Post by deadbat on Mar 15, 2023 23:48:12 GMT
Sorry for no Luton report -was out late and it was so bad could not put finger to keyboard!
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It was a big performance and result at the Stadium of Light as United seized back the initiative in the race for the second automatic promotion place. Despite going behind, the Blades responded to come back and win for only the second time this season when conceding first. Goals from the Man City loanees McAtee and Doyle saw United claim the crucial three points. Despite some controversy over the second goal, amidst another overzealous refereeing performance from Matthew Donohue, there is little doubt that over the whole contest, the visitors were good value for the three points. United have the gap back to 6 points and even though teams below play at the weekend, they know they are going into the break in second place and with 9 games to go, still have a fantastic opportunity to gain automatic promotion.
Heckingbottom changed his side with Bogle, Norwood, Fleck and McBurnie dropped to the bench and in came Baldock, Doyle, McAtee and Jebbison. Sunderland started with loan striker Gelhardt supplanted by Ba and the dangerous Clarke and Roberts out wide.
After 20 seconds United were in and Berge won a header that saw Jebbison play in McAtee and his shot was deflected behind for an early corner. The height advantage at set plays was obvious and Ahmedhodzic won it but headed wide. Sunderland then had a chance on their first attack as Lowe was caught out of position and Roberts with too much space back heeled the ball to Hume whose shot was saved by Foderingham.
Ndiaye showed some lovely skill and played in McAtee who then fed Jebbison and his shot was saved well down low from Patterson. The keeper then made an error as his kick out was intercepted and Ndiaye fed Lowe whose cross was cut out by O’Nien with the Blades having numbers in the box. It was all United and good football with Ndiaye influential throughout saw them pen Sunderland in. Berge and Doyle were controlling midfield and it seemed a goal was imminent but despite the good play the visitors only had the one significant effort.
At the other end a rare break saw a frivolous appeal for a penalty against Berge for a handball before a corner was won but then cleared. Bookings for Robinson and Lowe were daft although Donohue’s love of a yellow card was clear. Berge had a shot over before a really poor challenge, far worse than the two yellows already given, saw Hume lucky to escape with only a caution. The United players made their feelings clear.
Despite being the far better side, United somehow found themselves behind as Berge’s ball was picked up and Ba then fed MICHUT and with Robinson and Lowe completely switching off, the Sunderland man was clear. He took it superbly going across Foderingham and into the far corner. It was a hammer blow for the visitors who were behind again.
The next spell saw Sunderland take the sting out of the game and another booking ensued for Doyle – a soft one before the home side were able to stop United finding any kind of response. The game seemed to be petering out to half time but United were able to get back into it. Baldock drove forward and fed MCATEE and the on loan midfielder took a touch and curled an exquisite finish beyond Patterson and into the far corner. The half time whistle came not too long after this and an improved performance from United saw them back level.
As the rain came down, the second half started the same way as the end of the first half ended with a McAtee effort but this time he got it all wrong and it bounced harmlessly wide. A good break saw Berge then get in but his cross was similarly tame.
Ndiaye then did well to come out and linked well with McAtee before getting the ball back with the clever reverse pass. The Senegalese international was in on goal but Patterson smothered at point blank range. It was a really good chance.
Ahmedhodzic was the next to go in the book for a clumsy pull back, his 11th booking of the season. The game was a bit scrappy for a period but Ndiaye’s quick feet brought him out of another tight spot before he was tripped yet again as the game moved past the hour mark.
DOYLE took the free kick and whipped it in but no United player got a touch as it nestled into the far corner. The Sunderland players appealed for interference but whilst they were two in offside position they were seemingly not in the line of the free kick and Berge actually wafted his foot out after it had gone past him! Technically the rules dictate it could have been given of course.
Sunderland tried to respond and Robinson’s error was compounded by Ahmedhodzic’s mistake and Clarke’s shot was well hit and Foderingham had to make a smart save low down. It was a let off but more poor defending saw United opened up again and Lowe let Roberts come inside and hit a great shot that bounced off Foderingham’s far post and away. Maybe after a spell where everything had seemingly nestled into the Blades goal, the fortune has turned on this evening.
McBurnie replaced Jebbison and his first act was to head a corner away before a triple Sunderland change saw Gelhardt, Michut and Ba replaced by Pritchard, Lihadji and Gooch. The latter had a shot deflected wide for another corner as Sunderland were now pushing United back.
Fleck, Norwood and Bogle came on for Doyle, McAtee and Baldock as United responded with fresh legs of their own. The game became scrappy for a period. A few desperate appeals for penalties came from the home fans but United actually were managing out time well. Ndiaye won a free kick before being replaced by Sharp.
The game entered an extra 7 minutes of stoppage time but Berge did well to keep the ball in the corner after Ballard was finally booked after what seemed like an inordinate number of fouls. Sunderland pumped it forward one last time with Batth moving up front but Egan won a header and it was not long after the final whistle went signalling a fantastic win and a much improved performance from the Blades.
