Post by deadbat on Feb 16, 2023 12:48:00 GMT
Sorry for no detailed report. Was always going to be tough to get one written last night and then today off to London with the family for 3 days (including taking in the Blades game). Currently sat on a train down to the smoke as I type thus. Will do s brief summary and ratings. No pod though till after Millwall when we will do a double header.
Overall, we were well beaten. We started really well and scored another set play goal and had 2 or 3 other chances to extend the lead with Ndiaye, McAtee and Berge guilty of poor final parts/decisions. Ndiaye scores that chance and it is a dream start.
However, after controlling the first 15, they grew into it and worked out how to pick us off and get through us. Teams that press Norwood and deny him space and then use pace/runners to exploit our kick of mobility in midfield, generally cause us problems. They also played those balls down the side exploiting the gaps between wing back and wide centre back.
They started to get in and the goal was due to us giving them too much space with Lowe culpable and then Egan/JLT not reacting. It was a good finish but too easy. They then had a few other chances and I was weirdly glad to get in at 1-1 even though we had failed to build on our intense start. The midfield 3 wasn’t working for the final part of the half and Hecky had to make an adjustment – personnel or shape but didn’t. As we have quite a lot recent times, but got away with it against poor opponents, we regressed and invited pressure.
The second we have numerous chances to clear and then set then up. We are slow to react, Anel this time and its a great finish. We huffed and puffed after this but not sure we had loads if chances. Heard some fans and Hecky say we just missed our opportunities but other than the Jebbo shot/Egan header when the game was done, not sure I can recall much ckea4 cut from us after that first 15? They kept picking us off and the quick runners in midfield and attack caused us all sorts of problems.
The third the ref has made an error as we had no real advantage. Yes we lose it bit that’s the point if the rule. He just the brings it back. It was only a few seconds after when Jebbo loses the ball. Still the way they broke down they right side again with one pass cutting us open is a concern and reminded me of how we defended in the top flight in the relegation season. Archer takes it really well. After this we sort if lost our composure, with Hecky stupidly sent off when we needed calm heads, players giving it away and Robbo arguing with a fan. The ground was half empty on full time and maybe the team deserved more but a late KO and the fade out saw many head home.
United – A night where it was a pivotal fixture which we could put real distance between us and them. We could show why we have been so clear and prove we are the 2nd best team almost definitively. The reality is on that evidence we looked a side struggling for ideas to create and extremely brittle defensively. Albeit one game but they looked a side akin to Forest last year who played us off the park in both games at the Lane.
They ran through us and looked full of energy. We looked slow and weirdly lacking in confidence. It was a rude awakening how easily they put us away.
In the end Boro were worthy winners and looked a good side. Hungry, fast, physical and fearless. They realised our weaknesses and exploited them. We folded like a pack of cards and in the end 1-3 was about right. Not sure I buy they took their chances and we did not? I thought in general play, they competed more, won more loose balls and played better and more incisive football.
Now with more tough games to come and Boro with a more favourable schedule,United have to respond. It was concerning how almost to a man our big players did not turn up. They literally shrunk in a game at home where they should have stamped their class. It was also concerning that a manager completely nullified our tactics/plan and our own manager did not respond. In the end when we needed leadership on and off the field, the players and manager did not show any.
Millwall is only days away and they have had an extra days rest and will be determined not to lose for a third time. For United we will now see what they are made of. With a Watford side that have the same pace/runners we struggle with, it’s not inconceivable that the gap could be a point in 10 days. That seems mad with such a buffer we had so a week ago but could be reality.
I think we maybe saw last night that for a the talk of us winning games and not really getting out if first gear and doing enough, that when we face better teams it won’t be enough. I thought the team would raise it accordingly against better opponents but we did not. We have not lost for ages but we have not really played any of the better sides and I did sense the lack of cohesiveness and consistency in games (we were relying on individual play to get a goal and then just seeing out leads) would catch up with us and so it proved. Too many players are not at the standards they were and need to up it and now. The excuses about injuries may have some validity but last night save RND for Lowe or Robinson, that was our strongest eleven and they were well beaten at home.
The team should be angry and busting a gut to put it right in the coming weeks after hearing/seeing the oles and the Boro celebrations on full time. As I say we will really see the character of the side now the run in starts.
Foderingham 6/10 – Not sure he had loads to do but picked the ball out three times. No chance with first or second but the third went through him a bit although hit hard. He made a few saves first half but then the whole backline wilted somewhat 2nd half.
