Post by deadbat on May 19, 2024 19:19:29 GMT
The season finally came to an end for the Blades and ended in the same way that it has mainly gone for the duration – a defeat. Spurs sealed 5th place in the table and bowed out with a win with a comfortable afternoon despite some early scares. Kulusevski scored a brace and Porro smashed in another in a game that Spurs won at a canter with only Wes Foderingham preventing an even heavier defeat.
For United and their fans, it has been an utterly disastrous campaign, on and off the field and will hope they can banish this misery quickly and rebuild in the division below. They go down as the third worse team in Premier League history in terms of points but have a goal difference as bad as any other side with -69 and 104 goals conceded showing the absolute depths they have fallen to.
This afternoon United had chances early but yet again spurned them as Spurs ruthlessly took their one chance and could have had many more before the half time whistle. The second half was a complete non event as the Blades effectively gave up and put in a totally spinless show in keeping with the abject efforts of the whole season. Spurs scored two more but could have won by a lot bigger margin. By the end there were many Blades fans who had left to enjoy the sunshine and the ironic cheers mixed with boos at full time from those that remained showed what the loyal fans thought of the pathetic efforts the team had served up.
Wilder made three changes Lowe, Ahmedhodzic and Osborn in for Larouci, Souza and Brooks dropping to the bench. McBurnie and Jebbison were surprise inclusions in the match day squad after seasons riddled with injury for the pair. Spurs started with a very attacking line up with Son, Johnson and Kulusevski only starting as they looked to secure 5th place.
United began well with Brereton Diaz firing over after a good ball in from Osborn. The striker should have done better. Osborn injured himself in the build up and had to limp up – replaced by Souza on only 5 minutes. United had looked lively and Hamer had an effort saved from a free kick after Brereton Diaz was pulled down before the striker missed a golden chance soon after. Hamer put the cross over and the Chilean diverted it off the post. Once again he really should have one better. The Blades promising start should have had them in the lead but the clinical nature of the Premier League was ruthlessly exposed on 14 minutes. Spurs had offered little but the ball was played in and as Souza and Bogle hesitated, the ball dropped for KULUSEVSKI and he swivelled and hit a superb shot in off the far post giving Foderingham no chance. It was probably a lesser chance than the ones United had created but the visitors were ahead against the run of play.
United’s heads dropped instantly and what followed was a series of Spurs attacks and they could have easily put the game away. After a brief stoppage as a fan needed medical treatment, Kulusevski had a thumping effort saved from Foderingham and then had another effort blocked. Maddison then nearly got in on goal after Johnson had found space and suddenly the Spurs could sense blood. Bentacur then hit the post after indecisive Spurs defending and as the ball rebounded back, Son hit a fierce shot that Foderingham somehow saved down to his right. Romero then was the next to have a go as United were being run through time after time. The bright start seemed a long time ago and now it seemed it was Spurs against Foderingham as United somehow stayed in the game.
Podro had another effort saved as United looked like they were now unable to even stop the deluge of attacks but a rare break saw Archer played in from Hamer but the striker once again took way too long and his dithering saw the shot blocked away by Sarr for a corner. Arblaster had took a knock but was able to carry on. Souza chopped Son down as United’s own appeals for a free kick was waved away. Maddison was the next to take a pop but Foderingham made another save and then Johnson was close to getting in at the back post. A series of odd decisions from the referee further frustrated an already simmering home crowd and then Vicario was somehow allowed to push Trusty three times before the ball came in, but as the half time whistle go the frustration was as much for their own side, yet again, as the match officials.
United had started well and should have been in front with a few good chances but did not take them and Spurs scored with their first real effort on goal and then without the intervention of Foderingham could have been completely out of sight with four or five further goals.
United’s second half performances have been pathetically limp and they began after the break with the same passivity we have seen all season and been in evidence particularly of late. Spurs just walked the ball around and barely a challenge was coming in and it quickly became apparent, there was no fight at all in the home side. Spurs won two corners as the home side just sat back and did not seem interested or able to even mount an attack. Souza twice lost tackles and then Trusty could only help a ball out for a corner before the second goal came soon after. Bogle was beaten too easily down the side but it really should have been cleared on a number of occasions but Spurs won the loose balls and a block tackle deflected towards the United goal and Foderingham made a superb save down low again but as the ball came out PORRO smashed home. There was a check for an potential offence in the build-up but unsurprisingly the goal was allowed to stand.
Archer had a chance to get forward but he took too long again and the offside flag had gone up anyway in a rare United chance.
Brooks and Brewster came on for Arblaster, who had taken a knock, and the disappointing Archer. Son then had a curling effort saved before the third goal came. Son’s delightful ball in between Ahmedhodzic and Bogle saw Maddison in down the side and he came away from his man too easily leading to the ball across converted by KULUSEVSKI as Foderingham could not quite keep out the low shot.
Hojberg came on for Sarr and Holgate and Jebbison replaced Lowe and Brereton Diaz. United had barely launched an attack in the second half and Spurs were just moving the ball about.
Skipp and Emerson were the next to join the field for the visitors as Bentacur and Porro came off with the job done. Spurs were playing the game barely out of second gear and the Blades looked dead on their feet and could not even keep the ball for more than a couple of passes and seemed resigned to another heavy defeat.
The day had looked to get worse as Brooks was shown a red card at a corner but the decision was overturned as VAR deemed the push not worthy of the original decision by the referee Madley (who had ignored the keeper do the same thing three times at the end of the half!). Romero headed an effort at Foderingham before United did have a chance as Spurs were pouring forward looking for more goals – Brewster broke through but pulled his effort horribly wide and Vicario had still not made a proper save of note (outside of the Hamer free kick).
