Post by deadbat on Apr 15, 2023 19:09:27 GMT
The Blades took another step towards promotion with an emphatic victory over Cardiff City in the lunchtime kick off at Bramall Lane. United were not convincing despite the scoreline and trailed in the game after conceding a clumsy penalty before having to fight back thought an individual goal from McAtee. Even after taking the lead thanks to the outstanding Jack Robinson, the visitors hit the woodwork and gave United a few scares before late goals from Ndiaye and Clark gave the scoreline a real gloss. United will see the three points as all important in a game that individually and collectively they were not quite at their best but the fact they won so well shows the quality they possess when it matters. Despite Luton continuing their recent impressive run to keep within 5 points, United know they take care of the next three home games (possibly may only need to win a couple of them) they will be back in the Premier League.
United had to make enforced changes with Davies, as expected in for Foderingham who of course was suspended. Ahmedhodzic was a late withdrawal with his wife going into labour and with Basham out injured, Baldock was pressed into a rare outing at right centre back. McAtee was back in for Norwood and Lowe back on the left side of defence. Cardiff were right in the thick of a relegation scrap and started with a relatively inexperienced Championship line up but had former Owls McGuiness and Wickham in their squad. Ex Blade Callum Robinson was out injured.
The contest began with United seeing a lot of the ball and moving it from side to side but the build up was maybe too pedestrian and McBurnie and Ndiaye were struggling to get into the game. City were by no means ‘parking the bus’ and looked lively on the break with Philoghene shooting wide and then Wintle having his effort saved rather unconvincingly by Davies. City kept the ball in the box after Doyle’s poor clearance and following the corner that was not cleared, Lowe’s high kick caught Simpson and it seemed a pretty easy award of a penalty for the clumsy challenge. The defender was given a yellow card for his indiscretion. Sory KABA took the kick and went down the middle and Cardiff had the shock lead.
United tried to respond and Lowe got wide but his cross was cleared but the home side were level soon after. MCATEE got on the ball and fainted to shoot, and former Owl McGuiness fell for the dummy and the City loanee came inside and calmly finished past Allsop, who got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
United looked to build on this and were trying to get McAtee involved as the stand out player. Cardiff though were threatening with runners down the middle and after Berge’s ball had sent Ndiaye clear who forced a save from the Cardiff keeper, the Norwegian midfielder then pulled his man back and was booked for his cynical foul.
Both teams had chances before the break as a ball over the top sent Ndiaye racing down the right channel and his shot was from Allsop. At the other end United’s sloppy defending continued though and a great chance was presented to Ralls, as Bogle and Davies completely made a mess of a routine ball leaving it to each other. Fortunately, Davies smothered the shot from point blank range.
The second half saw the Blades look to up the tempo and Doyle and Baldock set the scene with two strong tackles. A frustrating refereeing performance saw the game continue to be very stop start and the crowd were getting frustrated. However, both teams were equally culpable of inconsistent play with poor balls and short passes seeing possession turned over both ways.
United were trying to find gaps in the middle in front of the deep Cardiff defence and McAtee’s delightful control and turn saw him eventually get a free kick after half time sub O’Dowda had two attempts to pull him down. Doyle’s free kick was deflected wide and his corner also failed to beat the first man but as it came back to him, he hit a superb cross right into the corridor of uncertainty and several United players converged on it as Cardiff’s defence was completely static. It was ROBINSON who met it with a powerful diving header to crash the ball into the net and the turnaround was complete. Robinson had been the stand out in terms of commitment to winning the ball and his battles and this goal typified his performance.
Baldock was booked for a challenge in the box as United looked to turn the screw but could not fashion an opportunity despite some prolonged pressure and the Bluebirds did come out and have a spell of their own in which was a very open game.
Wickham came on for Etete for the visitors and they had a great chance to level not long after he came on. United failed to clear their danger and Rinomhota’s low shot was not held by Davies and the ball pinballed around the box before being laid off for Wickham who smashed a ferocious effort which cannoned off the angle of bar and post and away. It was a real let off for United whose performance despite leading was far from convincing against a struggling side who will have fancied getting something.
McAtee came off for Fleck and then Norwood and Clark for Doyle and Bogle as United looked to freshen things up for the final quarter of an hour. As the game continued to be stretched, the Blades got the vital next goal. Fleck’s ball down the channel put McGuiness under pressure and his back pass was short and NDIAYE read it and was able to cleverly toe it round the keeper and run past him the other way before gleefully smashing in at the Kop end. It had not been the best day for the Blades star man but this moment of quality effectively sealed the game.
It was his last contribution as he and McBurnie departed for Sharp and Jebbison. United now were in control and moving the ball around well but it was another series of errors that led to the fourth goal. A bad back pass put Allsop in trouble and he could not stop the corner. As the ball came in form Norwood, the keeper was grasping thin air as it came off a defender and hit Berge before sub CLARK applied the finishing touch from almost on the line.
United had plenty of the ball in the final stages and Sharp’s curling effort after good work from Berge saw Allsop push the ball away but the game was now up for a dispirited Cardiff side who had been well in the game for long spells until the late capitulation. The extra three minutes were played with United on the ball for most of it before the full time whistle signalled an important victory in the first of four consecutive home games.