United – Finally a showing with some energy, life and some attacking thrust. We also showed some character to come back in a game when we have not done that. Usually we concede and meekly lose but today we fought back and stuck with it and then saw it out with only a spell when they had those two shots of worry. We managed the last 20 really well actually and in the end were not too untroubled.
The first 20 we were excellent. We won the midfield and loose balls and played some good football. Jebbison had a good chance and we had other half chances or good moves but could not quite execute that final bit. We needed to score when so on top. We pick up a few yellow cards not helped by the fussy Donohue and they have a far worse challenge that easily could be red and they come back into it a bit. However, the goal is awful with no pressure on the pass and a man unmarked with half the defence coming out and some staying back. Terrible defending again sadly and continues recent trends. After this we stagnated and lost our way and maybe the confidence was hit but then a superb goal from the talented McAtee who flits in and out but that does not matter if he can produce moments like that.
After the break we began ok and Ndiaye missed a really good chance but it was more even but Ndiaye wins a free kick and Doyle with maybe the only really good ball he put in scores – yes it could have been offside but even that seemed a bit desperate – maybe I am wrong but the United players went for it after it went past them? Suppose technically it is offside but I do think it was still poor defending/keeping too. We then sat back and Sunderland had two good efforts and the one that hit the post I was convinced was going in but we rode it out and oddly Sunderland’s changes set them back. Ours were more due to the outgoing players being shattered. We sat back too much but after the poor run just wanted to see it out and after those two chances, not sure they did much at all? The game just petered out and they ran out of ideas. We managed it well.
Definitely a deserved win and as I say, a much better performance. The changes worked. We had more legs with Doyle and McAtee who scored the goals and Jebbison was excellent in periods of the game. The defence outside of the goal and that few minutes where we were a bit open second half was ok. Lowe and Robinson down the left did make mistakes tonight and that was a weak area but Egan was solid and Anel was more involved attacking wise, even if he made some poor judgements second half defensively. We managed to rotate some players to freshen it up (if Norwood, Fleck and Sharp can be termed with freshening it up!) and we were able to manage the game.
It is so tight at the top but we have a bit of a buffer again. I expect Boro to win Saturday but pressure on them a bit now. If they lose that then United effectively can probably lose 2 games out of the last 9 and maybe 3 (if they won 6) if Boro lost another one of their final 8 games – have to go to Luton and play Norwich and Burnley at home too. There will be more twists and turns and credit to Luton, Blackburn and Millwall who have produced great runs too – also means Boro have to look over their shoulders too a bit rather than just focusing on us above.
I am just pleased we saw a better showing with more attacking football that had purpose. We still were guilty of overplaying and maybe not creating enough despite some good stuff and the poor goal we gave away and some daft defending/bookings for a spell -but it was far better. The changes gave us a lift and more legs and credit to Hecky for that. It was brave to leave out some experienced players but paid off.
Nice just to win a game against a decent side and deservedly so. Hopefully give the players a confidence boost. We can play with a freedom on Sunday and if we win great, it’s a day out at Wembley and a semi final (albeit adding to the fixture congestion) but if we don’t the focus is all on the league. Not sure what he will do with the team as we have a fortnight off. Think he will switch things round a bit again but actually we saw some things tonight that gave him food for thought. We have to use McAtee most games and also see far more of Jebbison than Sharp. Baldock will play a lot of games against the better teams and particularly away. Somehow we need to get RND and/or Osborn back as the left side is still an issue and for me if Clark was/is fit I would rotate him with Robinson who has played well but not at his best tonight.
All the doom and gloom goes when you win but for me it’s not just about the win but seeing the team getting back to some level of decent performance and we saw both tonight so has to give us some confidence. If we can string together a run of 4-5 games like that then that even be nearly enough. We have two really tough away games sandwiched between Wigan and if we can win one of those two. Burnley might be up by them – or they may need to beat us to win the league! However, they could have a game at Boro to go up too – so hopefully it falls like that. I think those next 3 are massive as do expect some below to cut the gap – especially with games this weekend we do not have but play like we did today with the approach we had for the most part and we will be ok. This midweek we looked far superior to Boro after they had seemingly looked much better than us for the recent spell of games. Lots of things will happen but for now just enjoy a positive night.
Ratings:
Foderingham 6.5/10 – Caught a cross under pressure but had little to do and the first shot goes in. Seems to be the case most weeks but this time had no chance and a good finish – badly exposed again. Second half he made a great save from Clarke and saw another hit his post. Bit slow to react to two deflected efforts that went out for a corner. One good punch near the end. His kicking was poor tonight – sliced a few into the air, hit their man on one and another straight out.
Baldock 7/10 – Gave us the competitiveness and was also involved in a run for the goal. Some awful early crosses and usual frustrations when well forward but first half was more secure defensively down that side. He carried on being really tight to Clarke and actually held him up well save for the one break when others made mistakes leading to his shot. We did look much tighter in this area.