Bogle 5/10 – Started ok but then overplayed the ball often trying too much. He never beat his man all night. Defensively 2nd half mostly out of position and too high up. Also showed he does not get tight enough to his man.
Lowe 4.5/10 – Looked like the Lowe of the Premier League where teams got past him easily and he was not able to stop crosses/balls going in. The first goal he is miles off his man. This continued for much of the game and there were big gaps down the sides between the LCB/RCB and LWB/RWB. Had a few moments going forward but poor choices made.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Think he has been poor for a while. Dives in, picks up bookings for things he does not need to and then when needed to be closer,the 2nd goal, he is slow to react. He has moments going forward but looks a long way from the player who started the season looking like a star and a snip at 4 million. Whether it’s after affects of glandular fever or he is struggling with the churn of the Championship, he looks leggy and clumsy currently.
Egan 6/10 – The best of the backline and not sure he was that great either! Front two bullied us but to be fair he had no protection in front at all. Too slow on the first to get across and then the third he gets exposed badly so I blame others more. Kept plugging away but it looked like the Premier League 2nd season as the midfield failed to stop runners or penetration.
Robinson 5.5/10 – Set up the first with the direct long throw but then he started to switch off defensively and they found gaos down his and Lowe’s side. He lost his cool 2nd half and was then arguing needlessly with a fan. Yes the fan was not great but he’s a professional. Get the ball and get on with it. We needed to get it forward so showing who’s ‘hard’ at that point is not needed at that stage.
Norwood 4/10 – Now and again Norwood has those games. Normally when an opponent presses and harries him. That happened tonight with Akpom and Archer all over him when he had the ball. We then struggle. His passing was off the mark all game and he put some routine stuff straight out of play. He compounded his showing by inadvertently setting them up for the 2nd goal. He had absolutely no help from two passengers alongside him who failed to spot we were getting out matched in the middle.
Berge 4/10 – Largely anonymous. Needed to impose himself in a big game and get in the ball. Failed to do this and defensively he was a liability as quick players ran through the middle of the pitch. I think we got the selection wrong. Is there an argument for Fleck ot Coulibaly to give us more tenacity in there? Hindsight of course. His strength is attacking but when McAtee and Ndiaye play, it means he has to be more reserved. I was really disappointed with him jogging around d when we needed much more from him.
McAtee 4/10 – Another who had a bit if a nightmare really. He was always looking for the ball and trying to get on it. He does not hide, which is an accusation I feel I fairly levelled at him to start the season. He gets k to good areas but his touch and final bit was poor and then defensively he offered nothing when we needed him to run back more. The 3rd he does get fouled and maybe as Hecky says, should go down. Our midfield three were woeful,with and without the ball last night and I felt we had to change it but Osborn was not the switch to make.
McBurnie 6/10 – Our best player and he was only ‘OK.’ That sums up the evening. Scored a good well directed header and a nuisance early on but then as the game went in with others not supporting, his influence lessened.
Ndiaye 4/10 – Poor performance and reminiscent of some of the games we saw last season. For the most part, he has been really consistent and even though the goals have dried up, he has been assisting. Tonight he had chances but took tame shots and then got crowded out and offered little- in direct comparison to the direct and dangerous Boro front two. He has dropped off a but recently and is not offering the same threat. Needs to re-up his game and prove his quality. We can’t have games where he is just not involved. I also thought he did not press or defend like he has done.
Subs
Jebbison 5/10 – He did more than Ndiaye/McAtee/Berge in that he got in good positions- one shot saved and then a poor header. He did give it away on the third. I wonder if he might start at Millwall and rest Ndiaye?
Osborn – I get why he was brought on in that we needed legs bit surely even though he’s been lacking games, Fleck or Coulibaly are better options? Also the change whoever it was, needed to be made at half time. They were winning midfield. At 1-3 we needed to create and score. Osborn does not do that. It was a baffling change.
Manager Heckingbottom 2/10 – Out coached and out tactician-ed. Did not react either and did not change it They wrestled control, sat on Norwood and exploited our lack of runners and defensive midfielders. They used the pace down the flanks/wide areas of the defence and cut us open. He needed to be more pragmatic at half time. We needed another body in midfield and to just get control. His failure to act was worrying as was our lack of a plan to get back in. We seem to rely on individual play rather than a team approach or sustained way of playing? Boro in contrast had that. He then loses his cool and whilst his comments about refereeing/going down are correct, he now faces a ban. Unprofessional and poor leadership when you need your manager to set an example.
