Post by deadbat on Sept 13, 2024 22:39:37 GMT
The Blades moved up to third place in the Championship table after a comfortable 2-0 victory at the MKM Stadium against a poor, and still winless, Hull side. Goals from Gustavo Hamer and Sam McCallum, both from break outs from Hull corners, sealed the three points as United were full value for the win. City’s possession game saw them attempt to play out from the back but their overplaying put them in danger throughout the evening. Michael Cooper had a few routine saves with only a late header against the underside of the bar giving United their only real scare.
Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting eleven despite there being some fitness concerns of a few key men after international duty. Jesurun Rak Sayki kept his place despite the impressive early season form of Andre Brooks – who had missed the last game due to concussion protocols. Kieffer Moore and Anel Ahmedhodzic had contrasting international breaks mixed in with injuries, goals and controversy.
Hull, under new management, with Tim Walter coming in from Germany had a number of personnel changes with players such as Greaves, Carvalho, Seri, Estupinan, Philogene, Tufan and Sharp no longer at the MKM Stadium. Former Blade Regan Slater remained and was on the bench but it was a number of new signings that littered the starting line up with former Luton man Ryan Giles, ex Norwich midfielder Kamara and recently signed Coventry forward Kasey Palmer all starting.
The game began under the lights with United wearing their new cream and red shirt. In the first minute O’Hare tried to feed Hamer but overhit his pass. The first chance came when Rak Sayki cut inside but pulled his shot well wide. Arblaster gave the ball away and tried to recover his error but compounded it with a silly foul and early booking.
Hull were clearly intent on playing the ball out as manager Walter tried to implement his style on the Tigers but took a number of considerable risks in doing do. Twice Moore and Hamer nearly nicked the ball off a defender and the keeper.
The first attack of note for Hull came when they beat the press for the first time but Souttar got across to clear as the home side had numbers down the left. City continued to move it around patiently at the back and United were happy to wait for the error.
On 15 minutes the mistake did come but from a different source as Hull actually had a corner but as they played it back to Belloumi, the debutant took too long and O’Hare nicked it off his toes and broke. He slipped his pass down the side for the onrushing HAMER who came inside and drilled a clinical finish into the far corner. It was another moment of quality from United’s star man and the Blades led.
Hull tried to respond but Ahmedhodzic and Gilchrist mopped up before Hamer broke again down the left but Moore went far post and did not anticipate the cross. Gilchrist and Souttar both made mistakes for United with overhit and then short passes, that saw a corner conceded and then Cooper have to clear the second error.
United broke again and it was one ball over the top and Moore was in but like the previous game, he opted to chop back rather than drive in on goal and then tried to feed O’Hare but his cross was overhit in trying to find Moore in kind. A really good chance that went begging as Hull’s naïeve defending continued to cause issues.
Hamer was the second player in the book as he needlessly pulled Kamara back. The free kick was taken by Omur and his dipping effort was on target and Cooper has to push it over with his first save of the game. Hull won a series of corners but opted to play short ones in most instances continuing their passing theme. The tactics at the back continued to cause scares and Moore nearly got in again before a nice move involving Hamer and then Burrows saw the full back centre for Moore but the defender McLoughlin made the block.
Ball through from Moore found Rak Sakyi who tried a flicked finish but Giles got back to make the block. It was an open game for the next 5 minutes with gaps appearing all over the park and both sides having chances to create but poor play in the final third meant no clear chances resulted. Ahmedhodzic showed his class twice as he came out with the ball and then made another interception.
Kamara won a corner on one side; and Coyle on the other with enterprising runs and Souza appeared to be winded as the second one was being taken. City loanee Burns was carded for a dangerous tackle on Arblaster just before the half time whistle.
United will have been happy to lead but may feel they should have made more of other breaks but the final ball/decision had prevented any other clear chances. They will be happy with their defensive work as Hull had created very little despite enjoying lots of possession but often in their own third!
The second half saw Hull make two changes with Drameh and Millar for Giles and Kamara as they looked for impetus but the first chance came for Moore again. The big striker opted to go for goal from 40 yards with the keeper off his line but it was well wide with men over that were better options.
