Post by deadbat on Apr 24, 2024 22:27:09 GMT
The Blades are on the brink of relegation as their long winless run continued as it is now 10 games without victory after defeat at Old Trafford.
United made four changes with goalkeeper Ivo Grbic taken out of the side along with McAtee and Souza. Oli McBurnie was injured yet again and was not in the match day squad with reports that he had a torn abductor muscle which would see his season, and potentially United career, at an end. In came out of the cold, Wes Foderingham between the sticks, Mason Holgate, Andre Brooks and Cameron Archer. Young midfielder Oli Arblaster was named captain at only 20 years of age, only weeks after making his Premier League bow.
The home side who were fortunate to survive a thrilling cup semi-final at the weekend, named Chrisitan Eriksen in their starting line up for the first time since January. Marcus Rashford was out with an injury.
After 30 seconds, the home side were nearly ahead as they attacked from the kick off and Dalot looked to repeat his goal at Bramall Lane. This time his long-range effort was flicked over from Foderingham. The corner was not properly cleared as the pressure stayed on. Brooks did get the Blades out but his cross was comfortable for Onana. Trusty and Osborn then got in a mess as Antony looked to use his pace before the Red Devils were somehow 3 on 2 but Fernandes was caught offside as Ahmedhodiz made a great block on Garnarcho anyway.
Brooks did well to block the ball down the right but it came across Dalot had too much room and Arblaster had to put the ball behind. Casemiro beat Ahmedhodzic to the header but put it over the top.
The visiting side at least managed a couple of attacks after such a one-sided start but Archer badly pulled his shot wide after Hamer released him. Not long after Brereton Diaz was in a good position but his shot also lacked power.
Bogle then denied Garnarcho who was looking the danger man and he had a shot at Foderingham soon after. Arblaster brought down Mainoo but the young midfielder got back to make a block soon after before Garnacho fired over. The winger was causing all sort of problems with his quick feet and strong running and he played a one two and after faking his shot, he lined it up and seemed set to score but Foderingham made a superb save to deny him. It was concerning how easy he got in, effectively walking his way through the Blades defence.
Trusty then failed to clear properly and Fernandes pulled it back but Antony’s shot deflected over. The Brazilian winger then shot wide as Man Utd completely dominated the ball as the Blades were just sitting back as attack after attack came in.
On 29 minutes, the offside flag denied a rare break when Arblaster tried to pick a pass through. The home side continued to try and get down the sides and Hojlund then was in on the angle but Foderingham made the save.
He made another save, this time from Mainoo but the flag was up again in the build-up. The Blades stunned the home side when they took a goal completely against the run of play. Onana made a mess of trying to clear it and BOGLE intercepted, strode into the box, and calmly slotted it inside the near post to delight the away following at the other end of the ground.
Man Utd tried to respond despite murmurs around Old Trafford and Holgate was booked for a cynical foul on Garnarcho. Fernandes rolled it to the side but the Blades got out and made the block but soon after Foderingham made another save from Fernandes.
Mainoo then outfoxed Trusty, who baulked him after the attempted nutmeg. The defender will say he could not get out of the way but did move across to block his run so the free kick was understandable. The ball was sent across and no one got out to Garnarcho and he sent a cross that MAGUIRE flicked precisely into the corner. Even Foderingham could not stop that as Holgate was not tight enough to the former Blades favourite. There was a VAR check for offside but the goal stood.
Foderingham then made another superb save as Garnarcho as the offside trap was finally beaten but the keeper sprang to his right to make a great save.
3 minutes of stoppage time saw the Blades concede two corner but they survived to go in level despite the home side having 83% possession and 18 shots on goal!
Souza replaced Brooks at half time but Foderingham was put into action again as he has to save from Mainoo. The Blades took the lead again though soon after as United broke away and the ball was transferred to Hamer. The midfielder patiently waited for support and fed Osborn who cross was turned home emphatically by BRERETON DIAZ. The striker run away to celebrate in front of the United fans in the corner. It was an excellent team goal and showed United could find chances and opportunities to score.
Antony was replaced by Diallo, just after he was fortunate to get away with whacking his compatriot Souza. Fernandes shot deflected wide before the corner came in and Trusty had a good hold of Maguire’s shirt and the defender hit the deck. The ball squirmed into the net after a deflection but the referee had already given a penalty kick for the hold and shirt pull.
