Post by deadbat on Sept 1, 2024 19:12:44 GMT
It was the first home league win at Bramall Lane since December 9th, in the last calendar year, as United got the win seeing off a Watford side who had enjoyed a 100% record prior to today. The goal came very early as Callum O’Hare’s run and cross bounced in off Hornets goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann. The keeper saved a penalty from Kieffer Moore after Oliver Arblaster had been upended by former Blade Yasser Larouci. The Blades did enough to win the game in a game that threatened to boil over at times but United defended well with only one shot from Andrew off the outside of the post being close to levelling. At the other end Moore missed another good chance to make the game safe but overall, it was a deserved three points.
Wilder made two changes from the side that drew at Carrow Road with Rak Sayki in for Brooks who was out with concussion and Ahmedhodzic in for Trusty who had of course left the club this week. Watford started with Larouci in their backline and another former United player, Daniel Jebbison, was on the bench after signing in the week on loan from Bournemouth.
United began the game on the front foot and won the ball high up the field meaning they pushed Watford back. Rak Sayki played in O’Hare who skipped past his man, Sierralta and advanced and as the challenge came in, O’Hare sent the ball across but it clipped BACHMANN (OG) and over the line.
Chakvetadze had space as Watford tried to respond but scuffed his shot and it was comfortable for home debutant Cooper.
Burrows was found down the left by O’Hare and he flashed a dangerous cross that evaded everybody but the Blades were on the front foot and Souza was winning the loose balls and Arblaster influential in possession. They also looked to get the ball to Rak Sayki at every opportunity and one moment saw the on-loan winger come in and have a shot blocked. Watford were well In the game though and Larouci was well advanced the other way. It was a relatively open game and both teams were trying to attack at every opportunity. Burrows had to be alert to turn away the deep cross as the visitors showed their attacking intent. Watford created a great chance when the ball over the top beat the offside trap but Bayo tried a lob and got his angles all wrong and was well off target. It was a let off for United.
On 15 minutes, Good build up saw United advance into the Watford final third and Moore’s intelligent ball saw Arblaster nick the ball away from Larouci and the challenge was clumsy leading to an obvious penalty award. Hamer had the ball initially but Moore was chosen as the one to take it. He rather telegraphed the kick and Bachmann was already down to make the save to his left and push it round the post. It was a big save and kept Watford well in the contest.
Kayembe was getting on the ball and Bayo had an overhead kick that lacked power as they were buoyed after the penalty. However, a poor kick out from Bachmann saw Hamer get on it in a moment reminiscent of the opening day at Deepdale but the keeper got back and Hamer’s effort curled into his midriff.
Rak Sayki then got away from Larouci with lovely skill as he twisted him inside out but his shot deflected over for a corner. Arblaster then came away from a challenge but his pass was overhit for Moore. Hamer showed his ability as he came inside and beat two men but his shot was saved by the feet of Bachmann. Just before the break, O’Hare got deep into the Watford half again and seemed to have his ankle pulled by the hand of Sissoko but neither the referee or his assistant saw it to the incredulity of the Blades player.
There were no changes at the break but United looked to go for the jugular and O’Hare found Rak Sayki and his shot was deflected once again. A game that had seen a number of niggly challenges with the home crowd frustrated that a number of challenges had escaped yellow cards, finally saw a card. Larouci was the one that got it as he pulled back Rak Sayki who looked to get away. Sierralta soon was to follow him as he waved an imaginary yellow card after a challenge from Souza, that saw him booked instead! Sema came on for Larouci. Hamer blazed over but the game entered a period that saw it become scrappy with both teams giving the ball away. Gilchrist had acquitted himself well in a steady performance but was feeling his side and was replaced by Shackleton on the hour mark.
Soon after Watford had their best effort of the game as the ball dropped and Andrews hit a low shot that bounced off the outside of the post and behind. Souza then twice had to get back and make challenges as Watford finally had a spell in the second half. McCallum came on for Rak Sayki and Hamer went over to the right with Burrows moving further forward. More good work from Souza saw him recover another ball after chasing back.
Jebbison and Baah came on for the visiting side with the former drawing loud boos after departing Bramall Lane in the summer. Shackleton first few touches had been errant but he did really well to nutmeg Sema but his cross was cut out. Chakvetadze came off with Ince on as Watford poured more forwards into the field in an attempt to rescue something from the game.
Bachmann punched a corner clear but inexplicably the referee gave a free kick when there was no contact at all. The big keeper was the villain again but for good play more than playacting, when Moore was played in an he chopped inside his man but with men over and the goal gaping hit the legs of the keeper who turned it behind. It was a big chance to seal the game and another miss for the big centre forward.
After this opportunity was spurned, United’s fans became nervy and United were defending deeper but Watford had struggled to create much. A series of niggly fouls made the game stop start and Ahmedhodzic was booked after overrunning the ball which frustrated the fans as Souza had been caught in a similar fashion just before that and no card was given.
