Post by deadbat on Sept 2, 2023 19:32:13 GMT
The Blades finally got a point on the board in an exciting scoring draw at Bramall Lane in the early Saturday kick off. United trailed for the fourth consecutive league game but were able to level and lead thanks to two fantastic contributions from league debutant Cameron Archer. The Blades could not keep the lead and were pegged back early in the second half. After this it could have gone either way but the home side had the best chance to win it when McBurnie was denied by a combination of Pickford (twice), the post and the bar in a breathless finish where United were so close to a late, late winner.
Manager Heckingbottom went with the McBurnie and Archer front line and left new signing Thomas on the bench with Larouci making his first league start. Latest signing James McAtee was introduced to the crowd but was not registered in time to play. Everton started with new signing Beto at the top of the field after his debut goal at Doncaster.
The Blades started slowly and Everton were moving it around and dominating the ball but unable to create much but Beto’s strength was causing problems for Egan in the United rearguard. Doucoure and Gueye were seeing a lot of the ball in the middle of the park and it was the away side looking the more likely to create but after Hamer sprang down the right, he invited the challenge from Branthwaite who was booked for the lunge. Egan got on the end of the free kick but his header lacked was saved from Pickford. Hamer then did well again and found Archer but Tarkowski managed to make the tackle sending it behind for a corner. Everton were looking to move through the third quickly but were using the strength of Beto and runners off him.
On 14 minutes, Everton took the lead and from the Blades point of view, it was another poor goal to concede. The corner came over and Robinson managed to get a block in, the ball came back in and Onana rose unchallenged to head down. Foderingham made the save but no United player reacted and DOUCOURE poked home. United asked for offside but it was clear that the goal would stand as United once again failed to stop the cross, win the header and react to the follow up.
Everton were now in confident mood after scoring their first Premier League goal of the season and were getting through the United midfield too easily. Norwood lost the ball and Egan again was turned too easily leading to a chance for Danjuma but his shot was blocked. Larouci was well forward at the other end but his shot was tame and straight at the keeper. United did have a good effort as Baldock fed Hamer whose shot was pushed away by Pickford.
Everton had another opportunity but Beto was blocked after turning Egan and Ahmedhodzic once again. However, out of nothing United were level and it was a good move and finish. Hamer sent the ball into the box, McBurnie held the ball up well and set ARCHER who hit a superb first-time finish right into the far corner as Pickford was motionless. The new signing ran over to celebrate mocking firing an archery bow into John Street as United were back on level terms.
Everton tried to respond and Danjuma was nearly in but Foderingham smothered well and made the save. Beto then got the better of Egan again but the ball squirmed free stopping any opportunity for the visitors. They had probably shaded the first half but had been pegged back and then in stoppage time, they fell behind. It was an innocuous ball forward but Hamer did superbly to hook the ball over his head into the path of Archer and the striker came inside and hit a tremendous curling shot which bounced off PICKFORD’s post and back off the keeper’s shoulder and into his own net. United were a touch fortunate to lead but the new man had made an instant impact with direct involvement in both goals as the Blades went in leading at half time.
Everton came out in determined fashion in the second half and withing 30 seconds could have been level as Beto got down the left channel on Robinson but his finish was wayward. United did not heed the warning and Danjuma was dragged down clumsily by Ahmedhodzic, just before he advanced into the box. The yellow card came out but it was deemed to be just outside the box. The free kick went into the wall.
United had not get going at all second half and the visitors were piling on the pressure. It was no surprise when they got level. United three times tried to stop the attack by illegal means as the ball was moved from centre to the right too easily and then Patterson sent over a cross with once again no pressure and when it came over DANJUMA was not picked up at all finished in routine fashion at the far post. The goal was a basic move and once again another cross and finish in the box that happened too easily.
The home side tried to respond and Baldock fed Larouci but he blazed over before Everton came again in waves and had two or three attacks held up at the last moment as United looked at full stretch. Larouci had been caught in an earlier challenge and was replaced by newcomer Thomas. Egan had picked up a knock in the first half and had tried to carry on but it was felt he was struggling too much and Basham came in with Ahmedhodzic moving inside. Thomas had an effort at Pickford at the back post and then there was an effort blocked from Danjuma at the other end. It was a finely balanced game with Everton looking the smoother of the two sides in transition with pace and power but United with McBurnie a focal point, were by no means out of it.
Doucoure was carded for a foul on Baldock after a series of meaty challenges from both side and Dyche was frustrated by the final decision. The free kick was headed away before Archer came off for Traore and McNeil came on for Garner. Ahmedhodzic twice stepped up to make the last-ditch tackle before McBurnie’s clever play made space for Traore who twice was outmuscled. United improved in the final stages. Basham made a timely interception and this helped United get up the field as six minutes of additional time were shown. At this stage both sides felt they could win it but United had the opportunities in this extra time. Robinson’s long throw was headed away before the home team won a late corner in the 98th minute after Tarkowski had gone down for treatment prior to this. The corner came in and McBurnie won it, heading the ball down into the turf but Pickford made a tremendous save pushing it onto the bar. The ball bounced down and McBurnie toed it goalwards again but the ball bounced off Pickford and onto the post and somehow the England keeper dived onto the loose ball. It was a remarkable double save and denied United three points. In truth it would have been harsh on the visitors who had been marginally the better side over the course of the contest but United had competed well and at least were off the mark for the season.
