Post by deadbat on Aug 10, 2024 8:42:48 GMT
Quickly the Blades were able to move off their negative point difference with a comfortable win at Preston North End on Friday evening. Goals from midfielders Arblaster and Hamer, in each half, saw off a lacklustre Lillywhite side as the Blades largely controlled the game from start to finish and with more clinical play could have won by even more than two goals. United won for the first time on opening day since the 2017-18 season (Brentford) and scored their first goal in the first fixture since 2019 (Billy Sharp at Bournemouth). For the Blades it was also their first win since February 10th at Luton, going back 14 matches. Remarkably it was also their first clean sheet in this calendar year with the game against Brentford at the Lane back in December, the last time they had shut any side out.
After a flurry of late activity in the transfer market, Chris Wilder named four debutants in his first line up of the season. Alfie Gilchrist and Harrison Burrows started in the full back positions in a four at the back with Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore playing further up the field. Harry Souttar was on the bench. The two other summer signings, Sam McCallum and Jamie Shackleton were both out with injury. Preston had first choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman back after doubts over his availability and gave debuts to Leeds loanee Sam Greenwood and new Icelandic midfielder Stefan Thodarson. Emil Riis Jakobsen, who had enjoyed success against United previously, began up top with last season’s leading scorer Will Keane.
United kicked away from the 4,029 away supporters in attendance to begin the game wearing their new neon away strip. The opening exchanges saw both teams trying to feel each other out but sloppy passing was a pattern of the early play. Brady tried to get down the left but Gilchrist got in an early tackle before O’Hare tried to get on the ball the other way. Riis had an effort from Brady’s cross but his effort was a long way wide and over. Burrows was well forward and his low cross saw O’Hare’s shot blocked behind for the first corner of the game but it came to nothing.
Brooks was seeing plenty of the ball down the right and it was from his run that United took the lead on 12 minutes. Souza won the initial tackle and after Hamer took it on, Moore then found Brooks. The youngster came inside and fed ARBLASTER and the midfielder hit a shot that deflected off a Hughes, the Preston defender, and completely wrongfooted Woodman before nestling into the corner of the net. Soon after United threatened again as Brooks led a break but was crowded out. Preston were struggling to get out and a poor pass from former Blade Whiteman had Hamer away but after he found O’Hare, the former Coventry duo could not quite execute the final part, with the latter taking too long to decide to return the pass or get a shot away.
Souza twice got back to make vital tackles and celebrated his second challenge by punching the air! Both Gilchrist and Burrows had settled on their debuts and had been competent in their play and O’Hare was constantly in motion in the middle of the field. Moore had struggled to get into the play but his imposing figure was at least keeping the North End defenders occupied. United won a further two corners with Brooks continuing to be a menace on the flank. Preston were using the long throw to try and cause problems but the Blades defence were holding firm when the rare attacks did come in.
The ball was played into the United box and Riis got a shot away but it was straight at Davies as Preston tried to find a response before the break. The home side’s best chance came when the ball was played into the United box and Thodarson had his effort blocked from Souza before the follow up from Potts was blocked in similarly brave fashion by Robinson.
The Blades continued to look threatening as they broke and another chance came, this time to Souza but he dragged his shot badly wide. Hamer and O’Hare continued to try and link and Preston were struggling to pick them up. The half time whistle came and United went into the break with the single goal advantage.
The second half saw Preston at least try and build some momentum after a disappointing first half and they got the ball into the United third for a sustained period of time. Greenwood had an effort at the near post that went narrowly wide before Whatmough then hit another strike, that this time Davies had to get a hand to, deflecting the ball behind. This lifted the home fans in the Alan Kelly Town End, named after the former Blade and Preston keeper’s Dad. Moore had a couple of efforts at the other end but one went over and another into the side netting after good work from O’Hare.
The second goal came in strange circumstances for the Blades as they profited from a howler by home goalkeeper Woodman. It began when United broke after clearing a Preston free kick. O’Hare found Arblaster who then moved it onto Brooks but after coming inside, his effort was poor and straight at the keeper. However, in his desire to get Preston back up the pitch, his throw out was straight at HAMER who read the situation, controlled it and then with his second touch sent a delightful lob back over the stranded keepers’ head and into the net. It was a brilliant piece of skill and thinking from the Blades talisman whose performance up this point had been patchy but showed why he will be a vital player this season, if he remains in a United shirt.
The two-goal cushion saw United really grow in confidence and Hamer and O’Hare linked again but United were perhaps guilty of overplaying. Another break saw Hamer exchange passes with Brooks but the former opted to pass rather than shoot with Moore his intended target. Souza then broke down the right but could not quite find Ahmedhodzic who had remained forward after a corner. United were now in complete control as the game moved past the hour mark.