I have some sympathy with all the off field stuff. All the claptrap about it veing a great window and what a masterstroke Abdullah pulled keeping our players was irksome at the time. Now it looks even more ridiculous. Other teams strengthened (look at Boro- signed 3 or 4 including the excellent Archer, and Burnley brought 3 in). We failed to replace Khadra and once again the two weaknesses which I pointed out in the summer,lack of a midfield protecter and another physical, mobile striker were shown up. The fact we somehow got into an embargo is rank bad management behind the scenes. Blaming an incoming new owner (that is now not going to happen you sense) is nonsense too. He’s the current owner and should sort the bills out. We should have been bringing in the two players who I feel would have got us over the line. The failure to do this could be catastrophic for the next 10 years if we do not go up. I get we have no money but the reality is borrowing a few million more to net 200 million in a few months is less of a risk than us not going up and the implosion and financial mess the club would be left in. Sure many will not agree but that’s my thoughts and hope I’m not proven right in a few months. People will say its one loss but it has been coming and the bench options last night were pretty poor in comparison to others at the top.
Boro player of the match – Archer scored two well taken goals but thought Akpom bullied us all game. Looks a top player even if this season seems an outlier maybe? Gives was a threat and the lad in midfield Hackney was very impressive. Boro just had more energy and mobility regardless of the skull in setting up/taking the goals.
Boro weak link - Thought the two centre backs, Fry and Lenihan were poor to begin with and we should have exploited their lack of pace better.
Referee – Marinner was not great but still better than the previous two clowns at the Lane. The bookings were all right with some moments of stupidity from Anel and McBurnie and both will soon get 2 match bans you feel at this rate, both heading towards 10 yellows before the cut off. Anel now on 9? His general referring was bit fussy but not sure he can be blamed for our fade out. The third is a foul and he needs to recognise it was not an advantage really. He will say we lost it after but he can still bring back. I think he knew he’d cocked up. Still we need to defend better after.
Crowd- Boro travelled in numbers and got behind them buoyed by a confident team that showed no fear. United fans were good to start but then much like the team, became quiet and nervy. It was sad to see many stream away and maybe the team deserves more but equally in the biggest game of the season, the team shat themselves and you can understand the frustration as it felt a bit typical United in not doing it in the big games as has been the case for much of my supporting life.
Overall, we were well beaten. We started really well and scored another set play goal and had 2 or 3 other chances to extend the lead with Ndiaye, McAtee and Berge guilty of poor final parts/decisions. Ndiaye scores that chance and it is a dream start.
However, after controlling the first 15, they grew into it and worked out how to pick us off and get through us. Teams that press Norwood and deny him space and then use pace/runners to exploit our kick of mobility in midfield, generally cause us problems. They also played those balls down the side exploiting the gaps between wing back and wide centre back.
They started to get in and the goal was due to us giving them too much space with Lowe culpable and then Egan/JLT not reacting. It was a good finish but too easy. They then had a few other chances and I was weirdly glad to get in at 1-1 even though we had failed to build on our intense start. The midfield 3 wasn’t working for the final part of the half and Hecky had to make an adjustment – personnel or shape but didn’t. As we have quite a lot recent times, but got away with it against poor opponents, we regressed and invited pressure.
The second we have numerous chances to clear and then set then up. We are slow to react, Anel this time and its a great finish. We huffed and puffed after this but not sure we had loads if chances. Heard some fans and Hecky say we just missed our opportunities but other than the Jebbo shot/Egan header when the game was done, not sure I can recall much ckea4 cut from us after that first 15? They kept picking us off and the quick runners in midfield and attack caused us all sorts of problems.
The third the ref has made an error as we had no real advantage. Yes we lose it bit that’s the point if the rule. He just the brings it back. It was only a few seconds after when Jebbo loses the ball. Still the way they broke down they right side again with one pass cutting us open is a concern and reminded me of how we defended in the top flight in the relegation season. Archer takes it really well. After this we sort if lost our composure, with Hecky stupidly sent off when we needed calm heads, players giving it away and Robbo arguing with a fan. The ground was half empty on full time and maybe the team deserved more but a late KO and the fade out saw many head home.
United – A night where it was a pivotal fixture which we could put real distance between us and them. We could show why we have been so clear and prove we are the 2nd best team almost definitively. The reality is on that evidence we looked a side struggling for ideas to create and extremely brittle defensively. Albeit one game but they looked a side akin to Forest last year who played us off the park in both games at the Lane.
