Post by deadbat on Mar 2, 2023 0:50:32 GMT
It was one of those magical nights under the lights at the Lane as the Blades deservedly beat Premier League high flyers Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Iliman’s Ndiaye’s superb individual goal. United put in a disciplined performance with some excellent work off the ball and gradually grew into the game and got stronger and stronger. With both sides bringing their better players on towards the end of the contest, it was Ndiaye, not Kane, who proved to be the difference with the late winner at the Kop end. United now face Blackburn Rovers at home and have a great chance of getting through to the FA Cup semi finals for the first time since 2014.
Both teams made a number of changes but with United taking out 8 players from the side that beat Watford. Andre Brooks came in for his debut with a young-looking midfield and front line with the experience provided from the veteran Billy Sharp.
Spurs still had a very strong side with the likes of Son Heung Min, Richarlison and Moura at the top of the field. Kane was kept in reserve if Spurs needed to use him.
The game began with the Blades clearly set up to keep a solid shape and concentrate on not giving anything away. McAtee and Brooks were trying to support Sharp when United had the ball but off it settled into a midfield 5. Brooks won an early corner that Ahmedhodzic headed over the bar. Spurs tried to move the ball around and create but were struggling to make much headway. The visitors had a lot of the ball and whilst the Blades were not offering much as an attacking force, the home side were extremely disciplined off the ball with Doyle and Osborn’s work rate a feature of the early proceedings. The back three were also fully switched on with Robinson’s committed challenges, Ahmedhodzic’s reading of the game and Basham’s sweeping up when he needed to. The rain lashed down but this seemed to galvanise the Blades and the crowd even more who responded to every tackle and challenge.
Spurs finally created a chance and Son’s effort saw Foderingham make the save and then Sarr had a go but this was also relatively comfortable for the Blades keeper. United were continuing to move across and cover spaces and gaps and Spurs could not really find any headway at all. They did finally get in but Richarlison fired a fair way over. The best effort maybe came from a cross that bounced off the bar from Moura when he was not probably going for goal. The Blades responded and Sharp’s flick on saw confusion at the back and the error from Hojberg was pounced on by Coulibaly but with McAtee on for the pass, the Malian opted to go for goal but screwed his effort badly wide. The half time whistle came not long after and United were certainly well in the contest despite starting a somewhat scratch line up.
After the break Baldock picked up a yellow for a foul on Son who looked to get away but then Sarr was also booked for a late tackle on Doyle. Perisic had a header over from a corner but United were having a lot more of the ball and Doyle’s industry was impressive but the determination of the Blades to win the loose balls saw them moving further up the field. United now were not only keeping the same discipline they showed in the first half but were actually starting to become more of the aggressor. Lowe and Berge came on for Coulibaly and Baldock with Osborn switching to the right side of defence. Kane then came on for Richarlison as Spurs tried to find something in a game where they had been desperately disappointing and barely threatened Foderingham’s goal.
Ndiaye then came on for the tiring Brooks and it was not long before he had an impact. United had kept the ball down the left with Ndiaye involved initially after Berge’s cross had fell to him but Spurs could not get it clear and it was moved back into the box. NDIAYE managed to wriggle away from his first defender and jink past another before firing a low shot through the legs of another and surprised Forster at his near post. The noise that greeted the goal would have been heard far over the city centre as the Senegalese international wheeled away in jubilation. It was a moment of individual brilliance.
The crowd senses the upset was now most definitely on and in turn responded to the team even more. Kulusevski came on for Moura and Fleck for McAtee as the game moved into the final 5 minutes of the game. Lowe was given a booking for a late tackle but Spurs were not really creating anything.
Osborn superb skills saw him juggle the ball twice before finding a red and white shirt and then Basham from on the floor won the ball and also kept possession. Robinson made a crunching tackle on Son to stop Spurs even threatening a chance. There was 5 minutes of stoppage time to be played but Perisic’s header at the back post as he isolated on Osborn was well over before the final chance came when the cross to the far post saw Kane well placed but his header was a long way off target and drifted wide to cheers from most of the crowd. United managed the time really well and the final whistle came to jubilation around Bramall Lane. After the players were deservedly given a standing ovation from most of the fans who had remained in the ground, the draw was made giving United another home draw and a great chance of progressing to Wembley in the semi finals.