Johnson missed a sitter at the back post after Son’s delightful diagonal ball completely cut out the United defence who were ball watching yet again. Kulusevski and Son had further efforts blocked as the terraces started to empty. Scarlett and Moore were brought on for Son and Maddison as the game entered 8 minutes of stoppage time. Robinson’s cynical foul saw him go into the book and he committed another foul not long after showing his frustration. United could not muster anything going forward at all as Spurs ended the game in the Blades half before the final whistle finally came. It had been easy win for the visiting side and for the home side, another sorry afternoon where they were well beaten.
United – Well it is finally over. It has been wretched in every aspect, since last season’s promotion and cup run which saw the celebrations last May. The bumbling way we moved through the summer, the late player sales, the disastrous transfer window (to think some said it was good on some social media outlets!) and the loss after loss, quickly became hammering after hammering. We got more injuries, we changed our manager and tried different players, shapes, systems, formations. It mattered little. The defeats just piled up. We have won three games. THREE. We have not won at home since December and won once this year – won 1 in 21 and now not had a victory for 14 games. We have ended the season with 7 straight defeats and got one point in the final 3 months – v Chelsea. It has been totally horrific. There is no dressing it up. Seen all the talk about how hard it is in this league and yes our players are not good enough and our manager/s have not been good enough but the pitiful efforts we have put out in terms of not even being close in most games is embarrassing and the whole club has to take blame – starting squarely at the owner who somehow gets away with any criticism because he does not have much money? He is never here – is not able to sell us (clearly asking too much) and has overseen a total shambles where we have gone from administration to points deductions so the stench still lingers into next season. It is almost like we have to put on soiled pants to begin the next day/season – despite throwing the shit filled, ripped and holey kecks from last season into the incinerator.
I will discuss the set of absolute spinless t**ts in more detail when I do my season review – which will start next week and hopefully finish the week after (be a 8 or 9 parter again). However today, I will have a quick discussion of the game below but for me it was more about saying goodbye to the legends that represented this club with pride, class and commitment for several years.
Wes was a decent player for us and part of a promotion side and came in after the Olsen experiment went wrong. Seems a likeable lad and became a bit of a cult hero at times but his form did drop off the season and was never really good enough for the top league. We were right to replace but not with someone much worse! We do not know the ins and outs of his contract discussions. Personally, I think he would have been fine at the league below – as he was before and we have bigger issues elsewhere but then we do not know what he was asking – I am not sure he gets better than a Champ club mind.
Lowe was really a meh player and one that I will not remember fondly and his career trajectory will surely show what he is – a lower league player. How he managed to play so many games in the top level I do not know?
Onto the three big departures. All three have been long serving players who gave everything. Baldock was a player who came in that we did not know a lot about but slowly got into the team and then was a big part of the last 7 seasons (yes he has been here that long). He made the spot his own really despite competition from Freeman, Bogle and others – but he was always the best option until injuries started to creep in the last few years. His commitment and no-nonsense attitude combined with an underrated skill set meant he was a firm favourite. How he never got sent off I do not know! Embraced the club and the city. Seemed a great lad. I think it was right he could move on with his age/injuries and chance to play in Greece but will be remembered so fondly.
Norwood was the player who set alight that promotion season after a poor start and conducted the midfield and made us tick. He was essential to that season and carried on the good form the next year. He dropped off the relegation season and was in and out under Slav but found his best form under Hecky and was excellent again for another few seasons until Doyle came in towards the end of last season. He was superb for the most part in the Championship and his passing, control of the games and ability to just calm everything down was so undervalued. He did struggle with the pace at the top level and this season has really struggled but did have that Wolves penalty moment! Once again right for him to move on but one of the best midfielders we have ever seen at the Lane, certainly in my lifetime.
Last but by no means least, Christopher Basham. Came here from Blackpool and was a bumbling midfielder that seemed another poor Clough signing and for a few years he never really established himself as anything but an average utility player. Did look better when he played at the back -and when Wilder came in – found a position that suited him perfectly and him and O’Connell pioneered an actual whole new position! Was superb through the promotion seasons and into the first Premier League season. He has continued to never really let us down when asked upon – although seen less of him the last few years since Anel came in but his personality/dependability meant he was a vital part of the squad until the awful injury at Fulham. He has been one of our longest serving players and you expect it will be a long time that we have a player that stays with us as long as him again? All the players that played with him clearly loved him (shown by the messages sent on social media from current and former teammates). A pro’s pro and one the fans loved too. Rated and liked by every manager as well. How many players could you say that about? So many big moments but the Leeds goal stands out of course – his last ever goal for us remarkably! Whether he plays again I am not sure but glad the club are taking care of him with his rehabilitation – that is the least he deserves.
In terms of the game, I will keep it brief as it all seemed a bit pointless (as it was, yet again). We started quite well and should have had at least one – Brereton Diaz missed two really good opportunities but as soon as they have a chance (a half chance) it’s in our net and shows the nature of this league. We should have cleared it long before he had the chance to pull the trigger. After this we completely fell apart again – yes Archer had one chance but took too long – but without Wes it could have been 4 or 5 more goals going in. They hit the post and he made save after save as they just strolled through from wide/the middle and any way they wanted to. We did not get close to them, did not win a tackle and just sat off. It was pathetic how easily they got through and we end up waving our arms or looking for imaginary free kicks. At half time, after starting well, we were lucky still to be in it.