They ran through us and looked full of energy. We looked slow and weirdly lacking in confidence. It was a rude awakening how easily they put us away.
In the end Boro were worthy winners and looked a good side. Hungry, fast, physical and fearless. They realised our weaknesses and exploited them. We folded like a pack of cards and in the end 1-3 was about right. Not sure I buy they took their chances and we did not? I thought in general play, they competed more, won more loose balls and played better and more incisive football.
Now with more tough games to come and Boro with a more favourable schedule,United have to respond. It was concerning how almost to a man our big players did not turn up. They literally shrunk in a game at home where they should have stamped their class. It was also concerning that a manager completely nullified our tactics/plan and our own manager did not respond. In the end when we needed leadership on and off the field, the players and manager did not show any.
Millwall is only days away and they have had an extra days rest and will be determined not to lose for a third time. For United we will now see what they are made of. With a Watford side that have the same pace/runners we struggle with, it’s not inconceivable that the gap could be a point in 10 days. That seems mad with such a buffer we had so a week ago but could be reality.
I think we maybe saw last night that for a the talk of us winning games and not really getting out if first gear and doing enough, that when we face better teams it won’t be enough. I thought the team would raise it accordingly against better opponents but we did not. We have not lost for ages but we have not really played any of the better sides and I did sense the lack of cohesiveness and consistency in games (we were relying on individual play to get a goal and then just seeing out leads) would catch up with us and so it proved. Too many players are not at the standards they were and need to up it and now. The excuses about injuries may have some validity but last night save RND for Lowe or Robinson, that was our strongest eleven and they were well beaten at home.
The team should be angry and busting a gut to put it right in the coming weeks after hearing/seeing the oles and the Boro celebrations on full time. As I say we will really see the character of the side now the run in starts.
Foderingham 6/10 – Not sure he had loads to do but picked the ball out three times. No chance with first or second but the third went through him a bit although hit hard. He made a few saves first half but then the whole backline wilted somewhat 2nd half.
Bogle 5/10 – Started ok but then overplayed the ball often trying too much. He never beat his man all night. Defensively 2nd half mostly out of position and too high up. Also showed he does not get tight enough to his man.
Lowe 4.5/10 – Looked like the Lowe of the Premier League where teams got past him easily and he was not able to stop crosses/balls going in. The first goal he is miles off his man. This continued for much of the game and there were big gaps down the sides between the LCB/RCB and LWB/RWB. Had a few moments going forward but poor choices made.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Think he has been poor for a while. Dives in, picks up bookings for things he does not need to and then when needed to be closer,the 2nd goal, he is slow to react. He has moments going forward but looks a long way from the player who started the season looking like a star and a snip at 4 million. Whether it’s after affects of glandular fever or he is struggling with the churn of the Championship, he looks leggy and clumsy currently.
Egan 6/10 – The best of the backline and not sure he was that great either! Front two bullied us but to be fair he had no protection in front at all. Too slow on the first to get across and then the third he gets exposed badly so I blame others more. Kept plugging away but it looked like the Premier League 2nd season as the midfield failed to stop runners or penetration.
Robinson 5.5/10 – Set up the first with the direct long throw but then he started to switch off defensively and they found gaos down his and Lowe’s side. He lost his cool 2nd half and was then arguing needlessly with a fan. Yes the fan was not great but he’s a professional. Get the ball and get on with it. We needed to get it forward so showing who’s ‘hard’ at that point is not needed at that stage.
Norwood 4/10 – Now and again Norwood has those games. Normally when an opponent presses and harries him. That happened tonight with Akpom and Archer all over him when he had the ball. We then struggle. His passing was off the mark all game and he put some routine stuff straight out of play. He compounded his showing by inadvertently setting them up for the 2nd goal. He had absolutely no help from two passengers alongside him who failed to spot we were getting out matched in the middle.
Berge 4/10 – Largely anonymous. Needed to impose himself in a big game and get in the ball. Failed to do this and defensively he was a liability as quick players ran through the middle of the pitch. I think we got the selection wrong. Is there an argument for Fleck ot Coulibaly to give us more tenacity in there? Hindsight of course. His strength is attacking but when McAtee and Ndiaye play, it means he has to be more reserved. I was really disappointed with him jogging around d when we needed much more from him.