Brewster and Peck came on for Moore and O’Hare as United looked to protect what they had. The game went into five minutes of stoppage time but Watford were relying on long throws and knock downs and United remained solid. Hamer’s cynical foul was rightly penalised with a card but during this ugly challenge, Souttar and Jebbison became embroiled in physicals away from the play and after consulting with the assistant, both players were given yellow cards. Souza was whipping up the crowd and there continued to be a series of poor tackles and the referee at this point had seemingly lost control of the game. Peck intercepted the ball and drove down the left but went for goal rather than finding a teammate and the save was easy for Bachmann but it did not matter as the full-time whistle went soon after. After the game finished, a number of players were involved in an ugly melee that saw a ruck result but the referee chose to stand away and let the players sort it out and opted not to issue any more cards as the players finally separated after Baah and Arblaster became very close to each other.
In the end, the Blades were value for the win and whilst they had to sweat to the end, they were more resolute and less open than the previous home game and got the crucial three points as the fans could finally experience that winning feeling.
United – We did enough to win. It was an odd game as it times was quite open and both teams having a go, more so first half. We had a lot of attacks but do did they. We of course got off to a flier and the goal was made down the right with Rak Sayki and O’Hare combining. The Palace loanee showed some flashes and had a promising debut but as with the last game at home, we controlled much of the opening due to Souza and Arblaster winning midfield and O’Hare and Hamer getting in those little pockets. Watford did have chances though with a shot not long after scored mishit and a lob over the bar which was worryingly like the one last week when Norwich cut us open with one pass. Still, we continued to move the ball nicely and should have made it two when we missed the penalty. After this either side of the half it became a bit scrappy I felt. I was worried we did not quite close things off and seemed caught whether to got for another or sit back and probably maybe on reflection got it about right after we lost control v QPR of the middle. I never felt totally comfortable though but whilst we did not create much, neither did they. They had the long range shot off the outside of the post but not sure they got behind us like QPR did nor did they have any chances in the box? Moore then gets away and does the hard work but fluffs the chance. It became really stop start the final period with lots of subs and lots of fouls and both teams probably being guilty of some over zealous tackles. The ref sort of lost control and players were steaming in and lots of off the ball stuff too. Think he just wanted to go home by this point! Still, we kept our cool and not sure they really threatened at all in the final moments with a few long throws about it. In the end, we did enough to get the win if you look at the stats, 18 shots to 7 and 7 on target to 1. 8 corners to 5 and 30 touches in the box to 18. We had more possession too.
I still think there is a lot to do and improve on. I am not sure we totally controlled the game and it became bitty and scrappy again. Maybe Moore gets the 2nd on 15 (yes I know QPR came back) but that kills it and at 1-0 it is never done but they never really got up a head of steam like QPR did. I was a bit disappointed with our final moments. We got into some good areas again but the end product lacked. Moore will get criticism for his misses and some of the weak parts of his game but did some good things too and often is the only man in the box. I think Hamer and O’Hare are lovely footballers but again second half faded again and meant we relied on Arblaster and Souza to have a much better showing than the last home second half. The defence were relatively solid with Anel having his best game for a long time. Souza was superb and continued his really good start to the season and seemed to be everywhere at times. He has to keep these standards up though and show this consistency. I worry we lack depth and did not address this in the window. The subs who came on (not they did anything wrong) but seems a bit of a drop off to me and we lack forward/game changing options. I also think we lack an experienced head in midfield when we need to go compact and sacrifice Hamer and O’Hare (no criticism of Peck who put himself about).
We are still feeling our way and the formation and new players still need time but we got a crucial win before the break and overall, the results and performances have been ok-decent and without the 2-point deduction it would look every better of course. Hopefully we can use the break to work further on things in and out of possession. There were a lot more positives than negatives today though. Not sure anyone was awful and some solid to good performances. Wilder ensured we learnt from the last home game and did make changes (McCallum coming on to solidify the left-hand side) and more than that ensured we did enough to ensure the opposition could not run through us and we had a better shape.
Be interesting few weeks off the field if we see the change we now expect in terms of the takeover but now at least on the field we know what we have (yes, ideally we would have liked 3 or 4 more) and Wilder and the coaching staff can now get to work to improve the core of a decent starting lineup. Overall, the start after the disaster of last season and some of the issues in the summer with lateness of recruitment, has been pleasing though and on a simple level, today was just nice to see us win a game at Bramall Lane. It has been a bloody long time!
Ratings:
Cooper 6.5/10 – Solid game but did not have a save to make of note. One basic weak shot first half and a few punches away from crosses, most of his work was done with his feet. He looks a confident lad and used it well and does not panic when passing it out and seems decent with both feet. Silly to mess around at the end and get a booking.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – After a decent game at Preston struggled in a few games but apparently was better at Norwich and carried this improvement on and had a solid game. Nothing flash and did not see too much of him going forward (few chipped crosses that were comfortable) but defensively he kept to his shape and did what he had to. Was more alert than the last home game and just seemed to be more switched on.