United – I did not think we were great at all today and for long spells we were slow and laborious on the ball, made mistakes in key areas and were too open. I actually never thought we had full control of the game right until Ndiaye’s goal. We started ok and kept it but never really hurt them and the front two did not hold the ball up. Berge was having one of those games and with the two wing backs offering nothing we seemed to be relying on individual moments from McAtee or Ndiaye. Gradually they came into it and had some pace/runners behind us. However, the goal came from our inability to clear our lines. I thought Davies was indecisive a lot of the game and is a line keeper that the defence seem to have little confidence in it at all. The penalty though was stupid and a clear high kick that he did not need to do with the player not really going anywhere and having his back to goal. Summed up Lowe’s erratic decisions in the last few months.
After they scored, we did respond and McAtee scored a lovely goal – showing his real quality and then we had a few chances from Ndiaye but mostly were balls over the top. It was again too slow and the passing often short. I thought they had as many dangerous moments as us but again the defending is horrific as Davies and Bogle (much like Robbo and Wes in the week) leave it to each other and they should have scored. I was relieved to be in level after this miss and being behind.
We were better in the second half with tackles coming in from the likes of Robinson, Doyle and Baldock showing we wanted to show more fight and not let them have it easy. Think we realised the ref was for the most part giving little and seemed to not know what constituted a foul but United did not take advantage till after the break. We had a lot more of the ball but the goal was more of an old fashioned one with a great cross and diving header. The ball from Doyle was superb and the header as good too. I thought we would kick on but it was still scrappy and felt they found gaps and had too much time (we did too the other way) and they then had those chances and hit the bar. That easily could have gone in and was awful defending again not helped by the poor Davies (has to hold the first shot).
I had been crying out for changes in terms of solidifying the midfield and finally Fleck and Norwood came on and we also put Clark on and this gave us a more solid look. Maybe it was a coincidence or maybe Cardiff were taking more risks, but felt we were much better after these changes. Fleck did really well and his balls kept turning them round. Ndiaye had not been great but took his goal really well and that was that. After that their keeper proved as jittery as ours and his mistakes led to the fourth. We could have had more after this as the visitors heads completely dropped.
4-1 was really flattering. We did enough with chances and improvements after the break to win but it was not a hammering at all in terms of the performance of the two sides. They will feel it was a really unjust scoreline but they made mistakes and were not clinical. We were. The end of the game seemed really comfortable but it was not for a long time really. I felt oddly we might have been better and more in control v Wigan even though we only won 1-0 than today although Cardiff did attack more and caused us one or two worries with some of the midfield runners getting off the work from Kaba. I believe we had half a team that were not at the standards they would want and still won 4-1 and we can play much better and will do you hope in the coming games. Today was all about winning but Hecky will want better standards in terms of the basics, winning those battles to start the game, more secure in our passing and players making better decisions in all aspects of the play. We made some stupid mistakes again and a better team may have made us pay. Still, we won and now we go onto Bristol City. It is annoying Luton keep winning but if we keep picking up the wins, it will be done soon enough. Tuesday has a big feel about it as we know if we win there, Luton then will know even they win 3/4 (if we only pick up one more point) that would not be enough probably with goal difference. Effectively we win Tuesday and Luton probably have to win almost every game left. I expect them to beat Reading but then they have Boro and Blackburn whilst we play Preston and West Brom. The fact we have 3 more home games and know even 2 wins in those 3 probably will do it, is a nice feeling.
Hopefully we showed today with the changes off the bench (and we can get Anel and Bash available) we can finish the final 5 games with an authority. Today was a bitty showing but no one will care if we go up. We need the crowd to be with the side and hopefully we can come out and start with more authority. I feel Bristol City will not be that up for the game if we can score first. West Brom might be harder as they face Blackpool and Sunderland next two home games and could be right in the playoff mix before they play us. However, one of them or Preston might be a fair way off by the time they play us. Regardless of who we face and what Luton do, we have to fancy ourselves to get the wins now. We need to come out and put in two good displays either side of the semi-final. After that we have bonus games if we need them but it’s on the players to finish the job now.
Ratings:
Davies 6/10 – His mark may seem harsh as he of course made a big save at 1-1 but I thought he was hesitant and shaky at times despite a few saves. Two crosses came in that he completely left early on and he remained rooted to his line. He pushed one shot out that I thought was not great even though people said it was a good save round me – not long before they scored. The penalty he had no chance but wish he had stayed still! Granted Bogle is hesitant on the chance but to me it was the keepers ball if he where he should be – he then makes a good save to redeem himself but thought he was as bad as Bogle on this as can see the danger in front of him. After the break he then punched one out but makes a mess of a routine shot he has to hold and they nearly scored after this. His kicking was also not great with one terrible slice and a number barely reaching half way – although did find McAtee with one good one. Just looks unconvincing to me and the defence look concerned with him behind him. I am sure some will say I have been too harsh on this opinion.