Lowe 6/10 – Started leaving Roberts and led to a chance and then he did well for a spell and got forward well. Had one decent cross but then a few other times got in good areas but failed to produce anything. Think Robinson is more at fault for the goal but then the danger is there and needs to react and cover also. Stupid booking too. Second half again he gives Roberts too much time and lets him cut in on his strong foot for the shot. He did a few ok things but he also did some nonsensical things when he kicked it straight to them twice in succession or gets too far forward and loses his shape. Did finish the game better.
Robinson 5.5/10 – He started in determined fashion and got forward a few times and one good diagonal ball but then an unnecessary booking before he then started to lose his discipline and was too eager to get the ball rather than keep positions. On the goal he is miles off and not really doing anything at all. He made a mistake second half when he tried to gamble and get the ball and then Anel errored and they nearly scored. He did make a few clearances and headers and had a better final spell in the game.
Ahmedhodzic 6.5/10 – Started well forward and some good runs and pieces of skill/link up. Had a header wide. Defensively he was ok and there were more issues down the left first half. He was fine and showed some decent composure. After the break a poor booking – so clumsy and also gave it away a few times including in the lead up to the one saved. This led to them having a decent spell. He made a few interceptions but at times gambles too much and makes some bizarre mistakes. Do the basics!
Egan 7/10 – Seemed to be too deep on the goal and there is no line. Maybe he has to talk more but we have a poor shape meaning they can get men in pockets – this is happening way too much and suggests issues with the defensive shape? Had one good run forward where he was in a good area and right on the D. Wanted him to be more of a threat from set plays but never won anything I can recall? However he was really solid defensively although Sunderland did not have a proper out and out forward but he kept his shape better and was able to make those tackles and blocks when we needed him.
Berge 7/10 – Ok to begin with and was able to get on it and link play well. Nothing amazing but had some efforts (weak one and another over the bar). He at least was involved and drove more but then the goal we saw his weakness with a poor aimless ball and then not getting back to pressure the man. He is doing nothing and then points at others. Of course, the defence is more at fault. He showed flashes again after the break and at times got on it and linked but also timid in making decisions and often looks back rather than forward. However he did work harder at times than other games and he looked shattered near the end but did well to keep it in the corner for a spell in stoppage time. Definitely much better than he has been but still frustrating.
McAtee 7.5/10 – Started well and had a shot blocked and involved with the good forward play but then he not able to build on this and faded and I said he had been anonymous. Of course, he then scores a great goal and has that great bit of skill in him. Took it so well. He then linked well with Ndiaye and this nearly led to out second. He showed some lovely pieces of control and skill in spells and even though can have periods of inactivity, he comes alive in those bursts and you saw when he did that we look dangerous and can create. Needs to play most weeks now.
Doyle 7.5/10 – Got stuck in and at least was more mobile as we began the game well but then he was not as involved. Got a weak booking but I liked the fact he did get his foot in and pressure and move around the pitch. His passing was ok and he did try and support the attack when he could but he did some good defensive things helping us not get run through as much – the goal was down to others as was the double chance. His set plays had been poor actually and was irritating as felt we had goals with the size advantage but then he whips in a beauty to win the game. Did get tired again and clearly needs to work on his conditioning.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Some lovely skill and runs early on and looked a real threat. He ran at them and was able to come out of those tight areas. He looked the best player on the pitch but he too did not build on it and the game became scrappy and he was less involved. He then had a good period to begin the second and showed some good work to win it and linked with McAtee for the chance – probably should have lifted it but hit keepers trailing leg so could have gone in still. He showed good work to chase and harry back and his work ethic was excellent as it always is.
Jebbison 7.5/10 – Did really well to begin with with some excellent aspects of link play and strong running. He was able to get a decent shot away that was saved. Was closer to Ndiaye than McBurnie has been and some decent interchange but ball does not always stick either at times and needs to be more secure but then as the game went on he improved this element. Took a bad foul but kept plugging away and the centre backs struggled with his running and he turned them a few times. Had a good game and they were concerned about him all night. Good option if he plays like that and means we can rotate McBurnie and even Ndiaye a little bit in the run in when we have games twice a week. Has to play over Sharp.
Subs –
McBurnie 7/10 – Won a header defensively and scrapped for bits and pieces as we started to defend more which meant he did not see much of the ball but chased and harried. Also did not get booked so means he probably won’t get a suspension now (unless he gets 6 more yellows – or a red of course)! Worked perfectly to get him through that final game.
Fleck – Came on and did some good work down the corner but then kicked it away. Looks woefully slow and saw how better we were with some mobility in there. Sure, he may come on and have some cameos but I am concerned his legs have gone now.
Norwood – Good call to rest him or drop him – however you look at it. Doyle did well and Berge was more involved. When he came on he did just kick it away a few times but got a few interceptions as we saw time out.
Bogle – He was able to hold Clark up once and kept his discipline not bombing forward when we just needed the sensible approach. Been nowhere near his best recently so right call to go with Baldock but expect he may come back in for the cup maybe at home and sure he will see a fair bit of the games left – especially at the Lane.
