go in after Baldock’s clever ball and Edmunds Green had to come in to make the last-ditch tackle that led to a corner. Fletcher came on for Broadhead and nearly got in after good work Power and Lang led to a cross coming in and Ahmedhodzic had to make the last-ditch tackle.
Khadra replaced Ndiaye and tried to get United up the field but only succeeded in running it out of play as the game entered 5 minutes of additional time. Power had a long-range effort that went a long way over but United were able to see things out without any further scares and give themselves a nice 5-point cushion in the top two before they return to the Lane against Coventry City.
United – A bit like Huddersfield, it was not a fantastic performance but enough to win against a poor side. We started slowly but then grew into it and from 5 minutes to about 35 we were very good attacking wise, scoring a set piece goal again (we are now incredibly one of the best teams in the league at corners/set plays after previously lamenting this before!) and having countless other breaks with Berge, McAtee, Sharp and Ndiaye all having chances to score. We should and could have been out of sight. We were not ruthless and some indecision and openness the other way with a shaky Wes meant they did possess a threat too. Still, I felt we should have put the game away. After the break we get a second, despite starting slowly again and Sharp seems to have finished them off but we then got sloppy and give a silly goal away. We seemed to lose our shape and did not keep the ball. Much like last week, we sat deeper, stopped passing it and became a side that was setting. We did not make changes and give us fresh legs and in the end, we sort of limped home even if they did not have tons of chances (bit like Huddersfield). A number who had played well first half faded badly and we sort of lost our composure. Still against two poor sides we get two big wins and not sure it matters how well we play in such games. The Championship can always throw up surprises so just pleased to get the win again and give us a nice breathing space.
Individually Ndiaye was good again and thought some of the usuals like Egan/Norwood were solid and McAtee continues to improve. Berge was excellent first half and really poor second half. Clark did some good things mixed with errors. Ditto for Anel. Wes was unusually off his game and looked like the keeper I recall from his Swindon days. He needs to make sure this was a one off.
Overall though we take the win and got more minutes into returning players. I do feel Stevens still looks a weak link and surely it will not be long before Lowe returns? I also think Doyle might start for McAtee next game (as well as McAtee has done) as him Berge and Norwood is our strongest midfield. McBurnie might be back too against a physical Coventry backline.
I detailed in threads on forums we still would benefit from another midfielder with legs and the way two poor teams have run through us too much in two successive second half reinforces this need. I also think another striker would be beneficial, especially watching Khadra’s headless chicken cameo that had me having flashbacks of Oli Burke!
Still, we win just before Christmas and get an extra day’s rest to Coventry who play again before we do and with a packed Lane (well almost packed!) then we can hopefully get back to a more fluid way against a team that might have more of a go at us than the last two opponents have done. It will be a much tougher contest and that is why tonight was so vital just to get the win, no matter how we play which again was ok but not quite at our best.
Ratings:
Foderingham 5/10 – Did not start the game the best with a fumble from a shot and then dropping a corner but then took another. After this his poor decision making continued. He came for a few things and did not get there and then he made a hash of a cross he should gather – he needs to just take another step and gather it comfortably. He then came for another ball and we had to clear. Normally he is really reliable but he was not at his best and shaky all evening.
Baldock 6/10 – Began losing a tackle but then got more stuck in as he faced a tough opponent in McClean. He found it hard going as he got some good balls in but felt he got better as the game went on and made a few good blocks and tackles. Lucky though to get away with a blatant hand ball and they then came down his side in the lead up the goal. Did put a lovely ball through to Doyle.
Stevens 5/10 – Thought he once again looked a weak link. Well forward to be fair but his touch and final decisions not the best. His body does not seem to be able to do the things he wants to do. He did some ok things but I also though the ball came off him too much. The fact most of their attacking threat came down his side (the stats showed this) was a telling sign. He did at least get his foot in and make some tackles towards the end.
Clark 6.5/10 – Solid enough to start with. Involved in lots of wrestling and you can make a valid case the one where he had his shirt took off his back was a penalty really? He then played on without his shirt for a while! He was ok defensively with what he had to do in the first half. Second half he got beat a few times and an appallingly cynical tackle saw him booked – maybe he had to do it but he got himself in that poor position. He kept plugging away but they did get down the left between him and Stevens quite a bit.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Ok in terms of winning the battle and used the ball fairly well. Went a bit long for my liking but he did come onto the ball and try and come out when we looked the better side. As the game progressed, he made some unforced errors and the one on the goal was woeful as he sliced the ball badly. He did at least make a good tackle towards the end when the cross came in.
