Post by deadbat on Jan 21, 2023 0:40:05 GMT
It was another win for the Blades who are now unbeaten in eight games and have only suffered one defeat in fourteen league contests. Once again it was not a spectacular performance and another rather workmanlike one where an early goal from the impressive Daniel Jebbison was enough. In a game of few opportunities, the Blades created most of them but Hull saw a lot of possession in the second half where United had to defend well to deny them any real clear openings despite them forcing things. A late red card for Tetteh all but ended any hopes the Tigers had of any comeback and United manged the remaining time professionally to ensure they won again at the Lane.
Despite the news earlier in the day that United had been placed in a transfer embargo and with rumours swirling around S2 on why and what this meant, the Blades had a strong squad. McBurnie returned on the bench with club captain Sharp but Jebbison was given the nod up top with Ndiaye. Doyle also came in for McAtee. Hull had former Blade Regan Slater in midfield and started with free scoring Oscar Estupinan up front alongside Brighton loanee Aaron Connolly.
The game began with Hull playing an attacking formation and clearly were not going to sit back but United were able to find gaps the other way early on. Bogle had already nearly got in before he did, linking well with Ahmedhodzic and the ball back saw Ndiaye then jink inside and the ball fell for JEBBISON who smashed home from close range. It was his first goal at the Lane and indeed his first at Championship level.
Hull almost responded immediately as the Blades defence stepped up looking for offside but Connolly was in and Foderingham had to make an excellent save to deny the on-loan striker. The Blades got back on the front foot and Bogle was causing real problems down the right and his link up with Ndiaye and Jebbison saw Hull worried. A decent move saw the ball moved across and Ndiaye then could not quite get the ball to sit.
Hull had been lively themselves and were trying to find gaps and Seri was catching the eye. After Robinson’s mistake, Ahmedhodzic brought his man down to earn a regulation booking. Doyle too was carded after his own give away before he lunged in on his man. Despite these poor challenges and moments of ill-discipline, United still showed pockets of good football and always looked a threat with Jebbison’s pressing and pace giving United a new dimension. However, the next chance came when Foderingham had to come out and clear and Bogle got on the clearance but after excellent control, his shot was probably going wide before it hit a defender to go out for a corner.
Berge had been quiet but had a good spell getting on the ball and his clever pass saw Jebbison in and he will have been disappointed not to notch his second as Ingram made the save. Norwood was then booked after tangling with Connolly who had clashed with Robinson moments earlier. Hull had competed well but the chances that came all were coming from United. Doyle came inside and hit a whipped effort that Ingram saw late and had to push away.
Berge was becoming more influential and after good work from Ndiaye and then Jebbison, the cross came in from the latter but Berge made a mess of the header and it spooned over. This was the final opportunity of the first half. United had deserved to be ahead but Hull had not been totally overrun but the moments of quality came from the home side.
The second half began in scrappy fashion with both sides giving the ball away and there was little offered in terms of goalmouth action. Hull were having more possession and the United crowd became frustrated as the home side could not quite get any sustained control or attacks going. One moment saw the ball played inside to Ahmedhodzic and it then dropped to Doyle whose effort deflected over.
Hull started to become more assertive and a number of dangerous balls had to be cleared from the United defence. Estupinan was yellow carded for a late tackle on Norwood before Rosenior made a triple change as Longman, Tufan and Tettah came on for Slater, Docherty and Coyle.
Hull were trying to stretch United and a good run down the left saw Egan have to clear before Foderingham had to clutch a cross from the other side. The visitors were pushing the Blades back but no real chances were created. Jebbison was continuing to work hard chasing and harassing the Hull defence but Ndiaye had not quite found space to hurt Hull. The game was drifting along before Heckingbottom opted to bring on fresh legs as Sharp and Osborn replaced Jebbison and Doyle. Elder came on for Greaves not long after as the defender was struggling after a knock. Berge had a chance to cross as did Bogle soon after but both crosses failed to beat the first man.
Tetteh had an effort well off target before a corner soon after was cleared as United now seemed to be settling on what they had and even though some poor passes/give aways had the United crowd anxious, Hull had not really created anything clear cut with a few headers drifting wide. United actually had the best chance of the second half as the ball was played around neatly with finally some controlled possession. Norwood’s ball was delicious but a slight knock maybe took the ball away from the waiting Ndiaye and it glanced off the head of the talented striker. It was his last piece of action and he was shaking his head at the missed opportunity as he and Berge departed, to be replaced by McBurnie and Basham, with the latter going into a midfield role.
Robinson was finally booked after a series of fouls with the referee clearly pointing to various random spots of indiscretion. The silly free kick giveaways were perhaps the real concern with a set play always being a possible chance for a leveller for Hull. However just before the free kick came over, Tetteh and McBurnie were locked up and pushing each other but the reaction of the Hull substitute was ridiculous. A clear and stupid head butt aimed at the Blades striker and thankfully was not missed by an officious referee who brandished the red card. McBurnie was booked for his part in the tussle.