FERNANDES sent Foderingham the wrong way and quickly parity was restored. The home side sensed the next goal would be theirs and they nearly were in front after Bogle’s errant pass was intercepted but the Blades got bodies back to snuff out the chance.
McTominay came on for Eriksen and Osborn had to head behind after another run from Garnacho saw him get away from Bogle. The Blades unbelievable nearly went in front as Brereton Diaz’s shot deflected off Maguire and went narrowly wide with Onana completely wrong footed.
A short corner then saw the ball sent over and Brereton Diaz hit an effort from close range that was blocked. The Blades had looked like scoring they had attacked but these efforts were so rare and Man Utd continued to dominate possession and force the visitors back. Mainoo ball nearly got Fernandes in before Norwood came on for Bogle, who was tiring. Holgate went to right wing back and Souza dropped into centre defence.
On 80 minutes, Man Utd took the lead for the first time. It was a moment of magic from FERNANDES who came inside and with no one closing him down thundered a beauty into the top corner away from Foderingham’s dive.
The 4th came not long after to seal it as a tired Blades side were leaving gaps all over the field. Fernandes was in on the right and with some Blades defenders going out, Ahmedhodzic stayed back but the ball across was met by HOJLUND, who finished easily from close range.
Hamer got clipped to win a late free kick that he curled not far wide and then Souza’s header was palmed away from a corner as the Blades kept plugging away. Garnarcho had another shot saved from Foderingham as the game entered an additional 9 minutes of stoppage time but the result was not in doubt now and the home side eased to a win, that for a long time did not seem likely.
United – It went better in many ways than I thought. We gave them a game and scored two goals and they only moved away from us with two late-ish goals. Despite Man Utd’s issues recently and Coventry close to beating them, still thought they would be far too strong and win easily. They did in the end and stats wise they had so much possession, 72%, and 25 shots with 13 on target but we led twice and we had other good moments going forward and were right in the game and ahead for spells. We did not keep the leads for long and it felt like without Wes, it would have been a much heavier defeat but we did ok in aspects of the game. Going forward we did look a threat, scoring two and could have had a few more. However, the general flow of the game meant that we did not keep possession and were just sitting off from the start and almost waiting for the inevitable instead of pressing or closing them down.
Defensively we were really poor again (so were they) and basic marking or tracking runners is still a huge issue. There are gaps all over and it seems like we do not have any kind of defensive shape – often some defenders go out and some stay back. Added to that, we just cough up possession so cheaply and it means attack after attack comes in and we are just sat in our own box, almost waiting for the inevitable. It is frustrating that for all Wes’ saves he made, the first two goals came from set plays/aerial crosses we did not deal with. Maguire was involved in both of these and we ended up with Trusty trying to deal with him and struggling. In general play, we were second best but then bizarrely we’d have the odd break or moment and look good. Often though we panicked and kicked it away and then meant we just saw the ball coming back and we were chasing so much from the start. Man Utd got through us way too easily, particularly down the sides or the inside channels and the defence never seemed to be in line. I think with better finishing and worse keeping, then they score 7 or 8 goals tonight but then we could have had a few more too.
It was odd watching a game and not really feeling any pressure. I kind of enjoyed it. Wilder made some changes and did drop Grbic and Souza but it seems like he has little choice in other calls and is essentially picking whoever is fit – especially if McBurnie is injured again. A lot will be made of in game subs and none had any real impact yet again. I have no idea why he keeps going to Norwood – he is having no influence on games. Ditto for McAtee. Brooks was not really in it but then he puts Souza back in the side at half time – why did he not give someone else a go but then outside Slimane, options are really limited. Some will say we were 2-2 when Norwood came on but I think whilst he has offered nothing, and Souza didn’t – the other lads that came off were knackered. I think if we left players on, we would still have lost tonight. It’s more about the lads that come on are not able to run either. It’s worrying they look as leggy as those they have replaced!
