Post by deadbat on Jan 7, 2023 18:49:24 GMT
The Blades go into the hat for the next round after they disposed of Millwall quite easily at the Den in the 3rd round of the Emirates FA Cup. Both teams did rotate some elements of their starting line-up but it was the visitors who showed their quality as they controlled the game from start to finish. Goals from Jebbison and Bogle gave them a two-goal cushion and the Lions never really threatened to come back. Shots wide of the post from Bradshaw and Voglsammer were as close as they got but never had an effort on target all game. In contrast United had several other opportunities outside of their goals with Bogle, Sharp and Stevens all denied from making it even more comfortable. It was a professional display from United and they were excellent value for the win.
United did make changes with Davies, Basham, Bogle, Robinson, McAtee and Jebbison in for the Blades. They did rest the likes of Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Berge and Sharp. Millwall also rested a couple of key men with Cooper and Flemming on the bench but also featured some of their main men with the in-form Bradshaw starting up front.
The Blades began well with Ndiaye having an effort over the bar from range and then a good move saw it played across and Jebbison hit an effort deflected wide after Ndiaye’s lay off. From the corner Robinson stooped but could not direct his header and it drifted wide.
Ndiaye’s drag back drew the oooos and ahhhhs from the crowd as United had completely dominated the opening stages and were controlling the ball and tempo. The Blades sent over a ball from the left which was cleared and from the returning long throw, the ball dropped well for Doyle but his effort was a wild slice over the bar. United continued to move it around well but Millwall finally awoke from their slumber and sent the first ball into the Blades last third but Doyle read it well.
Ndiaye’s work rate and skills had been a feature and he was scythed down from McNamara, ironically after the Senegalese international’s first touch seemed to have took it away from him. The Millwall defender was booked for his clumsy challenge.
United were winning most of the loose stuff and Jebbison made an excellent tackle to see United breaking and after McAtee’s weaving run, it fell for Stevens but his cross was not close to a teammate but Millwall still had to clear for a corner. As the ball came over, Robinson tried a spectacular overhead kick but it did not sit. It evoked memories of the late Gianluca Vialli who sadly passed away this week, who had a penchant for these sorts of efforts.
It seemed like the Blades were the only side looking like scoring and so it proved when the opener came. McAtee and Doyle linked well after another Millwall giveaway and Doyle fed JEBBISON down the inside right channel and the striker advanced before coolly converting to give them a deserved lead.
Millwall had offered little and their response was only a free kick after a silly Stevens foul but Basham headed over after the flick on had caused some initial danger at the near post. The next spell did become more open with both teams having attacks taking advantage of more space on and off the ball. Millwall at least were now offering some kind of attacking thrust but had not had an effort of note.
The Blades made it 2-0 when Ndiaye’s combination of work rate and skill created it. He was able to back heel it away from Wallace and then left him for dead down the right side before running along the goal line. The cross was perfect for BOGLE who hit an effort that hit Saville and looped in past Bialkowski. It confirmed the domination and control United had enjoyed.
The game settled for a period with little action of note as Basham twice cleared and Egan then made an interception as Millwall tried to get back into a game they had never been in. Just before half time they created a chance, their first one, as the diagonal ball came in and United dithered before Bradshaw and Davies converged. Bradshaw seemed favourite to score but his effort went narrowly wide with Davies perhaps getting at touch with his feet, confirmed by the award of a corner. This came to nothing, as did the additional one minute of extra time and it had been a thoroughly professional performance so far as despite changes, the Blades were able to win most individual battles and collectively were the far superior side at the break.
Millwall made a change with Flemming on for leading scorer Bradshaw and he had an effort early on but his shot was well off target. Jebbison showed good skill at the other end to evade his man down the right as he and Ndiaye continued to cause problems. A good move saw McNamara sent over a dangerous low cross but Davies grasped the ball. Almost a replica of this move on the other side saw Bennett get a ball in but again the keepers handling was exemplary.
United had a spell of possession to regain control and won a corner which saw a clever routine as Doyle played in Ndiaye whose backheel returned it to the taker and he tried to whip in a shot that the keeper did well to push away. Jebbison then headed off target from the other side as he got in front of his man.