Egan 7/10 – Finally a headed goal and well taken. He was able to finally get one under the bar! Made one good interception but also a silly booking in the opening half. However, I felt he was fairly solid all game in terms of winning headers and making tackles.
Norwood 7/10 – Decent enough to begin with. Great corner for the goal although apparently it was meant for the far post. Not sure he saw as much of the ball as normal but when he did have it, he was fairly accurate with his passing. He did well winning some bits and pieces defensively and felt he helped see things out towards the end.
Berge 6/10 – Began the game really well with two or three driving runs where they seemed like they could not handle him. He made a few chances and then also should have scored one. Looked an absolute beast as he ran things – he was maybe the best player of the first half hour and was more like an 8/10 but then second half he faded really badly and had a bit of a non-existent second half. He looked tired and sloppy and gave the ball away way too much and his legs seemed to go. Maybe he is not yet fully fit but his stamina was sadly lacking and maybe should have been taken off.
McAtee 7/10 – Looked lively and he ran down the wing with a few good runs and crosses. He could have scored a few first half with one blocked and another saved. He ran with the ball well and used it. Showed some physicality as he won some challenges too. He, like the rest of the team, was not as influential after the break but he still did ok at times. Has improved and put three good performances together. Thought he was unlucky to be subbed as Berge seemed less influential than him at this stage.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Some incredible skill mixed with some overplay and maybe taking too long to do things but overall, he was the one player who excited you and felt would make something happen. Had one run and shot, another where he set up McAtee and two or three superb bits of skill where he came out from tight areas to completely bamboozle defenders. He set up the second and had a few other good runs as the game went on. A joy to watch.
Sharp 6.5/10 – Bit like last week, not sure he was brilliant in general play but he scored (turned out to be the winner) First half saw a few decent bits of hold up but looked slow when it came to him and took too long to do things. Also got caught offside too much again. Second half had one run where he got tackled but then out of nothing scores a superb shot which was barely a half chance. Brilliant centre forward play to finish quickly before the keeper has time to set. I would have taken him off long before he did come off though as we were not holding the ball enough. Has scored two vital winners now though in back-to-back games.
Subs –
McBurnie – Came on and won a few headers and argued with a few opponents. Same as normal really!
Doyle – Got his foot in a few times and then one great run where he nearly got on the end of Baldock’s ball.
Khadra – Looked like the ghost of Oli Burke (Christmas past!) as he ran one out, ran into a defender and bumbled around rather aimlessly. At least he tried to forward I suppose!
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – It’s a win and we played well first half and had control but then second half it was sloppy again and we had to hang on a bit at the end – which was a bit like last week. We should really be putting teams like these and Huddersfield away more easily and comfortably than we have done. That may seem harsh but I think we have sat back too much and also have not had control of the game with it being way too open in both matches. Also, he has to make changes earlier and use more of them. We run the risk of running players into the ground and when he says we have players playing too much then surely, he has the power to change it? Sharp and Berge both were struggling for long periods and the latter played the whole game somehow? I will say we looked very good at times going forward and the high press did force them into errors too. We looked like scoring goals every time we attacked first half but sadly this did not continue and we were too deep. Still, it is 6 wins in 7 and we are in great shape as we go into Christmas.
Wigan – I thought they may struggle and would be in and around the bottom three and so it has proved. Harsh they moved the manager on as they do not have the budget and crowds and he did remarkably well to get them up last season as Champions but they went for a change and Toure has served his time under Brendan Rodgers. They have a smattering of experienced players and some young lads but you look at the squad and think it might be a long old season. You would have wanted them to be strong at home but the opposite has been true and they have struggled on their own turf and been better away. I had them as maybe doing better than Rotherham but worse than Sunderland but have struggled the most out of the three that came up who have ended up being in reverse order to where they finished last season in terms of promotion places.
Tonight, they started ok in the first few minutes but then they sort of fell away and then defensively they looked all over the place and yet continued to try and play out from the back. This led to so many opportunities and we scored one and could have had a lot more. They were not able to hold the likes of Berge and Ndiaye back and at the break were maybe lucky to be just 1-0 down. They did get better after the break but the second looked to have killed it but then they scored and had a real go and a few half chances and might have even nicked a point. Possession wise they had a lot more than us but not sure it was always effective and we had many more touches in the box. They were much better when they stopped playing out from the back and got it wide to the likes of Lang and McClean who put in some dangerous balls.