United – It is a point and at least we are on the board. I do think we would have been very fortunate to take all three (I know that sounds weird when we hit the bar/post and Pickford made a great double save). In general play I thought they were a bit better than us and had more of the ball and looked the more composed but we scored two good goals and could have had a few more. At the death we are so close to winning it. I do think Everton controlled a lot of the play and possession and that they would have been devastated to have trailed at half time as they had most of the play first half but then that is football and they were undone by poor defending and good play by us. We did really well to come back and get the lead but then second half (like the City game last week) we just completely sat back in the second half and to be honest they had 2 or 3 chances before they did finally get level. We did not get hold of the ball and were picked up and ran through too often. After it went 2-2, I feared the worse. They looked technically better, quicker, and stronger in many areas and thought we would do well not to lose. They did look most likely but oddly after the changes and Thomas came on and Anel went central, we were better and ended the game stronger. They kind of run out of steam and we had 2 or 3 half chances and then the big moment at the end. Ultimately I still think they were probably the slightly better side despite the late miss. It seemed a lot harder for us to create a chance or get in their third, than it did for them when one pass or two passed and they were through us.
A lot will be made of the defence and two goals came from crosses and inability to stop the ball coming in combined with poor marking and reactions. I agree that this is a major issue and we have conceded too many goals the same. The first no one reacted at all and then the second we tried desperately to foul but they picked us off with 3 or 4 passes and an easy cross and goal. It was way too easy and they could have had a few before this. It was annoying as we had conceded much of the possession first half but an excellent goal, well made and taken was followed up with another well finished goal. Archer showed why we signed him with two moments of real quality, helped by good play from McBurnie and Harmer. I did think we were a touch lucky to lead at half time as Everton had been the better team. It really disappointed me we never got going though and sat back after the break. I am worried about our midfield as like last time at this level we just seem to be physically overmatched and the pace and athleticism of teams seems too much for us? Norwood struggled with the pace and Souza also seemed to be struggling to keep up. Hamer worked hard but does not really do the defensive stuff much and those saying it has to be Souza, Hamer and McAtee may see a shock as we may be even more over matched in this area. I just felt it looked a lot like last time we were up there when teams just ran through too easily. When it got to the last third, the centre backs struggled with the physicality of some big lads. Egan in particular got a bit of a going over I felt and for the fourth game running, lost his battle and could not get tight enough to his man. He got an injury but even before that he just never got to grips with his man. Ahmedhodzic also struggled but he did improve when he went central.
Attacking wise, I felt McBurnie and Archer linked well and both looked a threat with Hamer playing well off the both of them but we effectively had three forward players as even though Baldock/Larouci and Thomas got forward a bit, we had no real help. Souza does a lot of the defensive stuff quite well but is not going to get forward very much and Norwood cannot really run at all so is mostly static. I think we still need legs in there and not sure McAtee coming in answers it even if Hamer plays further back. Maybe Davies can give us some legs? I just worry teams run off us and through us. I thought we played some pockets of good play attacking wise and did create bits and pieces but seems a lot header for us to create/get in the final third than other teams where it seems easier to move it forward and get past us? The lack of attacking options from us in reserve showed today as after Archer went off, it was a struggle and we relied on McBurnie too much.
I think we did show some good parts today and at times moved it nicely but once again, a relatively poor side (like Palace), controlled long spells of the game and looked like they could get through us too easily. I recall last time we got up, it seemed easier than I thought at this level and we competed and were winning a lot of the battles but I am not sure we have this time around? I think a lot of loose balls/headers and 50-50’s, the other side have come out on top and that is a worry when the opposition in most cases are technically better. I do not know whether this level had just improved again a few years from when we were last there, but it seems every side seems to be bigger, stronger and fitter than what I recall last time (granted we had a year with covid we were not attending)? We seemed to be blowing and at full stretch a fair bit in the game and even subs like Traore could not get to the pace.
I think we need to do the basics (winning the battle/header/loose stuff) and stopping crosses/headers if we are to have any chance. We have conceded goals in the most basic form really so far. The other way we have scored some good goals but do not score in the same way and it seems a struggle to create. I am maybe being too pessimistic for a 2-2 we could have even won but I do feel in general play that every team has looked superior in terms of athleticism, pace and power- that allied to having better technical players shows what a task it will be. Today we got a draw and I felt we did well to gain the point so it is a worry, as we have played 3/4 teams that will be in bottom 6 or 7 you feel? I The fact that I was kind of relieved to get a draw sums it up – it just concerns me where the wins/points are coming from? It was an exciting game and we contributed but not sure we had any control of the game or really looked like winning it. We need to look after the ball better, win the physical stuff and cut out stupid mistakes – if we cannot do this, then we are going to be struggling to put many points on the board.
Still, the positives are two goals (well one and a half) for Archer, McBurnie was excellent, Hamer had a good first half, Souza did a few ok bits and I felt Anel was excellent when in the middle. Larouci was better than last week and Thomas did ok when he came on. Also, McAtee to come in. I still see big issues (in terms of midfield coverage and striking options – allied to the defensive mistakes) but at least we showed today we can score goals.
We have a break and hopefully we can get some of the players up to fitness as today so many looked out on their feet too early in the game but it will be touch the next game at Spurs but maybe we might be better when we have to play on the break as today I thought we played more like the away team at times which was hard with the expectation to attack versus another poor side?
Ratings:
Foderingham 6.5/10 – Not sure he had much chance on either goal. The first goal he makes the save but not sure I can blame him at all. The defence did not react. The second the ball just comes across and he is left exposed. Not sure he made many other saves – one smothered from Danjuma first half and free kick from Young was it second half. Handling was ok. His kicking was poor.
Baldock 6.5/10 – Thought that he was ok at times but then switched off a bit and they had some attacks down his side. Did get in a few areas down the right but often there was a breakdown in communication in terms of setting up. He kept plugging away and second half involved in the one that led to the booking down the right side. He did get beat down the side on one occasion where it flashed across the box.
Larouci 6/10 – He started slowly again and made a few mistakes but then grew into it and had a run and shot and did the basics (just kicked it out). He struggled positional sense wise but he did put a lot of effort in. They got the cross in for the second goal but a number of players were not switched on. Had another poor shot over and then got injured after he was felled.