United – Wow! What a night. This club disappoints you. A lot. It also fills you with joy quite a bit and we forget that sometimes! Tonight definitely was one of those nights where it truly filled up our senses. A night where you come away and you are totally proud to be a Blade and cannot stop smiling. What was strange is many of us did not expect anything really. We felt with a strong Spurs team going fairly well, albeit inconsistent, we would maybe struggle and when we saw our side, we though it would be difficult. I was happy with the team we did put out and had no issues with the changes with the league being so important and so many games and such a quick turnaround. I thought it might be a comfortable night for Spurs who also made changes but had a very strong team out. In the end we saw a great workmanlike performance from United that kind of was a throw back to some of those great cup nights against stronger/top flight teams under the likes of Clough, Warnock and Bassett. We did superbly without the ball and kept such a good shape. The discipline which I have criticised recently in terms of the spine, how open we have been was not in evidence. We did everything you would want in terms of how to play a higher placed team. Yes we had a number of young players and some real inexperience but the team as a whole just kept a solid shape and defended well. We closed down gaps and the back three never gave the front lads for them (a talented trio and three more came on) a sniff really all night. They were superb but Doyle in front not far behind. Osborn, a much-maligned player was superb too and has had a really good week. The two young lads Brooks and Coulibaly tried hard but did struggle with the ball but I would say every player did not stop in terms of covering, tracking and stopping them really create much at all. We did not have much up front and you can argue with Sharp it was always going to be hard but was clearly a plan to ensure we just kept them at arm’s length but tried to break if we could. They only had a few half chances and Wes was not troubled really and the one that hit the bar would have been a fluke as was a cross. In the end we had the best chance through Coulibaly at the end of the half when he fluffed his lines. This was the clearest opening though for either side. We were certainly well in the game and had done lots of good things and frustrated them with a team that we have never really played before (in terms of many together) lots of younger players and some in unfamiliar positions.
I thought Spurs would up it after the break but the opposite happened. They had a bit of a spell but from around 50 minutes we grew and grew – we started to get on the ball much more and get up the pitch more. Again, we did not create lots but won some corners and had a few moments in and around the box. The Spurs threat almost stopped completely and when the changes started to come for both sides, we had started to become the better side. Kane did not really change anything for them and Berge was able to get on it and help us have more ball. The goal was superb of course and a moment of brilliance. After this they did not really threaten and I oddly felt really comfortable. Kane had that one header but they did not build up and kind of head of steam or sustained pressure. I said to my family it felt much more comfortable than some slender leads against Championship teams! Maybe the pressure was not there of the league but United managed it superbly. Some great moments from Osborn and Bash and some thumping tackles from Robinson summed it up. The result in the end was just about right and United merited the victory they gained in the end. It was played to perfection with a solid, organised side frustrating and limiting Spurs to nothing of note and then Ndiaye (one of the big guns) comes on and gets the winner. Superb.
A great night and credit to every single player. Individually and collectively they did great and against better players they put them to shame really with the effort and resilience we showed. We won so many loose balls and then actually in terms of football, we actually started to play better stuff as the game went on. Really proud of all of them – will single out a few more than others but it really was a night where the team and fans were truly United.
The draw was kind but still will not be easy but we have a great chance of getting to Wembley. We have some important league games to come before that but we now of course have to take it seriously. The game also will be followed by a two week international break so no excuse to really give it our all now. Be odd playing Blackburn twice but no shame or arrogance in saying we should have a good chance of two results as I believe we are better than them. Firstly we have to get a result of some kind (even a draw would be ok) to stop the away form malaise and then have our game in hand. It’s a big run of four league games before the Cup Quarter final and we need to get some points on the board. Still for tonight let’s just enjoy a special night and one of those you remember. You go to football and support your team to see you upset the odds and see a great winner like that. So sometimes it’s too easy to worry about the future and if’s and but’s. Regardless of what happens in the league and even the cup, we still need to just enjoy and savour such wins like the one we have just seen.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Had little to do really. He made a few routine saves from them first half and then saw one spoon off his bar which he had little chance or reason to expect but after the break not sure he had a save to make of note? They had a few wide and over but was superbly protected.