Sharp – Not sure he had a kick but was able to give us another chaser across the front line with Ndiaye’s race run.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – My man of the match! No seriously I have given him a lot of flack recently for his selections, our approach, his lack of adjustments in game and poor subs. Tonight he made bold changes and left out some senior and established pros but it worked giving us energy and something different. We controlled the game until an awful piece of defending probably saw many of us think, ‘Here we go again!’ However, we got level deservedly and had a positive approach 2nd half. After we scored I would have liked us to keep attacking as felt we could get more but sat back and it nearly cost us but after his wobble, we actually then took the right approach and made subs and just bottled it up and made it scrappy. We saw it out well in the end. He deserves praise as was getting lots of questions after some of his decisions and for the first time a lot of Blades were really doubting him (harshly maybe after he has done so well in terms of results over his tenure) but were rightly worried at how we were playing and the subsequent results. Be interesting what he does Sunday but I think he will rotate a bit more again.
Sunderland – They impressed me at the Lane and despite the Neil controversy have had a relatively good season. Sure, there has been drop offs and they have never maybe properly maintained their early season promise with some injuries or loan players going back but Mowbray has done a steady job and for a promoted side with lots of young-ish players will be delighted to even in with a chance of the playoffs. They have had some odd results (the hammering to Stoke recently) and dropped points and seem to have been as good away from home where less pressure on them and they can break with the pace/tricky wingers. You’d think they would be very strong at the Stadium of Light with huge crowds (easily the best in the league) and the intimidating atmosphere it create.
That has not been the case this season and 6 wins in 18 is really poor. They lost again today after a really good away performance at Norwich and even though they will point to the winner and the officials – they cannot say they deserved anything really? We were the better side for the first half and they scored against the run of play. After we led, they had two chances but then the subs kind of backfired and they regressed. It did not work and they sort of run out of ideas. In the end they did not really deserve anything over the course of the whole game.
I like a few of their players. Jack Clarke lost his way but has really started to find the form that saw Spurs spent a lot of money on him. They have some good footballers in the middle of the field and Pritchard is a tidy player too. They have some niggly so and so’s (O’Nien is one that stands out) but always seem to work hard and play for each other. You can see with some additions – they lost Simms back to Everton and Stewart to injury but Gelhardt is a good replacement for now – in the summer and adding some more experience and goals – they might push on again next season. I don’t see Mowbray as a long-term appointment and it might be he consolidates them for now and another man has to take them to the next level but that is maybe doing him a disservice as he always does a steady job at this level generally and seems a likeable fella that players like working for.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought Roberts was good and set up an early chance, hit the post and looked dangerous. Lowe struggled with him at times. Clarke on the other side had one shot but was well martialled by Baldock. Decent goal from Michut and O’Nien although in an unfamiliar role did well and made some good interceptions. Niggly player who I do not rate but he was not as annoying tonight!
Opponent Weak link – Thought that Gelhardt made a good decoy run for the goal but was quiet and the midfield area struggled early on. Hume had one decent shot but committed an awful foul but the weak links were probably Batth and Ballard – the former struggled with Jebbison’s running and mobility and the latter was dirty all game – resorting to fouling and grabbing/pulling. Should have been booked long before he finally was. He takes the award therefore.
Referee/Officials – Matthew Donoghue. We remember him from some shockers at the Lane (Millwall, Blackburn and Forest – league) but he has been a bit better this season in games we have had and weirdly we are quite successful generally when he refs us. He does have a tendency to referee games with a bit of a ‘look at me/I’m here’ attitude sadly. This was the case again tonight. Technically you can say the yellows for Robinson and Lowe are right but he kind of set his stall out by booking them early and then he seems to be getting his yellow card out every 5 minutes. The really bad tackle (only one of the game) was by Hume and easily could have been red. After this he gave some more soft bookings mixed with some deserved (Anel) but his overall refereeing is beyond irritating. He needs to be constantly involved. It’s pathetic. The goal is down his assistant really if there is a call to be made. However the Sunderland fans may complain but I actually felt in general play he gave them a lot and booked a load of ours. The lad Gooch was mouthing off constantly when he came on and the centre back Ballard was finally booked after what seemed like he had committed double figure fouls. Ndiaye also got some right hammer but no one was booked for some cynical trips, as bad as some of ours. We may win most games he refs but boy is he annoying. When both sets of fans think he has been poor – you kind of know there is an issue. He is wildly inconsistent and way too overzealous. Decent game tonight and should not be discussing the referee really. Sums him up that both sets of fans will talk about him.
Coverage – Don Goodman. One of the most biased co commentator performances I have ever heard. He was ridiculous and I never let things bother me in that regard. A few examples were him being angrier at the United players being furious at the horror tackle that could/should have been a red card. Him complaining about the 2nd goal for seemingly 5 minutes – going on and on. Seeing fouls or issues no one else saw – the Berge handball and then the Ndiaye one where he ran back and won the foul which was obvious – he said it was not – what on earth was he talking about? There were numerous other ridiculous comments and seemed desperate for Sunderland to score.