Robinson 6.5/10 – Thought this was poorest he has been in that there were a few poor clearances or moments he did not quite clear it. He did get his foot in a few times and made some blocks at least but I thought we struggled down the middle today in terms of them getting too many chances – like the 2nd half right at the start when they just ran through and nearly scored. He always seemed to be at full stretch today but did end the game better.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – First half maybe a 5/10 as they outmuscled us and turned us so many times. They were physically imposing themselves on our back line and we did not get their first but he did improve. Second half thought he was excellent, after the booking at least which was clumsy and nearly a penalty. When Egan went off, he went into the middle and was much better as he took control, read the game better and made a few superb tackles/interceptions. There is an argument he does play much better here.
Egan 5/10 – He has had a poor season so far. Not sure he has come out on top in any battle and today the lad Beto just kept moving him around and turned him several times. He was physically overmatched and he just seemed unable to stop the striker exerting himself. He was often guilty of ball watching too. He was slow again on the goal and he (and others) guilty of ball watching on the second. Pulled up with an injury and tried to carry on but we looked much better when he went off. He needs to wake up as been woefully off the pace so far and we need more from our captain and one of the player we thought would be fine at this level.
Norwood 6/10 – Mixed bag. Some decent pockets of play when he kept it simple and some ok balls forward. A few decent set plays but too often he was slow to react to things and they nicked it off his toe. He simply cannot run with it and the limits of his play seems to be to get it and just pass it within 5 seconds. He had to calm it down more as he is meant to be one of the experienced players. He seemed to get rattled or taken out of it too easily. He was the furthest back of the three but too often the opponents just ran through and we looked at full stretch or could not keep up with the pace/mobility. It was the same last time we were at this level. We looked all over the place in midfield for long spells – there was no distinguishable shape at all and we did not have a clear structure meaning Everton could just get through too easily. I am not sure what we do in that area but we have to be a little more solid and harder to get through but equally have to keep the ball better.
Souza 6/10 – He did some good things at times with a foot in and tackle and simple pass and you think yes he is functional player who does a bit of everything. However, he got ran off too much today and the midfield were too far apart. He also is way off it fitness wise. He was getting run past from half an hour in. He kept plugging away and again does some neat and tidy stuff but for 15 million was it – I actually expect a bit more than someone who wins the odd tackle/plays a square ball – maybe that is what you get for that price these days. As I say he has been ok in his first three games but we have lost midfield every game and have ceded possession every game (City I expect). We have to have more of the ball and if it not Norwood or him winning it or keeping control more, then how do we keep more of it? Maybe I am being harsh and every team just has better players but it was startling again today (like with Palace) how much fitter, quicker and athletic the midfielders the opponents had. As I say he was ok, but we were at home against one of the other poorer sides at this level and Everton just controlled big spells in the centre of the park so either he needs to get fitter or we need to have another player who can get about more. We seemed to be chasing shadows in this area almost every week?
Hamer 7/10 – He was very good first half with limited time on the ball. He ended up being wide left a lot and not as involved but then came inside and had more of it. He had a shot saved, then made the first and the second. He was very good in the final 20 minutes of the half and showed his technical ability. I do think he faded after the break and not sure he saw much of it at all and another who seemed like the pace/physicality was too much (as I say our players seemed absolutely knackered too early on). He needs to get fitter so he can contribute as games go on. He is playing just behind the strikers but he may have to drop back more as we are not seeing enough of the ball in this area. He was involved in the big moments in the game we had in that first half though and has some excellent ability on the football.
Archer 7.5/10 – He was always looking a threat and linked well with McBurnie, particularly first half. He had one chance blocked off early on after Hamer played him in and must another shot blocked. Quick and alert, he plays on the last shoulder. The goal he scored was a superb finish and then he added to it with a brilliant curled finish that was unlucky not to go in before it even did go in! After the break he had little of it as they dominated for 15 minutes. I would have left him on as we offered nothing when Traore came on but maybe he was tiring. To be fair he did not have much impact after the break but Traore offered nothing when he came on. A good debut.
McBurnie 8/10 – My man of the match. Led the line superbly and was a constant threat. The ball always stuck to him, he played others in and set up Archer superbly. He gave a very intelligent centre forward play and thought he did not really do much wrong. They fouled him a lot and tried to unsettle him but he played very maturely and linked well with Archer and Hamer. He kept the ball better than anyone for us and really deserved a goal and so unlucky at the end with the header and then the poked finish. Really good and showed some of those behind him what is needed at this level for us to have a chance.
Subs –
Thomas 7/10 – Did well. I am not sure Larouci was poor today and did some ok things but his awareness and reaction speed is lacking and we saw Thomas instantly in on the action, getting his toe in and moving forward. Had a shot saved and looked well up for it. Good debut. Think he will start next game.
Basham 7/10 – Thought he did well. One sliced clearance and foul apart, he stuck to his task and they had less time on the ball in this area, when he came on and Anel moved inside. Kept it simple but no problems at all with how he defended and ensure they had no time on the ball.
Traore 4/10 – Real struggle and looked out of his depth sadly. His mark may seem harsh but as in the week v Lincoln when he came on, he offered nothing at all. He showed some flashes v Palace/Forest and thought he would improve but he has regressed in the last few weeks of performances. I thought it would be ideal with him having pace and running at some slow-ish defenders but three times he had this opportunity and either through lack of strength or body control, just gifted it to them. He looked knackered only 5 minutes after he came on as they had easy out balls as he did not press. After Archer came off, McBurnie was on his own up front. Looked way off the level required for the top flight today and may need some u23 games for a period – worrying we have no one else as striking options except him and Osula who are not ready for this level where the pace/physicality is a notch up from u23/Swedish football. I know they are young but look at Evan Ferguson at 18 who had scored a hat trick tonight -these lads are 20 – so at the age they need to kick on really. It just all looked a much for him and looked like a kid in men’s football. We really needed another striking option with experience as we are badly undermanned in this area.