Bogle 2/10 – Thought it was another wretched performance from him today. I got some criticism for questioning his desire and commitment with some saying it’s due to his injuries and not finding form/run in the side. Well, he has played a fair few games now and sees to be getting worse not better. Continued to stand miles off his man and not see danger, he is just kicking the ball away to no one when he has it and going forward still not see him get beyond a defender or beat a man – let alone have a cross/run/shot of note in the final third. Looks leggy and lacking pace/athleticism we have seen from him in the past. Often Baldock was covering and several hacks or slices out of play was about all he offered. Way off it at the moment and he will need to come out as we are carrying him at the moment – hopefully if Anel is fit, we can make this change – although Lowe’s form a worry on the other side too!
Lowe 5/10 – Thought he was really poor for an hour and he gave the penalty away with a stupid tackle, was slow to react and when he got forward his crosses although taken early often hit the first man. He did at least offer something going the other way but often his link up saw him play it behind his man or into an opponent. After the break he again was too far off his man, like Bogle on the other side and Robinson had to cover around but to be fair he had a much better final 30 minutes and got down the side and was an outlet. He nipped in and won some tackles and looked more competitive than he had to start the game.
Baldock 6.5/10 – He did well in an unfamiliar position and often jumping against bigger players. He at least was competing throughout and won as many headers (or put them off as much as Egan). He made some crunching tackles and I thought got forward well when he could. One silly booking apart, I thought he was having to cover for the woeful Bogle at the side who was offering nothing in terms of defensive or offensive play.
Robinson 8/10 – Our best player. Even first half (one error where he dithered on the left and they stole in apart) he was the most committed and at least tried to bring the ball out of the defence or be front foot. He continued this after the break and recall one great tackle and then another where he intercepted a loose ball when he was not the favourite and led us on the attack. His goal was superb and like the one at QPR last year, he made it his and powered it into the net. A big moment in the game and our season. After this continued to lead from the back with his tackling and desire to make sure the ball was his/ours.
Egan 6/10 – Ok but to say he was facing only one out and out striker, the ball stayed stuck up with him too often and not sure he won enough aerial stuff in the first half. He had a number of times to come out with the ball but often came back or took the cowardly decision and this saw them just get men behind by the ball. He got better after the interval and played higher up at least but missed one decent headed chance. Would like him and the defence to be more dominant than they were today as a poor side caused us more problems than they should.
Doyle 7/10 – Thought first half he was up and down with a few decent bits but also some poor set plays and too slow at times to move it on. He then nearly set them up with a ridiculous clearance into his own man on the edge of the box. Still saw more of the ball than the disappointing Berge though and after the break Doyle upped his game, becoming more physical and winning 50/50’s and leading the charge. His ball for the goal was superb after he had wasted two set plays just before. It was a cross just begging to be converted. Put a lot in and seemed exhausted when we made the change.
McAtee 7/10 – Typical of his games at the moment – where he can have long spells where he is not in it and then suddenly he comes to life and gets on it, running at opponents. He was our best player first half without a doubt as he looked the main threat. Had one run which saw him chopped down for a yellow and then the goal is a lovely dummy and finish – has a habit of carefully passing it into the net. He continued to look the main threat and the ball over the top he controlled and invited another series of poor tackles (and another booking) showed his skill and composure. Tired towards the end and had been getting a fair bit of hammer so right to not risk him. Knows he will play either side of the semi (with Doyle) so important we did not lose him due to a bad tackle.
Berge 4/10 – Infuriating, frustrating and lackadaisical. That is probably being kind. Think even 4 might be a push but he did play one great ball for Ndiaye and nearly set one up for Sharp and a number of other routine but safe passes. He is too slow to move it (the shot second half where he got robbed as he looked to hit it) and will not drive or carry it forwards. He just seems to take the easy option. He looks almost unfit and the bit when he lost it and then dragged his man down was a bit embarrassing that he could not even bothered to run back (you could argue it was a good foul/booking maybe?) and shows his lack of conditioning really. He was timid in quite a few challenges and his forward play mostly was poor in terms of passes not finding our man or not really being in the right areas. I was surprised he stayed on the pitch as I thought he was really poor today and Doyle (and latterly Fleck) had to do all the running and defensively there is a big gap – he often points at others rather than taking a man or covering things. Needs to do much better.
Ndiaye 6.5/10 – I thought he was a way off his best today but still showed flashes and had big moments. The game began with him working hard as always and did some good defensive bits and pieces but attacking wise he got crowded out a fair bit – he did get fouled and not always given. The two chances he had he did well to at least get shots off – both were saves you would expect but got them on target. He had a spell where he gave it away with silly flicks or tricks (the things we normally love of course!) that did not come off. The back pass put Davies under pressure and then he gave it away again setting them away. You think he might come off and then all of a sudden he profits on a mistake by being alert and taking the chance. That is why he is so good- as even when he is off his game he can still have those big moments.
McBurnie 4/10 – Think he has been a long way from his best for a period now and the last 4 or 5 games outside of the Blackburn cup games, not sure he has looked much of a goal threat nor held the ball up well enough. He looks tired and leggy and not even the nuisance he can be. I thought Cardiff’s centre back had an easy game against him for long spells and he was too busy looking for free kicks – going for fouls (some were fouls but he need to be stronger and stay on his feet). I thought him and Ndiaye were miles apart and he never got up to support (the two chances Ndiaye had for example where he did not get close to him). He seemed more bothered about gesticulating to the Cardiff fans than actually getting on with the game. Been great most of the season (albeit injury record an issue) but we need him to come alive again as we are relying way too much on McAtee and Ndiaye. He needs to be a threat and if he is not a goal threat, then to keep the ball and hold things up playing others in. Seemed very sluggish today and I would not be averse to starting Jebbison against another slow centre defence coming in the week.