The second half we were absolutely pathetic. They scored two more (both awful again defensively) but could have had 3 or 4 more. We just gave up. We stopped even running, chasing or even trying to stop them getting the ball forward and it was really hard to watch. We made changes but it mattered little – Spurs barely even needed to try but coasted to an easy win. The dreadful habit of allowing teams to simply run through us and have shot after shot and then failed to react to loose balls/second balls or pick up runners – is beyond embarrassing. I get the players are not fit, skilled or good enough but the complete lack of desire once again was laughable. I know that Wilder keeps saying he will come again and will change things but he has been here for 6 months and we have got worse in terms of the complete lack of competitiveness. We have had some goals and some chances going the other way but the way we completely fold every week, we have seen more of that than we did under even Hecky. I have to say, I have seen absolutely nothing to suggest he can turn it round. He will have to build a completely new team and with little funds, that will be hard so some of this shower will hang around and he has shown he cannot get anything out of then. Granted the league below will be easier but we the club and side appears completely devoid of any leadership, spine or desire to stay in football game. There is no pride at all and the second half of many of the recent games has really been beyond embarrassing. I am amazed fans have been as patient as they have – maybe the apathy has overtook any real anger but the performances of the players have been simply shambolic. I know they are not good enough but show some fight. I am not sure we even put a tackle in of any kind for most of the game (save the Souza and Robinson bookings) and Spurs just walked through us. I really detest most of the players now and that sums it up.
I am not writing anymore about today – as I say the season review will come out in a few days but the fact I was delighted when the final whistle went so I could get back to the car and get home and try and forget this shambles of a team – summed it up. Amazed if anyone actually stayed to see the team at the end – the lads who got the applause at the start deserved their acclaim – the rest should not have even have come out – they should be embarrassed and should just get changed, go home and hopefully in many cases never play for the club again.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8/10 – Made a number of great saves – particularly first half and kept the score down. A few of them were superb and then second half made more and one just before the second was such a good reaction. The third I actually thought he could have done a bit better. His kick set up Archer on one chance when he fed Hamer but he was poor on a few other kick outs but without him, we lose by a lot more and he made a number of saves to stop another 5 or 6 mauling.
Bogle 3/10 – Not great today and his form has dropped off last few weeks. I though he was slow at times and they got down this side and got in the gaps. He and others did not react on the first and then he gets skinned on the second too. He does his job and we do not concede those first two. Saw nothing of him going the other way. Hope he stays of course and been one of few who has at least done ok but not today- thought he was miles off it.
Lowe 4/10 – He started with a few loose touches but they seemed to attack more down the other side actually. Kicked a few out but at least did get forward a bit and try and combine. I thought we looked poorer down the right side defensively today than the left. Came off around the hour mark after the second
Trusty 4/10 – Just gets caught up in ball watching a lot and never seems to know where his man is. Never see him make a tackle or win a header. He is just a nothing sort of player really. He did not make any glaring errors but he does not cover the ball, does not make interceptions and rarely makes blocks. Goes forward on set plays but never gets near it. I would like us to move him on in the summer. Just way off the standards needed.
Robinson 4.5/10 – At least got stuck in a bit but he too was guilty of not marking his man and switching off as the balls came across or through. Teams have too many free shots at us and it becomes just shooting practice. Started to lose his head a bit at the end and got booked and then fouled again.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – As above really. He just does not seem to keep tight to his man and then when the ball comes in, he is way off and never seems to attack it. He did have a run out in the first half but after the break, as he often has done, he sort of gave up again. They ran through this side so many times and let his man in on the third. Hopefully we can get some kind of decent fee for him and he will be allowed to depart.
Osborn – Sent a decent ball over but then had to go off inside the first 5 minutes.
Hamer 5.5/10 – He has been one of our shining lights but things did not really come off today I felt but still made a few decent balls that nearly led to goals. One decent ball to Archer and another to Brereton Diaz. His passing was not quite as good as it has been and a few loose touches and second half he was anonymous.
Arblaster 6/10 – Got on the ball and at least came out of a few tight corners or showed some composure. Did not hide and he looked to link. Got a few knocks and eventually had to go off. Felt sorry for him as most around him again looked completely disinterested.
Brereton Diaz 4/10 – He showed for the ball and did link first half but missed two really good chances – one over the bar and one off the post. He did give us an outlet and picked up a few fouls but as the game went on- we saw less and less of him as we barely had an attack and he went off.
Archer 3/10 – Got into a few decent areas but often his touch was appalling, he took too long and was very greedy. Missed two or three decent chances to get a shot away as he dallied and then another chance he somehow put it wide (slight deflection but was not going in) when he had an age to score. 3. Looked lazy and was offside a lot. Surprised he started and stayed on. Surely Jebbison or Osula -who may be here next season would have been better in terms of our future. Archer has been a major disappointment to me and expect he will be back on loan to the Championship – I would not want him back as his lack of desire and football brain means he has had his chance here and not taken it.
Subs -
Souza 3/10 – Another game of pointing and generally doing nothing. The first goal he does not react at all and is so slow. They had other chances when he gave it away or lost his man. I do not want to pick on him but every time they attacked, he seemed to mark space and was never near his man. He never tackles, breaks up play and never see him on the ball. A nothing footballer (joining Trusty, Slimane, Traore and the other summer signings) and the sooner he leaves this club the better. I have called him an imposter but not even sure what he is trying to be– so even that is harsh. Really dislike his attitude and hopefully he never plays for the club again.
Brooks 4/10 – Came on when the game was up. Not sure he touched it much and then nearly got sent off – although that would have been harsh. He did have a few moments where he at least got it down and tried to find a red and white shirt – more than most!