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – It was ok in parts and we got a draw but I did feel we never had total control of the game at any stage. Everton started better and scored but then we got back into it and took the lead but the second half performance we were so slow and did not get to grips at all with them. It was almost like we were waiting to be pegged back. I wanted us to start that second half, having got a lead, maybe a bit fortunately and get hold of the ball/midfield but it never happened. The 3 we play in midfield is not really working in terms of us just not having the ball. We might plug McAtee in there but the issue will remain as we get passed through and do not win those battles in there. Souza has shown some bits and Hamer is decent on the ball but we just give up possession time after time cheaply and then lack the physical ingredients/pace to get back in and recover it. Without the mobility/size all over the field, we invite pressure but the basics of stopping crosses and winning headers has been a real issue. We are conceded 2 a game and means it is an uphill task just due to such poor defending. I am surprised we have not been busier and won more 50-50’s but then you step back and look at the personnel and compare to opponents and realise nearly every team are stronger, quicker and more mobile so that is why they run through us? Can we tactically nullify this when we do not have the player – not sure? I would play Davies in there and even consider going to a 4 at the back giving us an extra man in midfield – maybe play Davies and Souza ahead of Hamer and McAtee? We just are not seeing enough of the ball and means teams are dominating possession and having more chances. Maybe I am being harsh and it’s not his fault but I thought today against a so-called poorer side many was saying was a must win, you take away that McBurnie chance and it was a hard-fought point we did well to get.
I am still concerned we do not have a clear way of playing tactically. We seem to play a lot of balls long and rarely go through the thirds, if you like. When we did play football (first goal) we look ok but we seem to be a bit hot potato and I worry we do not trust ourselves to keep the ball and defensively we are too deep as we are concerned about pace. I know a lot have criticised us saying we are quite direct and ale house (dirty) but it is hard to argue as despite one really good goal, lot of our chances seem to come off scraps. We have no sustained possession nor sustained pressure on opponents and are mostly playing on the break or hoping for things to drop. I am not sure what the plan is – maybe that is it but against Everton today we played like the way side for long spells? As I say we seem overmanned so much in midfield – I thought Everton (and every other side we have played) had an extra man? That is why we might need to look at the formation. We are just inviting pressure.
We need to get the team that started today much fitter and sharper – we have to win more 50-50 balls and we have to stop the supply line into the forwards. We have a break now and can regroup but it will be tough as the next two are v Spurs and Man Utd. You are looking at these and saying if we get one point we have done well. That is the problem – even if we did that we would have 2 points from 18 and be bottom three. It’s just hard to see which teams we are better than or can beat but that would have been the case even before the Ndiaye sale and all the late business we had to do. I just think the league has got so much better.
Everton – For long spells they controlled the game and would have been gutted to trail at the break but they gave away two poor goals. I thought if we went at them and turned them around (not long balls but down the channels) we would have caused more problems. They looked square and static at the back and when we did attack we caused problems. They did have a lot of the ball in the middle of the field and I thought at times overpowered us and actually after leading could have got another but then they are behind and showed their frailties. After the half time they reacted really well and deserved to be level and thought they may go on and win. They had a good spell and we sort of hung in there but then the last 10-15 minutes, I think United maybe shaded it and perhaps both teams were nervous having no points on the board.
Their tactics were very much get it to Beto and he held it up and others got round him but they did have pace and power. They have midfielders and forward who are quick, strong and mobile and at times thought they got through us way too easily but then the other way they gave away chances too easy. At the end they were lucky as lost a header and are inches away from losing the game. They clearly are vulnerable defensively but have enough I feel in the strength and power of midfield and the new lads Beto and Danzuma to maybe pull away from the bottom. They certainly have more depth than the relegated sides and have some management experience that I think will see them maybe just move away from us, Burnley and Luton. Today, they were better than I thought they would be in general play and shaded it for spells but then also showed some real weaknesses and in the end could have lost.
Opponent Man of the Match – Beto was a threat and rolled Egan a few times but I thought the midfield lads-controlled things – Gueye was competitive and moved it on and Onana was tidy but Doucoure was exceptional. He scored and was always an outlet and got on the ball. Souza is a decent signing but Everton – a side right down with us have player like Doucoure who is fitter, stronger, and better on the ball and that shows what we are up against really as much as we laud the likes of Hamer and Souza as smart signings (they are), Everton have 3 or 4 midfielders as good or better as much as we think they are a poor side. Pickford of course made a great save at the end to help get them a point.
Opponent Weak link – I thought both centre backs, Tarksowski and Branthwaite were susceptible and looked slow and easy to turn. Like with Egan and some of our back line, our front line caused them too many problems. The young lad is in as Keane struggle but he today really struggled with McBurnie.
Referee/Officials – Andy Madley. Better than the joker last week but that was not hard. Some odd decisions still but he was more consistent than the previous idiot we saw and if anything he maybe favoured us to them. I actually thought the two Everton yellows were harsh – the Hamer one was a foul but a yellow? The one second half there were shoves from a number of players and then he decided Doucoure pushed Baldock over but he had let a lot go in the few seconds before this so could understand Dyche’s frustration. Ahmedhodzic was an easy yellow and quite cynical and lucky it did not happen a few yards further forward. On the second goal, we did try and foul them numerous times so Everton will say justice is done! The rest of the game a few fussy ones both ways but not sure there was anything where I was thinking that is abysmal. I thought we had one good call for a penalty but then our players did not react much (the handball 2nd half). If we had scored, I would have been fuming as despite the delay for Tarksowki, he played nearly 3 minutes extra!
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Another pretty much sold out Bramall Lane and the crowd kept behind the team even though we were perhaps struggling to get the ball for spells. The goal of course sent the noise up and we sensed a victory but I thought the team never got going second half and it became a bit of a slug. The fans kept with the side and of course at the end nearly got the dream finish. I think we can all see we are doing our best but it does look hard work against footballers who just seem a bit better in most areas – again maybe this is a pessimistic take and you can argue a draw was about right in some ways but I feel we look a bit like a cup team at home playing on the break – that is why the last 10 minutes I was pleased as took more of an initiative. Everton got behind their side but seemed a bit frustrated at times by a mixed display from them where they ought to have won but then could have lost.