Osmajic and Kesler Hayden replaced Greenwood and Keane for the home side who tried to find some new life into a game that was getting away from them. Hamer did give the ball away sloppily and this led to a chance for Potts but Davies got down to push it behind. The Blades then had another fantastic chance to drive home their advantage further as superb work from Brooks saw him jink away from a defender with his quick feet and send over an inviting cross for Moore who completely miskicked right in front of goal.
There were changes for both sides on 72 minutes as Seriki and Slimane took the places of Gilchrist and Hamer for the visitors and Frokjaer-Jensen came on for Thodarson at the same time.
The next phase of the game saw United keep the ball sensibly and with Souza and Arblaster completely controlling the middle of the field, they were seemingly easing to the victory against a home side that seemed out of ideas. Brewster replaced Brooks, with the youngster getting well earned applause from the United fans for his efforts. Lindsay hauled Moore down cynically as he completely turned the Preston defender seeing him be the first and as it turned out, the only player, on either side to go into referee Madley’s book.
Best came on for Brady and then O’Hare went off for Peck, as the game moved into 6 additional minutes of stoppage time. Moore’s cross from the wide left position saw Peck have an effort blocked before it fell for Arblaster who blazed will over the bar. Seriki then was able to intercept and drive forward but his cross was blocked from a defender as Moore threatened to pounce. The Blades saw out the final moments and soon were able to celebrate a long overdue win in front of their supporters.
United – It went about as well as it could do really. A good solid performance and away win with a clean sheet. We bedded in some of the new players who fitted in well and we controlled the game almost from start to finish. We looked a far superior side to them and whilst not everything was perfect and some sloppy bits at times going forward, I thought the defensive part of the game and how we won midfield meant you almost live with the few moments we made wrong choices when we went forward. However, we still showed some quality going this way and got two goals, albeit one fortunate and another helped by the opponents (still brilliantly taken).
Preston did have a few efforts but other than a couple of shots blocked at the end of the first half, most of their efforts were limited and mainly from long range. Think Davies only really had one proper save to make all game. Defensively we were pretty solid with the two debutants both impressing. The other way, helped by Souza and Arblaster controlling midfield and picking up all the loose bits and tackles, we looked a threat all game. I think Moore, Hamer and O’Hare will have better games with decisions/finishing etc but they still were a danger and caused problems with their individual skillsets. I thought Brooks was a threat all game and was the best we have seen from him since he broke into the team last December time. We scored goals at good times, getting in front early on and then after Preston had their best spell just after the break, scored the second which effectively killed it. We had so many times where we broke after they turned the ball over and were then breaking away. We seemed to be almost 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 quite a bit and with better choices/more clinical play, I do think we would have won even more comfortably, as Andy Walker on co-commentary said at the close of the game.
It's weird as I rightly want to praise United for their solid performance and attitude (which was first class and a real togetherness seemingly) but I also need to step back and think how much of a difference it is between the top flight and the Championship – which we saw clearly tonight. Preston were poor and offered little threat at all. They were not great on the ball and lacked ideas going forward. They also were static at the back and struggled with the movement when we picked the ball up and broke. I think we will play a lot better sides than them in the coming weeks and was a perfect start for us in terms of opposition, in order to get off the board. The level of play is night and day from the top league. Teams cough up possession easily but when you lose it, you can recover. It is odd though as we probably looked like the side we often faced last year, when one bad pass or error and the opponent would get in and be on goal and we did do that quite a bit. The overall power and pace is markedly different though as we saw that.
For United, it was just good to have that winning feeling and we did what we had to with some real promising signs. The two full backs were solid and then we saw flashes from O’Hare too. Souza had an excellent game and the two youngsters Arblaster and Brooks were stand outs also. It was good team performance and a deserved victory.
We hope we can retain Hamer and if we do have to make another sale, than it would be perhaps Anel (did ok tonight) rather than Souza but we will see. We still need new players in as we are awfully light (Seriki, Peck coming on – no offence – showed how lacking we are in senior players) in a few areas and we will see if Campbell and Rak Sakyi come in next week. The latter would be really important. I think Brooks did well but see him as the player who may be earmarked for this position. Goalkeeper is of course the priority after these two and whether it is Cooper, Dubravka or Rushworth (or another?) this needs to be sorted in the next few weeks. I hope we get a permanent goalkeeper and players that are longer contracts as the problem with having half a team of loans is that they can be recalled and/or you still need to replace them next summer! I still think we need another striker even if Campbell comes in and if Anel does move, maybe Worrall or another centre back comes in too. I think another combative midfielder as well.
Wrexham I am not really bothered (despite the so called ‘rivalry’) about the result but want to see some of the fringe players given a chance. Expect likes of Seriki, Peck, Slimane and Brewster to start and we might see Souttar instead of Robinson? Probably Grbic will start too. Next Saturday is the most important game of course and if we can start well at home (QPR improved hugely under their new manager) then the feel-good factor really will be solidified.