Burrows 6.5/10 – As above really. He had made an error in the last home game but today he was fine. Technically decent and uses the ball well (better on the ball than Gilchrist) and some better corners too. He was involved going forward and one excellent cross no one got on the end of. Thought second half we saw less of him but he kept to his task and then ended up moving further forward with McCallum going to left back.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – The best he has played for a long time. He looked like the old Anel in terms of reading the game, intercepting and coming out with the ball. He was excellent defensively, nipping in and getting the ball and then striding forward. Used it well and committed midfielders to come and close him down. When he plays like that you can see why teams would look at him, as a defender who can tackle, be physical and use the ball looks a way above the level he is at. Started the season well but it is a season below and makes a big difference.
Souttar 7/10 – Like the rest of the defence, he did what he had to with headers, clearances. Once he was off his man first half and he does lack pace and at times I worried when they came at us but the midfield protected the defence better. He gives us a physical element too and means we are not as much a soft touch as we saw in some of the battles towards the end. I think him and Anel should have a spell now (I know both are right footed) as harsh as that may be on Robinson, they are probably our best two centre halves.
Souza 8.5/10 – Like with Anel, seems far more at home at the lower level with more time and him being one of the most physical players as opposed the higher level where they are all giants, quick and strong. He has played well in the opening games (dropped off v QPR as they all did 2nd half) but today took it to a new level. Won the ball and used it sensibly but his energy and desire was something else. He chased back a number of times and stopped them countering. He would just get his foot in and then help it on. Rarely wasted a pass too. He seemed to be all over the field and the crowd responded. United have had players before (Booker, Coutts, Basham off top of my head) where it’s taken a while for the crowd to be won over so he can do that and today the Kop responded to his efforts. All we ask is a player gives his all and does not hide and he excelled today in those areas and indeed all aspects of his game.
Arblaster 7.5/10 – Souza will get the accolades but Arblaster was quietly very good too again. He too would pick up the loose balls and often would come out of a crowd or a challenge with the ball and then just move it side to side giving us control. Lovely technical player. He did give it away once early that saw them break and maybe his influence lessened second half (got caught once) but continued to work hard and keep to a shape. He won the penalty and showed he is starting to be more of an attacking threat (two goals). Plays so much older than he is in his game.
Rak Sakyi 6.5/10 – Be interesting to see what others made of him. Thought he showed flashes of real promise and they often had to double up with him due to his pace/trickery. Like with Brooks, his final product at times was not quite there but he set up the goal of course. He did get into good areas and caused Larouci problems but then often would have a cross or shot deflected. He started to fade second half and gave it away when they had a break just before he came off. A promising start though and like how direct he is.
Hamer 6.5/10 – Some might say this is too low as he was involved in some of our better moments of play first half but at times he tried to do too much I felt and his final bit was not quite there. Just needs to keep it simple but then the sort of player that can do brilliant things and you have to cope with it not always coming off. One good run inside and shot but a few other wayward ones. Still not sure he is suited out wide but then with O’Hare then it is hard how to get them both into that number 10 position. Second half he was not involved as much and tired as shown by his really poor tackle that on another day could have been a red card and was really daft.
O’Hare 6.5/10 – As above really and same as QPR – started the game bright and lively and was hugely influential on the goal of course and should have had another penalty. Outside of this, he was involved in bits and pieces and showed his touch on the ball but there are large stretches where he is not as involved and we saw again second half when we have to be resolute and more defensive, that he is not really able to influence the game. He needed to get on the ball more and help us get up the field. I feel he will get subbed a lot in games in similar situations. Still, he is a lovely footballer to watch and has been involved in big moments in games to help us get goals. Think there is more to come too.
Moore 6/10 – I sense he will get a fair bit of criticism and maybe the McBurnie comparisons will get levelled again but actually he did some ok things today away from the missed and overall play was ok. He held it up and there was some decent link play and movement first half. At times he is leaden footed and slow but today he was sharper I felt and helped us stay up the field but there are still occasions where he is still not quick enough to react to things. Of course, the penalty was poor (continuing our issues from the spot) and easy for the keeper really once he goes the right way. Then on the chance second half, he does all the hard work, cutting inside and think he was right to shoot (I know there were men across but he as one on one) but the finish was poor again. I am not totally convinced yet by him but he does occupy space. I am not sure it is easy as can get isolated and often be the only man forward/in the box unless we get Hamer and O’Hare up early to support. I hope the fans do not become too critical as we have very little behind with two inexperienced and out of form players who I am not sure either can be counted on for many minutes so will be crucial he is mainstay of the side.