Millwall made a triple change as Cooper, Burey and Esse came on for Hutchinson, Bennett and Honeyman.
Ndiaye and Bogle linked well and it was played in for Ndiaye but his shot was blocked. Jebbision had certainly put himself about and he tussled with Cooper before the award went to the Millwall defender.
The rain was lashing across the Den and conditions were becoming quite difficult but United seemed to be untroubled. Jebbison and Ndiaye had done well but were replaced by fresh legs with Sharp and Berge coming on and the latter playing off front as United just wanted to finish the job.
Berge was involved straight away as he played in Sharp and his cross was not dealt with and Bogle had a chance to make it three but could not quite finish the chance as it was cleared. Bogle was then booked for a foul on Burey.
Millwall had not really looked like scoring with not an effort on goal all game but they did have a superb opportunity when Robinson and Egan failed to deal with a ball that ricocheted around and Voglsammer really should have scored. His effort was woeful and screwed badly wide.
United then had a chance themselves to make it safe as Stevens excellent ball put Sharp in and he rounded Bialkowski but failed to see Cooper get back and the sub cleared the effort off the line. Norwood smashed the corner over the bar before Evans came on for McNamara in the final home change. Stevens then got beat by Esse who was looking lively and Robinson was the next to stop him by illegal means.
The Blades had another fantastic chance when Berge powered down the right and his cross was dummied by McAtee but away from Sharp so Stevens came onto it and hit a powerful shot that was blocked but as it came back to him, he seemed to get bundled over from behind but the referee played on.
Stevens came off not long after for Baldock before as the weather continued to deteriorate, Bogle showed his quick feet but his cross evaded Sharp. Basham had been faultless but the treacherous conditions meant it got stuck under his foot and Burey got away from him but well placed his shot was pulled badly wide. The game ticked into stoppage time and Heckingbottom gave time on the grass for Coulibaly and Brooks as Doyle and McAtee departed. United saw time out easily and it was a comfortable passage into the next round as United had been worthy winners with Davies not having a save to make all game and in truth United could have won by more goals.
United – Easy win really which I did not expect. I thought we may rested a few more but we did take a few key men out and, in the end, playing some of the regulars meant we won the game pretty comfortable. Started well winning tackles and getting on the second ball and in turn Ndiaye and Jebbison caused them all sort of issues with their running and ability to get behind them. We had two or three chances before the goal came and then after this we continued to dominate and got the second. They offered nothing really and when Bradshaw missed their only effort, you felt it would be a routine win. They had a bit more of a go second half but United still showed more quality on the ball and had more chances overall. We saw it out easily. We did not seem to get any injuries and gave some good minutes to the likes of Bogle, Basham, Doyle and Jebbison.
Overall, a good win. If we had lost, I would not have been bothered as the league is priority but then we do not have as many games Saturday-Tuesday now and so the winning habit can be just as important than a week off. Ultimately if we had gone out, we would have had a week off and had to rearrange Reading away anyway as they won so its kind of swings and roundabouts as that game may have ended up being the same date – a midweek later in the season.
We now have two vital home games and it is important we carry on this form and results. We have another week to get some back fit and hopefully we can push on – Stoke have a day less than us too in preparation for next Saturday. Always exciting to be in the hat for any cup draw and whilst I offered the ‘I did not care if we went out or if we rested loads’ – I would much rather United win of course – in any competition!
Ratings:
Davies 7/10 – Nothing to do first half except a few kick outs and then right on half time finally had to be alert as he sort of half stopped the Bradshaw chance. After that they had the effort wide but he did not have a proper save to make at all. He took two or three crosses and his handling was very good. Did everything he had to but was well protected.
Bogle 7.5/10 – Got forward well and was linking with a number of players, as he showed on the goal. He does offer us much more than Baldock and is a good finished, albeit this one was deflected but always gets in good areas. Second half he gave away a booking but he still was a constant threat and played in a few chances and popped up in all sorts of strange areas showing his attacking thrust. Very good display and one of the better players on the pitch.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Once again thought he looked one of weaker players first half as he was a bit slow at times and gave some fouls away but then had one decent cross and also nearly played us in with another cross where he maybe panicked a bit. Second half this continued with a few bits where he took too long and the lad Esse beat him once easily but he did put a superb ball through to Sharp and then also had the shot that was blocked when well placed. Just seems hesitant to things and does not react to stuff like many of his teammates.