Manager Heckingbottom went with the McBurnie and Archer front line and left new signing Thomas on the bench with Larouci making his first league start. Latest signing James McAtee was introduced to the crowd but was not registered in time to play. Everton started with new signing Beto at the top of the field after his debut goal at Doncaster.
The Blades started slowly and Everton were moving it around and dominating the ball but unable to create much but Beto’s strength was causing problems for Egan in the United rearguard. Doucoure and Gueye were seeing a lot of the ball in the middle of the park and it was the away side looking the more likely to create but after Hamer sprang down the right, he invited the challenge from Branthwaite who was booked for the lunge. Egan got on the end of the free kick but his header lacked was saved from Pickford. Hamer then did well again and found Archer but Tarkowski managed to make the tackle sending it behind for a corner. Everton were looking to move through the third quickly but were using the strength of Beto and runners off him.
On 14 minutes, Everton took the lead and from the Blades point of view, it was another poor goal to concede. The corner came over and Robinson managed to get a block in, the ball came back in and Onana rose unchallenged to head down. Foderingham made the save but no United player reacted and DOUCOURE poked home. United asked for offside but it was clear that the goal would stand as United once again failed to stop the cross, win the header and react to the follow up.
Everton were now in confident mood after scoring their first Premier League goal of the season and were getting through the United midfield too easily. Norwood lost the ball and Egan again was turned too easily leading to a chance for Danjuma but his shot was blocked. Larouci was well forward at the other end but his shot was tame and straight at the keeper. United did have a good effort as Baldock fed Hamer whose shot was pushed away by Pickford.
Everton had another opportunity but Beto was blocked after turning Egan and Ahmedhodzic once again. However, out of nothing United were level and it was a good move and finish. Hamer sent the ball into the box, McBurnie held the ball up well and set ARCHER who hit a superb first-time finish right into the far corner as Pickford was motionless. The new signing ran over to celebrate mocking firing an archery bow into John Street as United were back on level terms.
Everton tried to respond and Danjuma was nearly in but Foderingham smothered well and made the save. Beto then got the better of Egan again but the ball squirmed free stopping any opportunity for the visitors. They had probably shaded the first half but had been pegged back and then in stoppage time, they fell behind. It was an innocuous ball forward but Hamer did superbly to hook the ball over his head into the path of Archer and the striker came inside and hit a tremendous curling shot which bounced off PICKFORD’s post and back off the keeper’s shoulder and into his own net. United were a touch fortunate to lead but the new man had made an instant impact with direct involvement in both goals as the Blades went in leading at half time.
Everton came out in determined fashion in the second half and withing 30 seconds could have been level as Beto got down the left channel on Robinson but his finish was wayward. United did not heed the warning and Danjuma was dragged down clumsily by Ahmedhodzic, just before he advanced into the box. The yellow card came out but it was deemed to be just outside the box. The free kick went into the wall.
United had not get going at all second half and the visitors were piling on the pressure. It was no surprise when they got level. United three times tried to stop the attack by illegal means as the ball was moved from centre to the right too easily and then Patterson sent over a cross with once again no pressure and when it came over DANJUMA was not picked up at all finished in routine fashion at the far post. The goal was a basic move and once again another cross and finish in the box that happened too easily.
The home side tried to respond and Baldock fed Larouci but he blazed over before Everton came again in waves and had two or three attacks held up at the last moment as United looked at full stretch. Larouci had been caught in an earlier challenge and was replaced by newcomer Thomas. Egan had picked up a knock in the first half and had tried to carry on but it was felt he was struggling too much and Basham came in with Ahmedhodzic moving inside. Thomas had an effort at Pickford at the back post and then there was an effort blocked from Danjuma at the other end. It was a finely balanced game with Everton looking the smoother of the two sides in transition with pace and power but United with McBurnie a focal point, were by no means out of it.
Doucoure was carded for a foul on Baldock after a series of meaty challenges from both side and Dyche was frustrated by the final decision. The free kick was headed away before Archer came off for Traore and McNeil came on for Garner. Ahmedhodzic twice stepped up to make the last-ditch tackle before McBurnie’s clever play made space for Traore who twice was outmuscled. United improved in the final stages. Basham made a timely interception and this helped United get up the field as six minutes of additional time were shown. At this stage both sides felt they could win it but United had the opportunities in this extra time. Robinson’s long throw was headed away before the home team won a late corner in the 98th minute after Tarkowski had gone down for treatment prior to this. The corner came in and McBurnie won it, heading the ball down into the turf but Pickford made a tremendous save pushing it onto the bar. The ball bounced down and McBurnie toed it goalwards again but the ball bounced off Pickford and onto the post and somehow the England keeper dived onto the loose ball. It was a remarkable double save and denied United three points. In truth it would have been harsh on the visitors who had been marginally the better side over the course of the contest but United had competed well and at least were off the mark for the season.
United – It is a point and at least we are on the board. I do think we would have been very fortunate to take all three (I know that sounds weird when we hit the bar/post and Pickford made a great double save). In general play I thought they were a bit better than us and had more of the ball and looked the more composed but we scored two good goals and could have had a few more. At the death we are so close to winning it. I do think Everton controlled a lot of the play and possession and that they would have been devastated to have trailed at half time as they had most of the play first half but then that is football and they were undone by poor defending and good play by us. We did really well to come back and get the lead but then second half (like the City game last week) we just completely sat back in the second half and to be honest they had 2 or 3 chances before they did finally get level. We did not get hold of the ball and were picked up and ran through too often. After it went 2-2, I feared the worse. They looked technically better, quicker, and stronger in many areas and thought we would do well not to lose. They did look most likely but oddly after the changes and Thomas came on and Anel went central, we were better and ended the game stronger. They kind of run out of steam and we had 2 or 3 half chances and then the big moment at the end. Ultimately I still think they were probably the slightly better side despite the late miss. It seemed a lot harder for us to create a chance or get in their third, than it did for them when one pass or two passed and they were through us.