A ball over the top nearly found Bedia before Coyle’s untidy work saw him concede a corner at the other end. As the ball dropped Souza seized on it but his shot was well saved from Pandur. Cooper pouched a chipped cross before Hamer went down with a knock and had to be replaced. He departed along with O’Hare and Rak Sayki and on came Brewster, McCallum and Brooks. The former Norwich man was employed in a more advanced midfield position.
Cooper had to help over Belloumi cross as Hull tried to find a moment as United were lacking energy in the second half and Millar won a corner after a one two attempt. However, it was from this set play that United broke again to effectively all but seal the game on 66 minutes. Brewster helped it on and Moore was physically too strong to hold off Millar and feed Brooks whose clever flick set up McCALLUM who steered it superbly into the far corner. All three substitutions had been involved in the goal but again it was a superb finish.
Blades fan Slater came on Burns and Palmer replaced Belloumi. Hull did have a great opportunity on 72 minutes as Mehlem came onto the cross from Coyle and was inexplicable left unmarked but his header bounced off the bar, down and out. Millar put the rebound wide. It was Hull’s best chance of the game and one they should have converted.
Brooks was the next to go in the book for his tackle on Jones before a dangerous cross just evaded two Hull forwards as the home side tried to find the goal that would give them hope. Souza then broke well but his ball was intercepted and Hull won another corner. Gilchrist, had played well but tackle was really poor on Omur and the remonstrations from the home contingent was such that both manager Walter and sub Palmer were both carded.
Gilchrist had to go off with Seriki coming on but just before this Bedia could not quite divert a cross goalwards and put it wide. The game ticked into 5 minutes of additional time but it was the away side who came closest to the third goal as Seriki was well forward and it fell for Burrows but his shot was straight at Pandur. United saw the time out with Souza making two more late interceptions to deny Hull any sniff of a consolation.
The final whistle came with many home fans already departed into the Humberside night air. The Blades celebrated as a team but manager Wilder, with a nice touch, pushed Ahmedhodzic forward to take the acclaim as the Blades fans sang his name recognising his honesty over some of his off the field struggles.
United – A professional and solid win. I am not sure we were outstanding as Wilder said after the game. We scored two decent goals and had lots of other good breaks and pieces of play and with better composure and decisions could have scored more or created more. However, we did what he had to and Hull rarely got into our area or caused any real danger. They had a few long-range shots/crosses Cooper helped over but other than the header off the bar; they created little of anything really despite all the possession and corners they had (many of these they took short and lost- led to our goals). I did feel after a decent first half where we maybe could and should have been two up; we were a bit slow and passive, on and off the ball, after the break and I worried about another fade out in performance as they had a few moments where they got down the side and crosses came in. However, the subs actually gave us the energy and lift we needed and led to the second and killer goal.
After this Hull did have some moments and if the header goes in, who knows? The last 10 minutes or so we saw it out rather easily and they lost hope really. I think we were sloppy with the ball and at times too many crosses were allowed to come in and better teams may have got back into the game but we beat what we had to, in front of us. In the end, it was not a vintage performance but we mostly defended well and offered enough to suggest we always looked the more likely to score, throughout the game. The improvements of Souza and Ahmedhodzic this season were in evidence again and Hamer showed his class. We also saw the two full backs continue to improve and Souttar was rock solid again. The defensive side of the team in terms of shape, closing down space and preventing too many clear chances was excellent. Going forward, despite the talent, think we can be more ruthless and Moore needs to be better in his play if he wants to really ensure this system works and allows us to be more of a threat.
Overall, though it is another win and we have had a good start. Not sure we have played many (any?) side that will be in the top half by the end of the season and believe likes of Hull and Preston may be close to a relegation scrap but we can only beat what is in front of us. We now play two newly promoted sides in Derby/Pompey and hopefully there is a good chance to add a fair few points from these. Maybe we might even see a resolution in the takeover (one way or another) but it has gone on so long now, I will believe it when I see it!