Robinson 7/10 – One header off target and an overhead kick first half and his throws caused issues. He was ok defensively but then did commit e few silly fouls but overall, not sure he was troubled too much apart from once when he missed a dropping ball and they should have scored.
Basham 7/10 – Steady. Did kick it out a lot and was very much safety first but this was fine and he read the game very well. No real errors until the one at the end where he made a mess and they nearly scored.
Egan 7/10 – Untroubled really and spent more time passing and moving it forward then defending to start with. Won headers when he had to and was able to use it well too. He missed one clearance (with Robinson on the chance) but apart from that defended what he had to.
Norwood 7/10 – As with the rest of the team, barely got out of first gear as he moved it around well, dictated the pace and played a range of passes. Made some interceptions and tackles and strolled it.
Doyle 7/10 – Much better than the other night and he was involved in the first goal and seemed busy and got his foot in. He at times was a bit out of position but he did put a real shift in today. One bad sliced finish.
McAtee 7/10 – Seems like I am rating most the game but he was another who did what he had to. Some good runs and times he brought the ball out and looked dangerous when he advanced. He always looked a threat when we broke and worked hard off the ball too.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Superb at times with his quick feet and skills. The goals are not coming and had one over and one blocked but he made the second and nearly made a few others with his play. He was involved in all the good stuff we did and looked the stand out attacker on the field.
Jebbison 7.5/10 – Carried on from the other night and he worked hard and never gave the defenders a moment. He put himself about as cliché as that sounds. He pressed and harried and also used the ball when he had it. One or two blocked efforts and then took his goal very well. He continued to be an outlet and showed some good skill. Sometimes he made the wrong decisions but overall, he has been much better the last few outings and merited his start.
Subs –
Sharp – Worked hard and was able to hold it up when he could but a few crosses did not quite sit for him. Also, when he had the chance, he has to have awareness the defender is back. He did help us see it out though with his clever play.
Berge – Played well when he came on with a good bit of play to Sharp and then he surged past his man to set up Stevens.
Baldock – Only on briefly. One interception as he played the last few minutes at left back.
Brooks – Good to see him involved and they do keep talking about him so clearly are seeing something. He did well to close someone down at the death.
Coulibaly – I forgot he was still here and so surprised when he was named on the bench and came on but not sure he kicked it! Nice we have another midfield option with Fleck and Osborn still out.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – Solid, professional performance where we were well organised and created the better chances. We won at a canter really. Personally, I would not have played Norwood and Ndiaye but he knows better than me and we won and they did not get injured. We laid down a marker for the league game too in just over a month. Thought today we were very good on and off the ball and put them away inside half an hour pretty much.
Millwall – Been on a good run and have a way of playing and are effective, especially at home. I did fancy them for the playoffs at the start of the season but they were a bit up and down. Now have found form. They were poot today though and never started. Not sure whether there are more than Cooper and Flemming that would start – possibly one or two more but they were second best in possession and the battle today. United swarmed on them and scored two goals and they barely offered a threat with two chances wide either side of half time the sum of their efforts. They got stretched the other way much more and gave it away when we pressed them.
I expected them to be up and at us and the weather maybe would suit them also but it did get worse later on when we were already almost through. They will surely give us a much tougher game in the league but then we can bring others in too. They looked flat and well off it really and as I say United got through them easily and dominated possession, tempo and the game. They had a few moments but it was all too little, too late and in the end could have lost by more.
Opponent Man of the Match – The lad Esse may have been their best player! He played half an hour but was lively.
Opponent Weak link – McNamara got skinned a few times and took Ndiaye out but the left back Wallace had a bit of a mare and got beat a few times and both goals came down his side.