I think first half we were too passive and just sat back and the goal we scored was a bit fortunate but taken well. After this we sat back again and it was obvious they would score. We opened a bit more second half and had more breaks/chances and had pockets of better and more controlled play. Sadly, it was sporadic and too often we would just lose the ball or kick it away and then defend. There was little attempt to just keep the ball for a period of time and move up the field (think we did this once or twice and one led to the second goal). Overall, the result looks comfortable for Man Utd but it wasn’t but then the flip side is we could have had a real mauling without a keeper in form. It seems some stubbornness from Wilder has stopped him bringing Wes back as the change should have been made a while ago. I get Wes was rightly dropped but then when the lad comes in, is even worse, you go back to him as he is the ‘other’ keeper. We have routinely kept dropping outfield players and then bringing them back again despite poor form.
We are nearly at the end and Saturday may confirm it. We still have this mish mash of players we want to build around in Bogle, Arblaster, Hamer etc and then players who will probably/hopefully go in Anel/Souza etc. We then have a number who are just not good enough (Trusty, Grbic) that we may be stuck with and then loan players who are doing ok (Holgate/BBD/Archer) but won’t be here. It almost seems like we are just playing whoever is fit and not had the ire of Wilder that week and there is so few options that we are kind of stuck. I think even Wilder just wants the season done now so he can start building for next season. I would like to see some more younger players given a go now but he again is caught between us getting more hammerings especially as we are nearing the 100 goals conceded mark which is a real embarrassment.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8.5/10 – Superb game and was inspired throughout. He conceded four but had little to no chance with any and made tons of saves. He made 2 or 3 brilliant ones (a few might have been offside) but he also made some point-blank ones and seemed like they could not get past him. Right to be recalled but then he will not be here for next season and probably auditioning for his new club! Has to stay in though as at least him playing gives us a chance. I genuinely think we would have conceded double the amount of goals tonight with Grbic playing.
Bogle 6/10 – Attacking wise, he got up when he could and had a few good runs and scored the opener with a cool finish where he was really composed. Is a good finisher when he gets in on goal. Would be more a 7-7.5 for his attacking but then the other way he struggled tonight. Defensively, Garnarcho gave him a really hard game and felt he was really stretched with little protection. He kept going and made some tackles/blocks but also gave his man way too much space (1st goal) and they got down this side a fair bit. Came off as he was knackered.
Osborn 5/10 – Did he best but looked a midfielder being asked to play left wing back. Antony is a frustrating player but did get down this side a few times and cause some problems. At times Osborn was really stretched and felt they did come down the flanks a fair bit. He did keep going and then got forward and set up the goal with a decent ball back. They did have more chances as the game went on and too often the pace and power saw him struggle to stop the runs.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Began ok but then quickly started to chasing the ball or losing his shape – too often he stays back and means we are so deep that teams can just swarm all over us. The first half he at least won a few tackles but then second half he seemed to start wandering around again and we had gaps down both sides as the defence was not compact at all. He looks a bit disinterested by it all and I think he will leave in the summer.
Holgate 4/10 – He had been ok in recent games but thought he struggled today. The first goal he switches off badly and Maguire gets to it too easily. He nearly gifted them another second half as he miskicks it completely. Not tight enough to his man often but then he whacks someone to get a booking. Thought the three centre backs were never in line and there is no organisation at all.
Trusty 4/10 – Not sure he was any worse than those above and he did make a few interceptions and get back but he switched off a lot too – particularly on set plays. The first goal, he blocks his man (I think it was a foul as he did not turn around and faces the man up and moves across) and they score from this free kick – or soon after. The second he does grab Maguire and had been warmed so stupid. The fourth he is nowhere near his man as Anel went out and he could not get back. On the actual game, he was not as bad as he has been in terms of blocks/clearances and competing but the analysis of the goals sums it up. Often caught ball watching or grappling with his man rather than attacking the ball and imposing himself. I think if we had other options, he would have been taken out.
Brooks 4/10 – Had one run and cross and then a decent tackle but struggled I felt with the pace of the game and barely noticed him as it was wave after wave. Thought he was poor Saturday when he came on and at the moment not really showing enough to start – looks a fair way off the promise he showed just before Xmas when Wilder put him in.
Hamer 6.5/10 – Started quietly but then a few decent balls and started to have more of an influence. I felt defensively we sat off (all of our team) and he needed to press more off the ball but then 2nd half saw his quality and he set up the first with the assist to an assist and had a few other good moments. Free kick at the end not far wide. One to build around.