The free kick was cleared and time ebbed away with Christie’s shot straight at Foderingham the only real effort they had mustered and this was tame. United then had an opportunity to break but after Osborn’s good ball, Lowe overran it. Bogle was the next in the book for United stopping a possible break on half way before the assistant held up the board decreeing an additional five minutes of time. United won two free kicks deep in Hull territory and from attack, the ball was switched over to Bogle from Osborn and his fierce shot was saved by Ingram. Osborn then had a shot drift wide and as the whistles came from the United crowd, Connolly’s tempestuous night finally saw him get a booking. The final moments saw Hull fail to really get in the United third and the Blades saw the time out comfortably to gain another three points.
United – Seems like a broken record but another performance that was very meh but again another win. We show moments of genuine quality and can unlock teams to score and create other moments and actually had 5 or 6 other decent chances/efforts. Still, we never quite had full control of the game and our play was not fluent tonight. It was very similar to many of the recent home games. We would show some flashes of good play and players like Bogle, Norwood, Ndiaye and Jebbison would do things where you sensed a chance would come but often we did not quite have that smoothness and power to brush teams aside that we did see earlier in the season. However, as much as Hull had a decent go second half, like Stoke, just like the Potters, I am not sure they really created much at all. Indeed, other than the early Connolly strike, how many chances have they had. Wes has had little to do at all really. They did push us back but United soaked it up and clearly are very good at this as the excellent Bladespod discussed last week. We know we can allow teams to pump crosses in and we can deal with that. Rosenior’s comments, a bit like Alex Neil’s ramblings, are bewildering saying they threw the kitchen sink at us and we were holding on?! He says they had lots of chances? Where? They were better than Stoke and did have some better technical players (Seri was very good) but not sure we were seriously worried even though they had more of the ball second half. We still had more chances! United did what the needed to and in the end the result was about right.
It is frustrating and I am one of those wanting us to just up it and put teams away but we have to accept we are maybe not putting in superb performances but are beating what we have in front. Heckingbottom is right in that teams are setting up and changing tactics to thwart us. They pressed us a lot and got on Norwood a fair bit and swarmed round Ndiaye when he had it. We had good performances from Jebbison and Bogle, particularly first half but the former was a real pest and worked very hard and kept them honest. Norwood controlled things and did all the little bits in terms of interceptions and clever passes to get us out. A few key men tired such as Bogle and Berge, who did some ok things but was still very frustrating still and looks woefully unfit. I felt Robinson and Anel were a bit error prone tonight and gambling too much, thus giving away fouls or allowing them to get between us. Egan was really solid though and kept their leading scorer quiet all game. I was concerned about the changes as felt that gave them the impetus but then he almost redressed it by giving us some physicality and height for the inevitable set plays they were pumping in. We did commit some silly fouls and most of the bookings were deserved and we may have a few out (10 yellow cards – 2 match ban is it? – Anel and McBurnie on 7) before the cut off. We need to show a bit better discipline. No worries with a yellow to manage games later on but we picked up 3 in the first half hour. Mind you their guy usurped all of ours with his moment of utter madness. The game did become scrappy but we saw it out and it is another win.
We are certainly not playing brilliant but nearly every win we deserve to win. Maybe we do need a better team so we can up our standards and are just doing enough? We have Rotherham and Swansea to come and you sense these games may be similar and there is a great chance for another 4-6 points here to keep the buffer and gap. Burnley won of course but no issues with that as they beat a top 6 side and one of those on form. Boro and particularly Watford, who you feel will beat the Millers tomorrow, are threats but if we keep this form going we are up. We do not need to even be this consistent really. The gap is as big as I’ve ever known for a Blades team going for promotion.
Still as always with United, it is never straight forward. We have players coming back and with Stevens/Baldock/Clark and then maybe even Brewster/Fleck soon too – it might be we only have RND as a player unavailable in say 3- or 4-weeksweeks’ time as we go into the final 15 games or so. However, off the field we have the latest SUFC inevitable ‘here we go, when it is all going so well, we can throw things off course with something ridiculous!’ This time it is a transfer embargo and now there is lots of discussions over what this means and what is going on. It seems the Prince has effectively put up the shutters and is not giving away any more cash or investing but this is dangerous if it leading to such news. OF course why should he but it is reaching a point where the talk of not affording the undersoil heating at Shirecliffe and now this, is a big concern. Maybe in a few weeks, the takeover goes through and the financial stuff is sorted out quickly. If we go up, the concerns go almost overnight really regardless of who is in charge. However there is a worry if it goes through, who is it, what are their intentions and their bona fides? If it does not then what? The Prince clearly wants out. If we somehow chucked this away and the sale does not go through it does not bear thinking about and you look at clubs like Wigan, Pompey and gulp SWFC and you could see things turning sour and overnight all the assets would be gone. It is a really important time for the short- and long-term future. We have to go up but equally we surely need to see a decision/clarity on any ownership? The statement from the club was very vague today. This is clearly not an oversight. We are not paying our bills. Whether this is because we are skint or that the Prince is simply just not investing as he may not be in charge soon – or both – but it is a worrying development set amongst how well things are going on the pitch. The next 3 or 4 months could dictate the next 10 years for United and which direction we go. Interesting/concerning/exciting times whichever side of the fence you are on in terms of positivity/negativity!