Ratings:
Cooper 7/10 – Little to do in the first half other than the push over from the free kick. His kick/chip outs are really good and he is excellent seemingly with his feet. Second half had a bit more to do but again mostly standard crosses taken and one push over. Did have a real worry when the one hit the bar but survived and kept his second clean sheet. Just looks solid so far but defence protected him well.
Gilchrist 7.5/10 – Defended sensibly first half despite little help from Rak Sayki and thought he made some good interceptions and did what he had to. Also had a few good runs forward even if there was no end product. Solid in the tackle and seems to be improving. The one black mark is the really bad tackle that was close to a red card- luckily his feet was not off the ground. Seemed to injure himself as a result. Loses half a mark for that moment but was really good, the rest of the game.
Burrows 7.5/10 – Like Gilchrist seems to be growing with every game. Defensively was fine and kept to his position but some lung bursting runs where he linked well with Hamer and a few one-twos and moments where he got down the side and sent crosses over. Really energetic player and good on the ball.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – My man of the match. Thought he was outstanding and really finished a difficult week well after everything he discussed linked to his Dad and the issues with his country. First half came out with the ball and read the play superbly and just coasted it. Second half was busier but made several good interceptions or got his body in the right area. Good on the ball when he had it, but better than that he did the ugly stuff too.
Souttar 7.5/10 – Solid to start with and few blocks/tackles but a poor back pass nearly caught us out. However, he is just a solid, no nonsense centre half and such a big unit. The back two were really good and never gave them a sniff until that late header but even that may have been a midfield runner switching off. Quietly very effective and you have to say these two have the shirt now and Robinson will have to bide his time.
Souza 7.5/10 – Broke up play a bit and kept it simple but his passing was a bit off at times first half and a few loose moments. He did cover a lot of ground and mopped up a number of occasions and was able to just do what he has to. Did not like him waving his arms again a few times when he felt players did not read his intentions but overall he has had a much better start to this season and his tackling, running and overall play has been a key part of our good start.
Arblaster 6.5/10 – Stupid early booking after he gave it away and not as influential as he has been and bit sloppy with it but as the game went on he quietly did his job, getting on the ball and moving it on or breaking things up. He was not as involved as other games this season but it was a case of helping shield the defence and do what he needed to go and ensuring we were not opened up.
Rak Sayki 5/10 – Frustrating and looked well off the pace for much of it despite getting in some promising areas. He did have the odd good run but often no real end product and when he had a chance tried a daft flick. He seemed to be gassed quite early on and at times left Gilchrist exposed I thought. Second half he gave it away a few times and did not look the same threat so not surprised he went off.
Hamer 7/10 – Superb goal which showed his class as he made a lung busting run to get there and then clinically slotted it home. Few other pieces of link play with likes of Burrows, O’Hare and Moore and showed his class as times. Not as much of a factor second half. Did pick up a needless booking too.
O’Hare 6/10 – Began with a few overplays but then made the goal with the interception, run and pass. This showed why he can be such a threat. Had a few other moments where he chose the wrong option and not sure he got on it as much as I would have liked and then second half as they came into it, we needed a different sort of option. He needs to get fitter (forget he was out for a long time with a bad injury) and ensure he can be as influential after half time as often starts games looking really dangerous. Still his link play with Hamer at times is a joy to watch but needs to be more involved.
Moore 4.5/10 – He will be criticised again and I can see why even though I will defend elements of his game. Too slow to do things and his decision making was again not the best. Had an excellent chance but came inside when he needed to drive at goal – similar to the Watford chance. He had other moments where he took too long or did not get it under control. Second half a few moments where he has the chance to play people in and he shot or played a poor ball. However, he did really well on the second goal using his strength. He does occupy defenders but he has to be more careful with the ball and make better decisions when in good positions but looks rather clumsy and slow so far.
Subs -
Brooks 6.5/10 – Came on and gave us some energy and set up the second goal with a great flick. Another who dived in and got booked. Get a feeling that he will start the next game and Rak Sayki will come off the bench as he has not done enough to take his place (the concussion issue obviously kept him out for a period).
McCallum 7/10 – Played in an attacking role and helped us press and just gave us some good energy as Hamer and O’Hare were tiring. Got on the end of the break and scored a really good finish. Very all action athlete that seems a useful lad to have around that we can plug into lots of positions.