For now, it’s nice just to have a weekend where we have won a game and not looking at us at the bottom of a league table. If we had started badly (with the -2 deduction) it would not have been the end of the world but psychologically was important to get off this deficit and give the supporters some optimism.
Ratings:
Davies 6/10 – Had very little to do. Pushed one shot out from range and caught one other weak shot. Not sure he was troubled much at all really. Thought there were a couple of through balls where he was rooted to his line. One first half from our corner, he was completely stuck when he needed to come and clear up. That is picking though as his handling and work, with little to do, was fine. Expect us to upgrade though in the coming weeks. I also think Grbic surely will now depart (him not being picked is a clear sign he is surplus to requirements) and hopefully a team will take him (I expect a loan to the continent is the best we will do).
Gilchrist 7.5/10 – Really promising debut. Was quick to the ball, made tackles and against an experienced performer Brady, he stuck to his task and won the battle. He was neat and tidy on the ball but aggressive in his challenges and he go up and down the flank. Seen a lot of Chelsea fans according to Roy’s view from, say he was better as a centre back but he looks too small for that position to me unless we went with a 5? Good debut.
Burrows 7.5/10 – As above. He settled into the game quickly and did the defensive stuff well but also got forward. He put a few crosses in and his set plays will be a threat (a few a bit close to the keeper maybe) but he showed a real energy and desire and something we did not have last season and nice to see some youth and players wanting to impress. Lovely left foot and he seems quite composed and calm for such a young player and used the ball well.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – At the lower level with less movement, pace and power, he looked comfortable again. He even came out of defence a few times with some runs out from the back. He was not really pressured by Preston much at all but he did what he had to.
Robinson 7/10 – Solid. Made a few blocks and was able to stop them having any real clear chances. A few times first half the ball went into the box and he and Anel were sat off/not tight enough but then on these chances, both made blocks afterwards!
Souza 8/10 – Looked like a man possessed at times! He played really well. @bladespod summed it up (sat with him in the pub) saying he is great as long as he does not have much of the ball! He did give it away a few times first half and twice set them away and that is why I would give Arblaster the man of the match but after this he was superb. He won tackles, chased back and kept it simple when he had it. Had a few breaks with a shot wide and then a cross-second half. He seemed to be everywhere and just seemed to show a good attitude. That is what annoyed a lot of fans last year. His lackadaisical approach more than poor skill or giving it away. He just seemed energised and seemed motivated and also was talking to other players and helping us gel as a team. He sort of knitted defence and attack together. At this level, despite his weaknesses, he should stand out. Maybe he is playing for a move but I would not be upset if he stayed as his size/physique could be important at this level. I said I would rather lose Anel if we had to sell one of the two as think he might be easier to replace in terms of Souza’s size and what he gives us with the lads in front then allowed to thrive.
Arblaster 8/10 – A lot will make Souza man of the match and I would not argue too much with that choice but I gave it Blaster. I thought he was excellent and showed why teams have and will be looking at him higher up. He always looks so calm and composed on the ball and when he gets it, he brings it out of tight areas skilfully, finding space and always a teammate. Rarely, if ever, gave it away but tried to be progressive too with those little bursts and quick passes. He picked up loose balls too and showed he is strong for his size. The goal was a nice bonus as for all our praise he has not been involved in many key stats (goals/assists) which you need for a midfielder. Thought him and Souza completely controlled this area. Just looks a good all-around footballer with a knack for being in the right place and his awareness and intelligence is something that will hopefully take him a long way.
Brooks 7.5/10 – He was bright and sharp all game. Got into some great areas and was a real threat all game. He got on the ball and for the most part used it well. A few times he maybe ran into defenders or his end product was not quite there but he also was constantly involved and maybe our main outlet first half. He had one run even before the goal and then of course jinked inside and set up Arblaster. Second half he had a few other decent runs and the skill and pass to Moore should have been a goal. Needs to work on his final product and he also has to show he can down the line and use his right foot at times too rather than always coming inside, but today we saw more of the Brooks we saw when Wilder chose him when he was re-appointed before Xmas.
Hamer 6/10 – His mark may seem low to some but I actually thought outside of the brilliant goal, he was not that great! He was always a threat and tried to link and get on the ball but his decision making was poor and he gave it away a fair bit. Still the goal was superb and showed how bright and skilled he is. We saw the potential of the combination play and movement between Hamer and O’Hare even if things did not always come off. Not sure being wide suits him? He will and can come inside but think he sees less of the ball and has less involvement when out nearer the touchline. Hard though as the new formation seems to need two wider players with us having full backs rather than wing backs. We will see if it evolves and where he lines up. I still worry a team might take him before the end of the window as he is one of the best players outside the Premier League and it he has a release clause of 20 million, I worry someone might meet this. Hope not as if he goes that would make promotion very difficult.