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Made a good save early on which was crucial. A few kicks outs sliced and then punched one he could have caught. Second half his handling from low crosses was good but he had little to do. One moment where he and Robinson got in bit of confusion led to a corner. Overall solid and a clean sheet but well protected.
Bogle 8/10 – First half he was excellent and maybe our stand out as he got down the right and caused problems. Some lovely first-time control and incisive runs where he got in and combined with others. He nearly got in with the Wes kick but sliced his finish. He looked very lively though. Second half had one bit of link up but then he faded quite a bit and offered little as he seemed to lack the energy. Silly booking at the end but then nearly scored again. Gives us such another attacking outlet that can create, get in the box and score!
Lowe 6.5/10 – He was good first half getting down that side and put in some good balls into dangerous areas. He was always on the move and played some neat stuff with teammates. He was tested more second half and once got beat easily. Gave a bit too much space second half for me. We saw less of him attacking wise with one run spoiled as he ran it out.
Robinson 5.5/10 – He did make some interceptions and tackles and I know he plays on the edge but at times he made unnecessary tackles and gave it away in silly areas. One such moment led to the Anel booking and then he grabbed and tussled with Connolly and was lucky not to be booked – he did finally get booked after 2 or 3 more fouls. Went in dangerously a few times and worried he might do something silly. I love his commitment but he needs to be careful. He was guilty of poor play that saw him give it away and then got beat – all in one move and I am always a bit concerned when he has it under pressure – saw when Wes gave it him. I think Clark comes back in when fit due to the error prone part of his game.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Not sure he has been at the level he was earlier in the season. He has still been ok to decent most weeks but tonight felt his standards were not quite there – even though he did well on the goal and also had a good moment early in the second half when he stole in. He made a silly foul (we had men back) to get booked early and then also was guilty of diving in a few times. Just not been quite as solid as he was in his defensive work and we did not see much attacking wise outside of those moments described.
Egan 7.5/10 – The best of the centre backs by some way. Thought he played really well tonight. Yes, he shanked a few out early but then he won his headers, made blocks and was really solid. The danger man for them barely had a kick really. He did an excellent job on him and with the two alongside him a bit erratic at times, he was the steadying influence who quietly played really well.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Along with Seri, the best midfielder on the pitch in terms of influence. He played some good passes and showed his range with some clever balls too – like the one for Ndiaye second half. However, what he did well was just get his foot in and make those little blocks and interceptions. Ensured we managed the game well. His booking was really stupid and quite wild/unnecessary though.
Doyle 6/10 – He has been a bit mixed, much like United since the break and seems to be feeling his way back to fitness. He had a poor game at QPR and not really been a regular with McAtee doing well but he again showed flashes of his old form with some decent raking passes and had the shot saved. Another one I am going to criticise for a silly booking and that was very cynical and quite high. This was after he gave it away. One deflected shot over after half time but we kind of lost out way a bit second half in midfield. Tired badly and like a few others needs to work on his conditioning if he ever wants to play full games.
Berge 6.5/10 – Another one of those nights where you want more but he did more than the previous game in that he was able to get down that right side and put in a few crosses the keeper pushed away, set up a chance for Jebbison with a clever ball and had a few runs where he got away. There were long parts of the game he seemed to be struggling fitness wise and the game again drifted by. I want and need so much more from him and he often seems done by the hour mark in terms of endurance and physical output. Needs to really assert himself more. A few careless passes and a badly missed header but we also saw some better bits of play – but as I say just not enough.
Ndiaye 7/10 – Not his best game actually but still the one attacker where you think something will happen and the ball still seemed magnetised to him. He showed glimpses and his work rate was good but often ended up having to be the shielder or man coming back onto Seri who came away from him a few times. Still on the goal the opposite was true as he got away from his man and set up Jebbo. He did show his usual box of tricks but a few times took the wrong option when passes were on (Berge was free first half and then second half ran into men after doing well initially). He then missed a headed chance too. He showed some great control and drifted across the field well but not sure we saw much end product outside of the assist early on.