I do think that Touré may need some help in terms of some more experienced players at the back and up top to help them get the points they need. They were not the worst side we have faced but clearly had deficiencies the better sides will exploit as we did at times and with better finishing it could have been 2 or 3-0 at half time. They stayed in and had a bit of a go but in the end the score line was about right.
Opponent Man of the Match –McClean was dangerous at times with his crossing but thought that Lang was the most dangerous player and showed some good skill to get around his men a few times. Actually, Aasgaard was really good when he came in and was direct and progressive and was involved in their best attacks so he pushed Lang close even in limited minutes.
Opponent Weak link – Any of the back line really. Tilt was a bit of a tit really and could have been sent off. Darikwa made mistakes all game, including the one for the second but Whatmough lost his man for the opener, made another mistake that nearly cost them and then got injured and went off so he takes this award.
Referee/Officials – Dean Whitestone. He reffed us at West Brom recently in a routine game and was fine. Last season we had him against Hull and Peterborough in two wins but he missed a stonewall penalty on Gibbs White in the draw with Bournemouth. Tonight, he was fine. The bookings were all deserved with Sharp/Tilt giving him no choice and then poor tackles from Egan/Clark. You could argue he missed the handball but it came at Baldock quite quickly but he probably should see it. Maybe the Clark one where his opponent took his shirt off was a good appeal too – if it appeared a little strange! He maybe could have booked him (and thus later sent him off!) for having his shirt off – not sure what are the rules if someone else removes his shirt?! The rest of the game he was fine and not many really controversial decisions. He reffed it quite well and let things flow when he could. Of course, his assistant missed a clear offside but it kind of evened it up after the penalty just before.
The Blades made one change with Sander Berge back in the starting line up with Ben Osborn missing out due to a muscle strain. Tommy Doyle was also back on the bench. Wigan started the evening in the bottom three for Kolo Toure’s first game as manager.
The contest begin with the home side quick out of the traps quickly and Baldock lost a challenge which saw Keane drive through but fired a long way over. McClean then sent a dangerous cross over which fell for Naylor but his shot struck Berge. It had been a strong start from Wigan as United had been careless with the ball with Sharp, McAtee and Norwood all giving cheap possession away.
However, the Blades slowly started to get into the game and McAtee drifted out wide before sending over a cross that fell for Sharp whose shot was saved by Jones. The returning Berge then drove at the Wigan defence and it led to a ball to Ndiaye, who cut one way and then another but his shot was saved by Jones. The follow up by Berge hit Darikwa. Suddenly after a slow start, United had created a flurry of chances.
From the resultant corner from Norwood, EGAN got across his man and powered in and past Jones. It was his first goal for 15 months, with his last effort being on the road in front of the TV cameras at Hull in September 2021.
The Blades sensed the visitor’s defensive frailty and Berge was central to the thrust. Another powerful run after he robbed his man saw him go at the retreating defenders before he ran out of steam.
Wigan seemed stunned but did break out and a speculative effort from McClean was fumbled from Foderingham but Keane was offside on the rebound fortunately for the Blades keeper. Sharp and Tilt then tussled off the ball and both were cautioned after he altercation continued for some time.
There was another good chance for United as Berge took advantage of Bennet’s mistake as Wigan continued to try and play out of the back. The midfielder fed Ndiaye but he could not quite get his feet sorted but managed to play it onto McAtee whose shot was blocked.
Wigan did win a corner that Foderingham fumbled but it was the away side that continued to cut Wigan open and more good work from McAtee saw United in but Sharp then overplayed the cross. Wigan continued to try and play out of the back and made another error which saw United steal the ball and Sharp’s backheel found McAtee whose shot was turned round his near post from Jones.
From the corner Clark had his shot ripped completely off his body and as the ball was cleared, he had to run back with the shirt in his hand. Wigan had a two-on-two break but the cross was away from any waiting attacker.
Norwood’s delivery was then headed over by Sharp who had strayed offside. United were looking like creating something every time they attacked but Wigan were not out of it as the game was really open. Whatmough and Tilt both went down injured at one point and soon after the former could not continue and Edmunds Green came on to replace him. The home side continued the policy of trying to move it from the keeper and out and it continued to cause them issues as Ndiaye nearly got in again.