O’Hare 6.5/10 – Like with Hamer, I thought we saw bits and pieces but that he was not always able to deliver an end product. Love the way he looks for the ball and always tries to pick it up in those little pockets. He had a few chances to get a shot away or find a teammate and the final product was not quite there but he continued to look for the ball and try and break when he could. His running and dribbling is going to be a real asset.
Moore 5.5/10 – Thought he took attention away with his size and strength but not sure he won too many headers and his hold up was mixed at times. He did have opportunities and had two shots wide but then missed a sitter when set up by Brooks. I thought a few times first half he was a bit slow to things and on his heels but this did get better as the game went on. Think he will improve and get better as the weeks go by but he will know he perhaps and should have scored tonight.
Subs –
Seriki – May have been disappointed not to start after a good pre season but think it was the right call to go with Gilchrist. When he came on though he did ok and looked lively and had a few good moments when he got on the ball.
Slimane – Not sure he had much of the ball when he came on as he played wide left. He gave away a few free kicks. Showed some promise in pre-season, albeit against lesser opponents, but he still needs to get fitter (and lose some more weight) for me. Not sure he will be more than a bit part player looking at the starters we had today.
Brewster – Did not see too much of him with most of the talk centered on another new haircut. Still worry if he is the main back up/alternative (or partner if we go with two up top at times) to Moore but hopefully Campbell and one other may come in.
Peck – Came on at the end and had one effort blocked. Maybe he the lucky charm as the two games he has played we have both won! Glad to see we opted to give him a chance rather than sign Dozzell – a player that is probably not going to improve and seems to be on the way down.
Manager: Wilder 8/10 – Despite having a summer of frustration, he did manage to make signings and this week he has got a few more much needed acquisitions through the door. He put Gilchrist straight in which was brave but it paid off. He employed his new formation which seems to be a 4-2-3-1 to me with Hamer and Brooks wide and O’Hare off Moore? Overall, the way we played was promising. We kept it neatly after we settled down to start and then showed when we can press and help initiate the turn over, we have runners on the break and pace/trickery to cause problems. We did not have that last season but with the new formation allowed by the likes of O’Hare coming in, we can at least have a different way of attacking. The defence were solid and we were sharp in midfield picking up those loose balls and winning the battles. I think a few things did not come off when we broke but Wilder will be pleased with the effort/application and the way we had a solid shape when we did not have the ball but were a threat when we went forward. Overall, a pleasing night. He will hope for more signings and we hold onto Hamer but overall he will be pleased and credit to him for getting the team ready (seemed fitter than Preston) and with a good mentality to begin the season well which cannot have been easy with what happened last season (still a number of players remain).
Preston – Started ok but the goal took the wind out of them and could have been further behind as we threatened to overrun them at times and they struggled with our quick runners and the break when we picked it up. They had another flurry second half but not really anything clear cut and after the second, it went away from them and despite changes, the game seemed done long before the end. Opening day in front of the cameras, you would hope that they may have had a buoyancy and belief to get a surprise result but in the end it looked like a side who was in the Premier League last season (albeit struggled hugely) against a side that ended the last season in the Championship really poorly. They never really stretched us and only had a few long-range efforts. They needed to get the ball in the box more but seemed caught between trying to play football and be more direct. I think if they did the latter they may have caused us more problems as we know Anel and Robinson can sometimes switch off if put under pressure but this never really happened. The fans made their feelings known at full time with a good number of boos as their team slumped off.
I think Preston may struggle more than they did last season perhaps but still do not think they will go down or be close to the relegation places but they looked really poor tonight. Maybe we made them look poor too but I felt they gave it away often under little pressure (sometimes we pressed them well too) and defensively they were slow to react to runs/danger and of course made a big error through the keeper. They looked devoid of ideas the other way and never really looked that dangerous at all. They sort of gave up at 0-2, which is a worry for the first match. It seems the fans and manager are not totally in sync, looking at it from the outside. They ended the season badly and will hope this does not carry on too long. If it does, you wonder if this might see Lowe under pressure? It is hard as the budget for them is always going to be so low. They seem to lack experience and quality in the side though and will miss Browne. I think they may need to make some moves this month to strengthen.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure anyone was that great. Brady did put a few decent balls in and Potts had a few long-range efforts but hard to really pick one out.
Opponent Weak link – Thought they got bossed in midfield and former Blade Whiteman and others struggled here but at the back the defenders looked slow and cumbersome and we got through in little gaps quite often. However, for his part in the second goal, Freddie Woodman takes this award. A dreadful error where maybe he did not see Hamer (should do in our new neon kit!) but was punished ruthlessly.
Referee/Officials – Bobby Madley. Excellent game but maybe an easy one to referee?. Nothing really of note in terms of tough decisions but nice to see the game just going on without lots of stoppages and breaks He let the game flow and cannot recall many bad decisions or times where I thought he got anything wrong? Minimal contact was let go (I even recall when Souza was scratched thinking in the Premier League there may have been a VAR check and a long break) and we did not have to wait for possible decisions. It made a nice change. Of course, there will be games where we have decisions that are contentious and we have no way of changing/checking but I will live with that as most fans would you think? He booked one player (Lindsay) for a cynical foul but that was it. The stoppage time was about right (we had lots of subs) and overall, it is nice not to be talking about the officials.