Jebbison 8/10 – I know he did well in the lockdown games and has been better in recent outings after never really convincing me in between, albeit in cameos or bits and pieces. I thought he was a long way short of this level when I saw him and was not sure but he has made me rethink more recently. Tonight, he worked his socks off and was a constant threat. He held the ball up better than he has and looked quick and determined. Got his goal with a proper poaches finish and could have scored another and should have done. I liked second half, that he kept pressing and harrying and never gave them an easy out. I would have left him on a bit longer as Sharp did not give them the same problems.
Subs –
Osborn 5/10 – He gets his foot in but often his quality is lacking and at times he seems like he cannot do much other than a basic 5-yard pass – although played one good ball down to Lowe.
Sharp 5/10 – Not sure he did much. He won one free kick and chased a few down but I thought we lacked much of any kind of out ball after the changes.
Basham – Ran around and knocked a few balls forward/won a few headers in his old-fashioned midfield position!
McBurnie – Chased after a few balls and showed some good hold up before he gets inevitably involved in a tussle with a player. I was concerned as they grabbed each other but then clearly the Hull lad loses it and for once it is not our number 9, we are annoyed with! Maybe he baited him into it and it was clever from Oli Mac? However, some refs would have sent him off too. No need to get involved and stupid really.
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – He gave Jebbison the start and he scored. Not sure the Doyle change quite worked but first half we did enough to lead. I am concerned we sit back a bit and invite pressure but maybe it is a plan and we can defend it – as we have done. I hope we can be more expansive and put teams away more as the season goes on but at the moment the wins are all important. The subs I was not sure about in terms of the first double change and groaned a bit when Sharp/Osborn came on. I just thought this signalled out intent to just hang on/see it out. Whilst we are winning though I cannot grumble and to be fair, the latter double changed helped us in terms of the height and physicality to see out any free kicks – as that looked their only real route back into it. He will be frustrated at the transfer news and what is going on but as long as we do not sell anyone – with Jebbison showing real promise and maybe even Osula can be a factor from the bench in the closing games.
Hull – Better than Stoke but still not a side that really hurt us. Rosenior’s comments as I said above, are laughable as they barely had a chance even though they had a lot more of the ball second half. Outside of the Connolly chance, they did not have proper effort and we had Jebbison, Bogle and even Berge/Ndiaye with good chances that were much better than anything they created outside of that once chance. First half they gave away the goal and at times I felt we could turn them and cause problems with their leaden footed centre backs against pace and trickery but we could not quite get that second goal. Second half they did start to force us back and put some dangerous crosses in but we seemed to see things out quite comfortably and if that was throwing the kitchen sink at us as their manager said, then would not want to see a game when they did not have a go at teams! They did have some ok players technically and Seri was very good and always prompting. They moved it around well at times but then looked a bit clueless in the final third. United did what they had to and not sure Hull did enough in the game in terms of dangerous chances/territory to merit anything. The result and score line in the end was about right. They have been in good form, particularly away from home so Rosenior has clearly been doing something right and they will have enough to stay away from trouble you sense. They will probably finish about where they are I feel.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not even close. Seri showed some lovely touches and was the one running away and creating. Seems to have dropped quite a bit from Fulham to Hull and you wonder still now if he could do a bit better – no offence to Hull but he is 31 to counter that argument. They had some workmanlike performances and Christie was lively. Connolly was annoying but did draw a few fouls and bookings – even though he is often rolling around as if he has been shot!
Opponent Weak link – The defence looks susceptible to pace and running and I felt Greaves and Jones struggled at times and we got behind them a fair bit first half too easily with the goal and chances for Bogle and Jebbison. Seen a few teams linked with Greaves (Boro?) but he was poor I felt tonight and never got to grips with Jebbison. Estupinan was never in the game at all and a non-factor. Every time I see Slater against us, he is completely anonymous. Sorry to say that of a former Blade and fan but he would not get in our squad or close to it for me – even though he has done well in other games seemingly.
Referee/Officials – Darren Bond. He has been ok in other games but today not sure he was great. I thought in general play he was a bit fussy and we saw too much of him for my liking – you want a referee to be quiet and not be seen. The bookings though were right – we got a lot but not sure you could argue about any of them. Ditto for them. When I saw the lad put his head in, I was just hoping that he saw it as if he did, then it is an easy red card. Thankfully he did. Connolly should have been yellow carded long before he was, but so should Robinson! The former is an annoying so and so and really winds players up as you could see.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Fair play to Hull. Packed the away end and seemed a bit lively on Bramall Lane before the game – was like the 80’s! Funny to see the lad who looked like Harry Potter get his flag the wrong way round. Even his own fans were laughing at him. To be fair again, they made a fair bit of noise as United fans were rather quiet again but at least there were some chants/noise as the game went on. Think fans are a bit nervy at these narrow wins and maybe are taking winning for granted. To be fair there was a bit of chanting towards the away end and seemed the G/H block was like the old days too! When the bigger teams/better teams come down, I feel the noise will go up. It was rather cold though so to almost fill every available seat (taking away the restrictions on the Kop) is impressive.