McAtee 4/10 – Another who had a bit if a nightmare really. He was always looking for the ball and trying to get on it. He does not hide, which is an accusation I feel I fairly levelled at him to start the season. He gets k to good areas but his touch and final bit was poor and then defensively he offered nothing when we needed him to run back more. The 3rd he does get fouled and maybe as Hecky says, should go down. Our midfield three were woeful,with and without the ball last night and I felt we had to change it but Osborn was not the switch to make.
McBurnie 6/10 – Our best player and he was only ‘OK.’ That sums up the evening. Scored a good well directed header and a nuisance early on but then as the game went in with others not supporting, his influence lessened.
Ndiaye 4/10 – Poor performance and reminiscent of some of the games we saw last season. For the most part, he has been really consistent and even though the goals have dried up, he has been assisting. Tonight he had chances but took tame shots and then got crowded out and offered little- in direct comparison to the direct and dangerous Boro front two. He has dropped off a but recently and is not offering the same threat. Needs to re-up his game and prove his quality. We can’t have games where he is just not involved. I also thought he did not press or defend like he has done.
Subs
Jebbison 5/10 – He did more than Ndiaye/McAtee/Berge in that he got in good positions- one shot saved and then a poor header. He did give it away on the third. I wonder if he might start at Millwall and rest Ndiaye?
Osborn – I get why he was brought on in that we needed legs bit surely even though he’s been lacking games, Fleck or Coulibaly are better options? Also the change whoever it was, needed to be made at half time. They were winning midfield. At 1-3 we needed to create and score. Osborn does not do that. It was a baffling change.
Manager Heckingbottom 2/10 – Out coached and out tactician-ed. Did not react either and did not change it They wrestled control, sat on Norwood and exploited our lack of runners and defensive midfielders. They used the pace down the flanks/wide areas of the defence and cut us open. He needed to be more pragmatic at half time. We needed another body in midfield and to just get control. His failure to act was worrying as was our lack of a plan to get back in. We seem to rely on individual play rather than a team approach or sustained way of playing? Boro in contrast had that. He then loses his cool and whilst his comments about refereeing/going down are correct, he now faces a ban. Unprofessional and poor leadership when you need your manager to set an example.
I have some sympathy with all the off field stuff. All the claptrap about it veing a great window and what a masterstroke Abdullah pulled keeping our players was irksome at the time. Now it looks even more ridiculous. Other teams strengthened (look at Boro- signed 3 or 4 including the excellent Archer, and Burnley brought 3 in). We failed to replace Khadra and once again the two weaknesses which I pointed out in the summer,lack of a midfield protecter and another physical, mobile striker were shown up. The fact we somehow got into an embargo is rank bad management behind the scenes. Blaming an incoming new owner (that is now not going to happen you sense) is nonsense too. He’s the current owner and should sort the bills out. We should have been bringing in the two players who I feel would have got us over the line. The failure to do this could be catastrophic for the next 10 years if we do not go up. I get we have no money but the reality is borrowing a few million more to net 200 million in a few months is less of a risk than us not going up and the implosion and financial mess the club would be left in. Sure many will not agree but that’s my thoughts and hope I’m not proven right in a few months. People will say its one loss but it has been coming and the bench options last night were pretty poor in comparison to others at the top.
Boro player of the match – Archer scored two well taken goals but thought Akpom bullied us all game. Looks a top player even if this season seems an outlier maybe? Gives was a threat and the lad in midfield Hackney was very impressive. Boro just had more energy and mobility regardless of the skull in setting up/taking the goals.
Boro weak link - Thought the two centre backs, Fry and Lenihan were poor to begin with and we should have exploited their lack of pace better.
Referee – Marinner was not great but still better than the previous two clowns at the Lane. The bookings were all right with some moments of stupidity from Anel and McBurnie and both will soon get 2 match bans you feel at this rate, both heading towards 10 yellows before the cut off. Anel now on 9? His general referring was bit fussy but not sure he can be blamed for our fade out. The third is a foul and he needs to recognise it was not an advantage really. He will say we lost it after but he can still bring back. I think he knew he’d cocked up. Still we need to defend better after.
Crowd- Boro travelled in numbers and got behind them buoyed by a confident team that showed no fear. United fans were good to start but then much like the team, became quiet and nervy. It was sad to see many stream away and maybe the team deserves more but equally in the biggest game of the season, the team shat themselves and you can understand the frustration as it felt a bit typical United in not doing it in the big games as has been the case for much of my supporting life.