Baldock 7/10 – Started a bit slow and seemed off the pace and lost a few 50-50 balls but then started to become more determined and get more involved in terms of winning things and also helping us get forward more. He showed his desire with some of the tackles but one was a bit over zealous and saw him booked – challenge on Son. He tired after a long time out and went off.
Osborn 8/10 – He was really good when he came on Saturday and carried that on tonight with an excellent performance. He was steady at left wing back and the same at right wing back. Did nothing wrong at all defensively and got into good areas, made good tackles and interceptions. He used it well when he had it and helped us move up the field. Full of energy throughout and loved his juggling skills near the end. Credit to him – been much maligned but had two great games the last week.
Robinson 8.5/10 – Our talisman really with a fantastic showing. His tackling and desire not to be beaten or got past was a real joy to see. He made so many hard but fair tackles which basically left some of the talented Spurs players seemingly lose interest. He was accurate in winning balls when some could have gone horribly wrong but got them all right. Bang at it from start to finish and his final tackle on Son summed up his performance.
Ahmedhodzic 8.5/10 – Best he has been for a long time and weirdly may have looked better in a central position and showed he can play here and do a good job. Looked composed as he stepped out when he could but really read it well and made sure they had no half chances or moments they ran through the middle. Looked a class act again after a few months where was not as assured as he had been.
Basham 8.5/10 – Rolled back the years tonight. Yes he gave it away twice with one misplaced pass and a silly run and give away BUT outside of this he was superb. He looked more sprightly than he has for some time and also came away with the ball with some of those old Bash type runs. He made so many excellent interceptions and came across to nick the ball or just get there first. All three were fantastic and you can argue all were close to man of the match.
Doyle 8.5/10 - His best performance in a United shirt. He seemed to be everywhere and especially as two lads alongside him found it hard going. He was almost our whole midfield at times! He got his foot in, played it when he could and moved it around using quick feet. Played more in the Norwood role but actually this saw him see more of the ball and he used it well. His work off the ball was phenomenal. I have been quite critical of him not lasting the pace but he did that tonight and then some as he was tireless and covered every blade of grass. Felt he had dropped off a bit in recent times and obviously he has struggled to stay fit but set his standards tonight.
McAtee 6.5/10 – Not his best game with the ball but worked hard without it. Drifted in and out. Some decent touches and runs but it was hard with him not always getting on the ball and us having to just keep a shape without it. He did do some good defensive work though and pressed and harried when he had to but also got back to help out. He was right to be withdrawn when he was as we needed more legs in midfield.
Brooks 6/10 – Started ok and won a corner and was neat and tidy but then gave one away when they broke and became a bit anxious for a spell after this. He started to lose the ball or get shoved off it and lost his way for a spell. After the break he kept plugging away but he was replaced by Ndiaye and then change worked as he got the winner. A big moment to make his debut which showed the faith we have in him and hopefully will stand him in good stead.
Coulibaly 6/10 – Thought he struggled at times to make much of an impact with the ball but like Brooks, he did a lot of covering and good work defensively. He ended up too wide at times and seemed unsure of his position maybe? He missed a big chance when he should have passed or gone across the keeper. After this he became less involved and looked quite fatigued as the game wore on and went down with cramp. He looks a long way off the standard physically (not physique but physical fitness) to play regularly or last more than an hour – he struggles with the intensity at times. He seems near and today and quite mobile and did ok but quality wise not sure he is much better than any of the other options we have at the club in this area.
Sharp 6.5/10 – Did a job for the side but was really starved of service and he had to win the odd flick on and chase things but he knew that might be the case with only him really up top. He did flick on the chance at the end of the first half and then second half saw more of it and helped us keep it more up the field. Helped him become more involved when Ndiaye and Berge came on and he won a late free kick near the end. Did well to last the full game considering the work he had to put in! Expect McBurnie and Ndiaye to be back up top for the weekend.
Subs –
Berge 6/10 – He helped in that he was someone that did get on the ball a few times but he also was very timid on and off the ball too. A few 50-50’s he sort of pulled out of and then the time Son put him on the floor was embarrassing for a big bloke. Did have a few runs and his cross was the moment that helped us keep the ball up for the goal. When they had the ball near the end his lack of work rate or closing down was infuriating not only me but a few teammates.