Brewster 3.5/10 – Run around but we barely had the ball. Did have one effort but made a right mess of it. Headless chicken really.
Jebbison – Did he even touch the ball? Wonder if we will ever see him again at the Lane although suppose a good sign that he played today in terms of a possible contract but if he remains as he showed enough to even be close to being a starter?
Manager: Wilder 3/10 – Another performance where we started ok, had chances but then as soon as we concede we simply fall apart. The way we simply do not come together or try and stem the tide is a real worry. We let a goal in and then we just know we have lost. It is finished. We have no fight and never come back. I am not sure why he played the likes of Archer and even Brereton Diaz as they won’t be here – ditto for Lowe but then maybe we have no one else really and knows we could lose by even more. He had Brooks and Brewster ready but then delayed and delayed and then we concede again and it is done. The second half was awful to watch and so one sided.
Wilder said after the game that from the stats recently for the last two months we are 14th! Not sure who is feeding him stats but that seems a nonsense! We have lost nearly every game and XG means nothing if we cannot shoot, cannot defend and in between both boxes never have the ball.
I hear some say they are convinced he will get it right and turn it around but sorry I do not see it. I hope I am wrong but they are only basing this on what he did like 5 years ago. He has failed with us, Boro and Watford. Any other manager and he would be dismissed tonight -even with the cards stacked amongst him from above. If when he was appointed the stats would have been 2 wins in 24; most would have said well we have tried but we need to move on. We have shown no real fight, no organisation and rarely look like staying in most games after the initial 10-15 minutes where we do ok. Teams see us off, score and then run away. I hear all the stuff about he is determined and will get it right but we will probably have even worse players (due to being skint) next season and unless he can get a side organised and motivated, then why do people seem convinced he will change things around? We will have free and loans to add a smattering of players left and I think it will be really hard to change it around but I have seen nothing to suggest he has any kind of spark to still be a decent manager sadly. He was amazing for the most part in the first spell but now seems a long way from that manager we first saw. I just hope it does not turn angry and bitter for him or the fans. As I say I hope I am wrong but I just do not see him being the man to take us forward. Obviously the bigger changes only happen when we get a new owner but that seems very unlikely as Abdullah will hang on and hang on till he has to almost give us away. Last year he was all over the semi final and then promotion but this year he was nowhere to be seen. Come and face the music, you pathetic coward or stay holed up in your bunker tweeting about the 49ers? He chose the latter.
Spurs – I thought big Ange would struggle I must admit and had him in my predictions as the first manager to go – so got that completely wrong. Just felt with Kane going and a few other changes, they would struggle. They started the season well and were top for a while. They did fall away of course and never really stayed in touch with the juggernauts at the top but still had a decent season. I think many would have placed Villa below them on pre-season predictions but also would have had Chelsea and Man Utd above them and maybe even a few more – Brighton, Newcastle etc. They played quite a refreshing style of football and at times looked really good to watch. As I say, they have not kept it up but he has got the best out of many players. It will be hard for them to crack the top 4 with the teams up there and without huge investment they may struggle to do more than the 5th they have just achieved but are still in Europe and play in a fantastic stadium and was always going to take time to recover from the Kane loss.
Today, they did what they had to – they only needed a point to see off Chelsea – and another team that comes to the Lane and leaves with three points. They defended poorly at times and could/should have been behind but after they score, they win easily. Better finishing and worse keeping and they win by even more. 42 touches to 8 in the two respective boxes and 76% possession and 16 shots to 6 and 9 to 1 on target, sums up the domination.
Opponent Man of the Match – Son was excellent and involved in most good things but he did not endear himself with a bit of a dive when Brooks clashed with him and that was not great at all – he was good in the football side and put some superb balls out – the one for the third with the outside of his foot was sublime. Suppose the man of the match is Kulusevski who scored two and was a constant threat. They had a lot of players who just eased though it.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Johnson was poor, missed a few chances and seemed not to be much of a threat – they went down the other side more. Think he may have moved from Forest a bit early? Not sure he is quite top 5-6 level even if he has some talent? Maddison was annoying in that he did a few decent things with the ball but he also hit the floor too much. Pathetic antics at times for someone so talented. The defence was ball watching a fair but good then they got away with it as we could not finish the few chances we had. The keeper was a t**t too, constantly pushing and shoving ours but then playacting too. Spurs were a lot better but some of their theatrics was not good at all.
Referee/Officials – We lost and deservedly but nothing from Madley all game who seemed to let pushes/fouls on us go and then quickly blew up for them. The way he let the keeper shove Trusty on the corner three times and then sent off Brooks – summed it up. Surely Son should get a card? Suppose he cannot give a yellow on VAR but the way he sends him off and then decides its nothing and overturns it (as he is told). Embarrassing. I am not sure he affected the game at all but he seemed to fall for the pathetic dives and acting from Spurs and gave us very little all game. One thing I will not miss is the biased refereeing at this level – we are bad enough without the officials giving most things that are 50-50 to our opponents!
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day Out – Normally last day of the season, it is warm and often fans are in party mood. Today all felt a bit flat with the send-off for the departing heroes maybe the main thing that led to people wanting to actually be there! They did this before the start and a number were not even in at this stage but suppose if they did it at the end, many would have gone! Might have at least kept some behind I suppose! The crowd did have a sing and keep going second half but as soon as Spurs went away, the crowd started to quieten at our end and the Spurs fans made the noise – by the end the ground was half empty but this has become the norm now. I am amazed the players even did a lap of (dis)honour – I had long gone as sure most others had.
That’s it. Finally, it is done. I have not always enjoyed writing these but cannot just do the good seasons so have tried to keep going but it has been hard….