Subs -
Shackleton 6.5/10 – He came on and sort of fluffed his first touch and then they nearly got behind him but he did improve and even had one excellent run when he skinned his man but the cross was poor. They looked to target him but Souza and Anel did cover well in his area and he also made a few interceptions. Looked energetic and could get up and down and showed good desire for the game,
McCallum 6/10 – Bit of an odd cameo. Some ok things but some bizarre things too! He was pitched to be left back I felt but seemed to wander around and not keep his position. A few decent touches/passes but then three times he failed to clear properly and booted one high into the Bramall Lane sky which barely left our box!
Brewster – Not much time to make an impact and I was angry as he did not press the final man and was ambling straight after he came on but then did press more and won a free kick near the end.
Peck – Seems to be up for the fight – maybe too literally as came on and squared up to someone and maybe needed to calm down a bit. Did well to intercept the clearance at the end that saw him in on goal but his finish was weak. Glad we kept him around but supposed we had to if we could not bring anyone in!
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A win against a team that had won all three. That is the most important thing. The performance was decent and we ensure that we did not throw away a good start to the game. I am still not sure we totally controlled the game and at times felt we still had gaps in key areas but he did ensure that after the break we kept a solid-ish structure and they did not really get through us at all. In the end, the game became bitty with lots of yellow cards, subs and they could not really get any momentum. Being greedy you could hope we would go on and put them further away but in the end we missed the penalty and then after going so long without a win, it becomes a bit nervy but the players did what they had to and it was a deserved three points. Still a lot to work on and I believe the team needs to get much fitter still for me but there has been some positive signs.
Watford - Obviously had a great start and won all three. I thought they may struggle as they had been poor to end last season, changed the manager again and went for an inexperienced manager in his first job. They had lost a few more of their talented players too. However, they probably underachieved last year. A bit like us, really hard to peg where they may finish. The Championship is so odd, I would not be shocked if they finished nearer the top than the bottom (I predicted them to be a relegation scrap) and the good start helps. They had a number of quite athletic pacy players and I think Sissoko really helps in midfield. I do think they still lack experience particularly at the back and feel they will not have enough to contend for the top places despite a good start but I could be wrong!
Today, they went behind but stayed in the game after the penalty save. After this they made changes but never really had a prolonged period of pressure or any real clear-cut chances. They had the long range shot that hit the post (and the lob first half – their best chance) but they never got down the side or through us. They will argue the same the other way second half (outside the Moore chance) and it was certainly not as fluent second half for either side but in the end they cannot really merit taking anything from the game. I will discuss below but I thought they were quite a physical side and lots of fouls every time we tried to play the ball around them.
Opponent Man of the Match – Chakvetadze for me. Showed some neat touches and moments in midfield and was their best player. Surprised they took him off as he was the main threat in creating. Sissoko at times helped them settle but despite his own goal, Bachmann played well for his penalty save and the one-on-one stop second half.
Opponent Weak link – Larouci actually looked ok going forward and put some decent balls in but showed his defensive weakness too and of course gave away a penalty and was booked. He was hooked as he often was here as he never can last more than like than an hour. I thought Bayo was really poor though and expected better after his good start to the season but Anel won the battle. Jebbison barely had a touch when he came on spending more time wanting to wrestle and fight. I expected the reaction as he essentially chose to leave us and Wilder sort of asked for that reception really pre game (I know there may be some talk about him being mishandled medically when he was out for so long – the counter argument is we had looked after him through a difficult time). Not sure he will ever amount to much really. Expect he will get loaned out a few times throughout his Bournemouth contract to clubs like Watford. I was not that bothered he left apart from we perhaps could have made more money if we got his contract sorted earlier.
Referee/Officials – Andrew Kitchen. It was a nothing sort of game really although he frustrated both sets of fans with a total lack of consistency. Early on he was letting things go and then he started giving little things. I just felt I did not know what he would give at times. I felt they committed a number of cynical fouls but he did not book anyone and then Larouci was finally booked for a lesser foul than the one on the penalty! I heard Hendrie say it was not a penalty on the commentary but he clearly caught him with his trailing leg. Seemed clear cut to me. They should have spotted the pull back for a second penalty. After this the game became a bit tetchy and he totally lost control as it threatened to reach boiling point and Kitchen (geddit!) seemingly had no idea what was going on. I know Hamer committed a bad foul near the end but felt they were more the aggressors in terms of physical play and were quite cynical (dirty!) at times. How we got 5 booked to their 3 is a bit of a surprise. Larouci could have easily had two yellows (for the penalty) and Jebbison seemed to want to just come on and fight everyone at the end! Thought they were lots of little fouls and pulls and a weak ref let them get away with it. Granted at the end, we were as dirty as them and it sort of became a free for all the final stages. The melee at the end, he and his official just stood there and watched as they sort of all grabbed each other but he seemingly had lost interest at this point and just wanted his tea!