Arblaster 6.5/10 – Another quietly decent game. He had to press and chase a lot but thought he showed a lot of effort and the few times we/he had the ball tried to always go forward and played some decent balls too and tried things. He was composed when he had it and does not panic. A few good blocks mixed with a few fouls too. Big move for Wilder to make him captain – think it was as much a statement for the rest of the team and their pitiful efforts this season but also recognised his impact since he was put in the team.
Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Mixed bag. Some good runs and offered an outlet but also a bit slow to do things a few times too. He did keep going and then got his reward with the second goal and nearly had another not long after at 2-2. Clever player who tries to keep the ball. Would be great to keep him but not sure he will be back? Fact he will end up probably our second leading scorer and he has not played that many games sums it up.
Archer 4.5/10 – Not really in the game at all – granted no service. One weak shot pulled wide but then I barely noticed him and he was taken off second half.
Subs -
Souza 4/10 – He made one tackle and one pass but outside of this seemed to just stumble around and again offered little to no protection to the defence as balls came though constantly. One moment he sort of lost a tackle and fell in a heap and feigned injury. Not sure why he came on even if Brooks was poor? Ended up centre back to end the game as we conceded two late goals.
McAtee – Another that has been desperately disappointing the last few months. Today he came on, did very little (won one free kick), got injured and went off again. We might not see him again now?
Norwood – No idea why he keeps putting him on. He is too slow, cannot get around and when he gets it these days all he can do is just punt it forward.
Osula – Came on right at the end for the sub himself, McAtee, but the game was up at this stage.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – The performance and efforts we gave was fine. The players did their best but made some poor decisions with and without the ball and defensively we concede so many chances/shots. We are sloppy at keeping the ball and often it just keeps coming back. However, we did at times get men forward and this contributed to two goals (and could have had more) but then they could have scored a lot more too. He made the change in goal and took Souza out – so surprised he brought him back and then we ended up with a really slow core and they can go through us at will. He simply had no real options in reserve but then I would maybe try some of those; he has not tried? I am concerned that here we are from him coming in early Dec to nearly May and we still have not improved the way the team defends, collectively or individually. We have no chance of winning games when we keep shipping 4’s and 5’s almost every game. He has to address this ASAP if we hope to win more games as these weaknesses will still be exposed even in the league below. We have conceded 43 goals in 14 games in 2024.
The reality is, we have improved marginally and do look a goal threat but we are just as bad defensively under him as we were Hecky- maybe it is mostly down to personnel but we still have to have a solid base and shape and we have not seen that emerge at all. The Arblaster captaincy pick seemed a bit of a two fingers to more senior players who have played poorly all season.
Man Utd – They were not great – much like Burnley weren’t but another team that scores four goals and could have had more. They should have been a few goals up before the keeper error but then get level instantly but then more bad defending and they are behind again. They look so vulnerable and can see why teams have been routinely scoring against them. At 1-2 we missed a chance to turn the screw and needed to ensure we did not concede quickly but we did and then after that you know they will up it and get the win – especially when we just sat back.
In general play, they showed some nice bits and Garnarcho and Fernandez were the stand outs and they had so many shots but they also were shocking at the back and allowed us other chances. In the end, they did enough to win but I think the manager will leave at the end of the season. There are bigger issues than him, but they are not a side that anyone particularly fears and have lots of overhyped players not really doing it.
Opponent Man of the Match – Fernandes scored two and involved in another. The third was a great shot to be fair. He is a whining so and so I must admit but was the best player on the pitch tonight. Maguire scored one and won the penalty.
Opponent Weak link – Onana made an absolute howler so probably takes this award but Casemiro is not a centre back. Antony is really frustrating and is not good enough to start for a side like Man Utd.
Referee/Officials – No real major issues. Not seen the Maguire one back – some say they did not draw the lines and was tight but I thought we had a player maybe just playing him on but might be wrong? The Trusty block was soft but had to be given the minute he moves across and does not turn. If he stands still, it may not be given. The penalty he does grab his shirt and he had been warned but surely he should just wait and then he gives the goal – blew a bit too quick? Outside of this there were a few things maybe he gave to them but only one booking all game (thought Antony should have been for a foul on Souza) Holgate for a poor foul. Not sure there were any major issues but you sense they cannot wait to give the marginal decisions to the bigger clubs.