Brewster 5/10 – Barely noticed him although did get involved in the goal in the build up. Won one free kick but outside of that he was quite slow to react to things and often was behind his man or would lose it when he needed to hold onto it. Surprised he is getting time ahead of Campbell.
Seriki – Replaced Gilchrist after he got hurt making the tackle. Well forward despite us being 2 up late in the game. Wilder does seem to trust him that he can come in and play when needed.
Shackleton – Ended up advanced in the late chance we had through Burrows, as he fed him but only on for a few minutes.
Manager: Wilder 7.5/10 – Three points on the road and a clean sheet. Been a good reaction since that QPR disappointment with a solid draw at Norwich and two back to back wins now either side of the break. Tactically was quite aware what they were going to do and has us almost playing a cat and mouse of when to press and when to sit off and had to pick and choose when to go. The goals though came from us breaking quickly and exposing their lack of cover/protection from having a corner. Overall, we started ok and looked dangerous as we looked to exploit their weaknesses in overplaying and got the goals at the right times. The changes he made gave us energy and after we had looked a bit flat after the break, gave us something different and they all were involved in the second goal.
Hull – Looked a rotten side most of the night. Had a bit of a flurry second half when they actually decided to put the ball in the box finally after tip tapping it around but outside of the one off the bar they never seriously threatened. The game began with this almost David Weir style of playing it out and the keeper moving it across and then back to the full back and across again. The players they have are not that technically strong so this makes it hard to see how this will work? He is clearly going to persist with it but worry he won’t see this month out if he keeps at it and they keep throwing away goals and losing games. They clearly have been told to keep passing it but we nearly robbed them a few times before we did and scored. Ironically both goals came from corners as they even did not want to out these in the box (had 16 to 3 corners). The possession was 69% but most of it was in pointless areas and not even close to our half. We had 4 shots on target to their 2 and most of the dangerous play and good passing came when we broke and got into the Hull final third.
The fans were getting frustrated that they kept doing it but clearly that is his way. To defend him, they have lost a lot of talented players and not really replaced them but maybe that is why he needs to be more pragmatic to give himself and his team, a base to build on. Now they are desperate for points and will be more nervous and will make more mistakes and teams will just press on them and take advantage. Walter said they had more chances which was a nonsense and his after the match interview was bordering on absurd as his team lost really comfortably but he made out they were really good and just a few small elements went wrong! They had been employing the same tactic all game and the same mistakes kept happening. I worry for them as they lack experience and quality. Surprised Slater did not play as he at least gives them bite and some of the players they have brought in look a bit out of their depth or not really adapted yet to this level. I think it will be a season where they will need to just stay clear of murky waters, in terms of the bottom three places.
Opponent Man of the Match – Omur had a few moments and Kamara first half had a few driving runs but Millar (United were linked with him of course) came on and was quite dangerous and maybe their best player despite Moore ragging him for the goal. I thought their best overall player was maybe Coyle who kept going and got up and down.
Opponent Weak link – The weak link was their tactics really but in terms of players, Belloumi made a real hash of it, getting robbed as we broke to score. I thought they had little to offer up front and Bedia struggled to make any headway.
Referee/Officials – Peter Bankes. He was at the centre of the controversy last season at Spurs with the additional time and an astonishing attack from Heckingbottom who slammed Bankes for making him change the way we played (having to kick it out long). Tonight, he rightly carded 4 United players for some clumsy and quite cynical tackles. Think he got the Gilchrist one right as he did at least have his foot on the floor, as bad a tackle as it was. They picked up two bookings – one for a foul and one for complaining. Aside from this, no real moments of controversy and nothing that needed forensic examination. He was fine and one of the better performances after some bad ones at the Lane recently.
Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting eleven despite there being some fitness concerns of a few key men after international duty. Jesurun Rak Sayki kept his place despite the impressive early season form of Andre Brooks – who had missed the last game due to concussion protocols. Kieffer Moore and Anel Ahmedhodzic had contrasting international breaks mixed in with injuries, goals and controversy.