Lowe 6/10 – Not sure he was great and felt they had more joy down that side after Osborn was switched. He got booked and once again seemed a bit hesitant but did some ok things in terms of interceptions/headers too. He was well forward too and maybe gave us more of an option this way.
Ndiaye 8.5/10 – Mark seems high for a cameo but he scored an amazing goal where he weaved and jinked before the clever finish – it was reminiscent of the Peschisolido goal against Forest in 2003 – the way he moved from that side and then used a player to shield the ball and put it through his legs and in at the near post. He also was able to keep the ball with his close control on another few occasions and his dribbling and strength shown even in the limited time he was on. Won a free kick with his ability to shield the ball and showed his quality. Due a goal and got a big one tonight!
Fleck – Had 5 minutes and stoppage time and got his foot in a few times as we just needed an extra body to see the game out.
Manager: Heckingbottom (and McCall and Lester) 9/10 – The combination of the three with Hecky in the stands (3 match ban started and announced today) and McCall/Lester on the side-lines made sure the lineup, set up, approach, organisation, planning and in game management (subs) was perfect almost. The back three were superb. Osborn worked at left wing back and Doyle in the Norwood role worked too. Maybe Sharp had little service and also Brooks/Coulibaly struggled on the ball but all three worked hard and it was as much about what we did off the ball. As the game went on, we got better on it and the subs helped us push the momentum on even more and get the deserved winner. Saw it out quite easily in the end. Big credit to the coaching staff. It was a huge gamble the selection of course and we could have been embarrassed and got a stuffing – but in the end the hard work, spirit and the discipline saw the players and the coaching staff get a great result and shows work ethic, organisation but also playing when you can – goes a long way.
Spurs – Awful. I am not going to waste my time writing too much about them. They were that bad. Just did not seem arsed. I think they thought it would be easy and in the end we worked harder and they sort of gave up. As the game went on it was as if they were the lower league team?!
They rested some but maybe less than us and still had a team packed full of internationals and should have been too strong for a Blades side that was much changed. They had a fair bit of the ball but did not really hurt us at all? They had a few long-range shots and one from Richarlison flashed wide but a cross that hit the bar that was unintentional, was the closest they came to scoring. When United put them under pressure they struggled and gave it away. They could have been behind with the mistake to gift Coulibaly a chance.
I thought they would step up after half time but got worse! They had less of the ball and even less of a threat. United got stronger and stronger and they did not seem to have the stomach for the fight as the likes of Basham and Robinson crunched into tackles. The goal was poor defending and keeping and they did not offer much of a response at all. They did not even really have a spell at all of pressure and Wes did not have a save to make. Two late headers – that both were well off target – was all they offered and Kane barely had a kick when he came on. They were desperate really and as much as I praise United and rightly so, they had a golden chance to get a trophy – their best chance and came and served up a dreadul showing. We have seen better Championship sides down the Lane this season. I was shocked how bad they were and even when they had the ball it was all in front of us and never really got behind us. The fans seemed furious as the minutes ticked by and they barely had a proper go at us and at the end seemed rightly angry. A huge chance for a trophy thrown away.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure I can really pinpoint any? Perisic got a few decent balls in and Porro on the other side was lively but his foul throws were laughable! Sarr in midfield was steady and at least put a few tackles in (one bad one actually!) but most of the side were awful!
Opponent Weak link – Take your pick. The bad keeping on the goal, the poor defending from Dier as he turned his back, Hojberg’s errors (twice set us up) but Richarlison was dreadful. His laughable dives and then his shot that nearly went out for a throw in. Son had one run but he was not really in it. Kane came on but was given little service too.
Referee/Officials – John Brooks. Started off falling for some of the dives and theatrics but then to be fair he started waving them away more. He was ok really but not sure there were too many big calls to make. Spurs barely made a tackle and when we did, they did not want to know. The yellows all seemed fair enough – Lowe’s maybe a bit soft but Baldock and Sarr’s were right with the latter a bad tackle. The assistants did not help failing to spot the lad Porro taking some of the most blatant foul throws (and often gaining a ridiculous amount of yards too) where he was throwing them so far forward his hands were almost by his feet!