Wigan finally started to go longer and found McClean whose crossing has been the main danger for the United defence. However, he could only flick his second effort wide of the post as it came back to him. Ndiaye’s superb skill saw him come out of an area where he seemed penned in and incredibly took two defenders out of the game as he came away with it. McAtee then dropped his shoulder and went down the left and his cross was perfect for Berge but he fluffed a really good chance with no real contact on the finish.
Stevens poor touch sent Wigan away and Egan chopped his man down for a yellow card. Wigan then were able to apply some sustained pressure for the first time since the opening few minutes and won two corners and Egan had to make a vital interception from another cross coming in. Tilt then brought McAtee down and was lucky not to get a second yellow card as the six minutes of stoppage elapsed soon after with United deservedly leading.
Cousens came on for Naylor at the break. United had a chance as Sharp got in but took too long and the tackle was made. Foderingham then took a low cross as the game was fairly even at this stage. However, on 55 minutes, the second goal came and Ndiaye made it with a run and pass into SHARP who took a touch and then from a position out wide, arrowed a perfect low left foot shot into the corner and beyond Jones. The striker celebrated his 249th goal of his career with the Blades fans behind the goal and cemented United’s strong position in the game.
Wigan made their third and fourth changes as Nymabe and Aasgaard came on for Bennett and Darikwa. Clark did well to get his foot in that led to a corner as Wigan tried to find a way back. The home side had a great chance when Lang danced his way into the box and his shot was saved by Foderingham but as the ball dropped, the shot came in from Aasgaard and appeared to hit Baldock’s hand but the referee waved play on despite strong appeals.
However, the reprieve was temporary for the Blades as Wigan did get a goal back soon after, on 65 minutes. The ball was knocked forward and Ahmedhodzic’s made a hash of the clearance and his slice saw Wigan turn it down the side and Aasgaard was able to get in and sent a low cross over. Foderingham made a mess of it and only pushed it to the waiting BROADHEAD who took a touch and tapped home from the six-yard box. A really soft goal to concede, although replays showed two Wigan players were offside in the build up and this would only add to United’s frustrations.
Wigan now sensed a real way back into the game and Clark’s wild tackle saw him rightly booked as he tried to stop Wigan advancing down the right again. The Latics were now having more of the ball in the midfield area and were stretching the Blades who had previously been in control. Ndiaye got United out with some superb skill once again as wriggled away from two defenders and drew a foul. Norwood took it but his effort went narrowly over.
Aasgaard was causing problems for United and won a free kick but Egan cleared before Sharp and McAtee came off for McBurnie and Doyle. The Man City loanee nearly go in after Baldock’s clever ball and Edmunds Green had to come in to make the last-ditch tackle that led to a corner. Fletcher came on for Broadhead and nearly got in after good work Power and Lang led to a cross coming in and Ahmedhodzic had to make the last-ditch tackle.
Khadra replaced Ndiaye and tried to get United up the field but only succeeded in running it out of play as the game entered 5 minutes of additional time. Power had a long-range effort that went a long way over but United were able to see things out without any further scares and give themselves a nice 5-point cushion in the top two before they return to the Lane against Coventry City.
United – A bit like Huddersfield, it was not a fantastic performance but enough to win against a poor side. We started slowly but then grew into it and from 5 minutes to about 35 we were very good attacking wise, scoring a set piece goal again (we are now incredibly one of the best teams in the league at corners/set plays after previously lamenting this before!) and having countless other breaks with Berge, McAtee, Sharp and Ndiaye all having chances to score. We should and could have been out of sight. We were not ruthless and some indecision and openness the other way with a shaky Wes meant they did possess a threat too. Still, I felt we should have put the game away. After the break we get a second, despite starting slowly again and Sharp seems to have finished them off but we then got sloppy and give a silly goal away. We seemed to lose our shape and did not keep the ball. Much like last week, we sat deeper, stopped passing it and became a side that was setting. We did not make changes and give us fresh legs and in the end, we sort of limped home even if they did not have tons of chances (bit like Huddersfield). A number who had played well first half faded badly and we sort of lost our composure. Still against two poor sides we get two big wins and not sure it matters how well we play in such games. The Championship can always throw up surprises so just pleased to get the win again and give us a nice breathing space.
Individually Ndiaye was good again and thought some of the usuals like Egan/Norwood were solid and McAtee continues to improve. Berge was excellent first half and really poor second half. Clark did some good things mixed with errors. Ditto for Anel. Wes was unusually off his game and looked like the keeper I recall from his Swindon days. He needs to make sure this was a one off.