A lot will be made of the defence and two goals came from crosses and inability to stop the ball coming in combined with poor marking and reactions. I agree that this is a major issue and we have conceded too many goals the same. The first no one reacted at all and then the second we tried desperately to foul but they picked us off with 3 or 4 passes and an easy cross and goal. It was way too easy and they could have had a few before this. It was annoying as we had conceded much of the possession first half but an excellent goal, well made and taken was followed up with another well finished goal. Archer showed why we signed him with two moments of real quality, helped by good play from McBurnie and Harmer. I did think we were a touch lucky to lead at half time as Everton had been the better team. It really disappointed me we never got going though and sat back after the break. I am worried about our midfield as like last time at this level we just seem to be physically overmatched and the pace and athleticism of teams seems too much for us? Norwood struggled with the pace and Souza also seemed to be struggling to keep up. Hamer worked hard but does not really do the defensive stuff much and those saying it has to be Souza, Hamer and McAtee may see a shock as we may be even more over matched in this area. I just felt it looked a lot like last time we were up there when teams just ran through too easily. When it got to the last third, the centre backs struggled with the physicality of some big lads. Egan in particular got a bit of a going over I felt and for the fourth game running, lost his battle and could not get tight enough to his man. He got an injury but even before that he just never got to grips with his man. Ahmedhodzic also struggled but he did improve when he went central.
Attacking wise, I felt McBurnie and Archer linked well and both looked a threat with Hamer playing well off the both of them but we effectively had three forward players as even though Baldock/Larouci and Thomas got forward a bit, we had no real help. Souza does a lot of the defensive stuff quite well but is not going to get forward very much and Norwood cannot really run at all so is mostly static. I think we still need legs in there and not sure McAtee coming in answers it even if Hamer plays further back. Maybe Davies can give us some legs? I just worry teams run off us and through us. I thought we played some pockets of good play attacking wise and did create bits and pieces but seems a lot header for us to create/get in the final third than other teams where it seems easier to move it forward and get past us? The lack of attacking options from us in reserve showed today as after Archer went off, it was a struggle and we relied on McBurnie too much.
I think we did show some good parts today and at times moved it nicely but once again, a relatively poor side (like Palace), controlled long spells of the game and looked like they could get through us too easily. I recall last time we got up, it seemed easier than I thought at this level and we competed and were winning a lot of the battles but I am not sure we have this time around? I think a lot of loose balls/headers and 50-50’s, the other side have come out on top and that is a worry when the opposition in most cases are technically better. I do not know whether this level had just improved again a few years from when we were last there, but it seems every side seems to be bigger, stronger and fitter than what I recall last time (granted we had a year with covid we were not attending)? We seemed to be blowing and at full stretch a fair bit in the game and even subs like Traore could not get to the pace.
I think we need to do the basics (winning the battle/header/loose stuff) and stopping crosses/headers if we are to have any chance. We have conceded goals in the most basic form really so far. The other way we have scored some good goals but do not score in the same way and it seems a struggle to create. I am maybe being too pessimistic for a 2-2 we could have even won but I do feel in general play that every team has looked superior in terms of athleticism, pace and power- that allied to having better technical players shows what a task it will be. Today we got a draw and I felt we did well to gain the point so it is a worry, as we have played 3/4 teams that will be in bottom 6 or 7 you feel? I The fact that I was kind of relieved to get a draw sums it up – it just concerns me where the wins/points are coming from? It was an exciting game and we contributed but not sure we had any control of the game or really looked like winning it. We need to look after the ball better, win the physical stuff and cut out stupid mistakes – if we cannot do this, then we are going to be struggling to put many points on the board.
Still, the positives are two goals (well one and a half) for Archer, McBurnie was excellent, Hamer had a good first half, Souza did a few ok bits and I felt Anel was excellent when in the middle. Larouci was better than last week and Thomas did ok when he came on. Also, McAtee to come in. I still see big issues (in terms of midfield coverage and striking options – allied to the defensive mistakes) but at least we showed today we can score goals.
We have a break and hopefully we can get some of the players up to fitness as today so many looked out on their feet too early in the game but it will be touch the next game at Spurs but maybe we might be better when we have to play on the break as today I thought we played more like the away team at times which was hard with the expectation to attack versus another poor side?
Ratings:
Foderingham 6.5/10 – Not sure he had much chance on either goal. The first goal he makes the save but not sure I can blame him at all. The defence did not react. The second the ball just comes across and he is left exposed. Not sure he made many other saves – one smothered from Danjuma first half and free kick from Young was it second half. Handling was ok. His kicking was poor.
Baldock 6.5/10 – Thought that he was ok at times but then switched off a bit and they had some attacks down his side. Did get in a few areas down the right but often there was a breakdown in communication in terms of setting up. He kept plugging away and second half involved in the one that led to the booking down the right side. He did get beat down the side on one occasion where it flashed across the box.
Larouci 6/10 – He started slowly again and made a few mistakes but then grew into it and had a run and shot and did the basics (just kicked it out). He struggled positional sense wise but he did put a lot of effort in. They got the cross in for the second goal but a number of players were not switched on. Had another poor shot over and then got injured after he was felled.
Robinson 6.5/10 – Thought this was poorest he has been in that there were a few poor clearances or moments he did not quite clear it. He did get his foot in a few times and made some blocks at least but I thought we struggled down the middle today in terms of them getting too many chances – like the 2nd half right at the start when they just ran through and nearly scored. He always seemed to be at full stretch today but did end the game better.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – First half maybe a 5/10 as they outmuscled us and turned us so many times. They were physically imposing themselves on our back line and we did not get their first but he did improve. Second half thought he was excellent, after the booking at least which was clumsy and nearly a penalty. When Egan went off, he went into the middle and was much better as he took control, read the game better and made a few superb tackles/interceptions. There is an argument he does play much better here.