Referee/Officials – Bit fussy with decisions particularly throws and he also did not understand the advantage rule – both ways. Overall though his display did not affect the game too much. He booked McNamara and Bogle, rightly so but maybe could have booked Stevens and Robinson for fouls on the young lad but not sure he did – certainly BBC says not unless they missed it? I may be in the minority but I thought Stevens was fouled when he got pushed over from behind? Luckily it did not cost us.
United did make changes with Davies, Basham, Bogle, Robinson, McAtee and Jebbison in for the Blades. They did rest the likes of Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Berge and Sharp. Millwall also rested a couple of key men with Cooper and Flemming on the bench but also featured some of their main men with the in-form Bradshaw starting up front.
The Blades began well with Ndiaye having an effort over the bar from range and then a good move saw it played across and Jebbison hit an effort deflected wide after Ndiaye’s lay off. From the corner Robinson stooped but could not direct his header and it drifted wide.
Ndiaye’s drag back drew the oooos and ahhhhs from the crowd as United had completely dominated the opening stages and were controlling the ball and tempo. The Blades sent over a ball from the left which was cleared and from the returning long throw, the ball dropped well for Doyle but his effort was a wild slice over the bar. United continued to move it around well but Millwall finally awoke from their slumber and sent the first ball into the Blades last third but Doyle read it well.
Ndiaye’s work rate and skills had been a feature and he was scythed down from McNamara, ironically after the Senegalese international’s first touch seemed to have took it away from him. The Millwall defender was booked for his clumsy challenge.
United were winning most of the loose stuff and Jebbison made an excellent tackle to see United breaking and after McAtee’s weaving run, it fell for Stevens but his cross was not close to a teammate but Millwall still had to clear for a corner. As the ball came over, Robinson tried a spectacular overhead kick but it did not sit. It evoked memories of the late Gianluca Vialli who sadly passed away this week, who had a penchant for these sorts of efforts.
It seemed like the Blades were the only side looking like scoring and so it proved when the opener came. McAtee and Doyle linked well after another Millwall giveaway and Doyle fed JEBBISON down the inside right channel and the striker advanced before coolly converting to give them a deserved lead.
Millwall had offered little and their response was only a free kick after a silly Stevens foul but Basham headed over after the flick on had caused some initial danger at the near post. The next spell did become more open with both teams having attacks taking advantage of more space on and off the ball. Millwall at least were now offering some kind of attacking thrust but had not had an effort of note.
The Blades made it 2-0 when Ndiaye’s combination of work rate and skill created it. He was able to back heel it away from Wallace and then left him for dead down the right side before running along the goal line. The cross was perfect for BOGLE who hit an effort that hit Saville and looped in past Bialkowski. It confirmed the domination and control United had enjoyed.
The game settled for a period with little action of note as Basham twice cleared and Egan then made an interception as Millwall tried to get back into a game they had never been in. Just before half time they created a chance, their first one, as the diagonal ball came in and United dithered before Bradshaw and Davies converged. Bradshaw seemed favourite to score but his effort went narrowly wide with Davies perhaps getting at touch with his feet, confirmed by the award of a corner. This came to nothing, as did the additional one minute of extra time and it had been a thoroughly professional performance so far as despite changes, the Blades were able to win most individual battles and collectively were the far superior side at the break.
Millwall made a change with Flemming on for leading scorer Bradshaw and he had an effort early on but his shot was well off target. Jebbison showed good skill at the other end to evade his man down the right as he and Ndiaye continued to cause problems. A good move saw McNamara sent over a dangerous low cross but Davies grasped the ball. Almost a replica of this move on the other side saw Bennett get a ball in but again the keepers handling was exemplary.
United had a spell of possession to regain control and won a corner which saw a clever routine as Doyle played in Ndiaye whose backheel returned it to the taker and he tried to whip in a shot that the keeper did well to push away. Jebbison then headed off target from the other side as he got in front of his man.
Millwall made a triple change as Cooper, Burey and Esse came on for Hutchinson, Bennett and Honeyman.
Ndiaye and Bogle linked well and it was played in for Ndiaye but his shot was blocked. Jebbision had certainly put himself about and he tussled with Cooper before the award went to the Millwall defender.