Subs –
Fleck 7/10 – Thought he did really well today – he looked energetic and played some intelligent passes round the corners which saw them have to deal with balls (they did not!). He nipped in and did the things we were lacking in terms of closing down men/space. He used it well and we looked a threat from his area of the field.
Norwood 6/10 – Solid enough and won a few tackles to ensure we kept possession and did not give them chances of coming through us- which they did before.
Clark 7/10 – Came on and we looked more assured and robust at the back. Won some headers and then bundled in a goal for himself.
Sharp – Did ok when he came on and looked to link with Jebbison. Had a decent curling effort saved after the pull back from Berge.
Jebbison – Looked lively in his brief cameo and nearly got on the end of few balls.
Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – Credit to him as he made a brave move playing Baldock in that position probably thinking that they would not have as much of the ball – seems he only found out late that Anel was out. I was frustrated he did not make changes as thought we needed more control of the ball and midfield, but when he made the changes those who came on, Fleck and Clark, contributed. He will be disappointed with the tempo and intensity, particularly first half but then second half he seems to have had some words and we played higher up and created much more getting behind them. Pressure was on today and we delivered. We need to ensure we keep this going with Luton still on our tails.
Cardiff – Far better side than Wigan to be fair – I know there are only a few places between them and Wigan but the difference was huge. I did think they might be a side we could put away as always seem a bit of a soft touch but actually the result and margin is misleading. They did only have one up top but they did attack and actually first half had as many (and maybe better) chances than us. They definitely deserved to be level and led after a good spell. They got a lot more men forward and, in the box, than other teams. I was worried they would just be a percentage, direct team as looked at them and they had a team full of big lads (4 or 5 looked like Rugby players) but actually they did not play like that and played some good stuff with Philogene and Rinomhota running with pace from deep and the lad up top Kaba winning a lot of the balls forward and linking. They did time waste and niggle and the lad Kipre’s cheating pretending to have a head injury was pathetic but they did have a go at times too. I think they will probably realise if they had attacked and tried to get more men forward they may have hurt us even more – even though it caused risks the other way.
After they had led, the goal they gave away was so avoidable and then the second one was awful marking as they just stood and watched – even if it was a good ball. The third was another error and then the fourth was just hapless as they sort of gave up. For 75 minutes they were will in the game and the Wickham shot could easily have gone in. They competed, they chased around and not sure you could really tell who was the top and bottom for a big chunk of the game. We just had that bit more quality in McAtee, Ndiaye and Doyle when it mattered to get the goals we needed. They certainly did not disgrace themselves.
I have to be honest and do not want to be disrespectful, but I had not heard of a number of their players and have gone with younger, pacier player than some who have been around a while but do have a lot of injuries too. The manager is right though that if they play like that in the final 4 games, they will probably stay up but of course they have been a long way off that as he admitted at the end. They are a side that seem to have been on the decline for a while and with financial issues and lots of changes in terms of the manager. They might stay up due to the ineptitude of Wigan, Blackpool, Reading and QPR but think they are due to struggle again next year but at least seem to be sticking to a plan – in terms of the youth movement and recruitment of players from overseas that are young and can improve also.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought Rinomhota was very good running from deep and Philogene was also good with some nice skill and individual moments. The lad Kaba was a handful too. Wickham is now huge (recall him being quite mobile and quick wasn’t he but seems a different type of player now) but was a cracking effort to be fair (he was poor outside of this stumbling around)!
Opponent Weak link – The two centre backs were poor, Kipre and McGuiness and the keeper despite some saves made some awful mistakes and felt he could have done better on three of the goals really. However, McGuiness was the worst of the lot. Got done badly on the first, the second he was ball watching and then the error for the third. To think SWFC fans were raving about this rock solid, classy centre back. Shows how poor they and League One is as today he looked an awful player that was not good enough for a struggling Championship side.
Referee/Officials – David Webb. We have had some better refs recently actually but this gut was awful. Totally inconsistent from the off. The bookings were on the whole right as was the penalty but most of the rest of his game you had no idea really? He let a lot go and Ndiaye and McBurnie got kicked from pillar to post but then he would give nothing fouls (push from Doyle first half and then a worse one on our player not given straight after was an example of his incompetence). The player seemed frustrated both ways. He seemed to lose control and some of his drop balls to each team after stopping the game for no reason were bewildering. The lad Kipre clearly cheated (no head injury) and they time wasted all game with little warnings (Davies was then told to hurry up). There was a number of baffling decisions – once when they went through McBurnie he gave nothing and the same on McAtee. He did not really protect players and seemed to just let players kick lumps out of each other’s – we actually realised and the likes of Robinson and Doyle did the same and got away with it as we turned the screw second half. He could have sent Lowe off for a blatant pull back when they broke at 2-1.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Crowd were good and tried to keep with the team when they could have got in their backs but focused their attention on the referee. They responded after the goal we conceded well and I also thought appreciated some of the tackles/block/interceptions when we had that spell after half time when we improved. By the end they helped see it out but we will need to be louder in some of the night games we have coming up when we may facer tougher tests. Cardiff brought maybe only 500 fans – which is telling when they are in a struggle and of course it was an early kick off on Sky. They sang, ‘How s**t must you be, we are winning away!’ This lasted for 5 minutes of course. They seemed quite content with the performance (and lost 4-1) so shows how bad they have probably been!