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Good to see the old place rocking. Spurs filled the away end and to be fair were really noisy and got behind them. The Kop oddly was more full than normal despite the back rows being taken away and as the game went on, I felt the noise from the Kop and particularly the South Stand was growing and then as we got better, so did the crowd and willed them onto the victory. Great at the end to see most staying in the ground and the chant of ‘We love United we do! Yeah, United we love you!’ engulfing the S2 air as the players rightly took the acclaim long after the Spurs players had trooped off knowing they had been deservedly beaten.
Both teams made a number of changes but with United taking out 8 players from the side that beat Watford. Andre Brooks came in for his debut with a young-looking midfield and front line with the experience provided from the veteran Billy Sharp.
Spurs still had a very strong side with the likes of Son Heung Min, Richarlison and Moura at the top of the field. Kane was kept in reserve if Spurs needed to use him.
The game began with the Blades clearly set up to keep a solid shape and concentrate on not giving anything away. McAtee and Brooks were trying to support Sharp when United had the ball but off it settled into a midfield 5. Brooks won an early corner that Ahmedhodzic headed over the bar. Spurs tried to move the ball around and create but were struggling to make much headway. The visitors had a lot of the ball and whilst the Blades were not offering much as an attacking force, the home side were extremely disciplined off the ball with Doyle and Osborn’s work rate a feature of the early proceedings. The back three were also fully switched on with Robinson’s committed challenges, Ahmedhodzic’s reading of the game and Basham’s sweeping up when he needed to. The rain lashed down but this seemed to galvanise the Blades and the crowd even more who responded to every tackle and challenge.
Spurs finally created a chance and Son’s effort saw Foderingham make the save and then Sarr had a go but this was also relatively comfortable for the Blades keeper. United were continuing to move across and cover spaces and gaps and Spurs could not really find any headway at all. They did finally get in but Richarlison fired a fair way over. The best effort maybe came from a cross that bounced off the bar from Moura when he was not probably going for goal. The Blades responded and Sharp’s flick on saw confusion at the back and the error from Hojberg was pounced on by Coulibaly but with McAtee on for the pass, the Malian opted to go for goal but screwed his effort badly wide. The half time whistle came not long after and United were certainly well in the contest despite starting a somewhat scratch line up.
After the break Baldock picked up a yellow for a foul on Son who looked to get away but then Sarr was also booked for a late tackle on Doyle. Perisic had a header over from a corner but United were having a lot more of the ball and Doyle’s industry was impressive but the determination of the Blades to win the loose balls saw them moving further up the field. United now were not only keeping the same discipline they showed in the first half but were actually starting to become more of the aggressor. Lowe and Berge came on for Coulibaly and Baldock with Osborn switching to the right side of defence. Kane then came on for Richarlison as Spurs tried to find something in a game where they had been desperately disappointing and barely threatened Foderingham’s goal.
Ndiaye then came on for the tiring Brooks and it was not long before he had an impact. United had kept the ball down the left with Ndiaye involved initially after Berge’s cross had fell to him but Spurs could not get it clear and it was moved back into the box. NDIAYE managed to wriggle away from his first defender and jink past another before firing a low shot through the legs of another and surprised Forster at his near post. The noise that greeted the goal would have been heard far over the city centre as the Senegalese international wheeled away in jubilation. It was a moment of individual brilliance.
The crowd senses the upset was now most definitely on and in turn responded to the team even more. Kulusevski came on for Moura and Fleck for McAtee as the game moved into the final 5 minutes of the game. Lowe was given a booking for a late tackle but Spurs were not really creating anything.
Osborn superb skills saw him juggle the ball twice before finding a red and white shirt and then Basham from on the floor won the ball and also kept possession. Robinson made a crunching tackle on Son to stop Spurs even threatening a chance. There was 5 minutes of stoppage time to be played but Perisic’s header at the back post as he isolated on Osborn was well over before the final chance came when the cross to the far post saw Kane well placed but his header was a long way off target and drifted wide to cheers from most of the crowd. United managed the time really well and the final whistle came to jubilation around Bramall Lane. After the players were deservedly given a standing ovation from most of the fans who had remained in the ground, the draw was made giving United another home draw and a great chance of progressing to Wembley in the semi finals.