After a flurry of late activity in the transfer market, Chris Wilder named four debutants in his first line up of the season. Alfie Gilchrist and Harrison Burrows started in the full back positions in a four at the back with Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore playing further up the field. Harry Souttar was on the bench. The two other summer signings, Sam McCallum and Jamie Shackleton were both out with injury. Preston had first choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman back after doubts over his availability and gave debuts to Leeds loanee Sam Greenwood and new Icelandic midfielder Stefan Thodarson. Emil Riis Jakobsen, who had enjoyed success against United previously, began up top with last season’s leading scorer Will Keane.
United kicked away from the 4,029 away supporters in attendance to begin the game wearing their new neon away strip. The opening exchanges saw both teams trying to feel each other out but sloppy passing was a pattern of the early play. Brady tried to get down the left but Gilchrist got in an early tackle before O’Hare tried to get on the ball the other way. Riis had an effort from Brady’s cross but his effort was a long way wide and over. Burrows was well forward and his low cross saw O’Hare’s shot blocked behind for the first corner of the game but it came to nothing.
Brooks was seeing plenty of the ball down the right and it was from his run that United took the lead on 12 minutes. Souza won the initial tackle and after Hamer took it on, Moore then found Brooks. The youngster came inside and fed ARBLASTER and the midfielder hit a shot that deflected off a Hughes, the Preston defender, and completely wrongfooted Woodman before nestling into the corner of the net. Soon after United threatened again as Brooks led a break but was crowded out. Preston were struggling to get out and a poor pass from former Blade Whiteman had Hamer away but after he found O’Hare, the former Coventry duo could not quite execute the final part, with the latter taking too long to decide to return the pass or get a shot away.
Souza twice got back to make vital tackles and celebrated his second challenge by punching the air! Both Gilchrist and Burrows had settled on their debuts and had been competent in their play and O’Hare was constantly in motion in the middle of the field. Moore had struggled to get into the play but his imposing figure was at least keeping the North End defenders occupied. United won a further two corners with Brooks continuing to be a menace on the flank. Preston were using the long throw to try and cause problems but the Blades defence were holding firm when the rare attacks did come in.
The ball was played into the United box and Riis got a shot away but it was straight at Davies as Preston tried to find a response before the break. The home side’s best chance came when the ball was played into the United box and Thodarson had his effort blocked from Souza before the follow up from Potts was blocked in similarly brave fashion by Robinson.
The Blades continued to look threatening as they broke and another chance came, this time to Souza but he dragged his shot badly wide. Hamer and O’Hare continued to try and link and Preston were struggling to pick them up. The half time whistle came and United went into the break with the single goal advantage.
The second half saw Preston at least try and build some momentum after a disappointing first half and they got the ball into the United third for a sustained period of time. Greenwood had an effort at the near post that went narrowly wide before Whatmough then hit another strike, that this time Davies had to get a hand to, deflecting the ball behind. This lifted the home fans in the Alan Kelly Town End, named after the former Blade and Preston keeper’s Dad. Moore had a couple of efforts at the other end but one went over and another into the side netting after good work from O’Hare.
The second goal came in strange circumstances for the Blades as they profited from a howler by home goalkeeper Woodman. It began when United broke after clearing a Preston free kick. O’Hare found Arblaster who then moved it onto Brooks but after coming inside, his effort was poor and straight at the keeper. However, in his desire to get Preston back up the pitch, his throw out was straight at HAMER who read the situation, controlled it and then with his second touch sent a delightful lob back over the stranded keepers’ head and into the net. It was a brilliant piece of skill and thinking from the Blades talisman whose performance up this point had been patchy but showed why he will be a vital player this season, if he remains in a United shirt.
The two-goal cushion saw United really grow in confidence and Hamer and O’Hare linked again but United were perhaps guilty of overplaying. Another break saw Hamer exchange passes with Brooks but the former opted to pass rather than shoot with Moore his intended target. Souza then broke down the right but could not quite find Ahmedhodzic who had remained forward after a corner. United were now in complete control as the game moved past the hour mark.
Osmajic and Kesler Hayden replaced Greenwood and Keane for the home side who tried to find some new life into a game that was getting away from them. Hamer did give the ball away sloppily and this led to a chance for Potts but Davies got down to push it behind. The Blades then had another fantastic chance to drive home their advantage further as superb work from Brooks saw him jink away from a defender with his quick feet and send over an inviting cross for Moore who completely miskicked right in front of goal.
There were changes for both sides on 72 minutes as Seriki and Slimane took the places of Gilchrist and Hamer for the visitors and Frokjaer-Jensen came on for Thodarson at the same time.