United had to make enforced changes with Davies, as expected in for Foderingham who of course was suspended. Ahmedhodzic was a late withdrawal with his wife going into labour and with Basham out injured, Baldock was pressed into a rare outing at right centre back. McAtee was back in for Norwood and Lowe back on the left side of defence. Cardiff were right in the thick of a relegation scrap and started with a relatively inexperienced Championship line up but had former Owls McGuiness and Wickham in their squad. Ex Blade Callum Robinson was out injured.
The contest began with United seeing a lot of the ball and moving it from side to side but the build up was maybe too pedestrian and McBurnie and Ndiaye were struggling to get into the game. City were by no means ‘parking the bus’ and looked lively on the break with Philoghene shooting wide and then Wintle having his effort saved rather unconvincingly by Davies. City kept the ball in the box after Doyle’s poor clearance and following the corner that was not cleared, Lowe’s high kick caught Simpson and it seemed a pretty easy award of a penalty for the clumsy challenge. The defender was given a yellow card for his indiscretion. Sory KABA took the kick and went down the middle and Cardiff had the shock lead.
United tried to respond and Lowe got wide but his cross was cleared but the home side were level soon after. MCATEE got on the ball and fainted to shoot, and former Owl McGuiness fell for the dummy and the City loanee came inside and calmly finished past Allsop, who got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
United looked to build on this and were trying to get McAtee involved as the stand out player. Cardiff though were threatening with runners down the middle and after Berge’s ball had sent Ndiaye clear who forced a save from the Cardiff keeper, the Norwegian midfielder then pulled his man back and was booked for his cynical foul.
Both teams had chances before the break as a ball over the top sent Ndiaye racing down the right channel and his shot was from Allsop. At the other end United’s sloppy defending continued though and a great chance was presented to Ralls, as Bogle and Davies completely made a mess of a routine ball leaving it to each other. Fortunately, Davies smothered the shot from point blank range.
The second half saw the Blades look to up the tempo and Doyle and Baldock set the scene with two strong tackles. A frustrating refereeing performance saw the game continue to be very stop start and the crowd were getting frustrated. However, both teams were equally culpable of inconsistent play with poor balls and short passes seeing possession turned over both ways.
United were trying to find gaps in the middle in front of the deep Cardiff defence and McAtee’s delightful control and turn saw him eventually get a free kick after half time sub O’Dowda had two attempts to pull him down. Doyle’s free kick was deflected wide and his corner also failed to beat the first man but as it came back to him, he hit a superb cross right into the corridor of uncertainty and several United players converged on it as Cardiff’s defence was completely static. It was ROBINSON who met it with a powerful diving header to crash the ball into the net and the turnaround was complete. Robinson had been the stand out in terms of commitment to winning the ball and his battles and this goal typified his performance.
Baldock was booked for a challenge in the box as United looked to turn the screw but could not fashion an opportunity despite some prolonged pressure and the Bluebirds did come out and have a spell of their own in which was a very open game.
Wickham came on for Etete for the visitors and they had a great chance to level not long after he came on. United failed to clear their danger and Rinomhota’s low shot was not held by Davies and the ball pinballed around the box before being laid off for Wickham who smashed a ferocious effort which cannoned off the angle of bar and post and away. It was a real let off for United whose performance despite leading was far from convincing against a struggling side who will have fancied getting something.
McAtee came off for Fleck and then Norwood and Clark for Doyle and Bogle as United looked to freshen things up for the final quarter of an hour. As the game continued to be stretched, the Blades got the vital next goal. Fleck’s ball down the channel put McGuiness under pressure and his back pass was short and NDIAYE read it and was able to cleverly toe it round the keeper and run past him the other way before gleefully smashing in at the Kop end. It had not been the best day for the Blades star man but this moment of quality effectively sealed the game.
It was his last contribution as he and McBurnie departed for Sharp and Jebbison. United now were in control and moving the ball around well but it was another series of errors that led to the fourth goal. A bad back pass put Allsop in trouble and he could not stop the corner. As the ball came in form Norwood, the keeper was grasping thin air as it came off a defender and hit Berge before sub CLARK applied the finishing touch from almost on the line.
United had plenty of the ball in the final stages and Sharp’s curling effort after good work from Berge saw Allsop push the ball away but the game was now up for a dispirited Cardiff side who had been well in the game for long spells until the late capitulation. The extra three minutes were played with United on the ball for most of it before the full time whistle signalled an important victory in the first of four consecutive home games.
United – I did not think we were great at all today and for long spells we were slow and laborious on the ball, made mistakes in key areas and were too open. I actually never thought we had full control of the game right until Ndiaye’s goal. We started ok and kept it but never really hurt them and the front two did not hold the ball up. Berge was having one of those games and with the two wing backs offering nothing we seemed to be relying on individual moments from McAtee or Ndiaye. Gradually they came into it and had some pace/runners behind us. However, the goal came from our inability to clear our lines. I thought Davies was indecisive a lot of the game and is a line keeper that the defence seem to have little confidence in it at all. The penalty though was stupid and a clear high kick that he did not need to do with the player not really going anywhere and having his back to goal. Summed up Lowe’s erratic decisions in the last few months.