United – Wow! What a night. This club disappoints you. A lot. It also fills you with joy quite a bit and we forget that sometimes! Tonight definitely was one of those nights where it truly filled up our senses. A night where you come away and you are totally proud to be a Blade and cannot stop smiling. What was strange is many of us did not expect anything really. We felt with a strong Spurs team going fairly well, albeit inconsistent, we would maybe struggle and when we saw our side, we though it would be difficult. I was happy with the team we did put out and had no issues with the changes with the league being so important and so many games and such a quick turnaround. I thought it might be a comfortable night for Spurs who also made changes but had a very strong team out. In the end we saw a great workmanlike performance from United that kind of was a throw back to some of those great cup nights against stronger/top flight teams under the likes of Clough, Warnock and Bassett. We did superbly without the ball and kept such a good shape. The discipline which I have criticised recently in terms of the spine, how open we have been was not in evidence. We did everything you would want in terms of how to play a higher placed team. Yes we had a number of young players and some real inexperience but the team as a whole just kept a solid shape and defended well. We closed down gaps and the back three never gave the front lads for them (a talented trio and three more came on) a sniff really all night. They were superb but Doyle in front not far behind. Osborn, a much-maligned player was superb too and has had a really good week. The two young lads Brooks and Coulibaly tried hard but did struggle with the ball but I would say every player did not stop in terms of covering, tracking and stopping them really create much at all. We did not have much up front and you can argue with Sharp it was always going to be hard but was clearly a plan to ensure we just kept them at arm’s length but tried to break if we could. They only had a few half chances and Wes was not troubled really and the one that hit the bar would have been a fluke as was a cross. In the end we had the best chance through Coulibaly at the end of the half when he fluffed his lines. This was the clearest opening though for either side. We were certainly well in the game and had done lots of good things and frustrated them with a team that we have never really played before (in terms of many together) lots of younger players and some in unfamiliar positions.
I thought Spurs would up it after the break but the opposite happened. They had a bit of a spell but from around 50 minutes we grew and grew – we started to get on the ball much more and get up the pitch more. Again, we did not create lots but won some corners and had a few moments in and around the box. The Spurs threat almost stopped completely and when the changes started to come for both sides, we had started to become the better side. Kane did not really change anything for them and Berge was able to get on it and help us have more ball. The goal was superb of course and a moment of brilliance. After this they did not really threaten and I oddly felt really comfortable. Kane had that one header but they did not build up and kind of head of steam or sustained pressure. I said to my family it felt much more comfortable than some slender leads against Championship teams! Maybe the pressure was not there of the league but United managed it superbly. Some great moments from Osborn and Bash and some thumping tackles from Robinson summed it up. The result in the end was just about right and United merited the victory they gained in the end. It was played to perfection with a solid, organised side frustrating and limiting Spurs to nothing of note and then Ndiaye (one of the big guns) comes on and gets the winner. Superb.
A great night and credit to every single player. Individually and collectively they did great and against better players they put them to shame really with the effort and resilience we showed. We won so many loose balls and then actually in terms of football, we actually started to play better stuff as the game went on. Really proud of all of them – will single out a few more than others but it really was a night where the team and fans were truly United.
The draw was kind but still will not be easy but we have a great chance of getting to Wembley. We have some important league games to come before that but we now of course have to take it seriously. The game also will be followed by a two week international break so no excuse to really give it our all now. Be odd playing Blackburn twice but no shame or arrogance in saying we should have a good chance of two results as I believe we are better than them. Firstly we have to get a result of some kind (even a draw would be ok) to stop the away form malaise and then have our game in hand. It’s a big run of four league games before the Cup Quarter final and we need to get some points on the board. Still for tonight let’s just enjoy a special night and one of those you remember. You go to football and support your team to see you upset the odds and see a great winner like that. So sometimes it’s too easy to worry about the future and if’s and but’s. Regardless of what happens in the league and even the cup, we still need to just enjoy and savour such wins like the one we have just seen.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Had little to do really. He made a few routine saves from them first half and then saw one spoon off his bar which he had little chance or reason to expect but after the break not sure he had a save to make of note? They had a few wide and over but was superbly protected.
Baldock 7/10 – Started a bit slow and seemed off the pace and lost a few 50-50 balls but then started to become more determined and get more involved in terms of winning things and also helping us get forward more. He showed his desire with some of the tackles but one was a bit over zealous and saw him booked – challenge on Son. He tired after a long time out and went off.