United made four changes with goalkeeper Ivo Grbic taken out of the side along with McAtee and Souza. Oli McBurnie was injured yet again and was not in the match day squad with reports that he had a torn abductor muscle which would see his season, and potentially United career, at an end. In came out of the cold, Wes Foderingham between the sticks, Mason Holgate, Andre Brooks and Cameron Archer. Young midfielder Oli Arblaster was named captain at only 20 years of age, only weeks after making his Premier League bow.
The home side who were fortunate to survive a thrilling cup semi-final at the weekend, named Chrisitan Eriksen in their starting line up for the first time since January. Marcus Rashford was out with an injury.
After 30 seconds, the home side were nearly ahead as they attacked from the kick off and Dalot looked to repeat his goal at Bramall Lane. This time his long-range effort was flicked over from Foderingham. The corner was not properly cleared as the pressure stayed on. Brooks did get the Blades out but his cross was comfortable for Onana. Trusty and Osborn then got in a mess as Antony looked to use his pace before the Red Devils were somehow 3 on 2 but Fernandes was caught offside as Ahmedhodiz made a great block on Garnarcho anyway.
Brooks did well to block the ball down the right but it came across Dalot had too much room and Arblaster had to put the ball behind. Casemiro beat Ahmedhodzic to the header but put it over the top.
The visiting side at least managed a couple of attacks after such a one-sided start but Archer badly pulled his shot wide after Hamer released him. Not long after Brereton Diaz was in a good position but his shot also lacked power.
Bogle then denied Garnarcho who was looking the danger man and he had a shot at Foderingham soon after. Arblaster brought down Mainoo but the young midfielder got back to make a block soon after before Garnacho fired over. The winger was causing all sort of problems with his quick feet and strong running and he played a one two and after faking his shot, he lined it up and seemed set to score but Foderingham made a superb save to deny him. It was concerning how easy he got in, effectively walking his way through the Blades defence.
Trusty then failed to clear properly and Fernandes pulled it back but Antony’s shot deflected over. The Brazilian winger then shot wide as Man Utd completely dominated the ball as the Blades were just sitting back as attack after attack came in.
On 29 minutes, the offside flag denied a rare break when Arblaster tried to pick a pass through. The home side continued to try and get down the sides and Hojlund then was in on the angle but Foderingham made the save.
He made another save, this time from Mainoo but the flag was up again in the build-up. The Blades stunned the home side when they took a goal completely against the run of play. Onana made a mess of trying to clear it and BOGLE intercepted, strode into the box, and calmly slotted it inside the near post to delight the away following at the other end of the ground.
Man Utd tried to respond despite murmurs around Old Trafford and Holgate was booked for a cynical foul on Garnarcho. Fernandes rolled it to the side but the Blades got out and made the block but soon after Foderingham made another save from Fernandes.
Mainoo then outfoxed Trusty, who baulked him after the attempted nutmeg. The defender will say he could not get out of the way but did move across to block his run so the free kick was understandable. The ball was sent across and no one got out to Garnarcho and he sent a cross that MAGUIRE flicked precisely into the corner. Even Foderingham could not stop that as Holgate was not tight enough to the former Blades favourite. There was a VAR check for offside but the goal stood.
Foderingham then made another superb save as Garnarcho as the offside trap was finally beaten but the keeper sprang to his right to make a great save.
3 minutes of stoppage time saw the Blades concede two corner but they survived to go in level despite the home side having 83% possession and 18 shots on goal!
Souza replaced Brooks at half time but Foderingham was put into action again as he has to save from Mainoo. The Blades took the lead again though soon after as United broke away and the ball was transferred to Hamer. The midfielder patiently waited for support and fed Osborn who cross was turned home emphatically by BRERETON DIAZ. The striker run away to celebrate in front of the United fans in the corner. It was an excellent team goal and showed United could find chances and opportunities to score.
Antony was replaced by Diallo, just after he was fortunate to get away with whacking his compatriot Souza. Fernandes shot deflected wide before the corner came in and Trusty had a good hold of Maguire’s shirt and the defender hit the deck. The ball squirmed into the net after a deflection but the referee had already given a penalty kick for the hold and shirt pull.