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It was a big performance and result at the Stadium of Light as United seized back the initiative in the race for the second automatic promotion place. Despite going behind, the Blades responded to come back and win for only the second time this season when conceding first. Goals from the Man City loanees McAtee and Doyle saw United claim the crucial three points. Despite some controversy over the second goal, amidst another overzealous refereeing performance from Matthew Donohue, there is little doubt that over the whole contest, the visitors were good value for the three points. United have the gap back to 6 points and even though teams below play at the weekend, they know they are going into the break in second place and with 9 games to go, still have a fantastic opportunity to gain automatic promotion.
Heckingbottom changed his side with Bogle, Norwood, Fleck and McBurnie dropped to the bench and in came Baldock, Doyle, McAtee and Jebbison. Sunderland started with loan striker Gelhardt supplanted by Ba and the dangerous Clarke and Roberts out wide.
After 20 seconds United were in and Berge won a header that saw Jebbison play in McAtee and his shot was deflected behind for an early corner. The height advantage at set plays was obvious and Ahmedhodzic won it but headed wide. Sunderland then had a chance on their first attack as Lowe was caught out of position and Roberts with too much space back heeled the ball to Hume whose shot was saved by Foderingham.
Ndiaye showed some lovely skill and played in McAtee who then fed Jebbison and his shot was saved well down low from Patterson. The keeper then made an error as his kick out was intercepted and Ndiaye fed Lowe whose cross was cut out by O’Nien with the Blades having numbers in the box. It was all United and good football with Ndiaye influential throughout saw them pen Sunderland in. Berge and Doyle were controlling midfield and it seemed a goal was imminent but despite the good play the visitors only had the one significant effort.
At the other end a rare break saw a frivolous appeal for a penalty against Berge for a handball before a corner was won but then cleared. Bookings for Robinson and Lowe were daft although Donohue’s love of a yellow card was clear. Berge had a shot over before a really poor challenge, far worse than the two yellows already given, saw Hume lucky to escape with only a caution. The United players made their feelings clear.
Despite being the far better side, United somehow found themselves behind as Berge’s ball was picked up and Ba then fed MICHUT and with Robinson and Lowe completely switching off, the Sunderland man was clear. He took it superbly going across Foderingham and into the far corner. It was a hammer blow for the visitors who were behind again.
The next spell saw Sunderland take the sting out of the game and another booking ensued for Doyle – a soft one before the home side were able to stop United finding any kind of response. The game seemed to be petering out to half time but United were able to get back into it. Baldock drove forward and fed MCATEE and the on loan midfielder took a touch and curled an exquisite finish beyond Patterson and into the far corner. The half time whistle came not too long after this and an improved performance from United saw them back level.
As the rain came down, the second half started the same way as the end of the first half ended with a McAtee effort but this time he got it all wrong and it bounced harmlessly wide. A good break saw Berge then get in but his cross was similarly tame.
Ndiaye then did well to come out and linked well with McAtee before getting the ball back with the clever reverse pass. The Senegalese international was in on goal but Patterson smothered at point blank range. It was a really good chance.
Ahmedhodzic was the next to go in the book for a clumsy pull back, his 11th booking of the season. The game was a bit scrappy for a period but Ndiaye’s quick feet brought him out of another tight spot before he was tripped yet again as the game moved past the hour mark.
DOYLE took the free kick and whipped it in but no United player got a touch as it nestled into the far corner. The Sunderland players appealed for interference but whilst they were two in offside position they were seemingly not in the line of the free kick and Berge actually wafted his foot out after it had gone past him! Technically the rules dictate it could have been given of course.
Sunderland tried to respond and Robinson’s error was compounded by Ahmedhodzic’s mistake and Clarke’s shot was well hit and Foderingham had to make a smart save low down. It was a let off but more poor defending saw United opened up again and Lowe let Roberts come inside and hit a great shot that bounced off Foderingham’s far post and away. Maybe after a spell where everything had seemingly nestled into the Blades goal, the fortune has turned on this evening.
McBurnie replaced Jebbison and his first act was to head a corner away before a triple Sunderland change saw Gelhardt, Michut and Ba replaced by Pritchard, Lihadji and Gooch. The latter had a shot deflected wide for another corner as Sunderland were now pushing United back.
Fleck, Norwood and Bogle came on for Doyle, McAtee and Baldock as United responded with fresh legs of their own. The game became scrappy for a period. A few desperate appeals for penalties came from the home fans but United actually were managing out time well. Ndiaye won a free kick before being replaced by Sharp.
The game entered an extra 7 minutes of stoppage time but Berge did well to keep the ball in the corner after Ballard was finally booked after what seemed like an inordinate number of fouls. Sunderland pumped it forward one last time with Batth moving up front but Egan won a header and it was not long after the final whistle went signalling a fantastic win and a much improved performance from the Blades.