I will have the season review from probably the middle to the end of the week and will release in stages where I grade all the departments and the players and try and look ahead to hopefully some better times.
For United and their fans, it has been an utterly disastrous campaign, on and off the field and will hope they can banish this misery quickly and rebuild in the division below. They go down as the third worse team in Premier League history in terms of points but have a goal difference as bad as any other side with -69 and 104 goals conceded showing the absolute depths they have fallen to.
This afternoon United had chances early but yet again spurned them as Spurs ruthlessly took their one chance and could have had many more before the half time whistle. The second half was a complete non event as the Blades effectively gave up and put in a totally spinless show in keeping with the abject efforts of the whole season. Spurs scored two more but could have won by a lot bigger margin. By the end there were many Blades fans who had left to enjoy the sunshine and the ironic cheers mixed with boos at full time from those that remained showed what the loyal fans thought of the pathetic efforts the team had served up.
Wilder made three changes Lowe, Ahmedhodzic and Osborn in for Larouci, Souza and Brooks dropping to the bench. McBurnie and Jebbison were surprise inclusions in the match day squad after seasons riddled with injury for the pair. Spurs started with a very attacking line up with Son, Johnson and Kulusevski only starting as they looked to secure 5th place.
United began well with Brereton Diaz firing over after a good ball in from Osborn. The striker should have done better. Osborn injured himself in the build up and had to limp up – replaced by Souza on only 5 minutes. United had looked lively and Hamer had an effort saved from a free kick after Brereton Diaz was pulled down before the striker missed a golden chance soon after. Hamer put the cross over and the Chilean diverted it off the post. Once again he really should have one better. The Blades promising start should have had them in the lead but the clinical nature of the Premier League was ruthlessly exposed on 14 minutes. Spurs had offered little but the ball was played in and as Souza and Bogle hesitated, the ball dropped for KULUSEVSKI and he swivelled and hit a superb shot in off the far post giving Foderingham no chance. It was probably a lesser chance than the ones United had created but the visitors were ahead against the run of play.
United’s heads dropped instantly and what followed was a series of Spurs attacks and they could have easily put the game away. After a brief stoppage as a fan needed medical treatment, Kulusevski had a thumping effort saved from Foderingham and then had another effort blocked. Maddison then nearly got in on goal after Johnson had found space and suddenly the Spurs could sense blood. Bentacur then hit the post after indecisive Spurs defending and as the ball rebounded back, Son hit a fierce shot that Foderingham somehow saved down to his right. Romero then was the next to have a go as United were being run through time after time. The bright start seemed a long time ago and now it seemed it was Spurs against Foderingham as United somehow stayed in the game.
Podro had another effort saved as United looked like they were now unable to even stop the deluge of attacks but a rare break saw Archer played in from Hamer but the striker once again took way too long and his dithering saw the shot blocked away by Sarr for a corner. Arblaster had took a knock but was able to carry on. Souza chopped Son down as United’s own appeals for a free kick was waved away. Maddison was the next to take a pop but Foderingham made another save and then Johnson was close to getting in at the back post. A series of odd decisions from the referee further frustrated an already simmering home crowd and then Vicario was somehow allowed to push Trusty three times before the ball came in, but as the half time whistle go the frustration was as much for their own side, yet again, as the match officials.
United had started well and should have been in front with a few good chances but did not take them and Spurs scored with their first real effort on goal and then without the intervention of Foderingham could have been completely out of sight with four or five further goals.
United’s second half performances have been pathetically limp and they began after the break with the same passivity we have seen all season and been in evidence particularly of late. Spurs just walked the ball around and barely a challenge was coming in and it quickly became apparent, there was no fight at all in the home side. Spurs won two corners as the home side just sat back and did not seem interested or able to even mount an attack. Souza twice lost tackles and then Trusty could only help a ball out for a corner before the second goal came soon after. Bogle was beaten too easily down the side but it really should have been cleared on a number of occasions but Spurs won the loose balls and a block tackle deflected towards the United goal and Foderingham made a superb save down low again but as the ball came out PORRO smashed home. There was a check for an potential offence in the build-up but unsurprisingly the goal was allowed to stand.
Archer had a chance to get forward but he took too long again and the offside flag had gone up anyway in a rare United chance.
Brooks and Brewster came on for Arblaster, who had taken a knock, and the disappointing Archer. Son then had a curling effort saved before the third goal came. Son’s delightful ball in between Ahmedhodzic and Bogle saw Maddison in down the side and he came away from his man too easily leading to the ball across converted by KULUSEVSKI as Foderingham could not quite keep out the low shot.
Hojberg came on for Sarr and Holgate and Jebbison replaced Lowe and Brereton Diaz. United had barely launched an attack in the second half and Spurs were just moving the ball about.
Skipp and Emerson were the next to join the field for the visitors as Bentacur and Porro came off with the job done. Spurs were playing the game barely out of second gear and the Blades looked dead on their feet and could not even keep the ball for more than a couple of passes and seemed resigned to another heavy defeat.
The day had looked to get worse as Brooks was shown a red card at a corner but the decision was overturned as VAR deemed the push not worthy of the original decision by the referee Madley (who had ignored the keeper do the same thing three times at the end of the half!). Romero headed an effort at Foderingham before United did have a chance as Spurs were pouring forward looking for more goals – Brewster broke through but pulled his effort horribly wide and Vicario had still not made a proper save of note (outside of the Hamer free kick).