The next phase of the game saw United keep the ball sensibly and with Souza and Arblaster completely controlling the middle of the field, they were seemingly easing to the victory against a home side that seemed out of ideas. Brewster replaced Brooks, with the youngster getting well earned applause from the United fans for his efforts. Lindsay hauled Moore down cynically as he completely turned the Preston defender seeing him be the first and as it turned out, the only player, on either side to go into referee Madley’s book.
Best came on for Brady and then O’Hare went off for Peck, as the game moved into 6 additional minutes of stoppage time. Moore’s cross from the wide left position saw Peck have an effort blocked before it fell for Arblaster who blazed will over the bar. Seriki then was able to intercept and drive forward but his cross was blocked from a defender as Moore threatened to pounce. The Blades saw out the final moments and soon were able to celebrate a long overdue win in front of their supporters.
United – It went about as well as it could do really. A good solid performance and away win with a clean sheet. We bedded in some of the new players who fitted in well and we controlled the game almost from start to finish. We looked a far superior side to them and whilst not everything was perfect and some sloppy bits at times going forward, I thought the defensive part of the game and how we won midfield meant you almost live with the few moments we made wrong choices when we went forward. However, we still showed some quality going this way and got two goals, albeit one fortunate and another helped by the opponents (still brilliantly taken).
Preston did have a few efforts but other than a couple of shots blocked at the end of the first half, most of their efforts were limited and mainly from long range. Think Davies only really had one proper save to make all game. Defensively we were pretty solid with the two debutants both impressing. The other way, helped by Souza and Arblaster controlling midfield and picking up all the loose bits and tackles, we looked a threat all game. I think Moore, Hamer and O’Hare will have better games with decisions/finishing etc but they still were a danger and caused problems with their individual skillsets. I thought Brooks was a threat all game and was the best we have seen from him since he broke into the team last December time. We scored goals at good times, getting in front early on and then after Preston had their best spell just after the break, scored the second which effectively killed it. We had so many times where we broke after they turned the ball over and were then breaking away. We seemed to be almost 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 quite a bit and with better choices/more clinical play, I do think we would have won even more comfortably, as Andy Walker on co-commentary said at the close of the game.
It's weird as I rightly want to praise United for their solid performance and attitude (which was first class and a real togetherness seemingly) but I also need to step back and think how much of a difference it is between the top flight and the Championship – which we saw clearly tonight. Preston were poor and offered little threat at all. They were not great on the ball and lacked ideas going forward. They also were static at the back and struggled with the movement when we picked the ball up and broke. I think we will play a lot better sides than them in the coming weeks and was a perfect start for us in terms of opposition, in order to get off the board. The level of play is night and day from the top league. Teams cough up possession easily but when you lose it, you can recover. It is odd though as we probably looked like the side we often faced last year, when one bad pass or error and the opponent would get in and be on goal and we did do that quite a bit. The overall power and pace is markedly different though as we saw that.
For United, it was just good to have that winning feeling and we did what we had to with some real promising signs. The two full backs were solid and then we saw flashes from O’Hare too. Souza had an excellent game and the two youngsters Arblaster and Brooks were stand outs also. It was good team performance and a deserved victory.
We hope we can retain Hamer and if we do have to make another sale, than it would be perhaps Anel (did ok tonight) rather than Souza but we will see. We still need new players in as we are awfully light (Seriki, Peck coming on – no offence – showed how lacking we are in senior players) in a few areas and we will see if Campbell and Rak Sakyi come in next week. The latter would be really important. I think Brooks did well but see him as the player who may be earmarked for this position. Goalkeeper is of course the priority after these two and whether it is Cooper, Dubravka or Rushworth (or another?) this needs to be sorted in the next few weeks. I hope we get a permanent goalkeeper and players that are longer contracts as the problem with having half a team of loans is that they can be recalled and/or you still need to replace them next summer! I still think we need another striker even if Campbell comes in and if Anel does move, maybe Worrall or another centre back comes in too. I think another combative midfielder as well.
Wrexham I am not really bothered (despite the so called ‘rivalry’) about the result but want to see some of the fringe players given a chance. Expect likes of Seriki, Peck, Slimane and Brewster to start and we might see Souttar instead of Robinson? Probably Grbic will start too. Next Saturday is the most important game of course and if we can start well at home (QPR improved hugely under their new manager) then the feel-good factor really will be solidified.
For now, it’s nice just to have a weekend where we have won a game and not looking at us at the bottom of a league table. If we had started badly (with the -2 deduction) it would not have been the end of the world but psychologically was important to get off this deficit and give the supporters some optimism.