Overall though we take the win and got more minutes into returning players. I do feel Stevens still looks a weak link and surely it will not be long before Lowe returns? I also think Doyle might start for McAtee next game (as well as McAtee has done) as him Berge and Norwood is our strongest midfield. McBurnie might be back too against a physical Coventry backline.
I detailed in threads on forums we still would benefit from another midfielder with legs and the way two poor teams have run through us too much in two successive second half reinforces this need. I also think another striker would be beneficial, especially watching Khadra’s headless chicken cameo that had me having flashbacks of Oli Burke!
Still, we win just before Christmas and get an extra day’s rest to Coventry who play again before we do and with a packed Lane (well almost packed!) then we can hopefully get back to a more fluid way against a team that might have more of a go at us than the last two opponents have done. It will be a much tougher contest and that is why tonight was so vital just to get the win, no matter how we play which again was ok but not quite at our best.
Ratings:
Foderingham 5/10 – Did not start the game the best with a fumble from a shot and then dropping a corner but then took another. After this his poor decision making continued. He came for a few things and did not get there and then he made a hash of a cross he should gather – he needs to just take another step and gather it comfortably. He then came for another ball and we had to clear. Normally he is really reliable but he was not at his best and shaky all evening.
Baldock 6/10 – Began losing a tackle but then got more stuck in as he faced a tough opponent in McClean. He found it hard going as he got some good balls in but felt he got better as the game went on and made a few good blocks and tackles. Lucky though to get away with a blatant hand ball and they then came down his side in the lead up the goal. Did put a lovely ball through to Doyle.
Stevens 5/10 – Thought he once again looked a weak link. Well forward to be fair but his touch and final decisions not the best. His body does not seem to be able to do the things he wants to do. He did some ok things but I also though the ball came off him too much. The fact most of their attacking threat came down his side (the stats showed this) was a telling sign. He did at least get his foot in and make some tackles towards the end.
Clark 6.5/10 – Solid enough to start with. Involved in lots of wrestling and you can make a valid case the one where he had his shirt took off his back was a penalty really? He then played on without his shirt for a while! He was ok defensively with what he had to do in the first half. Second half he got beat a few times and an appallingly cynical tackle saw him booked – maybe he had to do it but he got himself in that poor position. He kept plugging away but they did get down the left between him and Stevens quite a bit.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Ok in terms of winning the battle and used the ball fairly well. Went a bit long for my liking but he did come onto the ball and try and come out when we looked the better side. As the game progressed, he made some unforced errors and the one on the goal was woeful as he sliced the ball badly. He did at least make a good tackle towards the end when the cross came in.
Egan 7/10 – Finally a headed goal and well taken. He was able to finally get one under the bar! Made one good interception but also a silly booking in the opening half. However, I felt he was fairly solid all game in terms of winning headers and making tackles.
Norwood 7/10 – Decent enough to begin with. Great corner for the goal although apparently it was meant for the far post. Not sure he saw as much of the ball as normal but when he did have it, he was fairly accurate with his passing. He did well winning some bits and pieces defensively and felt he helped see things out towards the end.
Berge 6/10 – Began the game really well with two or three driving runs where they seemed like they could not handle him. He made a few chances and then also should have scored one. Looked an absolute beast as he ran things – he was maybe the best player of the first half hour and was more like an 8/10 but then second half he faded really badly and had a bit of a non-existent second half. He looked tired and sloppy and gave the ball away way too much and his legs seemed to go. Maybe he is not yet fully fit but his stamina was sadly lacking and maybe should have been taken off.
McAtee 7/10 – Looked lively and he ran down the wing with a few good runs and crosses. He could have scored a few first half with one blocked and another saved. He ran with the ball well and used it. Showed some physicality as he won some challenges too. He, like the rest of the team, was not as influential after the break but he still did ok at times. Has improved and put three good performances together. Thought he was unlucky to be subbed as Berge seemed less influential than him at this stage.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Some incredible skill mixed with some overplay and maybe taking too long to do things but overall, he was the one player who excited you and felt would make something happen. Had one run and shot, another where he set up McAtee and two or three superb bits of skill where he came out from tight areas to completely bamboozle defenders. He set up the second and had a few other good runs as the game went on. A joy to watch.