FERNANDES sent Foderingham the wrong way and quickly parity was restored. The home side sensed the next goal would be theirs and they nearly were in front after Bogle’s errant pass was intercepted but the Blades got bodies back to snuff out the chance.
McTominay came on for Eriksen and Osborn had to head behind after another run from Garnacho saw him get away from Bogle. The Blades unbelievable nearly went in front as Brereton Diaz’s shot deflected off Maguire and went narrowly wide with Onana completely wrong footed.
A short corner then saw the ball sent over and Brereton Diaz hit an effort from close range that was blocked. The Blades had looked like scoring they had attacked but these efforts were so rare and Man Utd continued to dominate possession and force the visitors back. Mainoo ball nearly got Fernandes in before Norwood came on for Bogle, who was tiring. Holgate went to right wing back and Souza dropped into centre defence.
On 80 minutes, Man Utd took the lead for the first time. It was a moment of magic from FERNANDES who came inside and with no one closing him down thundered a beauty into the top corner away from Foderingham’s dive.
The 4th came not long after to seal it as a tired Blades side were leaving gaps all over the field. Fernandes was in on the right and with some Blades defenders going out, Ahmedhodzic stayed back but the ball across was met by HOJLUND, who finished easily from close range.
Hamer got clipped to win a late free kick that he curled not far wide and then Souza’s header was palmed away from a corner as the Blades kept plugging away. Garnarcho had another shot saved from Foderingham as the game entered an additional 9 minutes of stoppage time but the result was not in doubt now and the home side eased to a win, that for a long time did not seem likely.
United – It went better in many ways than I thought. We gave them a game and scored two goals and they only moved away from us with two late-ish goals. Despite Man Utd’s issues recently and Coventry close to beating them, still thought they would be far too strong and win easily. They did in the end and stats wise they had so much possession, 72%, and 25 shots with 13 on target but we led twice and we had other good moments going forward and were right in the game and ahead for spells. We did not keep the leads for long and it felt like without Wes, it would have been a much heavier defeat but we did ok in aspects of the game. Going forward we did look a threat, scoring two and could have had a few more. However, the general flow of the game meant that we did not keep possession and were just sitting off from the start and almost waiting for the inevitable instead of pressing or closing them down.
Defensively we were really poor again (so were they) and basic marking or tracking runners is still a huge issue. There are gaps all over and it seems like we do not have any kind of defensive shape – often some defenders go out and some stay back. Added to that, we just cough up possession so cheaply and it means attack after attack comes in and we are just sat in our own box, almost waiting for the inevitable. It is frustrating that for all Wes’ saves he made, the first two goals came from set plays/aerial crosses we did not deal with. Maguire was involved in both of these and we ended up with Trusty trying to deal with him and struggling. In general play, we were second best but then bizarrely we’d have the odd break or moment and look good. Often though we panicked and kicked it away and then meant we just saw the ball coming back and we were chasing so much from the start. Man Utd got through us way too easily, particularly down the sides or the inside channels and the defence never seemed to be in line. I think with better finishing and worse keeping, then they score 7 or 8 goals tonight but then we could have had a few more too.
It was odd watching a game and not really feeling any pressure. I kind of enjoyed it. Wilder made some changes and did drop Grbic and Souza but it seems like he has little choice in other calls and is essentially picking whoever is fit – especially if McBurnie is injured again. A lot will be made of in game subs and none had any real impact yet again. I have no idea why he keeps going to Norwood – he is having no influence on games. Ditto for McAtee. Brooks was not really in it but then he puts Souza back in the side at half time – why did he not give someone else a go but then outside Slimane, options are really limited. Some will say we were 2-2 when Norwood came on but I think whilst he has offered nothing, and Souza didn’t – the other lads that came off were knackered. I think if we left players on, we would still have lost tonight. It’s more about the lads that come on are not able to run either. It’s worrying they look as leggy as those they have replaced!