Ratings:
Davies 6/10 – Had very little to do. Pushed one shot out from range and caught one other weak shot. Not sure he was troubled much at all really. Thought there were a couple of through balls where he was rooted to his line. One first half from our corner, he was completely stuck when he needed to come and clear up. That is picking though as his handling and work, with little to do, was fine. Expect us to upgrade though in the coming weeks. I also think Grbic surely will now depart (him not being picked is a clear sign he is surplus to requirements) and hopefully a team will take him (I expect a loan to the continent is the best we will do).
Gilchrist 7.5/10 – Really promising debut. Was quick to the ball, made tackles and against an experienced performer Brady, he stuck to his task and won the battle. He was neat and tidy on the ball but aggressive in his challenges and he go up and down the flank. Seen a lot of Chelsea fans according to Roy’s view from, say he was better as a centre back but he looks too small for that position to me unless we went with a 5? Good debut.
Burrows 7.5/10 – As above. He settled into the game quickly and did the defensive stuff well but also got forward. He put a few crosses in and his set plays will be a threat (a few a bit close to the keeper maybe) but he showed a real energy and desire and something we did not have last season and nice to see some youth and players wanting to impress. Lovely left foot and he seems quite composed and calm for such a young player and used the ball well.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – At the lower level with less movement, pace and power, he looked comfortable again. He even came out of defence a few times with some runs out from the back. He was not really pressured by Preston much at all but he did what he had to.
Robinson 7/10 – Solid. Made a few blocks and was able to stop them having any real clear chances. A few times first half the ball went into the box and he and Anel were sat off/not tight enough but then on these chances, both made blocks afterwards!
Souza 8/10 – Looked like a man possessed at times! He played really well. @bladespod summed it up (sat with him in the pub) saying he is great as long as he does not have much of the ball! He did give it away a few times first half and twice set them away and that is why I would give Arblaster the man of the match but after this he was superb. He won tackles, chased back and kept it simple when he had it. Had a few breaks with a shot wide and then a cross-second half. He seemed to be everywhere and just seemed to show a good attitude. That is what annoyed a lot of fans last year. His lackadaisical approach more than poor skill or giving it away. He just seemed energised and seemed motivated and also was talking to other players and helping us gel as a team. He sort of knitted defence and attack together. At this level, despite his weaknesses, he should stand out. Maybe he is playing for a move but I would not be upset if he stayed as his size/physique could be important at this level. I said I would rather lose Anel if we had to sell one of the two as think he might be easier to replace in terms of Souza’s size and what he gives us with the lads in front then allowed to thrive.
Arblaster 8/10 – A lot will make Souza man of the match and I would not argue too much with that choice but I gave it Blaster. I thought he was excellent and showed why teams have and will be looking at him higher up. He always looks so calm and composed on the ball and when he gets it, he brings it out of tight areas skilfully, finding space and always a teammate. Rarely, if ever, gave it away but tried to be progressive too with those little bursts and quick passes. He picked up loose balls too and showed he is strong for his size. The goal was a nice bonus as for all our praise he has not been involved in many key stats (goals/assists) which you need for a midfielder. Thought him and Souza completely controlled this area. Just looks a good all-around footballer with a knack for being in the right place and his awareness and intelligence is something that will hopefully take him a long way.
Brooks 7.5/10 – He was bright and sharp all game. Got into some great areas and was a real threat all game. He got on the ball and for the most part used it well. A few times he maybe ran into defenders or his end product was not quite there but he also was constantly involved and maybe our main outlet first half. He had one run even before the goal and then of course jinked inside and set up Arblaster. Second half he had a few other decent runs and the skill and pass to Moore should have been a goal. Needs to work on his final product and he also has to show he can down the line and use his right foot at times too rather than always coming inside, but today we saw more of the Brooks we saw when Wilder chose him when he was re-appointed before Xmas.
Hamer 6/10 – His mark may seem low to some but I actually thought outside of the brilliant goal, he was not that great! He was always a threat and tried to link and get on the ball but his decision making was poor and he gave it away a fair bit. Still the goal was superb and showed how bright and skilled he is. We saw the potential of the combination play and movement between Hamer and O’Hare even if things did not always come off. Not sure being wide suits him? He will and can come inside but think he sees less of the ball and has less involvement when out nearer the touchline. Hard though as the new formation seems to need two wider players with us having full backs rather than wing backs. We will see if it evolves and where he lines up. I still worry a team might take him before the end of the window as he is one of the best players outside the Premier League and it he has a release clause of 20 million, I worry someone might meet this. Hope not as if he goes that would make promotion very difficult.
O’Hare 6.5/10 – Like with Hamer, I thought we saw bits and pieces but that he was not always able to deliver an end product. Love the way he looks for the ball and always tries to pick it up in those little pockets. He had a few chances to get a shot away or find a teammate and the final product was not quite there but he continued to look for the ball and try and break when he could. His running and dribbling is going to be a real asset.