After they scored, we did respond and McAtee scored a lovely goal – showing his real quality and then we had a few chances from Ndiaye but mostly were balls over the top. It was again too slow and the passing often short. I thought they had as many dangerous moments as us but again the defending is horrific as Davies and Bogle (much like Robbo and Wes in the week) leave it to each other and they should have scored. I was relieved to be in level after this miss and being behind.
We were better in the second half with tackles coming in from the likes of Robinson, Doyle and Baldock showing we wanted to show more fight and not let them have it easy. Think we realised the ref was for the most part giving little and seemed to not know what constituted a foul but United did not take advantage till after the break. We had a lot more of the ball but the goal was more of an old fashioned one with a great cross and diving header. The ball from Doyle was superb and the header as good too. I thought we would kick on but it was still scrappy and felt they found gaps and had too much time (we did too the other way) and they then had those chances and hit the bar. That easily could have gone in and was awful defending again not helped by the poor Davies (has to hold the first shot).
I had been crying out for changes in terms of solidifying the midfield and finally Fleck and Norwood came on and we also put Clark on and this gave us a more solid look. Maybe it was a coincidence or maybe Cardiff were taking more risks, but felt we were much better after these changes. Fleck did really well and his balls kept turning them round. Ndiaye had not been great but took his goal really well and that was that. After that their keeper proved as jittery as ours and his mistakes led to the fourth. We could have had more after this as the visitors heads completely dropped.
4-1 was really flattering. We did enough with chances and improvements after the break to win but it was not a hammering at all in terms of the performance of the two sides. They will feel it was a really unjust scoreline but they made mistakes and were not clinical. We were. The end of the game seemed really comfortable but it was not for a long time really. I felt oddly we might have been better and more in control v Wigan even though we only won 1-0 than today although Cardiff did attack more and caused us one or two worries with some of the midfield runners getting off the work from Kaba. I believe we had half a team that were not at the standards they would want and still won 4-1 and we can play much better and will do you hope in the coming games. Today was all about winning but Hecky will want better standards in terms of the basics, winning those battles to start the game, more secure in our passing and players making better decisions in all aspects of the play. We made some stupid mistakes again and a better team may have made us pay. Still, we won and now we go onto Bristol City. It is annoying Luton keep winning but if we keep picking up the wins, it will be done soon enough. Tuesday has a big feel about it as we know if we win there, Luton then will know even they win 3/4 (if we only pick up one more point) that would not be enough probably with goal difference. Effectively we win Tuesday and Luton probably have to win almost every game left. I expect them to beat Reading but then they have Boro and Blackburn whilst we play Preston and West Brom. The fact we have 3 more home games and know even 2 wins in those 3 probably will do it, is a nice feeling.
Hopefully we showed today with the changes off the bench (and we can get Anel and Bash available) we can finish the final 5 games with an authority. Today was a bitty showing but no one will care if we go up. We need the crowd to be with the side and hopefully we can come out and start with more authority. I feel Bristol City will not be that up for the game if we can score first. West Brom might be harder as they face Blackpool and Sunderland next two home games and could be right in the playoff mix before they play us. However, one of them or Preston might be a fair way off by the time they play us. Regardless of who we face and what Luton do, we have to fancy ourselves to get the wins now. We need to come out and put in two good displays either side of the semi-final. After that we have bonus games if we need them but it’s on the players to finish the job now.
Ratings:
Davies 6/10 – His mark may seem harsh as he of course made a big save at 1-1 but I thought he was hesitant and shaky at times despite a few saves. Two crosses came in that he completely left early on and he remained rooted to his line. He pushed one shot out that I thought was not great even though people said it was a good save round me – not long before they scored. The penalty he had no chance but wish he had stayed still! Granted Bogle is hesitant on the chance but to me it was the keepers ball if he where he should be – he then makes a good save to redeem himself but thought he was as bad as Bogle on this as can see the danger in front of him. After the break he then punched one out but makes a mess of a routine shot he has to hold and they nearly scored after this. His kicking was also not great with one terrible slice and a number barely reaching half way – although did find McAtee with one good one. Just looks unconvincing to me and the defence look concerned with him behind him. I am sure some will say I have been too harsh on this opinion.
Bogle 2/10 – Thought it was another wretched performance from him today. I got some criticism for questioning his desire and commitment with some saying it’s due to his injuries and not finding form/run in the side. Well, he has played a fair few games now and sees to be getting worse not better. Continued to stand miles off his man and not see danger, he is just kicking the ball away to no one when he has it and going forward still not see him get beyond a defender or beat a man – let alone have a cross/run/shot of note in the final third. Looks leggy and lacking pace/athleticism we have seen from him in the past. Often Baldock was covering and several hacks or slices out of play was about all he offered. Way off it at the moment and he will need to come out as we are carrying him at the moment – hopefully if Anel is fit, we can make this change – although Lowe’s form a worry on the other side too!