Crowd – Crowd was a bit down again on what we have had but Watford barely brought any fans which is to be expected on a Sunday, and on Sky thanks to more stupid rescheduling of games. The United fans were really good second half responding to Souza and co who were asking to help them over the line. I thought the noise was good and we responded to every tackle and run as the players got over the line. That sort of noise allied to the effort from the players and we will be touch to beat at home. It was nice to see the players and fans together for once and happy on full time after such a long time where it did not feel that way.
Wilder made two changes from the side that drew at Carrow Road with Rak Sayki in for Brooks who was out with concussion and Ahmedhodzic in for Trusty who had of course left the club this week. Watford started with Larouci in their backline and another former United player, Daniel Jebbison, was on the bench after signing in the week on loan from Bournemouth.
United began the game on the front foot and won the ball high up the field meaning they pushed Watford back. Rak Sayki played in O’Hare who skipped past his man, Sierralta and advanced and as the challenge came in, O’Hare sent the ball across but it clipped BACHMANN (OG) and over the line.
Chakvetadze had space as Watford tried to respond but scuffed his shot and it was comfortable for home debutant Cooper.
Burrows was found down the left by O’Hare and he flashed a dangerous cross that evaded everybody but the Blades were on the front foot and Souza was winning the loose balls and Arblaster influential in possession. They also looked to get the ball to Rak Sayki at every opportunity and one moment saw the on-loan winger come in and have a shot blocked. Watford were well In the game though and Larouci was well advanced the other way. It was a relatively open game and both teams were trying to attack at every opportunity. Burrows had to be alert to turn away the deep cross as the visitors showed their attacking intent. Watford created a great chance when the ball over the top beat the offside trap but Bayo tried a lob and got his angles all wrong and was well off target. It was a let off for United.
On 15 minutes, Good build up saw United advance into the Watford final third and Moore’s intelligent ball saw Arblaster nick the ball away from Larouci and the challenge was clumsy leading to an obvious penalty award. Hamer had the ball initially but Moore was chosen as the one to take it. He rather telegraphed the kick and Bachmann was already down to make the save to his left and push it round the post. It was a big save and kept Watford well in the contest.
Kayembe was getting on the ball and Bayo had an overhead kick that lacked power as they were buoyed after the penalty. However, a poor kick out from Bachmann saw Hamer get on it in a moment reminiscent of the opening day at Deepdale but the keeper got back and Hamer’s effort curled into his midriff.
Rak Sayki then got away from Larouci with lovely skill as he twisted him inside out but his shot deflected over for a corner. Arblaster then came away from a challenge but his pass was overhit for Moore. Hamer showed his ability as he came inside and beat two men but his shot was saved by the feet of Bachmann. Just before the break, O’Hare got deep into the Watford half again and seemed to have his ankle pulled by the hand of Sissoko but neither the referee or his assistant saw it to the incredulity of the Blades player.
There were no changes at the break but United looked to go for the jugular and O’Hare found Rak Sayki and his shot was deflected once again. A game that had seen a number of niggly challenges with the home crowd frustrated that a number of challenges had escaped yellow cards, finally saw a card. Larouci was the one that got it as he pulled back Rak Sayki who looked to get away. Sierralta soon was to follow him as he waved an imaginary yellow card after a challenge from Souza, that saw him booked instead! Sema came on for Larouci. Hamer blazed over but the game entered a period that saw it become scrappy with both teams giving the ball away. Gilchrist had acquitted himself well in a steady performance but was feeling his side and was replaced by Shackleton on the hour mark.
Soon after Watford had their best effort of the game as the ball dropped and Andrews hit a low shot that bounced off the outside of the post and behind. Souza then twice had to get back and make challenges as Watford finally had a spell in the second half. McCallum came on for Rak Sayki and Hamer went over to the right with Burrows moving further forward. More good work from Souza saw him recover another ball after chasing back.
Jebbison and Baah came on for the visiting side with the former drawing loud boos after departing Bramall Lane in the summer. Shackleton first few touches had been errant but he did really well to nutmeg Sema but his cross was cut out. Chakvetadze came off with Ince on as Watford poured more forwards into the field in an attempt to rescue something from the game.
Bachmann punched a corner clear but inexplicably the referee gave a free kick when there was no contact at all. The big keeper was the villain again but for good play more than playacting, when Moore was played in an he chopped inside his man but with men over and the goal gaping hit the legs of the keeper who turned it behind. It was a big chance to seal the game and another miss for the big centre forward.
After this opportunity was spurned, United’s fans became nervy and United were defending deeper but Watford had struggled to create much. A series of niggly fouls made the game stop start and Ahmedhodzic was booked after overrunning the ball which frustrated the fans as Souza had been caught in a similar fashion just before that and no card was given.