Johnson missed a sitter at the back post after Son’s delightful diagonal ball completely cut out the United defence who were ball watching yet again. Kulusevski and Son had further efforts blocked as the terraces started to empty. Scarlett and Moore were brought on for Son and Maddison as the game entered 8 minutes of stoppage time. Robinson’s cynical foul saw him go into the book and he committed another foul not long after showing his frustration. United could not muster anything going forward at all as Spurs ended the game in the Blades half before the final whistle finally came. It had been easy win for the visiting side and for the home side, another sorry afternoon where they were well beaten.
United – Well it is finally over. It has been wretched in every aspect, since last season’s promotion and cup run which saw the celebrations last May. The bumbling way we moved through the summer, the late player sales, the disastrous transfer window (to think some said it was good on some social media outlets!) and the loss after loss, quickly became hammering after hammering. We got more injuries, we changed our manager and tried different players, shapes, systems, formations. It mattered little. The defeats just piled up. We have won three games. THREE. We have not won at home since December and won once this year – won 1 in 21 and now not had a victory for 14 games. We have ended the season with 7 straight defeats and got one point in the final 3 months – v Chelsea. It has been totally horrific. There is no dressing it up. Seen all the talk about how hard it is in this league and yes our players are not good enough and our manager/s have not been good enough but the pitiful efforts we have put out in terms of not even being close in most games is embarrassing and the whole club has to take blame – starting squarely at the owner who somehow gets away with any criticism because he does not have much money? He is never here – is not able to sell us (clearly asking too much) and has overseen a total shambles where we have gone from administration to points deductions so the stench still lingers into next season. It is almost like we have to put on soiled pants to begin the next day/season – despite throwing the shit filled, ripped and holey kecks from last season into the incinerator.
I will discuss the set of absolute spinless t**ts in more detail when I do my season review – which will start next week and hopefully finish the week after (be a 8 or 9 parter again). However today, I will have a quick discussion of the game below but for me it was more about saying goodbye to the legends that represented this club with pride, class and commitment for several years.
Wes was a decent player for us and part of a promotion side and came in after the Olsen experiment went wrong. Seems a likeable lad and became a bit of a cult hero at times but his form did drop off the season and was never really good enough for the top league. We were right to replace but not with someone much worse! We do not know the ins and outs of his contract discussions. Personally, I think he would have been fine at the league below – as he was before and we have bigger issues elsewhere but then we do not know what he was asking – I am not sure he gets better than a Champ club mind.
Lowe was really a meh player and one that I will not remember fondly and his career trajectory will surely show what he is – a lower league player. How he managed to play so many games in the top level I do not know?
Onto the three big departures. All three have been long serving players who gave everything. Baldock was a player who came in that we did not know a lot about but slowly got into the team and then was a big part of the last 7 seasons (yes he has been here that long). He made the spot his own really despite competition from Freeman, Bogle and others – but he was always the best option until injuries started to creep in the last few years. His commitment and no-nonsense attitude combined with an underrated skill set meant he was a firm favourite. How he never got sent off I do not know! Embraced the club and the city. Seemed a great lad. I think it was right he could move on with his age/injuries and chance to play in Greece but will be remembered so fondly.
Norwood was the player who set alight that promotion season after a poor start and conducted the midfield and made us tick. He was essential to that season and carried on the good form the next year. He dropped off the relegation season and was in and out under Slav but found his best form under Hecky and was excellent again for another few seasons until Doyle came in towards the end of last season. He was superb for the most part in the Championship and his passing, control of the games and ability to just calm everything down was so undervalued. He did struggle with the pace at the top level and this season has really struggled but did have that Wolves penalty moment! Once again right for him to move on but one of the best midfielders we have ever seen at the Lane, certainly in my lifetime.
Last but by no means least, Christopher Basham. Came here from Blackpool and was a bumbling midfielder that seemed another poor Clough signing and for a few years he never really established himself as anything but an average utility player. Did look better when he played at the back -and when Wilder came in – found a position that suited him perfectly and him and O’Connell pioneered an actual whole new position! Was superb through the promotion seasons and into the first Premier League season. He has continued to never really let us down when asked upon – although seen less of him the last few years since Anel came in but his personality/dependability meant he was a vital part of the squad until the awful injury at Fulham. He has been one of our longest serving players and you expect it will be a long time that we have a player that stays with us as long as him again? All the players that played with him clearly loved him (shown by the messages sent on social media from current and former teammates). A pro’s pro and one the fans loved too. Rated and liked by every manager as well. How many players could you say that about? So many big moments but the Leeds goal stands out of course – his last ever goal for us remarkably! Whether he plays again I am not sure but glad the club are taking care of him with his rehabilitation – that is the least he deserves.
In terms of the game, I will keep it brief as it all seemed a bit pointless (as it was, yet again). We started quite well and should have had at least one – Brereton Diaz missed two really good opportunities but as soon as they have a chance (a half chance) it’s in our net and shows the nature of this league. We should have cleared it long before he had the chance to pull the trigger. After this we completely fell apart again – yes Archer had one chance but took too long – but without Wes it could have been 4 or 5 more goals going in. They hit the post and he made save after save as they just strolled through from wide/the middle and any way they wanted to. We did not get close to them, did not win a tackle and just sat off. It was pathetic how easily they got through and we end up waving our arms or looking for imaginary free kicks. At half time, after starting well, we were lucky still to be in it.