I think first half we were too passive and just sat back and the goal we scored was a bit fortunate but taken well. After this we sat back again and it was obvious they would score. We opened a bit more second half and had more breaks/chances and had pockets of better and more controlled play. Sadly, it was sporadic and too often we would just lose the ball or kick it away and then defend. There was little attempt to just keep the ball for a period of time and move up the field (think we did this once or twice and one led to the second goal). Overall, the result looks comfortable for Man Utd but it wasn’t but then the flip side is we could have had a real mauling without a keeper in form. It seems some stubbornness from Wilder has stopped him bringing Wes back as the change should have been made a while ago. I get Wes was rightly dropped but then when the lad comes in, is even worse, you go back to him as he is the ‘other’ keeper. We have routinely kept dropping outfield players and then bringing them back again despite poor form.
We are nearly at the end and Saturday may confirm it. We still have this mish mash of players we want to build around in Bogle, Arblaster, Hamer etc and then players who will probably/hopefully go in Anel/Souza etc. We then have a number who are just not good enough (Trusty, Grbic) that we may be stuck with and then loan players who are doing ok (Holgate/BBD/Archer) but won’t be here. It almost seems like we are just playing whoever is fit and not had the ire of Wilder that week and there is so few options that we are kind of stuck. I think even Wilder just wants the season done now so he can start building for next season. I would like to see some more younger players given a go now but he again is caught between us getting more hammerings especially as we are nearing the 100 goals conceded mark which is a real embarrassment.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8.5/10 – Superb game and was inspired throughout. He conceded four but had little to no chance with any and made tons of saves. He made 2 or 3 brilliant ones (a few might have been offside) but he also made some point-blank ones and seemed like they could not get past him. Right to be recalled but then he will not be here for next season and probably auditioning for his new club! Has to stay in though as at least him playing gives us a chance. I genuinely think we would have conceded double the amount of goals tonight with Grbic playing.
Bogle 6/10 – Attacking wise, he got up when he could and had a few good runs and scored the opener with a cool finish where he was really composed. Is a good finisher when he gets in on goal. Would be more a 7-7.5 for his attacking but then the other way he struggled tonight. Defensively, Garnarcho gave him a really hard game and felt he was really stretched with little protection. He kept going and made some tackles/blocks but also gave his man way too much space (1st goal) and they got down this side a fair bit. Came off as he was knackered.
Osborn 5/10 – Did he best but looked a midfielder being asked to play left wing back. Antony is a frustrating player but did get down this side a few times and cause some problems. At times Osborn was really stretched and felt they did come down the flanks a fair bit. He did keep going and then got forward and set up the goal with a decent ball back. They did have more chances as the game went on and too often the pace and power saw him struggle to stop the runs.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Began ok but then quickly started to chasing the ball or losing his shape – too often he stays back and means we are so deep that teams can just swarm all over us. The first half he at least won a few tackles but then second half he seemed to start wandering around again and we had gaps down both sides as the defence was not compact at all. He looks a bit disinterested by it all and I think he will leave in the summer.
Holgate 4/10 – He had been ok in recent games but thought he struggled today. The first goal he switches off badly and Maguire gets to it too easily. He nearly gifted them another second half as he miskicks it completely. Not tight enough to his man often but then he whacks someone to get a booking. Thought the three centre backs were never in line and there is no organisation at all.
Trusty 4/10 – Not sure he was any worse than those above and he did make a few interceptions and get back but he switched off a lot too – particularly on set plays. The first goal, he blocks his man (I think it was a foul as he did not turn around and faces the man up and moves across) and they score from this free kick – or soon after. The second he does grab Maguire and had been warmed so stupid. The fourth he is nowhere near his man as Anel went out and he could not get back. On the actual game, he was not as bad as he has been in terms of blocks/clearances and competing but the analysis of the goals sums it up. Often caught ball watching or grappling with his man rather than attacking the ball and imposing himself. I think if we had other options, he would have been taken out.
Brooks 4/10 – Had one run and cross and then a decent tackle but struggled I felt with the pace of the game and barely noticed him as it was wave after wave. Thought he was poor Saturday when he came on and at the moment not really showing enough to start – looks a fair way off the promise he showed just before Xmas when Wilder put him in.
Hamer 6.5/10 – Started quietly but then a few decent balls and started to have more of an influence. I felt defensively we sat off (all of our team) and he needed to press more off the ball but then 2nd half saw his quality and he set up the first with the assist to an assist and had a few other good moments. Free kick at the end not far wide. One to build around.