Brewster and Peck came on for Moore and O’Hare as United looked to protect what they had. The game went into five minutes of stoppage time but Watford were relying on long throws and knock downs and United remained solid. Hamer’s cynical foul was rightly penalised with a card but during this ugly challenge, Souttar and Jebbison became embroiled in physicals away from the play and after consulting with the assistant, both players were given yellow cards. Souza was whipping up the crowd and there continued to be a series of poor tackles and the referee at this point had seemingly lost control of the game. Peck intercepted the ball and drove down the left but went for goal rather than finding a teammate and the save was easy for Bachmann but it did not matter as the full-time whistle went soon after. After the game finished, a number of players were involved in an ugly melee that saw a ruck result but the referee chose to stand away and let the players sort it out and opted not to issue any more cards as the players finally separated after Baah and Arblaster became very close to each other.
In the end, the Blades were value for the win and whilst they had to sweat to the end, they were more resolute and less open than the previous home game and got the crucial three points as the fans could finally experience that winning feeling.
United – We did enough to win. It was an odd game as it times was quite open and both teams having a go, more so first half. We had a lot of attacks but do did they. We of course got off to a flier and the goal was made down the right with Rak Sayki and O’Hare combining. The Palace loanee showed some flashes and had a promising debut but as with the last game at home, we controlled much of the opening due to Souza and Arblaster winning midfield and O’Hare and Hamer getting in those little pockets. Watford did have chances though with a shot not long after scored mishit and a lob over the bar which was worryingly like the one last week when Norwich cut us open with one pass. Still, we continued to move the ball nicely and should have made it two when we missed the penalty. After this either side of the half it became a bit scrappy I felt. I was worried we did not quite close things off and seemed caught whether to got for another or sit back and probably maybe on reflection got it about right after we lost control v QPR of the middle. I never felt totally comfortable though but whilst we did not create much, neither did they. They had the long range shot off the outside of the post but not sure they got behind us like QPR did nor did they have any chances in the box? Moore then gets away and does the hard work but fluffs the chance. It became really stop start the final period with lots of subs and lots of fouls and both teams probably being guilty of some over zealous tackles. The ref sort of lost control and players were steaming in and lots of off the ball stuff too. Think he just wanted to go home by this point! Still, we kept our cool and not sure they really threatened at all in the final moments with a few long throws about it. In the end, we did enough to get the win if you look at the stats, 18 shots to 7 and 7 on target to 1. 8 corners to 5 and 30 touches in the box to 18. We had more possession too.
I still think there is a lot to do and improve on. I am not sure we totally controlled the game and it became bitty and scrappy again. Maybe Moore gets the 2nd on 15 (yes I know QPR came back) but that kills it and at 1-0 it is never done but they never really got up a head of steam like QPR did. I was a bit disappointed with our final moments. We got into some good areas again but the end product lacked. Moore will get criticism for his misses and some of the weak parts of his game but did some good things too and often is the only man in the box. I think Hamer and O’Hare are lovely footballers but again second half faded again and meant we relied on Arblaster and Souza to have a much better showing than the last home second half. The defence were relatively solid with Anel having his best game for a long time. Souza was superb and continued his really good start to the season and seemed to be everywhere at times. He has to keep these standards up though and show this consistency. I worry we lack depth and did not address this in the window. The subs who came on (not they did anything wrong) but seems a bit of a drop off to me and we lack forward/game changing options. I also think we lack an experienced head in midfield when we need to go compact and sacrifice Hamer and O’Hare (no criticism of Peck who put himself about).
We are still feeling our way and the formation and new players still need time but we got a crucial win before the break and overall, the results and performances have been ok-decent and without the 2-point deduction it would look every better of course. Hopefully we can use the break to work further on things in and out of possession. There were a lot more positives than negatives today though. Not sure anyone was awful and some solid to good performances. Wilder ensured we learnt from the last home game and did make changes (McCallum coming on to solidify the left-hand side) and more than that ensured we did enough to ensure the opposition could not run through us and we had a better shape.
Be interesting few weeks off the field if we see the change we now expect in terms of the takeover but now at least on the field we know what we have (yes, ideally we would have liked 3 or 4 more) and Wilder and the coaching staff can now get to work to improve the core of a decent starting lineup. Overall, the start after the disaster of last season and some of the issues in the summer with lateness of recruitment, has been pleasing though and on a simple level, today was just nice to see us win a game at Bramall Lane. It has been a bloody long time!
Ratings:
Cooper 6.5/10 – Solid game but did not have a save to make of note. One basic weak shot first half and a few punches away from crosses, most of his work was done with his feet. He looks a confident lad and used it well and does not panic when passing it out and seems decent with both feet. Silly to mess around at the end and get a booking.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – After a decent game at Preston struggled in a few games but apparently was better at Norwich and carried this improvement on and had a solid game. Nothing flash and did not see too much of him going forward (few chipped crosses that were comfortable) but defensively he kept to his shape and did what he had to. Was more alert than the last home game and just seemed to be more switched on.