Osborn 8/10 – He was really good when he came on Saturday and carried that on tonight with an excellent performance. He was steady at left wing back and the same at right wing back. Did nothing wrong at all defensively and got into good areas, made good tackles and interceptions. He used it well when he had it and helped us move up the field. Full of energy throughout and loved his juggling skills near the end. Credit to him – been much maligned but had two great games the last week.
Robinson 8.5/10 – Our talisman really with a fantastic showing. His tackling and desire not to be beaten or got past was a real joy to see. He made so many hard but fair tackles which basically left some of the talented Spurs players seemingly lose interest. He was accurate in winning balls when some could have gone horribly wrong but got them all right. Bang at it from start to finish and his final tackle on Son summed up his performance.
Ahmedhodzic 8.5/10 – Best he has been for a long time and weirdly may have looked better in a central position and showed he can play here and do a good job. Looked composed as he stepped out when he could but really read it well and made sure they had no half chances or moments they ran through the middle. Looked a class act again after a few months where was not as assured as he had been.
Basham 8.5/10 – Rolled back the years tonight. Yes he gave it away twice with one misplaced pass and a silly run and give away BUT outside of this he was superb. He looked more sprightly than he has for some time and also came away with the ball with some of those old Bash type runs. He made so many excellent interceptions and came across to nick the ball or just get there first. All three were fantastic and you can argue all were close to man of the match.
Doyle 8.5/10 - His best performance in a United shirt. He seemed to be everywhere and especially as two lads alongside him found it hard going. He was almost our whole midfield at times! He got his foot in, played it when he could and moved it around using quick feet. Played more in the Norwood role but actually this saw him see more of the ball and he used it well. His work off the ball was phenomenal. I have been quite critical of him not lasting the pace but he did that tonight and then some as he was tireless and covered every blade of grass. Felt he had dropped off a bit in recent times and obviously he has struggled to stay fit but set his standards tonight.
McAtee 6.5/10 – Not his best game with the ball but worked hard without it. Drifted in and out. Some decent touches and runs but it was hard with him not always getting on the ball and us having to just keep a shape without it. He did do some good defensive work though and pressed and harried when he had to but also got back to help out. He was right to be withdrawn when he was as we needed more legs in midfield.
Brooks 6/10 – Started ok and won a corner and was neat and tidy but then gave one away when they broke and became a bit anxious for a spell after this. He started to lose the ball or get shoved off it and lost his way for a spell. After the break he kept plugging away but he was replaced by Ndiaye and then change worked as he got the winner. A big moment to make his debut which showed the faith we have in him and hopefully will stand him in good stead.
Coulibaly 6/10 – Thought he struggled at times to make much of an impact with the ball but like Brooks, he did a lot of covering and good work defensively. He ended up too wide at times and seemed unsure of his position maybe? He missed a big chance when he should have passed or gone across the keeper. After this he became less involved and looked quite fatigued as the game wore on and went down with cramp. He looks a long way off the standard physically (not physique but physical fitness) to play regularly or last more than an hour – he struggles with the intensity at times. He seems near and today and quite mobile and did ok but quality wise not sure he is much better than any of the other options we have at the club in this area.
Sharp 6.5/10 – Did a job for the side but was really starved of service and he had to win the odd flick on and chase things but he knew that might be the case with only him really up top. He did flick on the chance at the end of the first half and then second half saw more of it and helped us keep it more up the field. Helped him become more involved when Ndiaye and Berge came on and he won a late free kick near the end. Did well to last the full game considering the work he had to put in! Expect McBurnie and Ndiaye to be back up top for the weekend.
Subs –
Berge 6/10 – He helped in that he was someone that did get on the ball a few times but he also was very timid on and off the ball too. A few 50-50’s he sort of pulled out of and then the time Son put him on the floor was embarrassing for a big bloke. Did have a few runs and his cross was the moment that helped us keep the ball up for the goal. When they had the ball near the end his lack of work rate or closing down was infuriating not only me but a few teammates.
Lowe 6/10 – Not sure he was great and felt they had more joy down that side after Osborn was switched. He got booked and once again seemed a bit hesitant but did some ok things in terms of interceptions/headers too. He was well forward too and maybe gave us more of an option this way.