Lowe 5/10 – Thought he was really poor for an hour and he gave the penalty away with a stupid tackle, was slow to react and when he got forward his crosses although taken early often hit the first man. He did at least offer something going the other way but often his link up saw him play it behind his man or into an opponent. After the break he again was too far off his man, like Bogle on the other side and Robinson had to cover around but to be fair he had a much better final 30 minutes and got down the side and was an outlet. He nipped in and won some tackles and looked more competitive than he had to start the game.
Baldock 6.5/10 – He did well in an unfamiliar position and often jumping against bigger players. He at least was competing throughout and won as many headers (or put them off as much as Egan). He made some crunching tackles and I thought got forward well when he could. One silly booking apart, I thought he was having to cover for the woeful Bogle at the side who was offering nothing in terms of defensive or offensive play.
Robinson 8/10 – Our best player. Even first half (one error where he dithered on the left and they stole in apart) he was the most committed and at least tried to bring the ball out of the defence or be front foot. He continued this after the break and recall one great tackle and then another where he intercepted a loose ball when he was not the favourite and led us on the attack. His goal was superb and like the one at QPR last year, he made it his and powered it into the net. A big moment in the game and our season. After this continued to lead from the back with his tackling and desire to make sure the ball was his/ours.
Egan 6/10 – Ok but to say he was facing only one out and out striker, the ball stayed stuck up with him too often and not sure he won enough aerial stuff in the first half. He had a number of times to come out with the ball but often came back or took the cowardly decision and this saw them just get men behind by the ball. He got better after the interval and played higher up at least but missed one decent headed chance. Would like him and the defence to be more dominant than they were today as a poor side caused us more problems than they should.
Doyle 7/10 – Thought first half he was up and down with a few decent bits but also some poor set plays and too slow at times to move it on. He then nearly set them up with a ridiculous clearance into his own man on the edge of the box. Still saw more of the ball than the disappointing Berge though and after the break Doyle upped his game, becoming more physical and winning 50/50’s and leading the charge. His ball for the goal was superb after he had wasted two set plays just before. It was a cross just begging to be converted. Put a lot in and seemed exhausted when we made the change.
McAtee 7/10 – Typical of his games at the moment – where he can have long spells where he is not in it and then suddenly he comes to life and gets on it, running at opponents. He was our best player first half without a doubt as he looked the main threat. Had one run which saw him chopped down for a yellow and then the goal is a lovely dummy and finish – has a habit of carefully passing it into the net. He continued to look the main threat and the ball over the top he controlled and invited another series of poor tackles (and another booking) showed his skill and composure. Tired towards the end and had been getting a fair bit of hammer so right to not risk him. Knows he will play either side of the semi (with Doyle) so important we did not lose him due to a bad tackle.
Berge 4/10 – Infuriating, frustrating and lackadaisical. That is probably being kind. Think even 4 might be a push but he did play one great ball for Ndiaye and nearly set one up for Sharp and a number of other routine but safe passes. He is too slow to move it (the shot second half where he got robbed as he looked to hit it) and will not drive or carry it forwards. He just seems to take the easy option. He looks almost unfit and the bit when he lost it and then dragged his man down was a bit embarrassing that he could not even bothered to run back (you could argue it was a good foul/booking maybe?) and shows his lack of conditioning really. He was timid in quite a few challenges and his forward play mostly was poor in terms of passes not finding our man or not really being in the right areas. I was surprised he stayed on the pitch as I thought he was really poor today and Doyle (and latterly Fleck) had to do all the running and defensively there is a big gap – he often points at others rather than taking a man or covering things. Needs to do much better.
Ndiaye 6.5/10 – I thought he was a way off his best today but still showed flashes and had big moments. The game began with him working hard as always and did some good defensive bits and pieces but attacking wise he got crowded out a fair bit – he did get fouled and not always given. The two chances he had he did well to at least get shots off – both were saves you would expect but got them on target. He had a spell where he gave it away with silly flicks or tricks (the things we normally love of course!) that did not come off. The back pass put Davies under pressure and then he gave it away again setting them away. You think he might come off and then all of a sudden he profits on a mistake by being alert and taking the chance. That is why he is so good- as even when he is off his game he can still have those big moments.
McBurnie 4/10 – Think he has been a long way from his best for a period now and the last 4 or 5 games outside of the Blackburn cup games, not sure he has looked much of a goal threat nor held the ball up well enough. He looks tired and leggy and not even the nuisance he can be. I thought Cardiff’s centre back had an easy game against him for long spells and he was too busy looking for free kicks – going for fouls (some were fouls but he need to be stronger and stay on his feet). I thought him and Ndiaye were miles apart and he never got up to support (the two chances Ndiaye had for example where he did not get close to him). He seemed more bothered about gesticulating to the Cardiff fans than actually getting on with the game. Been great most of the season (albeit injury record an issue) but we need him to come alive again as we are relying way too much on McAtee and Ndiaye. He needs to be a threat and if he is not a goal threat, then to keep the ball and hold things up playing others in. Seemed very sluggish today and I would not be averse to starting Jebbison against another slow centre defence coming in the week.
Subs –
Fleck 7/10 – Thought he did really well today – he looked energetic and played some intelligent passes round the corners which saw them have to deal with balls (they did not!). He nipped in and did the things we were lacking in terms of closing down men/space. He used it well and we looked a threat from his area of the field.