Burrows 6.5/10 – As above really. He had made an error in the last home game but today he was fine. Technically decent and uses the ball well (better on the ball than Gilchrist) and some better corners too. He was involved going forward and one excellent cross no one got on the end of. Thought second half we saw less of him but he kept to his task and then ended up moving further forward with McCallum going to left back.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – The best he has played for a long time. He looked like the old Anel in terms of reading the game, intercepting and coming out with the ball. He was excellent defensively, nipping in and getting the ball and then striding forward. Used it well and committed midfielders to come and close him down. When he plays like that you can see why teams would look at him, as a defender who can tackle, be physical and use the ball looks a way above the level he is at. Started the season well but it is a season below and makes a big difference.
Souttar 7/10 – Like the rest of the defence, he did what he had to with headers, clearances. Once he was off his man first half and he does lack pace and at times I worried when they came at us but the midfield protected the defence better. He gives us a physical element too and means we are not as much a soft touch as we saw in some of the battles towards the end. I think him and Anel should have a spell now (I know both are right footed) as harsh as that may be on Robinson, they are probably our best two centre halves.
Souza 8.5/10 – Like with Anel, seems far more at home at the lower level with more time and him being one of the most physical players as opposed the higher level where they are all giants, quick and strong. He has played well in the opening games (dropped off v QPR as they all did 2nd half) but today took it to a new level. Won the ball and used it sensibly but his energy and desire was something else. He chased back a number of times and stopped them countering. He would just get his foot in and then help it on. Rarely wasted a pass too. He seemed to be all over the field and the crowd responded. United have had players before (Booker, Coutts, Basham off top of my head) where it’s taken a while for the crowd to be won over so he can do that and today the Kop responded to his efforts. All we ask is a player gives his all and does not hide and he excelled today in those areas and indeed all aspects of his game.
Arblaster 7.5/10 – Souza will get the accolades but Arblaster was quietly very good too again. He too would pick up the loose balls and often would come out of a crowd or a challenge with the ball and then just move it side to side giving us control. Lovely technical player. He did give it away once early that saw them break and maybe his influence lessened second half (got caught once) but continued to work hard and keep to a shape. He won the penalty and showed he is starting to be more of an attacking threat (two goals). Plays so much older than he is in his game.
Rak Sakyi 6.5/10 – Be interesting to see what others made of him. Thought he showed flashes of real promise and they often had to double up with him due to his pace/trickery. Like with Brooks, his final product at times was not quite there but he set up the goal of course. He did get into good areas and caused Larouci problems but then often would have a cross or shot deflected. He started to fade second half and gave it away when they had a break just before he came off. A promising start though and like how direct he is.
Hamer 6.5/10 – Some might say this is too low as he was involved in some of our better moments of play first half but at times he tried to do too much I felt and his final bit was not quite there. Just needs to keep it simple but then the sort of player that can do brilliant things and you have to cope with it not always coming off. One good run inside and shot but a few other wayward ones. Still not sure he is suited out wide but then with O’Hare then it is hard how to get them both into that number 10 position. Second half he was not involved as much and tired as shown by his really poor tackle that on another day could have been a red card and was really daft.
O’Hare 6.5/10 – As above really and same as QPR – started the game bright and lively and was hugely influential on the goal of course and should have had another penalty. Outside of this, he was involved in bits and pieces and showed his touch on the ball but there are large stretches where he is not as involved and we saw again second half when we have to be resolute and more defensive, that he is not really able to influence the game. He needed to get on the ball more and help us get up the field. I feel he will get subbed a lot in games in similar situations. Still, he is a lovely footballer to watch and has been involved in big moments in games to help us get goals. Think there is more to come too.
Moore 6/10 – I sense he will get a fair bit of criticism and maybe the McBurnie comparisons will get levelled again but actually he did some ok things today away from the missed and overall play was ok. He held it up and there was some decent link play and movement first half. At times he is leaden footed and slow but today he was sharper I felt and helped us stay up the field but there are still occasions where he is still not quick enough to react to things. Of course, the penalty was poor (continuing our issues from the spot) and easy for the keeper really once he goes the right way. Then on the chance second half, he does all the hard work, cutting inside and think he was right to shoot (I know there were men across but he as one on one) but the finish was poor again. I am not totally convinced yet by him but he does occupy space. I am not sure it is easy as can get isolated and often be the only man forward/in the box unless we get Hamer and O’Hare up early to support. I hope the fans do not become too critical as we have very little behind with two inexperienced and out of form players who I am not sure either can be counted on for many minutes so will be crucial he is mainstay of the side.
Subs -
Shackleton 6.5/10 – He came on and sort of fluffed his first touch and then they nearly got behind him but he did improve and even had one excellent run when he skinned his man but the cross was poor. They looked to target him but Souza and Anel did cover well in his area and he also made a few interceptions. Looked energetic and could get up and down and showed good desire for the game,
McCallum 6/10 – Bit of an odd cameo. Some ok things but some bizarre things too! He was pitched to be left back I felt but seemed to wander around and not keep his position. A few decent touches/passes but then three times he failed to clear properly and booted one high into the Bramall Lane sky which barely left our box!