Sharp 6.5/10 – Bit like last week, not sure he was brilliant in general play but he scored (turned out to be the winner) First half saw a few decent bits of hold up but looked slow when it came to him and took too long to do things. Also got caught offside too much again. Second half had one run where he got tackled but then out of nothing scores a superb shot which was barely a half chance. Brilliant centre forward play to finish quickly before the keeper has time to set. I would have taken him off long before he did come off though as we were not holding the ball enough. Has scored two vital winners now though in back-to-back games.
Subs –
McBurnie – Came on and won a few headers and argued with a few opponents. Same as normal really!
Doyle – Got his foot in a few times and then one great run where he nearly got on the end of Baldock’s ball.
Khadra – Looked like the ghost of Oli Burke (Christmas past!) as he ran one out, ran into a defender and bumbled around rather aimlessly. At least he tried to forward I suppose!
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – It’s a win and we played well first half and had control but then second half it was sloppy again and we had to hang on a bit at the end – which was a bit like last week. We should really be putting teams like these and Huddersfield away more easily and comfortably than we have done. That may seem harsh but I think we have sat back too much and also have not had control of the game with it being way too open in both matches. Also, he has to make changes earlier and use more of them. We run the risk of running players into the ground and when he says we have players playing too much then surely, he has the power to change it? Sharp and Berge both were struggling for long periods and the latter played the whole game somehow? I will say we looked very good at times going forward and the high press did force them into errors too. We looked like scoring goals every time we attacked first half but sadly this did not continue and we were too deep. Still, it is 6 wins in 7 and we are in great shape as we go into Christmas.
Wigan – I thought they may struggle and would be in and around the bottom three and so it has proved. Harsh they moved the manager on as they do not have the budget and crowds and he did remarkably well to get them up last season as Champions but they went for a change and Toure has served his time under Brendan Rodgers. They have a smattering of experienced players and some young lads but you look at the squad and think it might be a long old season. You would have wanted them to be strong at home but the opposite has been true and they have struggled on their own turf and been better away. I had them as maybe doing better than Rotherham but worse than Sunderland but have struggled the most out of the three that came up who have ended up being in reverse order to where they finished last season in terms of promotion places.
Tonight, they started ok in the first few minutes but then they sort of fell away and then defensively they looked all over the place and yet continued to try and play out from the back. This led to so many opportunities and we scored one and could have had a lot more. They were not able to hold the likes of Berge and Ndiaye back and at the break were maybe lucky to be just 1-0 down. They did get better after the break but the second looked to have killed it but then they scored and had a real go and a few half chances and might have even nicked a point. Possession wise they had a lot more than us but not sure it was always effective and we had many more touches in the box. They were much better when they stopped playing out from the back and got it wide to the likes of Lang and McClean who put in some dangerous balls.
I do think that Touré may need some help in terms of some more experienced players at the back and up top to help them get the points they need. They were not the worst side we have faced but clearly had deficiencies the better sides will exploit as we did at times and with better finishing it could have been 2 or 3-0 at half time. They stayed in and had a bit of a go but in the end the score line was about right.
Opponent Man of the Match –McClean was dangerous at times with his crossing but thought that Lang was the most dangerous player and showed some good skill to get around his men a few times. Actually, Aasgaard was really good when he came in and was direct and progressive and was involved in their best attacks so he pushed Lang close even in limited minutes.
Opponent Weak link – Any of the back line really. Tilt was a bit of a tit really and could have been sent off. Darikwa made mistakes all game, including the one for the second but Whatmough lost his man for the opener, made another mistake that nearly cost them and then got injured and went off so he takes this award.
Referee/Officials – Dean Whitestone. He reffed us at West Brom recently in a routine game and was fine. Last season we had him against Hull and Peterborough in two wins but he missed a stonewall penalty on Gibbs White in the draw with Bournemouth. Tonight, he was fine. The bookings were all deserved with Sharp/Tilt giving him no choice and then poor tackles from Egan/Clark. You could argue he missed the handball but it came at Baldock quite quickly but he probably should see it. Maybe the Clark one where his opponent took his shirt off was a good appeal too – if it appeared a little strange! He maybe could have booked him (and thus later sent him off!) for having his shirt off – not sure what are the rules if someone else removes his shirt?! The rest of the game he was fine and not many really controversial decisions. He reffed it quite well and let things flow when he could. Of course, his assistant missed a clear offside but it kind of evened it up after the penalty just before.