Egan 5/10 – He has had a poor season so far. Not sure he has come out on top in any battle and today the lad Beto just kept moving him around and turned him several times. He was physically overmatched and he just seemed unable to stop the striker exerting himself. He was often guilty of ball watching too. He was slow again on the goal and he (and others) guilty of ball watching on the second. Pulled up with an injury and tried to carry on but we looked much better when he went off. He needs to wake up as been woefully off the pace so far and we need more from our captain and one of the player we thought would be fine at this level.
Norwood 6/10 – Mixed bag. Some decent pockets of play when he kept it simple and some ok balls forward. A few decent set plays but too often he was slow to react to things and they nicked it off his toe. He simply cannot run with it and the limits of his play seems to be to get it and just pass it within 5 seconds. He had to calm it down more as he is meant to be one of the experienced players. He seemed to get rattled or taken out of it too easily. He was the furthest back of the three but too often the opponents just ran through and we looked at full stretch or could not keep up with the pace/mobility. It was the same last time we were at this level. We looked all over the place in midfield for long spells – there was no distinguishable shape at all and we did not have a clear structure meaning Everton could just get through too easily. I am not sure what we do in that area but we have to be a little more solid and harder to get through but equally have to keep the ball better.
Souza 6/10 – He did some good things at times with a foot in and tackle and simple pass and you think yes he is functional player who does a bit of everything. However, he got ran off too much today and the midfield were too far apart. He also is way off it fitness wise. He was getting run past from half an hour in. He kept plugging away and again does some neat and tidy stuff but for 15 million was it – I actually expect a bit more than someone who wins the odd tackle/plays a square ball – maybe that is what you get for that price these days. As I say he has been ok in his first three games but we have lost midfield every game and have ceded possession every game (City I expect). We have to have more of the ball and if it not Norwood or him winning it or keeping control more, then how do we keep more of it? Maybe I am being harsh and every team just has better players but it was startling again today (like with Palace) how much fitter, quicker and athletic the midfielders the opponents had. As I say he was ok, but we were at home against one of the other poorer sides at this level and Everton just controlled big spells in the centre of the park so either he needs to get fitter or we need to have another player who can get about more. We seemed to be chasing shadows in this area almost every week?
Hamer 7/10 – He was very good first half with limited time on the ball. He ended up being wide left a lot and not as involved but then came inside and had more of it. He had a shot saved, then made the first and the second. He was very good in the final 20 minutes of the half and showed his technical ability. I do think he faded after the break and not sure he saw much of it at all and another who seemed like the pace/physicality was too much (as I say our players seemed absolutely knackered too early on). He needs to get fitter so he can contribute as games go on. He is playing just behind the strikers but he may have to drop back more as we are not seeing enough of the ball in this area. He was involved in the big moments in the game we had in that first half though and has some excellent ability on the football.
Archer 7.5/10 – He was always looking a threat and linked well with McBurnie, particularly first half. He had one chance blocked off early on after Hamer played him in and must another shot blocked. Quick and alert, he plays on the last shoulder. The goal he scored was a superb finish and then he added to it with a brilliant curled finish that was unlucky not to go in before it even did go in! After the break he had little of it as they dominated for 15 minutes. I would have left him on as we offered nothing when Traore came on but maybe he was tiring. To be fair he did not have much impact after the break but Traore offered nothing when he came on. A good debut.
McBurnie 8/10 – My man of the match. Led the line superbly and was a constant threat. The ball always stuck to him, he played others in and set up Archer superbly. He gave a very intelligent centre forward play and thought he did not really do much wrong. They fouled him a lot and tried to unsettle him but he played very maturely and linked well with Archer and Hamer. He kept the ball better than anyone for us and really deserved a goal and so unlucky at the end with the header and then the poked finish. Really good and showed some of those behind him what is needed at this level for us to have a chance.
Subs –
Thomas 7/10 – Did well. I am not sure Larouci was poor today and did some ok things but his awareness and reaction speed is lacking and we saw Thomas instantly in on the action, getting his toe in and moving forward. Had a shot saved and looked well up for it. Good debut. Think he will start next game.
Basham 7/10 – Thought he did well. One sliced clearance and foul apart, he stuck to his task and they had less time on the ball in this area, when he came on and Anel moved inside. Kept it simple but no problems at all with how he defended and ensure they had no time on the ball.
Traore 4/10 – Real struggle and looked out of his depth sadly. His mark may seem harsh but as in the week v Lincoln when he came on, he offered nothing at all. He showed some flashes v Palace/Forest and thought he would improve but he has regressed in the last few weeks of performances. I thought it would be ideal with him having pace and running at some slow-ish defenders but three times he had this opportunity and either through lack of strength or body control, just gifted it to them. He looked knackered only 5 minutes after he came on as they had easy out balls as he did not press. After Archer came off, McBurnie was on his own up front. Looked way off the level required for the top flight today and may need some u23 games for a period – worrying we have no one else as striking options except him and Osula who are not ready for this level where the pace/physicality is a notch up from u23/Swedish football. I know they are young but look at Evan Ferguson at 18 who had scored a hat trick tonight -these lads are 20 – so at the age they need to kick on really. It just all looked a much for him and looked like a kid in men’s football. We really needed another striking option with experience as we are badly undermanned in this area.