The second half we were absolutely pathetic. They scored two more (both awful again defensively) but could have had 3 or 4 more. We just gave up. We stopped even running, chasing or even trying to stop them getting the ball forward and it was really hard to watch. We made changes but it mattered little – Spurs barely even needed to try but coasted to an easy win. The dreadful habit of allowing teams to simply run through us and have shot after shot and then failed to react to loose balls/second balls or pick up runners – is beyond embarrassing. I get the players are not fit, skilled or good enough but the complete lack of desire once again was laughable. I know that Wilder keeps saying he will come again and will change things but he has been here for 6 months and we have got worse in terms of the complete lack of competitiveness. We have had some goals and some chances going the other way but the way we completely fold every week, we have seen more of that than we did under even Hecky. I have to say, I have seen absolutely nothing to suggest he can turn it round. He will have to build a completely new team and with little funds, that will be hard so some of this shower will hang around and he has shown he cannot get anything out of then. Granted the league below will be easier but we the club and side appears completely devoid of any leadership, spine or desire to stay in football game. There is no pride at all and the second half of many of the recent games has really been beyond embarrassing. I am amazed fans have been as patient as they have – maybe the apathy has overtook any real anger but the performances of the players have been simply shambolic. I know they are not good enough but show some fight. I am not sure we even put a tackle in of any kind for most of the game (save the Souza and Robinson bookings) and Spurs just walked through us. I really detest most of the players now and that sums it up.
I am not writing anymore about today – as I say the season review will come out in a few days but the fact I was delighted when the final whistle went so I could get back to the car and get home and try and forget this shambles of a team – summed it up. Amazed if anyone actually stayed to see the team at the end – the lads who got the applause at the start deserved their acclaim – the rest should not have even have come out – they should be embarrassed and should just get changed, go home and hopefully in many cases never play for the club again.
Ratings:
Foderingham 8/10 – Made a number of great saves – particularly first half and kept the score down. A few of them were superb and then second half made more and one just before the second was such a good reaction. The third I actually thought he could have done a bit better. His kick set up Archer on one chance when he fed Hamer but he was poor on a few other kick outs but without him, we lose by a lot more and he made a number of saves to stop another 5 or 6 mauling.
Bogle 3/10 – Not great today and his form has dropped off last few weeks. I though he was slow at times and they got down this side and got in the gaps. He and others did not react on the first and then he gets skinned on the second too. He does his job and we do not concede those first two. Saw nothing of him going the other way. Hope he stays of course and been one of few who has at least done ok but not today- thought he was miles off it.
Lowe 4/10 – He started with a few loose touches but they seemed to attack more down the other side actually. Kicked a few out but at least did get forward a bit and try and combine. I thought we looked poorer down the right side defensively today than the left. Came off around the hour mark after the second
Trusty 4/10 – Just gets caught up in ball watching a lot and never seems to know where his man is. Never see him make a tackle or win a header. He is just a nothing sort of player really. He did not make any glaring errors but he does not cover the ball, does not make interceptions and rarely makes blocks. Goes forward on set plays but never gets near it. I would like us to move him on in the summer. Just way off the standards needed.
Robinson 4.5/10 – At least got stuck in a bit but he too was guilty of not marking his man and switching off as the balls came across or through. Teams have too many free shots at us and it becomes just shooting practice. Started to lose his head a bit at the end and got booked and then fouled again.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – As above really. He just does not seem to keep tight to his man and then when the ball comes in, he is way off and never seems to attack it. He did have a run out in the first half but after the break, as he often has done, he sort of gave up again. They ran through this side so many times and let his man in on the third. Hopefully we can get some kind of decent fee for him and he will be allowed to depart.
Osborn – Sent a decent ball over but then had to go off inside the first 5 minutes.
Hamer 5.5/10 – He has been one of our shining lights but things did not really come off today I felt but still made a few decent balls that nearly led to goals. One decent ball to Archer and another to Brereton Diaz. His passing was not quite as good as it has been and a few loose touches and second half he was anonymous.
Arblaster 6/10 – Got on the ball and at least came out of a few tight corners or showed some composure. Did not hide and he looked to link. Got a few knocks and eventually had to go off. Felt sorry for him as most around him again looked completely disinterested.
Brereton Diaz 4/10 – He showed for the ball and did link first half but missed two really good chances – one over the bar and one off the post. He did give us an outlet and picked up a few fouls but as the game went on- we saw less and less of him as we barely had an attack and he went off.
Archer 3/10 – Got into a few decent areas but often his touch was appalling, he took too long and was very greedy. Missed two or three decent chances to get a shot away as he dallied and then another chance he somehow put it wide (slight deflection but was not going in) when he had an age to score. 3. Looked lazy and was offside a lot. Surprised he started and stayed on. Surely Jebbison or Osula -who may be here next season would have been better in terms of our future. Archer has been a major disappointment to me and expect he will be back on loan to the Championship – I would not want him back as his lack of desire and football brain means he has had his chance here and not taken it.
Subs -
Souza 3/10 – Another game of pointing and generally doing nothing. The first goal he does not react at all and is so slow. They had other chances when he gave it away or lost his man. I do not want to pick on him but every time they attacked, he seemed to mark space and was never near his man. He never tackles, breaks up play and never see him on the ball. A nothing footballer (joining Trusty, Slimane, Traore and the other summer signings) and the sooner he leaves this club the better. I have called him an imposter but not even sure what he is trying to be– so even that is harsh. Really dislike his attitude and hopefully he never plays for the club again.
Brooks 4/10 – Came on when the game was up. Not sure he touched it much and then nearly got sent off – although that would have been harsh. He did have a few moments where he at least got it down and tried to find a red and white shirt – more than most!
Brewster 3.5/10 – Run around but we barely had the ball. Did have one effort but made a right mess of it. Headless chicken really.
Jebbison – Did he even touch the ball? Wonder if we will ever see him again at the Lane although suppose a good sign that he played today in terms of a possible contract but if he remains as he showed enough to even be close to being a starter?