Norwood 6/10 – Solid enough and won a few tackles to ensure we kept possession and did not give them chances of coming through us- which they did before.
Clark 7/10 – Came on and we looked more assured and robust at the back. Won some headers and then bundled in a goal for himself.
Sharp – Did ok when he came on and looked to link with Jebbison. Had a decent curling effort saved after the pull back from Berge.
Jebbison – Looked lively in his brief cameo and nearly got on the end of few balls.
Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – Credit to him as he made a brave move playing Baldock in that position probably thinking that they would not have as much of the ball – seems he only found out late that Anel was out. I was frustrated he did not make changes as thought we needed more control of the ball and midfield, but when he made the changes those who came on, Fleck and Clark, contributed. He will be disappointed with the tempo and intensity, particularly first half but then second half he seems to have had some words and we played higher up and created much more getting behind them. Pressure was on today and we delivered. We need to ensure we keep this going with Luton still on our tails.
Cardiff – Far better side than Wigan to be fair – I know there are only a few places between them and Wigan but the difference was huge. I did think they might be a side we could put away as always seem a bit of a soft touch but actually the result and margin is misleading. They did only have one up top but they did attack and actually first half had as many (and maybe better) chances than us. They definitely deserved to be level and led after a good spell. They got a lot more men forward and, in the box, than other teams. I was worried they would just be a percentage, direct team as looked at them and they had a team full of big lads (4 or 5 looked like Rugby players) but actually they did not play like that and played some good stuff with Philogene and Rinomhota running with pace from deep and the lad up top Kaba winning a lot of the balls forward and linking. They did time waste and niggle and the lad Kipre’s cheating pretending to have a head injury was pathetic but they did have a go at times too. I think they will probably realise if they had attacked and tried to get more men forward they may have hurt us even more – even though it caused risks the other way.
After they had led, the goal they gave away was so avoidable and then the second one was awful marking as they just stood and watched – even if it was a good ball. The third was another error and then the fourth was just hapless as they sort of gave up. For 75 minutes they were will in the game and the Wickham shot could easily have gone in. They competed, they chased around and not sure you could really tell who was the top and bottom for a big chunk of the game. We just had that bit more quality in McAtee, Ndiaye and Doyle when it mattered to get the goals we needed. They certainly did not disgrace themselves.
I have to be honest and do not want to be disrespectful, but I had not heard of a number of their players and have gone with younger, pacier player than some who have been around a while but do have a lot of injuries too. The manager is right though that if they play like that in the final 4 games, they will probably stay up but of course they have been a long way off that as he admitted at the end. They are a side that seem to have been on the decline for a while and with financial issues and lots of changes in terms of the manager. They might stay up due to the ineptitude of Wigan, Blackpool, Reading and QPR but think they are due to struggle again next year but at least seem to be sticking to a plan – in terms of the youth movement and recruitment of players from overseas that are young and can improve also.
Opponent Man of the Match – Thought Rinomhota was very good running from deep and Philogene was also good with some nice skill and individual moments. The lad Kaba was a handful too. Wickham is now huge (recall him being quite mobile and quick wasn’t he but seems a different type of player now) but was a cracking effort to be fair (he was poor outside of this stumbling around)!
Opponent Weak link – The two centre backs were poor, Kipre and McGuiness and the keeper despite some saves made some awful mistakes and felt he could have done better on three of the goals really. However, McGuiness was the worst of the lot. Got done badly on the first, the second he was ball watching and then the error for the third. To think SWFC fans were raving about this rock solid, classy centre back. Shows how poor they and League One is as today he looked an awful player that was not good enough for a struggling Championship side.
Referee/Officials – David Webb. We have had some better refs recently actually but this gut was awful. Totally inconsistent from the off. The bookings were on the whole right as was the penalty but most of the rest of his game you had no idea really? He let a lot go and Ndiaye and McBurnie got kicked from pillar to post but then he would give nothing fouls (push from Doyle first half and then a worse one on our player not given straight after was an example of his incompetence). The player seemed frustrated both ways. He seemed to lose control and some of his drop balls to each team after stopping the game for no reason were bewildering. The lad Kipre clearly cheated (no head injury) and they time wasted all game with little warnings (Davies was then told to hurry up). There was a number of baffling decisions – once when they went through McBurnie he gave nothing and the same on McAtee. He did not really protect players and seemed to just let players kick lumps out of each other’s – we actually realised and the likes of Robinson and Doyle did the same and got away with it as we turned the screw second half. He could have sent Lowe off for a blatant pull back when they broke at 2-1.
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Crowd were good and tried to keep with the team when they could have got in their backs but focused their attention on the referee. They responded after the goal we conceded well and I also thought appreciated some of the tackles/block/interceptions when we had that spell after half time when we improved. By the end they helped see it out but we will need to be louder in some of the night games we have coming up when we may facer tougher tests. Cardiff brought maybe only 500 fans – which is telling when they are in a struggle and of course it was an early kick off on Sky. They sang, ‘How s**t must you be, we are winning away!’ This lasted for 5 minutes of course. They seemed quite content with the performance (and lost 4-1) so shows how bad they have probably been!