United – Finally a showing with some energy, life and some attacking thrust. We also showed some character to come back in a game when we have not done that. Usually we concede and meekly lose but today we fought back and stuck with it and then saw it out with only a spell when they had those two shots of worry. We managed the last 20 really well actually and in the end were not too untroubled.
The first 20 we were excellent. We won the midfield and loose balls and played some good football. Jebbison had a good chance and we had other half chances or good moves but could not quite execute that final bit. We needed to score when so on top. We pick up a few yellow cards not helped by the fussy Donohue and they have a far worse challenge that easily could be red and they come back into it a bit. However, the goal is awful with no pressure on the pass and a man unmarked with half the defence coming out and some staying back. Terrible defending again sadly and continues recent trends. After this we stagnated and lost our way and maybe the confidence was hit but then a superb goal from the talented McAtee who flits in and out but that does not matter if he can produce moments like that.
After the break we began ok and Ndiaye missed a really good chance but it was more even but Ndiaye wins a free kick and Doyle with maybe the only really good ball he put in scores – yes it could have been offside but even that seemed a bit desperate – maybe I am wrong but the United players went for it after it went past them? Suppose technically it is offside but I do think it was still poor defending/keeping too. We then sat back and Sunderland had two good efforts and the one that hit the post I was convinced was going in but we rode it out and oddly Sunderland’s changes set them back. Ours were more due to the outgoing players being shattered. We sat back too much but after the poor run just wanted to see it out and after those two chances, not sure they did much at all? The game just petered out and they ran out of ideas. We managed it well.
Definitely a deserved win and as I say, a much better performance. The changes worked. We had more legs with Doyle and McAtee who scored the goals and Jebbison was excellent in periods of the game. The defence outside of the goal and that few minutes where we were a bit open second half was ok. Lowe and Robinson down the left did make mistakes tonight and that was a weak area but Egan was solid and Anel was more involved attacking wise, even if he made some poor judgements second half defensively. We managed to rotate some players to freshen it up (if Norwood, Fleck and Sharp can be termed with freshening it up!) and we were able to manage the game.
It is so tight at the top but we have a bit of a buffer again. I expect Boro to win Saturday but pressure on them a bit now. If they lose that then United effectively can probably lose 2 games out of the last 9 and maybe 3 (if they won 6) if Boro lost another one of their final 8 games – have to go to Luton and play Norwich and Burnley at home too. There will be more twists and turns and credit to Luton, Blackburn and Millwall who have produced great runs too – also means Boro have to look over their shoulders too a bit rather than just focusing on us above.
I am just pleased we saw a better showing with more attacking football that had purpose. We still were guilty of overplaying and maybe not creating enough despite some good stuff and the poor goal we gave away and some daft defending/bookings for a spell -but it was far better. The changes gave us a lift and more legs and credit to Hecky for that. It was brave to leave out some experienced players but paid off.
Nice just to win a game against a decent side and deservedly so. Hopefully give the players a confidence boost. We can play with a freedom on Sunday and if we win great, it’s a day out at Wembley and a semi final (albeit adding to the fixture congestion) but if we don’t the focus is all on the league. Not sure what he will do with the team as we have a fortnight off. Think he will switch things round a bit again but actually we saw some things tonight that gave him food for thought. We have to use McAtee most games and also see far more of Jebbison than Sharp. Baldock will play a lot of games against the better teams and particularly away. Somehow we need to get RND and/or Osborn back as the left side is still an issue and for me if Clark was/is fit I would rotate him with Robinson who has played well but not at his best tonight.
All the doom and gloom goes when you win but for me it’s not just about the win but seeing the team getting back to some level of decent performance and we saw both tonight so has to give us some confidence. If we can string together a run of 4-5 games like that then that even be nearly enough. We have two really tough away games sandwiched between Wigan and if we can win one of those two. Burnley might be up by them – or they may need to beat us to win the league! However, they could have a game at Boro to go up too – so hopefully it falls like that. I think those next 3 are massive as do expect some below to cut the gap – especially with games this weekend we do not have but play like we did today with the approach we had for the most part and we will be ok. This midweek we looked far superior to Boro after they had seemingly looked much better than us for the recent spell of games. Lots of things will happen but for now just enjoy a positive night.
Ratings:
Foderingham 6.5/10 – Caught a cross under pressure but had little to do and the first shot goes in. Seems to be the case most weeks but this time had no chance and a good finish – badly exposed again. Second half he made a great save from Clarke and saw another hit his post. Bit slow to react to two deflected efforts that went out for a corner. One good punch near the end. His kicking was poor tonight – sliced a few into the air, hit their man on one and another straight out.
Baldock 7/10 – Gave us the competitiveness and was also involved in a run for the goal. Some awful early crosses and usual frustrations when well forward but first half was more secure defensively down that side. He carried on being really tight to Clarke and actually held him up well save for the one break when others made mistakes leading to his shot. We did look much tighter in this area.