Despite the news earlier in the day that United had been placed in a transfer embargo and with rumours swirling around S2 on why and what this meant, the Blades had a strong squad. McBurnie returned on the bench with club captain Sharp but Jebbison was given the nod up top with Ndiaye. Doyle also came in for McAtee. Hull had former Blade Regan Slater in midfield and started with free scoring Oscar Estupinan up front alongside Brighton loanee Aaron Connolly.
The game began with Hull playing an attacking formation and clearly were not going to sit back but United were able to find gaps the other way early on. Bogle had already nearly got in before he did, linking well with Ahmedhodzic and the ball back saw Ndiaye then jink inside and the ball fell for JEBBISON who smashed home from close range. It was his first goal at the Lane and indeed his first at Championship level.
Hull almost responded immediately as the Blades defence stepped up looking for offside but Connolly was in and Foderingham had to make an excellent save to deny the on-loan striker. The Blades got back on the front foot and Bogle was causing real problems down the right and his link up with Ndiaye and Jebbison saw Hull worried. A decent move saw the ball moved across and Ndiaye then could not quite get the ball to sit.
Hull had been lively themselves and were trying to find gaps and Seri was catching the eye. After Robinson’s mistake, Ahmedhodzic brought his man down to earn a regulation booking. Doyle too was carded after his own give away before he lunged in on his man. Despite these poor challenges and moments of ill-discipline, United still showed pockets of good football and always looked a threat with Jebbison’s pressing and pace giving United a new dimension. However, the next chance came when Foderingham had to come out and clear and Bogle got on the clearance but after excellent control, his shot was probably going wide before it hit a defender to go out for a corner.
Berge had been quiet but had a good spell getting on the ball and his clever pass saw Jebbison in and he will have been disappointed not to notch his second as Ingram made the save. Norwood was then booked after tangling with Connolly who had clashed with Robinson moments earlier. Hull had competed well but the chances that came all were coming from United. Doyle came inside and hit a whipped effort that Ingram saw late and had to push away.
Berge was becoming more influential and after good work from Ndiaye and then Jebbison, the cross came in from the latter but Berge made a mess of the header and it spooned over. This was the final opportunity of the first half. United had deserved to be ahead but Hull had not been totally overrun but the moments of quality came from the home side.
The second half began in scrappy fashion with both sides giving the ball away and there was little offered in terms of goalmouth action. Hull were having more possession and the United crowd became frustrated as the home side could not quite get any sustained control or attacks going. One moment saw the ball played inside to Ahmedhodzic and it then dropped to Doyle whose effort deflected over.
Hull started to become more assertive and a number of dangerous balls had to be cleared from the United defence. Estupinan was yellow carded for a late tackle on Norwood before Rosenior made a triple change as Longman, Tufan and Tettah came on for Slater, Docherty and Coyle.
Hull were trying to stretch United and a good run down the left saw Egan have to clear before Foderingham had to clutch a cross from the other side. The visitors were pushing the Blades back but no real chances were created. Jebbison was continuing to work hard chasing and harassing the Hull defence but Ndiaye had not quite found space to hurt Hull. The game was drifting along before Heckingbottom opted to bring on fresh legs as Sharp and Osborn replaced Jebbison and Doyle. Elder came on for Greaves not long after as the defender was struggling after a knock. Berge had a chance to cross as did Bogle soon after but both crosses failed to beat the first man.
Tetteh had an effort well off target before a corner soon after was cleared as United now seemed to be settling on what they had and even though some poor passes/give aways had the United crowd anxious, Hull had not really created anything clear cut with a few headers drifting wide. United actually had the best chance of the second half as the ball was played around neatly with finally some controlled possession. Norwood’s ball was delicious but a slight knock maybe took the ball away from the waiting Ndiaye and it glanced off the head of the talented striker. It was his last piece of action and he was shaking his head at the missed opportunity as he and Berge departed, to be replaced by McBurnie and Basham, with the latter going into a midfield role.
Robinson was finally booked after a series of fouls with the referee clearly pointing to various random spots of indiscretion. The silly free kick giveaways were perhaps the real concern with a set play always being a possible chance for a leveller for Hull. However just before the free kick came over, Tetteh and McBurnie were locked up and pushing each other but the reaction of the Hull substitute was ridiculous. A clear and stupid head butt aimed at the Blades striker and thankfully was not missed by an officious referee who brandished the red card. McBurnie was booked for his part in the tussle.