The rain was lashing across the Den and conditions were becoming quite difficult but United seemed to be untroubled. Jebbison and Ndiaye had done well but were replaced by fresh legs with Sharp and Berge coming on and the latter playing off front as United just wanted to finish the job.
Berge was involved straight away as he played in Sharp and his cross was not dealt with and Bogle had a chance to make it three but could not quite finish the chance as it was cleared. Bogle was then booked for a foul on Burey.
Millwall had not really looked like scoring with not an effort on goal all game but they did have a superb opportunity when Robinson and Egan failed to deal with a ball that ricocheted around and Voglsammer really should have scored. His effort was woeful and screwed badly wide.
United then had a chance themselves to make it safe as Stevens excellent ball put Sharp in and he rounded Bialkowski but failed to see Cooper get back and the sub cleared the effort off the line. Norwood smashed the corner over the bar before Evans came on for McNamara in the final home change. Stevens then got beat by Esse who was looking lively and Robinson was the next to stop him by illegal means.
The Blades had another fantastic chance when Berge powered down the right and his cross was dummied by McAtee but away from Sharp so Stevens came onto it and hit a powerful shot that was blocked but as it came back to him, he seemed to get bundled over from behind but the referee played on.
Stevens came off not long after for Baldock before as the weather continued to deteriorate, Bogle showed his quick feet but his cross evaded Sharp. Basham had been faultless but the treacherous conditions meant it got stuck under his foot and Burey got away from him but well placed his shot was pulled badly wide. The game ticked into stoppage time and Heckingbottom gave time on the grass for Coulibaly and Brooks as Doyle and McAtee departed. United saw time out easily and it was a comfortable passage into the next round as United had been worthy winners with Davies not having a save to make all game and in truth United could have won by more goals.
United – Easy win really which I did not expect. I thought we may rested a few more but we did take a few key men out and, in the end, playing some of the regulars meant we won the game pretty comfortable. Started well winning tackles and getting on the second ball and in turn Ndiaye and Jebbison caused them all sort of issues with their running and ability to get behind them. We had two or three chances before the goal came and then after this we continued to dominate and got the second. They offered nothing really and when Bradshaw missed their only effort, you felt it would be a routine win. They had a bit more of a go second half but United still showed more quality on the ball and had more chances overall. We saw it out easily. We did not seem to get any injuries and gave some good minutes to the likes of Bogle, Basham, Doyle and Jebbison.
Overall, a good win. If we had lost, I would not have been bothered as the league is priority but then we do not have as many games Saturday-Tuesday now and so the winning habit can be just as important than a week off. Ultimately if we had gone out, we would have had a week off and had to rearrange Reading away anyway as they won so its kind of swings and roundabouts as that game may have ended up being the same date – a midweek later in the season.
We now have two vital home games and it is important we carry on this form and results. We have another week to get some back fit and hopefully we can push on – Stoke have a day less than us too in preparation for next Saturday. Always exciting to be in the hat for any cup draw and whilst I offered the ‘I did not care if we went out or if we rested loads’ – I would much rather United win of course – in any competition!
Ratings:
Davies 7/10 – Nothing to do first half except a few kick outs and then right on half time finally had to be alert as he sort of half stopped the Bradshaw chance. After that they had the effort wide but he did not have a proper save to make at all. He took two or three crosses and his handling was very good. Did everything he had to but was well protected.
Bogle 7.5/10 – Got forward well and was linking with a number of players, as he showed on the goal. He does offer us much more than Baldock and is a good finished, albeit this one was deflected but always gets in good areas. Second half he gave away a booking but he still was a constant threat and played in a few chances and popped up in all sorts of strange areas showing his attacking thrust. Very good display and one of the better players on the pitch.
Stevens 6.5/10 – Once again thought he looked one of weaker players first half as he was a bit slow at times and gave some fouls away but then had one decent cross and also nearly played us in with another cross where he maybe panicked a bit. Second half this continued with a few bits where he took too long and the lad Esse beat him once easily but he did put a superb ball through to Sharp and then also had the shot that was blocked when well placed. Just seems hesitant to things and does not react to stuff like many of his teammates.