Arblaster 6.5/10 – Another quietly decent game. He had to press and chase a lot but thought he showed a lot of effort and the few times we/he had the ball tried to always go forward and played some decent balls too and tried things. He was composed when he had it and does not panic. A few good blocks mixed with a few fouls too. Big move for Wilder to make him captain – think it was as much a statement for the rest of the team and their pitiful efforts this season but also recognised his impact since he was put in the team.
Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Mixed bag. Some good runs and offered an outlet but also a bit slow to do things a few times too. He did keep going and then got his reward with the second goal and nearly had another not long after at 2-2. Clever player who tries to keep the ball. Would be great to keep him but not sure he will be back? Fact he will end up probably our second leading scorer and he has not played that many games sums it up.
Archer 4.5/10 – Not really in the game at all – granted no service. One weak shot pulled wide but then I barely noticed him and he was taken off second half.
Subs -
Souza 4/10 – He made one tackle and one pass but outside of this seemed to just stumble around and again offered little to no protection to the defence as balls came though constantly. One moment he sort of lost a tackle and fell in a heap and feigned injury. Not sure why he came on even if Brooks was poor? Ended up centre back to end the game as we conceded two late goals.
McAtee – Another that has been desperately disappointing the last few months. Today he came on, did very little (won one free kick), got injured and went off again. We might not see him again now?
Norwood – No idea why he keeps putting him on. He is too slow, cannot get around and when he gets it these days all he can do is just punt it forward.
Osula – Came on right at the end for the sub himself, McAtee, but the game was up at this stage.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – The performance and efforts we gave was fine. The players did their best but made some poor decisions with and without the ball and defensively we concede so many chances/shots. We are sloppy at keeping the ball and often it just keeps coming back. However, we did at times get men forward and this contributed to two goals (and could have had more) but then they could have scored a lot more too. He made the change in goal and took Souza out – so surprised he brought him back and then we ended up with a really slow core and they can go through us at will. He simply had no real options in reserve but then I would maybe try some of those; he has not tried? I am concerned that here we are from him coming in early Dec to nearly May and we still have not improved the way the team defends, collectively or individually. We have no chance of winning games when we keep shipping 4’s and 5’s almost every game. He has to address this ASAP if we hope to win more games as these weaknesses will still be exposed even in the league below. We have conceded 43 goals in 14 games in 2024.
The reality is, we have improved marginally and do look a goal threat but we are just as bad defensively under him as we were Hecky- maybe it is mostly down to personnel but we still have to have a solid base and shape and we have not seen that emerge at all. The Arblaster captaincy pick seemed a bit of a two fingers to more senior players who have played poorly all season.
Man Utd – They were not great – much like Burnley weren’t but another team that scores four goals and could have had more. They should have been a few goals up before the keeper error but then get level instantly but then more bad defending and they are behind again. They look so vulnerable and can see why teams have been routinely scoring against them. At 1-2 we missed a chance to turn the screw and needed to ensure we did not concede quickly but we did and then after that you know they will up it and get the win – especially when we just sat back.
In general play, they showed some nice bits and Garnarcho and Fernandez were the stand outs and they had so many shots but they also were shocking at the back and allowed us other chances. In the end, they did enough to win but I think the manager will leave at the end of the season. There are bigger issues than him, but they are not a side that anyone particularly fears and have lots of overhyped players not really doing it.
Opponent Man of the Match – Fernandes scored two and involved in another. The third was a great shot to be fair. He is a whining so and so I must admit but was the best player on the pitch tonight. Maguire scored one and won the penalty.
Opponent Weak link – Onana made an absolute howler so probably takes this award but Casemiro is not a centre back. Antony is really frustrating and is not good enough to start for a side like Man Utd.
Referee/Officials – No real major issues. Not seen the Maguire one back – some say they did not draw the lines and was tight but I thought we had a player maybe just playing him on but might be wrong? The Trusty block was soft but had to be given the minute he moves across and does not turn. If he stands still, it may not be given. The penalty he does grab his shirt and he had been warned but surely he should just wait and then he gives the goal – blew a bit too quick? Outside of this there were a few things maybe he gave to them but only one booking all game (thought Antony should have been for a foul on Souza) Holgate for a poor foul. Not sure there were any major issues but you sense they cannot wait to give the marginal decisions to the bigger clubs.