The free kick was cleared and time ebbed away with Christie’s shot straight at Foderingham the only real effort they had mustered and this was tame. United then had an opportunity to break but after Osborn’s good ball, Lowe overran it. Bogle was the next in the book for United stopping a possible break on half way before the assistant held up the board decreeing an additional five minutes of time. United won two free kicks deep in Hull territory and from attack, the ball was switched over to Bogle from Osborn and his fierce shot was saved by Ingram. Osborn then had a shot drift wide and as the whistles came from the United crowd, Connolly’s tempestuous night finally saw him get a booking. The final moments saw Hull fail to really get in the United third and the Blades saw the time out comfortably to gain another three points.
United – Seems like a broken record but another performance that was very meh but again another win. We show moments of genuine quality and can unlock teams to score and create other moments and actually had 5 or 6 other decent chances/efforts. Still, we never quite had full control of the game and our play was not fluent tonight. It was very similar to many of the recent home games. We would show some flashes of good play and players like Bogle, Norwood, Ndiaye and Jebbison would do things where you sensed a chance would come but often we did not quite have that smoothness and power to brush teams aside that we did see earlier in the season. However, as much as Hull had a decent go second half, like Stoke, just like the Potters, I am not sure they really created much at all. Indeed, other than the early Connolly strike, how many chances have they had. Wes has had little to do at all really. They did push us back but United soaked it up and clearly are very good at this as the excellent Bladespod discussed last week. We know we can allow teams to pump crosses in and we can deal with that. Rosenior’s comments, a bit like Alex Neil’s ramblings, are bewildering saying they threw the kitchen sink at us and we were holding on?! He says they had lots of chances? Where? They were better than Stoke and did have some better technical players (Seri was very good) but not sure we were seriously worried even though they had more of the ball second half. We still had more chances! United did what the needed to and in the end the result was about right.
It is frustrating and I am one of those wanting us to just up it and put teams away but we have to accept we are maybe not putting in superb performances but are beating what we have in front. Heckingbottom is right in that teams are setting up and changing tactics to thwart us. They pressed us a lot and got on Norwood a fair bit and swarmed round Ndiaye when he had it. We had good performances from Jebbison and Bogle, particularly first half but the former was a real pest and worked very hard and kept them honest. Norwood controlled things and did all the little bits in terms of interceptions and clever passes to get us out. A few key men tired such as Bogle and Berge, who did some ok things but was still very frustrating still and looks woefully unfit. I felt Robinson and Anel were a bit error prone tonight and gambling too much, thus giving away fouls or allowing them to get between us. Egan was really solid though and kept their leading scorer quiet all game. I was concerned about the changes as felt that gave them the impetus but then he almost redressed it by giving us some physicality and height for the inevitable set plays they were pumping in. We did commit some silly fouls and most of the bookings were deserved and we may have a few out (10 yellow cards – 2 match ban is it? – Anel and McBurnie on 7) before the cut off. We need to show a bit better discipline. No worries with a yellow to manage games later on but we picked up 3 in the first half hour. Mind you their guy usurped all of ours with his moment of utter madness. The game did become scrappy but we saw it out and it is another win.
We are certainly not playing brilliant but nearly every win we deserve to win. Maybe we do need a better team so we can up our standards and are just doing enough? We have Rotherham and Swansea to come and you sense these games may be similar and there is a great chance for another 4-6 points here to keep the buffer and gap. Burnley won of course but no issues with that as they beat a top 6 side and one of those on form. Boro and particularly Watford, who you feel will beat the Millers tomorrow, are threats but if we keep this form going we are up. We do not need to even be this consistent really. The gap is as big as I’ve ever known for a Blades team going for promotion.
Still as always with United, it is never straight forward. We have players coming back and with Stevens/Baldock/Clark and then maybe even Brewster/Fleck soon too – it might be we only have RND as a player unavailable in say 3- or 4-weeksweeks’ time as we go into the final 15 games or so. However, off the field we have the latest SUFC inevitable ‘here we go, when it is all going so well, we can throw things off course with something ridiculous!’ This time it is a transfer embargo and now there is lots of discussions over what this means and what is going on. It seems the Prince has effectively put up the shutters and is not giving away any more cash or investing but this is dangerous if it leading to such news. OF course why should he but it is reaching a point where the talk of not affording the undersoil heating at Shirecliffe and now this, is a big concern. Maybe in a few weeks, the takeover goes through and the financial stuff is sorted out quickly. If we go up, the concerns go almost overnight really regardless of who is in charge. However there is a worry if it goes through, who is it, what are their intentions and their bona fides? If it does not then what? The Prince clearly wants out. If we somehow chucked this away and the sale does not go through it does not bear thinking about and you look at clubs like Wigan, Pompey and gulp SWFC and you could see things turning sour and overnight all the assets would be gone. It is a really important time for the short- and long-term future. We have to go up but equally we surely need to see a decision/clarity on any ownership? The statement from the club was very vague today. This is clearly not an oversight. We are not paying our bills. Whether this is because we are skint or that the Prince is simply just not investing as he may not be in charge soon – or both – but it is a worrying development set amongst how well things are going on the pitch. The next 3 or 4 months could dictate the next 10 years for United and which direction we go. Interesting/concerning/exciting times whichever side of the fence you are on in terms of positivity/negativity!