Robinson 7/10 – One header off target and an overhead kick first half and his throws caused issues. He was ok defensively but then did commit e few silly fouls but overall, not sure he was troubled too much apart from once when he missed a dropping ball and they should have scored.
Basham 7/10 – Steady. Did kick it out a lot and was very much safety first but this was fine and he read the game very well. No real errors until the one at the end where he made a mess and they nearly scored.
Egan 7/10 – Untroubled really and spent more time passing and moving it forward then defending to start with. Won headers when he had to and was able to use it well too. He missed one clearance (with Robinson on the chance) but apart from that defended what he had to.
Norwood 7/10 – As with the rest of the team, barely got out of first gear as he moved it around well, dictated the pace and played a range of passes. Made some interceptions and tackles and strolled it.
Doyle 7/10 – Much better than the other night and he was involved in the first goal and seemed busy and got his foot in. He at times was a bit out of position but he did put a real shift in today. One bad sliced finish.
McAtee 7/10 – Seems like I am rating most the game but he was another who did what he had to. Some good runs and times he brought the ball out and looked dangerous when he advanced. He always looked a threat when we broke and worked hard off the ball too.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Superb at times with his quick feet and skills. The goals are not coming and had one over and one blocked but he made the second and nearly made a few others with his play. He was involved in all the good stuff we did and looked the stand out attacker on the field.
Jebbison 7.5/10 – Carried on from the other night and he worked hard and never gave the defenders a moment. He put himself about as cliché as that sounds. He pressed and harried and also used the ball when he had it. One or two blocked efforts and then took his goal very well. He continued to be an outlet and showed some good skill. Sometimes he made the wrong decisions but overall, he has been much better the last few outings and merited his start.
Subs –
Sharp – Worked hard and was able to hold it up when he could but a few crosses did not quite sit for him. Also, when he had the chance, he has to have awareness the defender is back. He did help us see it out though with his clever play.
Berge – Played well when he came on with a good bit of play to Sharp and then he surged past his man to set up Stevens.
Baldock – Only on briefly. One interception as he played the last few minutes at left back.
Brooks – Good to see him involved and they do keep talking about him so clearly are seeing something. He did well to close someone down at the death.
Coulibaly – I forgot he was still here and so surprised when he was named on the bench and came on but not sure he kicked it! Nice we have another midfield option with Fleck and Osborn still out.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – Solid, professional performance where we were well organised and created the better chances. We won at a canter really. Personally, I would not have played Norwood and Ndiaye but he knows better than me and we won and they did not get injured. We laid down a marker for the league game too in just over a month. Thought today we were very good on and off the ball and put them away inside half an hour pretty much.
Millwall – Been on a good run and have a way of playing and are effective, especially at home. I did fancy them for the playoffs at the start of the season but they were a bit up and down. Now have found form. They were poot today though and never started. Not sure whether there are more than Cooper and Flemming that would start – possibly one or two more but they were second best in possession and the battle today. United swarmed on them and scored two goals and they barely offered a threat with two chances wide either side of half time the sum of their efforts. They got stretched the other way much more and gave it away when we pressed them.
I expected them to be up and at us and the weather maybe would suit them also but it did get worse later on when we were already almost through. They will surely give us a much tougher game in the league but then we can bring others in too. They looked flat and well off it really and as I say United got through them easily and dominated possession, tempo and the game. They had a few moments but it was all too little, too late and in the end could have lost by more.
Opponent Man of the Match – The lad Esse may have been their best player! He played half an hour but was lively.
Opponent Weak link – McNamara got skinned a few times and took Ndiaye out but the left back Wallace had a bit of a mare and got beat a few times and both goals came down his side.
Referee/Officials – Bit fussy with decisions particularly throws and he also did not understand the advantage rule – both ways. Overall though his display did not affect the game too much. He booked McNamara and Bogle, rightly so but maybe could have booked Stevens and Robinson for fouls on the young lad but not sure he did – certainly BBC says not unless they missed it? I may be in the minority but I thought Stevens was fouled when he got pushed over from behind? Luckily it did not cost us.
??