Lowe 6/10 – Started leaving Roberts and led to a chance and then he did well for a spell and got forward well. Had one decent cross but then a few other times got in good areas but failed to produce anything. Think Robinson is more at fault for the goal but then the danger is there and needs to react and cover also. Stupid booking too. Second half again he gives Roberts too much time and lets him cut in on his strong foot for the shot. He did a few ok things but he also did some nonsensical things when he kicked it straight to them twice in succession or gets too far forward and loses his shape. Did finish the game better.
Robinson 5.5/10 – He started in determined fashion and got forward a few times and one good diagonal ball but then an unnecessary booking before he then started to lose his discipline and was too eager to get the ball rather than keep positions. On the goal he is miles off and not really doing anything at all. He made a mistake second half when he tried to gamble and get the ball and then Anel errored and they nearly scored. He did make a few clearances and headers and had a better final spell in the game.
Ahmedhodzic 6.5/10 – Started well forward and some good runs and pieces of skill/link up. Had a header wide. Defensively he was ok and there were more issues down the left first half. He was fine and showed some decent composure. After the break a poor booking – so clumsy and also gave it away a few times including in the lead up to the one saved. This led to them having a decent spell. He made a few interceptions but at times gambles too much and makes some bizarre mistakes. Do the basics!
Egan 7/10 – Seemed to be too deep on the goal and there is no line. Maybe he has to talk more but we have a poor shape meaning they can get men in pockets – this is happening way too much and suggests issues with the defensive shape? Had one good run forward where he was in a good area and right on the D. Wanted him to be more of a threat from set plays but never won anything I can recall? However he was really solid defensively although Sunderland did not have a proper out and out forward but he kept his shape better and was able to make those tackles and blocks when we needed him.
Berge 7/10 – Ok to begin with and was able to get on it and link play well. Nothing amazing but had some efforts (weak one and another over the bar). He at least was involved and drove more but then the goal we saw his weakness with a poor aimless ball and then not getting back to pressure the man. He is doing nothing and then points at others. Of course, the defence is more at fault. He showed flashes again after the break and at times got on it and linked but also timid in making decisions and often looks back rather than forward. However he did work harder at times than other games and he looked shattered near the end but did well to keep it in the corner for a spell in stoppage time. Definitely much better than he has been but still frustrating.
McAtee 7.5/10 – Started well and had a shot blocked and involved with the good forward play but then he not able to build on this and faded and I said he had been anonymous. Of course, he then scores a great goal and has that great bit of skill in him. Took it so well. He then linked well with Ndiaye and this nearly led to out second. He showed some lovely pieces of control and skill in spells and even though can have periods of inactivity, he comes alive in those bursts and you saw when he did that we look dangerous and can create. Needs to play most weeks now.
Doyle 7.5/10 – Got stuck in and at least was more mobile as we began the game well but then he was not as involved. Got a weak booking but I liked the fact he did get his foot in and pressure and move around the pitch. His passing was ok and he did try and support the attack when he could but he did some good defensive things helping us not get run through as much – the goal was down to others as was the double chance. His set plays had been poor actually and was irritating as felt we had goals with the size advantage but then he whips in a beauty to win the game. Did get tired again and clearly needs to work on his conditioning.
Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Some lovely skill and runs early on and looked a real threat. He ran at them and was able to come out of those tight areas. He looked the best player on the pitch but he too did not build on it and the game became scrappy and he was less involved. He then had a good period to begin the second and showed some good work to win it and linked with McAtee for the chance – probably should have lifted it but hit keepers trailing leg so could have gone in still. He showed good work to chase and harry back and his work ethic was excellent as it always is.
Jebbison 7.5/10 – Did really well to begin with with some excellent aspects of link play and strong running. He was able to get a decent shot away that was saved. Was closer to Ndiaye than McBurnie has been and some decent interchange but ball does not always stick either at times and needs to be more secure but then as the game went on he improved this element. Took a bad foul but kept plugging away and the centre backs struggled with his running and he turned them a few times. Had a good game and they were concerned about him all night. Good option if he plays like that and means we can rotate McBurnie and even Ndiaye a little bit in the run in when we have games twice a week. Has to play over Sharp.
Subs –
McBurnie 7/10 – Won a header defensively and scrapped for bits and pieces as we started to defend more which meant he did not see much of the ball but chased and harried. Also did not get booked so means he probably won’t get a suspension now (unless he gets 6 more yellows – or a red of course)! Worked perfectly to get him through that final game.
Fleck – Came on and did some good work down the corner but then kicked it away. Looks woefully slow and saw how better we were with some mobility in there. Sure, he may come on and have some cameos but I am concerned his legs have gone now.
Norwood – Good call to rest him or drop him – however you look at it. Doyle did well and Berge was more involved. When he came on he did just kick it away a few times but got a few interceptions as we saw time out.
Bogle – He was able to hold Clark up once and kept his discipline not bombing forward when we just needed the sensible approach. Been nowhere near his best recently so right call to go with Baldock but expect he may come back in for the cup maybe at home and sure he will see a fair bit of the games left – especially at the Lane.
Sharp – Not sure he had a kick but was able to give us another chaser across the front line with Ndiaye’s race run.