Moore 5.5/10 – Thought he took attention away with his size and strength but not sure he won too many headers and his hold up was mixed at times. He did have opportunities and had two shots wide but then missed a sitter when set up by Brooks. I thought a few times first half he was a bit slow to things and on his heels but this did get better as the game went on. Think he will improve and get better as the weeks go by but he will know he perhaps and should have scored tonight.
Subs –
Seriki – May have been disappointed not to start after a good pre season but think it was the right call to go with Gilchrist. When he came on though he did ok and looked lively and had a few good moments when he got on the ball.
Slimane – Not sure he had much of the ball when he came on as he played wide left. He gave away a few free kicks. Showed some promise in pre-season, albeit against lesser opponents, but he still needs to get fitter (and lose some more weight) for me. Not sure he will be more than a bit part player looking at the starters we had today.
Brewster – Did not see too much of him with most of the talk centered on another new haircut. Still worry if he is the main back up/alternative (or partner if we go with two up top at times) to Moore but hopefully Campbell and one other may come in.
Peck – Came on at the end and had one effort blocked. Maybe he the lucky charm as the two games he has played we have both won! Glad to see we opted to give him a chance rather than sign Dozzell – a player that is probably not going to improve and seems to be on the way down.
Manager: Wilder 8/10 – Despite having a summer of frustration, he did manage to make signings and this week he has got a few more much needed acquisitions through the door. He put Gilchrist straight in which was brave but it paid off. He employed his new formation which seems to be a 4-2-3-1 to me with Hamer and Brooks wide and O’Hare off Moore? Overall, the way we played was promising. We kept it neatly after we settled down to start and then showed when we can press and help initiate the turn over, we have runners on the break and pace/trickery to cause problems. We did not have that last season but with the new formation allowed by the likes of O’Hare coming in, we can at least have a different way of attacking. The defence were solid and we were sharp in midfield picking up those loose balls and winning the battles. I think a few things did not come off when we broke but Wilder will be pleased with the effort/application and the way we had a solid shape when we did not have the ball but were a threat when we went forward. Overall, a pleasing night. He will hope for more signings and we hold onto Hamer but overall he will be pleased and credit to him for getting the team ready (seemed fitter than Preston) and with a good mentality to begin the season well which cannot have been easy with what happened last season (still a number of players remain).
Preston – Started ok but the goal took the wind out of them and could have been further behind as we threatened to overrun them at times and they struggled with our quick runners and the break when we picked it up. They had another flurry second half but not really anything clear cut and after the second, it went away from them and despite changes, the game seemed done long before the end. Opening day in front of the cameras, you would hope that they may have had a buoyancy and belief to get a surprise result but in the end it looked like a side who was in the Premier League last season (albeit struggled hugely) against a side that ended the last season in the Championship really poorly. They never really stretched us and only had a few long-range efforts. They needed to get the ball in the box more but seemed caught between trying to play football and be more direct. I think if they did the latter they may have caused us more problems as we know Anel and Robinson can sometimes switch off if put under pressure but this never really happened. The fans made their feelings known at full time with a good number of boos as their team slumped off.
I think Preston may struggle more than they did last season perhaps but still do not think they will go down or be close to the relegation places but they looked really poor tonight. Maybe we made them look poor too but I felt they gave it away often under little pressure (sometimes we pressed them well too) and defensively they were slow to react to runs/danger and of course made a big error through the keeper. They looked devoid of ideas the other way and never really looked that dangerous at all. They sort of gave up at 0-2, which is a worry for the first match. It seems the fans and manager are not totally in sync, looking at it from the outside. They ended the season badly and will hope this does not carry on too long. If it does, you wonder if this might see Lowe under pressure? It is hard as the budget for them is always going to be so low. They seem to lack experience and quality in the side though and will miss Browne. I think they may need to make some moves this month to strengthen.
Opponent Man of the Match – Not sure anyone was that great. Brady did put a few decent balls in and Potts had a few long-range efforts but hard to really pick one out.
Opponent Weak link – Thought they got bossed in midfield and former Blade Whiteman and others struggled here but at the back the defenders looked slow and cumbersome and we got through in little gaps quite often. However, for his part in the second goal, Freddie Woodman takes this award. A dreadful error where maybe he did not see Hamer (should do in our new neon kit!) but was punished ruthlessly.
Referee/Officials – Bobby Madley. Excellent game but maybe an easy one to referee?. Nothing really of note in terms of tough decisions but nice to see the game just going on without lots of stoppages and breaks He let the game flow and cannot recall many bad decisions or times where I thought he got anything wrong? Minimal contact was let go (I even recall when Souza was scratched thinking in the Premier League there may have been a VAR check and a long break) and we did not have to wait for possible decisions. It made a nice change. Of course, there will be games where we have decisions that are contentious and we have no way of changing/checking but I will live with that as most fans would you think? He booked one player (Lindsay) for a cynical foul but that was it. The stoppage time was about right (we had lots of subs) and overall, it is nice not to be talking about the officials.