Ndiaye 8.5/10 – Mark seems high for a cameo but he scored an amazing goal where he weaved and jinked before the clever finish – it was reminiscent of the Peschisolido goal against Forest in 2003 – the way he moved from that side and then used a player to shield the ball and put it through his legs and in at the near post. He also was able to keep the ball with his close control on another few occasions and his dribbling and strength shown even in the limited time he was on. Won a free kick with his ability to shield the ball and showed his quality. Due a goal and got a big one tonight!
Fleck – Had 5 minutes and stoppage time and got his foot in a few times as we just needed an extra body to see the game out.
Manager: Heckingbottom (and McCall and Lester) 9/10 – The combination of the three with Hecky in the stands (3 match ban started and announced today) and McCall/Lester on the side-lines made sure the lineup, set up, approach, organisation, planning and in game management (subs) was perfect almost. The back three were superb. Osborn worked at left wing back and Doyle in the Norwood role worked too. Maybe Sharp had little service and also Brooks/Coulibaly struggled on the ball but all three worked hard and it was as much about what we did off the ball. As the game went on, we got better on it and the subs helped us push the momentum on even more and get the deserved winner. Saw it out quite easily in the end. Big credit to the coaching staff. It was a huge gamble the selection of course and we could have been embarrassed and got a stuffing – but in the end the hard work, spirit and the discipline saw the players and the coaching staff get a great result and shows work ethic, organisation but also playing when you can – goes a long way.
Spurs – Awful. I am not going to waste my time writing too much about them. They were that bad. Just did not seem arsed. I think they thought it would be easy and in the end we worked harder and they sort of gave up. As the game went on it was as if they were the lower league team?!
They rested some but maybe less than us and still had a team packed full of internationals and should have been too strong for a Blades side that was much changed. They had a fair bit of the ball but did not really hurt us at all? They had a few long-range shots and one from Richarlison flashed wide but a cross that hit the bar that was unintentional, was the closest they came to scoring. When United put them under pressure they struggled and gave it away. They could have been behind with the mistake to gift Coulibaly a chance.
I thought they would step up after half time but got worse! They had less of the ball and even less of a threat. United got stronger and stronger and they did not seem to have the stomach for the fight as the likes of Basham and Robinson crunched into tackles. The goal was poor defending and keeping and they did not offer much of a response at all. They did not even really have a spell at all of pressure and Wes did not have a save to make. Two late headers – that both were well off target – was all they offered and Kane barely had a kick when he came on. They were desperate really and as much as I praise United and rightly so, they had a golden chance to get a trophy – their best chance and came and served up a dreadul showing. We have seen better Championship sides down the Lane this season. I was shocked how bad they were and even when they had the ball it was all in front of us and never really got behind us. The fans seemed furious as the minutes ticked by and they barely had a proper go at us and at the end seemed rightly angry. A huge chance for a trophy thrown away.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure I can really pinpoint any? Perisic got a few decent balls in and Porro on the other side was lively but his foul throws were laughable! Sarr in midfield was steady and at least put a few tackles in (one bad one actually!) but most of the side were awful!
Opponent Weak link – Take your pick. The bad keeping on the goal, the poor defending from Dier as he turned his back, Hojberg’s errors (twice set us up) but Richarlison was dreadful. His laughable dives and then his shot that nearly went out for a throw in. Son had one run but he was not really in it. Kane came on but was given little service too.
Referee/Officials – John Brooks. Started off falling for some of the dives and theatrics but then to be fair he started waving them away more. He was ok really but not sure there were too many big calls to make. Spurs barely made a tackle and when we did, they did not want to know. The yellows all seemed fair enough – Lowe’s maybe a bit soft but Baldock and Sarr’s were right with the latter a bad tackle. The assistants did not help failing to spot the lad Porro taking some of the most blatant foul throws (and often gaining a ridiculous amount of yards too) where he was throwing them so far forward his hands were almost by his feet!
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Good to see the old place rocking. Spurs filled the away end and to be fair were really noisy and got behind them. The Kop oddly was more full than normal despite the back rows being taken away and as the game went on, I felt the noise from the Kop and particularly the South Stand was growing and then as we got better, so did the crowd and willed them onto the victory. Great at the end to see most staying in the ground and the chant of ‘We love United we do! Yeah, United we love you!’ engulfing the S2 air as the players rightly took the acclaim long after the Spurs players had trooped off knowing they had been deservedly beaten.