Brewster – Not much time to make an impact and I was angry as he did not press the final man and was ambling straight after he came on but then did press more and won a free kick near the end.
Peck – Seems to be up for the fight – maybe too literally as came on and squared up to someone and maybe needed to calm down a bit. Did well to intercept the clearance at the end that saw him in on goal but his finish was weak. Glad we kept him around but supposed we had to if we could not bring anyone in!
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A win against a team that had won all three. That is the most important thing. The performance was decent and we ensure that we did not throw away a good start to the game. I am still not sure we totally controlled the game and at times felt we still had gaps in key areas but he did ensure that after the break we kept a solid-ish structure and they did not really get through us at all. In the end, the game became bitty with lots of yellow cards, subs and they could not really get any momentum. Being greedy you could hope we would go on and put them further away but in the end we missed the penalty and then after going so long without a win, it becomes a bit nervy but the players did what they had to and it was a deserved three points. Still a lot to work on and I believe the team needs to get much fitter still for me but there has been some positive signs.
Watford - Obviously had a great start and won all three. I thought they may struggle as they had been poor to end last season, changed the manager again and went for an inexperienced manager in his first job. They had lost a few more of their talented players too. However, they probably underachieved last year. A bit like us, really hard to peg where they may finish. The Championship is so odd, I would not be shocked if they finished nearer the top than the bottom (I predicted them to be a relegation scrap) and the good start helps. They had a number of quite athletic pacy players and I think Sissoko really helps in midfield. I do think they still lack experience particularly at the back and feel they will not have enough to contend for the top places despite a good start but I could be wrong!
Today, they went behind but stayed in the game after the penalty save. After this they made changes but never really had a prolonged period of pressure or any real clear-cut chances. They had the long range shot that hit the post (and the lob first half – their best chance) but they never got down the side or through us. They will argue the same the other way second half (outside the Moore chance) and it was certainly not as fluent second half for either side but in the end they cannot really merit taking anything from the game. I will discuss below but I thought they were quite a physical side and lots of fouls every time we tried to play the ball around them.
Opponent Man of the Match – Chakvetadze for me. Showed some neat touches and moments in midfield and was their best player. Surprised they took him off as he was the main threat in creating. Sissoko at times helped them settle but despite his own goal, Bachmann played well for his penalty save and the one-on-one stop second half.
Opponent Weak link – Larouci actually looked ok going forward and put some decent balls in but showed his defensive weakness too and of course gave away a penalty and was booked. He was hooked as he often was here as he never can last more than like than an hour. I thought Bayo was really poor though and expected better after his good start to the season but Anel won the battle. Jebbison barely had a touch when he came on spending more time wanting to wrestle and fight. I expected the reaction as he essentially chose to leave us and Wilder sort of asked for that reception really pre game (I know there may be some talk about him being mishandled medically when he was out for so long – the counter argument is we had looked after him through a difficult time). Not sure he will ever amount to much really. Expect he will get loaned out a few times throughout his Bournemouth contract to clubs like Watford. I was not that bothered he left apart from we perhaps could have made more money if we got his contract sorted earlier.
Referee/Officials – Andrew Kitchen. It was a nothing sort of game really although he frustrated both sets of fans with a total lack of consistency. Early on he was letting things go and then he started giving little things. I just felt I did not know what he would give at times. I felt they committed a number of cynical fouls but he did not book anyone and then Larouci was finally booked for a lesser foul than the one on the penalty! I heard Hendrie say it was not a penalty on the commentary but he clearly caught him with his trailing leg. Seemed clear cut to me. They should have spotted the pull back for a second penalty. After this the game became a bit tetchy and he totally lost control as it threatened to reach boiling point and Kitchen (geddit!) seemingly had no idea what was going on. I know Hamer committed a bad foul near the end but felt they were more the aggressors in terms of physical play and were quite cynical (dirty!) at times. How we got 5 booked to their 3 is a bit of a surprise. Larouci could have easily had two yellows (for the penalty) and Jebbison seemed to want to just come on and fight everyone at the end! Thought they were lots of little fouls and pulls and a weak ref let them get away with it. Granted at the end, we were as dirty as them and it sort of became a free for all the final stages. The melee at the end, he and his official just stood there and watched as they sort of all grabbed each other but he seemingly had lost interest at this point and just wanted his tea!
Crowd – Crowd was a bit down again on what we have had but Watford barely brought any fans which is to be expected on a Sunday, and on Sky thanks to more stupid rescheduling of games. The United fans were really good second half responding to Souza and co who were asking to help them over the line. I thought the noise was good and we responded to every tackle and run as the players got over the line. That sort of noise allied to the effort from the players and we will be touch to beat at home. It was nice to see the players and fans together for once and happy on full time after such a long time where it did not feel that way.