Manager: Wilder 3/10 – Another performance where we started ok, had chances but then as soon as we concede we simply fall apart. The way we simply do not come together or try and stem the tide is a real worry. We let a goal in and then we just know we have lost. It is finished. We have no fight and never come back. I am not sure why he played the likes of Archer and even Brereton Diaz as they won’t be here – ditto for Lowe but then maybe we have no one else really and knows we could lose by even more. He had Brooks and Brewster ready but then delayed and delayed and then we concede again and it is done. The second half was awful to watch and so one sided.
Wilder said after the game that from the stats recently for the last two months we are 14th! Not sure who is feeding him stats but that seems a nonsense! We have lost nearly every game and XG means nothing if we cannot shoot, cannot defend and in between both boxes never have the ball.
I hear some say they are convinced he will get it right and turn it around but sorry I do not see it. I hope I am wrong but they are only basing this on what he did like 5 years ago. He has failed with us, Boro and Watford. Any other manager and he would be dismissed tonight -even with the cards stacked amongst him from above. If when he was appointed the stats would have been 2 wins in 24; most would have said well we have tried but we need to move on. We have shown no real fight, no organisation and rarely look like staying in most games after the initial 10-15 minutes where we do ok. Teams see us off, score and then run away. I hear all the stuff about he is determined and will get it right but we will probably have even worse players (due to being skint) next season and unless he can get a side organised and motivated, then why do people seem convinced he will change things around? We will have free and loans to add a smattering of players left and I think it will be really hard to change it around but I have seen nothing to suggest he has any kind of spark to still be a decent manager sadly. He was amazing for the most part in the first spell but now seems a long way from that manager we first saw. I just hope it does not turn angry and bitter for him or the fans. As I say I hope I am wrong but I just do not see him being the man to take us forward. Obviously the bigger changes only happen when we get a new owner but that seems very unlikely as Abdullah will hang on and hang on till he has to almost give us away. Last year he was all over the semi final and then promotion but this year he was nowhere to be seen. Come and face the music, you pathetic coward or stay holed up in your bunker tweeting about the 49ers? He chose the latter.
Spurs – I thought big Ange would struggle I must admit and had him in my predictions as the first manager to go – so got that completely wrong. Just felt with Kane going and a few other changes, they would struggle. They started the season well and were top for a while. They did fall away of course and never really stayed in touch with the juggernauts at the top but still had a decent season. I think many would have placed Villa below them on pre-season predictions but also would have had Chelsea and Man Utd above them and maybe even a few more – Brighton, Newcastle etc. They played quite a refreshing style of football and at times looked really good to watch. As I say, they have not kept it up but he has got the best out of many players. It will be hard for them to crack the top 4 with the teams up there and without huge investment they may struggle to do more than the 5th they have just achieved but are still in Europe and play in a fantastic stadium and was always going to take time to recover from the Kane loss.
Today, they did what they had to – they only needed a point to see off Chelsea – and another team that comes to the Lane and leaves with three points. They defended poorly at times and could/should have been behind but after they score, they win easily. Better finishing and worse keeping and they win by even more. 42 touches to 8 in the two respective boxes and 76% possession and 16 shots to 6 and 9 to 1 on target, sums up the domination.
Opponent Man of the Match – Son was excellent and involved in most good things but he did not endear himself with a bit of a dive when Brooks clashed with him and that was not great at all – he was good in the football side and put some superb balls out – the one for the third with the outside of his foot was sublime. Suppose the man of the match is Kulusevski who scored two and was a constant threat. They had a lot of players who just eased though it.
Opponent Weak link – Thought Johnson was poor, missed a few chances and seemed not to be much of a threat – they went down the other side more. Think he may have moved from Forest a bit early? Not sure he is quite top 5-6 level even if he has some talent? Maddison was annoying in that he did a few decent things with the ball but he also hit the floor too much. Pathetic antics at times for someone so talented. The defence was ball watching a fair but good then they got away with it as we could not finish the few chances we had. The keeper was a t**t too, constantly pushing and shoving ours but then playacting too. Spurs were a lot better but some of their theatrics was not good at all.
Referee/Officials – We lost and deservedly but nothing from Madley all game who seemed to let pushes/fouls on us go and then quickly blew up for them. The way he let the keeper shove Trusty on the corner three times and then sent off Brooks – summed it up. Surely Son should get a card? Suppose he cannot give a yellow on VAR but the way he sends him off and then decides its nothing and overturns it (as he is told). Embarrassing. I am not sure he affected the game at all but he seemed to fall for the pathetic dives and acting from Spurs and gave us very little all game. One thing I will not miss is the biased refereeing at this level – we are bad enough without the officials giving most things that are 50-50 to our opponents!
Crowd/Atmosphere/Day Out – Normally last day of the season, it is warm and often fans are in party mood. Today all felt a bit flat with the send-off for the departing heroes maybe the main thing that led to people wanting to actually be there! They did this before the start and a number were not even in at this stage but suppose if they did it at the end, many would have gone! Might have at least kept some behind I suppose! The crowd did have a sing and keep going second half but as soon as Spurs went away, the crowd started to quieten at our end and the Spurs fans made the noise – by the end the ground was half empty but this has become the norm now. I am amazed the players even did a lap of (dis)honour – I had long gone as sure most others had.
That’s it. Finally, it is done. I have not always enjoyed writing these but cannot just do the good seasons so have tried to keep going but it has been hard….
I will have the season review from probably the middle to the end of the week and will release in stages where I grade all the departments and the players and try and look ahead to hopefully some better times.