Manager: Heckingbottom 8/10 – My man of the match! No seriously I have given him a lot of flack recently for his selections, our approach, his lack of adjustments in game and poor subs. Tonight he made bold changes and left out some senior and established pros but it worked giving us energy and something different. We controlled the game until an awful piece of defending probably saw many of us think, ‘Here we go again!’ However, we got level deservedly and had a positive approach 2nd half. After we scored I would have liked us to keep attacking as felt we could get more but sat back and it nearly cost us but after his wobble, we actually then took the right approach and made subs and just bottled it up and made it scrappy. We saw it out well in the end. He deserves praise as was getting lots of questions after some of his decisions and for the first time a lot of Blades were really doubting him (harshly maybe after he has done so well in terms of results over his tenure) but were rightly worried at how we were playing and the subsequent results. Be interesting what he does Sunday but I think he will rotate a bit more again.
Sunderland – They impressed me at the Lane and despite the Neil controversy have had a relatively good season. Sure, there has been drop offs and they have never maybe properly maintained their early season promise with some injuries or loan players going back but Mowbray has done a steady job and for a promoted side with lots of young-ish players will be delighted to even in with a chance of the playoffs. They have had some odd results (the hammering to Stoke recently) and dropped points and seem to have been as good away from home where less pressure on them and they can break with the pace/tricky wingers. You’d think they would be very strong at the Stadium of Light with huge crowds (easily the best in the league) and the intimidating atmosphere it create.
That has not been the case this season and 6 wins in 18 is really poor. They lost again today after a really good away performance at Norwich and even though they will point to the winner and the officials – they cannot say they deserved anything really? We were the better side for the first half and they scored against the run of play. After we led, they had two chances but then the subs kind of backfired and they regressed. It did not work and they sort of run out of ideas. In the end they did not really deserve anything over the course of the whole game.
I like a few of their players. Jack Clarke lost his way but has really started to find the form that saw Spurs spent a lot of money on him. They have some good footballers in the middle of the field and Pritchard is a tidy player too. They have some niggly so and so’s (O’Nien is one that stands out) but always seem to work hard and play for each other. You can see with some additions – they lost Simms back to Everton and Stewart to injury but Gelhardt is a good replacement for now – in the summer and adding some more experience and goals – they might push on again next season. I don’t see Mowbray as a long-term appointment and it might be he consolidates them for now and another man has to take them to the next level but that is maybe doing him a disservice as he always does a steady job at this level generally and seems a likeable fella that players like working for.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought Roberts was good and set up an early chance, hit the post and looked dangerous. Lowe struggled with him at times. Clarke on the other side had one shot but was well martialled by Baldock. Decent goal from Michut and O’Nien although in an unfamiliar role did well and made some good interceptions. Niggly player who I do not rate but he was not as annoying tonight!
Opponent Weak link – Thought that Gelhardt made a good decoy run for the goal but was quiet and the midfield area struggled early on. Hume had one decent shot but committed an awful foul but the weak links were probably Batth and Ballard – the former struggled with Jebbison’s running and mobility and the latter was dirty all game – resorting to fouling and grabbing/pulling. Should have been booked long before he finally was. He takes the award therefore.
Referee/Officials – Matthew Donoghue. We remember him from some shockers at the Lane (Millwall, Blackburn and Forest – league) but he has been a bit better this season in games we have had and weirdly we are quite successful generally when he refs us. He does have a tendency to referee games with a bit of a ‘look at me/I’m here’ attitude sadly. This was the case again tonight. Technically you can say the yellows for Robinson and Lowe are right but he kind of set his stall out by booking them early and then he seems to be getting his yellow card out every 5 minutes. The really bad tackle (only one of the game) was by Hume and easily could have been red. After this he gave some more soft bookings mixed with some deserved (Anel) but his overall refereeing is beyond irritating. He needs to be constantly involved. It’s pathetic. The goal is down his assistant really if there is a call to be made. However the Sunderland fans may complain but I actually felt in general play he gave them a lot and booked a load of ours. The lad Gooch was mouthing off constantly when he came on and the centre back Ballard was finally booked after what seemed like he had committed double figure fouls. Ndiaye also got some right hammer but no one was booked for some cynical trips, as bad as some of ours. We may win most games he refs but boy is he annoying. When both sets of fans think he has been poor – you kind of know there is an issue. He is wildly inconsistent and way too overzealous. Decent game tonight and should not be discussing the referee really. Sums him up that both sets of fans will talk about him.
Coverage – Don Goodman. One of the most biased co commentator performances I have ever heard. He was ridiculous and I never let things bother me in that regard. A few examples were him being angrier at the United players being furious at the horror tackle that could/should have been a red card. Him complaining about the 2nd goal for seemingly 5 minutes – going on and on. Seeing fouls or issues no one else saw – the Berge handball and then the Ndiaye one where he ran back and won the foul which was obvious – he said it was not – what on earth was he talking about? There were numerous other ridiculous comments and seemed desperate for Sunderland to score.