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Made a good save early on which was crucial. A few kicks outs sliced and then punched one he could have caught. Second half his handling from low crosses was good but he had little to do. One moment where he and Robinson got in bit of confusion led to a corner. Overall solid and a clean sheet but well protected.
Bogle 8/10 – First half he was excellent and maybe our stand out as he got down the right and caused problems. Some lovely first-time control and incisive runs where he got in and combined with others. He nearly got in with the Wes kick but sliced his finish. He looked very lively though. Second half had one bit of link up but then he faded quite a bit and offered little as he seemed to lack the energy. Silly booking at the end but then nearly scored again. Gives us such another attacking outlet that can create, get in the box and score!
Lowe 6.5/10 – He was good first half getting down that side and put in some good balls into dangerous areas. He was always on the move and played some neat stuff with teammates. He was tested more second half and once got beat easily. Gave a bit too much space second half for me. We saw less of him attacking wise with one run spoiled as he ran it out.
Robinson 5.5/10 – He did make some interceptions and tackles and I know he plays on the edge but at times he made unnecessary tackles and gave it away in silly areas. One such moment led to the Anel booking and then he grabbed and tussled with Connolly and was lucky not to be booked – he did finally get booked after 2 or 3 more fouls. Went in dangerously a few times and worried he might do something silly. I love his commitment but he needs to be careful. He was guilty of poor play that saw him give it away and then got beat – all in one move and I am always a bit concerned when he has it under pressure – saw when Wes gave it him. I think Clark comes back in when fit due to the error prone part of his game.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Not sure he has been at the level he was earlier in the season. He has still been ok to decent most weeks but tonight felt his standards were not quite there – even though he did well on the goal and also had a good moment early in the second half when he stole in. He made a silly foul (we had men back) to get booked early and then also was guilty of diving in a few times. Just not been quite as solid as he was in his defensive work and we did not see much attacking wise outside of those moments described.
Egan 7.5/10 – The best of the centre backs by some way. Thought he played really well tonight. Yes, he shanked a few out early but then he won his headers, made blocks and was really solid. The danger man for them barely had a kick really. He did an excellent job on him and with the two alongside him a bit erratic at times, he was the steadying influence who quietly played really well.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Along with Seri, the best midfielder on the pitch in terms of influence. He played some good passes and showed his range with some clever balls too – like the one for Ndiaye second half. However, what he did well was just get his foot in and make those little blocks and interceptions. Ensured we managed the game well. His booking was really stupid and quite wild/unnecessary though.
Doyle 6/10 – He has been a bit mixed, much like United since the break and seems to be feeling his way back to fitness. He had a poor game at QPR and not really been a regular with McAtee doing well but he again showed flashes of his old form with some decent raking passes and had the shot saved. Another one I am going to criticise for a silly booking and that was very cynical and quite high. This was after he gave it away. One deflected shot over after half time but we kind of lost out way a bit second half in midfield. Tired badly and like a few others needs to work on his conditioning if he ever wants to play full games.
Berge 6.5/10 – Another one of those nights where you want more but he did more than the previous game in that he was able to get down that right side and put in a few crosses the keeper pushed away, set up a chance for Jebbison with a clever ball and had a few runs where he got away. There were long parts of the game he seemed to be struggling fitness wise and the game again drifted by. I want and need so much more from him and he often seems done by the hour mark in terms of endurance and physical output. Needs to really assert himself more. A few careless passes and a badly missed header but we also saw some better bits of play – but as I say just not enough.
Ndiaye 7/10 – Not his best game actually but still the one attacker where you think something will happen and the ball still seemed magnetised to him. He showed glimpses and his work rate was good but often ended up having to be the shielder or man coming back onto Seri who came away from him a few times. Still on the goal the opposite was true as he got away from his man and set up Jebbo. He did show his usual box of tricks but a few times took the wrong option when passes were on (Berge was free first half and then second half ran into men after doing well initially). He then missed a headed chance too. He showed some great control and drifted across the field well but not sure we saw much end product outside of the assist early on.
Jebbison 8/10 – I know he did well in the lockdown games and has been better in recent outings after never really convincing me in between, albeit in cameos or bits and pieces. I thought he was a long way short of this level when I saw him and was not sure but he has made me rethink more recently. Tonight, he worked his socks off and was a constant threat. He held the ball up better than he has and looked quick and determined. Got his goal with a proper poaches finish and could have scored another and should have done. I liked second half, that he kept pressing and harrying and never gave them an easy out. I would have left him on a bit longer as Sharp did not give them the same problems.