Manager: Heckingbottom 6.5/10 – It was ok in parts and we got a draw but I did feel we never had total control of the game at any stage. Everton started better and scored but then we got back into it and took the lead but the second half performance we were so slow and did not get to grips at all with them. It was almost like we were waiting to be pegged back. I wanted us to start that second half, having got a lead, maybe a bit fortunately and get hold of the ball/midfield but it never happened. The 3 we play in midfield is not really working in terms of us just not having the ball. We might plug McAtee in there but the issue will remain as we get passed through and do not win those battles in there. Souza has shown some bits and Hamer is decent on the ball but we just give up possession time after time cheaply and then lack the physical ingredients/pace to get back in and recover it. Without the mobility/size all over the field, we invite pressure but the basics of stopping crosses and winning headers has been a real issue. We are conceded 2 a game and means it is an uphill task just due to such poor defending. I am surprised we have not been busier and won more 50-50’s but then you step back and look at the personnel and compare to opponents and realise nearly every team are stronger, quicker and more mobile so that is why they run through us? Can we tactically nullify this when we do not have the player – not sure? I would play Davies in there and even consider going to a 4 at the back giving us an extra man in midfield – maybe play Davies and Souza ahead of Hamer and McAtee? We just are not seeing enough of the ball and means teams are dominating possession and having more chances. Maybe I am being harsh and it’s not his fault but I thought today against a so-called poorer side many was saying was a must win, you take away that McBurnie chance and it was a hard-fought point we did well to get.
I am still concerned we do not have a clear way of playing tactically. We seem to play a lot of balls long and rarely go through the thirds, if you like. When we did play football (first goal) we look ok but we seem to be a bit hot potato and I worry we do not trust ourselves to keep the ball and defensively we are too deep as we are concerned about pace. I know a lot have criticised us saying we are quite direct and ale house (dirty) but it is hard to argue as despite one really good goal, lot of our chances seem to come off scraps. We have no sustained possession nor sustained pressure on opponents and are mostly playing on the break or hoping for things to drop. I am not sure what the plan is – maybe that is it but against Everton today we played like the way side for long spells? As I say we seem overmanned so much in midfield – I thought Everton (and every other side we have played) had an extra man? That is why we might need to look at the formation. We are just inviting pressure.
We need to get the team that started today much fitter and sharper – we have to win more 50-50 balls and we have to stop the supply line into the forwards. We have a break now and can regroup but it will be tough as the next two are v Spurs and Man Utd. You are looking at these and saying if we get one point we have done well. That is the problem – even if we did that we would have 2 points from 18 and be bottom three. It’s just hard to see which teams we are better than or can beat but that would have been the case even before the Ndiaye sale and all the late business we had to do. I just think the league has got so much better.
Everton – For long spells they controlled the game and would have been gutted to trail at the break but they gave away two poor goals. I thought if we went at them and turned them around (not long balls but down the channels) we would have caused more problems. They looked square and static at the back and when we did attack we caused problems. They did have a lot of the ball in the middle of the field and I thought at times overpowered us and actually after leading could have got another but then they are behind and showed their frailties. After the half time they reacted really well and deserved to be level and thought they may go on and win. They had a good spell and we sort of hung in there but then the last 10-15 minutes, I think United maybe shaded it and perhaps both teams were nervous having no points on the board.
Their tactics were very much get it to Beto and he held it up and others got round him but they did have pace and power. They have midfielders and forward who are quick, strong and mobile and at times thought they got through us way too easily but then the other way they gave away chances too easy. At the end they were lucky as lost a header and are inches away from losing the game. They clearly are vulnerable defensively but have enough I feel in the strength and power of midfield and the new lads Beto and Danzuma to maybe pull away from the bottom. They certainly have more depth than the relegated sides and have some management experience that I think will see them maybe just move away from us, Burnley and Luton. Today, they were better than I thought they would be in general play and shaded it for spells but then also showed some real weaknesses and in the end could have lost.
Opponent Man of the Match – Beto was a threat and rolled Egan a few times but I thought the midfield lads-controlled things – Gueye was competitive and moved it on and Onana was tidy but Doucoure was exceptional. He scored and was always an outlet and got on the ball. Souza is a decent signing but Everton – a side right down with us have player like Doucoure who is fitter, stronger, and better on the ball and that shows what we are up against really as much as we laud the likes of Hamer and Souza as smart signings (they are), Everton have 3 or 4 midfielders as good or better as much as we think they are a poor side. Pickford of course made a great save at the end to help get them a point.
Opponent Weak link – I thought both centre backs, Tarksowski and Branthwaite were susceptible and looked slow and easy to turn. Like with Egan and some of our back line, our front line caused them too many problems. The young lad is in as Keane struggle but he today really struggled with McBurnie.
Referee/Officials – Andy Madley. Better than the joker last week but that was not hard. Some odd decisions still but he was more consistent than the previous idiot we saw and if anything he maybe favoured us to them. I actually thought the two Everton yellows were harsh – the Hamer one was a foul but a yellow? The one second half there were shoves from a number of players and then he decided Doucoure pushed Baldock over but he had let a lot go in the few seconds before this so could understand Dyche’s frustration. Ahmedhodzic was an easy yellow and quite cynical and lucky it did not happen a few yards further forward. On the second goal, we did try and foul them numerous times so Everton will say justice is done! The rest of the game a few fussy ones both ways but not sure there was anything where I was thinking that is abysmal. I thought we had one good call for a penalty but then our players did not react much (the handball 2nd half). If we had scored, I would have been fuming as despite the delay for Tarksowki, he played nearly 3 minutes extra!
Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Another pretty much sold out Bramall Lane and the crowd kept behind the team even though we were perhaps struggling to get the ball for spells. The goal of course sent the noise up and we sensed a victory but I thought the team never got going second half and it became a bit of a slug. The fans kept with the side and of course at the end nearly got the dream finish. I think we can all see we are doing our best but it does look hard work against footballers who just seem a bit better in most areas – again maybe this is a pessimistic take and you can argue a draw was about right in some ways but I feel we look a bit like a cup team at home playing on the break – that is why the last 10 minutes I was pleased as took more of an initiative. Everton got behind their side but seemed a bit frustrated at times by a mixed display from them where they ought to have won but then could have lost.