Subs –
Osborn 5/10 – He gets his foot in but often his quality is lacking and at times he seems like he cannot do much other than a basic 5-yard pass – although played one good ball down to Lowe.
Sharp 5/10 – Not sure he did much. He won one free kick and chased a few down but I thought we lacked much of any kind of out ball after the changes.
Basham – Ran around and knocked a few balls forward/won a few headers in his old-fashioned midfield position!
McBurnie – Chased after a few balls and showed some good hold up before he gets inevitably involved in a tussle with a player. I was concerned as they grabbed each other but then clearly the Hull lad loses it and for once it is not our number 9, we are annoyed with! Maybe he baited him into it and it was clever from Oli Mac? However, some refs would have sent him off too. No need to get involved and stupid really.
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – He gave Jebbison the start and he scored. Not sure the Doyle change quite worked but first half we did enough to lead. I am concerned we sit back a bit and invite pressure but maybe it is a plan and we can defend it – as we have done. I hope we can be more expansive and put teams away more as the season goes on but at the moment the wins are all important. The subs I was not sure about in terms of the first double change and groaned a bit when Sharp/Osborn came on. I just thought this signalled out intent to just hang on/see it out. Whilst we are winning though I cannot grumble and to be fair, the latter double changed helped us in terms of the height and physicality to see out any free kicks – as that looked their only real route back into it. He will be frustrated at the transfer news and what is going on but as long as we do not sell anyone – with Jebbison showing real promise and maybe even Osula can be a factor from the bench in the closing games.
Hull – Better than Stoke but still not a side that really hurt us. Rosenior’s comments as I said above, are laughable as they barely had a chance even though they had a lot more of the ball second half. Outside of the Connolly chance, they did not have proper effort and we had Jebbison, Bogle and even Berge/Ndiaye with good chances that were much better than anything they created outside of that once chance. First half they gave away the goal and at times I felt we could turn them and cause problems with their leaden footed centre backs against pace and trickery but we could not quite get that second goal. Second half they did start to force us back and put some dangerous crosses in but we seemed to see things out quite comfortably and if that was throwing the kitchen sink at us as their manager said, then would not want to see a game when they did not have a go at teams! They did have some ok players technically and Seri was very good and always prompting. They moved it around well at times but then looked a bit clueless in the final third. United did what they had to and not sure Hull did enough in the game in terms of dangerous chances/territory to merit anything. The result and score line in the end was about right. They have been in good form, particularly away from home so Rosenior has clearly been doing something right and they will have enough to stay away from trouble you sense. They will probably finish about where they are I feel.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not even close. Seri showed some lovely touches and was the one running away and creating. Seems to have dropped quite a bit from Fulham to Hull and you wonder still now if he could do a bit better – no offence to Hull but he is 31 to counter that argument. They had some workmanlike performances and Christie was lively. Connolly was annoying but did draw a few fouls and bookings – even though he is often rolling around as if he has been shot!
Opponent Weak link – The defence looks susceptible to pace and running and I felt Greaves and Jones struggled at times and we got behind them a fair bit first half too easily with the goal and chances for Bogle and Jebbison. Seen a few teams linked with Greaves (Boro?) but he was poor I felt tonight and never got to grips with Jebbison. Estupinan was never in the game at all and a non-factor. Every time I see Slater against us, he is completely anonymous. Sorry to say that of a former Blade and fan but he would not get in our squad or close to it for me – even though he has done well in other games seemingly.
Referee/Officials – Darren Bond. He has been ok in other games but today not sure he was great. I thought in general play he was a bit fussy and we saw too much of him for my liking – you want a referee to be quiet and not be seen. The bookings though were right – we got a lot but not sure you could argue about any of them. Ditto for them. When I saw the lad put his head in, I was just hoping that he saw it as if he did, then it is an easy red card. Thankfully he did. Connolly should have been yellow carded long before he was, but so should Robinson! The former is an annoying so and so and really winds players up as you could see.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Fair play to Hull. Packed the away end and seemed a bit lively on Bramall Lane before the game – was like the 80’s! Funny to see the lad who looked like Harry Potter get his flag the wrong way round. Even his own fans were laughing at him. To be fair again, they made a fair bit of noise as United fans were rather quiet again but at least there were some chants/noise as the game went on. Think fans are a bit nervy at these narrow wins and maybe are taking winning for granted. To be fair there was a bit of chanting towards the away end and seemed the G/H block was like the old days too! When the bigger teams/better teams come down, I feel the noise will go up. It was rather cold though so to almost fill every available seat (taking away the restrictions on the Kop) is impressive.