Hull, under new management, with Tim Walter coming in from Germany had a number of personnel changes with players such as Greaves, Carvalho, Seri, Estupinan, Philogene, Tufan and Sharp no longer at the MKM Stadium. Former Blade Regan Slater remained and was on the bench but it was a number of new signings that littered the starting line up with former Luton man Ryan Giles, ex Norwich midfielder Kamara and recently signed Coventry forward Kasey Palmer all starting.
The game began under the lights with United wearing their new cream and red shirt. In the first minute O’Hare tried to feed Hamer but overhit his pass. The first chance came when Rak Sayki cut inside but pulled his shot well wide. Arblaster gave the ball away and tried to recover his error but compounded it with a silly foul and early booking.
Hull were clearly intent on playing the ball out as manager Walter tried to implement his style on the Tigers but took a number of considerable risks in doing do. Twice Moore and Hamer nearly nicked the ball off a defender and the keeper.
The first attack of note for Hull came when they beat the press for the first time but Souttar got across to clear as the home side had numbers down the left. City continued to move it around patiently at the back and United were happy to wait for the error.
On 15 minutes the mistake did come but from a different source as Hull actually had a corner but as they played it back to Belloumi, the debutant took too long and O’Hare nicked it off his toes and broke. He slipped his pass down the side for the onrushing HAMER who came inside and drilled a clinical finish into the far corner. It was another moment of quality from United’s star man and the Blades led.
Hull tried to respond but Ahmedhodzic and Gilchrist mopped up before Hamer broke again down the left but Moore went far post and did not anticipate the cross. Gilchrist and Souttar both made mistakes for United with overhit and then short passes, that saw a corner conceded and then Cooper have to clear the second error.
United broke again and it was one ball over the top and Moore was in but like the previous game, he opted to chop back rather than drive in on goal and then tried to feed O’Hare but his cross was overhit in trying to find Moore in kind. A really good chance that went begging as Hull’s naïeve defending continued to cause issues.
Hamer was the second player in the book as he needlessly pulled Kamara back. The free kick was taken by Omur and his dipping effort was on target and Cooper has to push it over with his first save of the game. Hull won a series of corners but opted to play short ones in most instances continuing their passing theme. The tactics at the back continued to cause scares and Moore nearly got in again before a nice move involving Hamer and then Burrows saw the full back centre for Moore but the defender McLoughlin made the block.
Ball through from Moore found Rak Sakyi who tried a flicked finish but Giles got back to make the block. It was an open game for the next 5 minutes with gaps appearing all over the park and both sides having chances to create but poor play in the final third meant no clear chances resulted. Ahmedhodzic showed his class twice as he came out with the ball and then made another interception.
Kamara won a corner on one side; and Coyle on the other with enterprising runs and Souza appeared to be winded as the second one was being taken. City loanee Burns was carded for a dangerous tackle on Arblaster just before the half time whistle.
United will have been happy to lead but may feel they should have made more of other breaks but the final ball/decision had prevented any other clear chances. They will be happy with their defensive work as Hull had created very little despite enjoying lots of possession but often in their own third!
The second half saw Hull make two changes with Drameh and Millar for Giles and Kamara as they looked for impetus but the first chance came for Moore again. The big striker opted to go for goal from 40 yards with the keeper off his line but it was well wide with men over that were better options.
A ball over the top nearly found Bedia before Coyle’s untidy work saw him concede a corner at the other end. As the ball dropped Souza seized on it but his shot was well saved from Pandur. Cooper pouched a chipped cross before Hamer went down with a knock and had to be replaced. He departed along with O’Hare and Rak Sayki and on came Brewster, McCallum and Brooks. The former Norwich man was employed in a more advanced midfield position.
Cooper had to help over Belloumi cross as Hull tried to find a moment as United were lacking energy in the second half and Millar won a corner after a one two attempt. However, it was from this set play that United broke again to effectively all but seal the game on 66 minutes. Brewster helped it on and Moore was physically too strong to hold off Millar and feed Brooks whose clever flick set up McCALLUM who steered it superbly into the far corner. All three substitutions had been involved in the goal but again it was a superb finish.
Blades fan Slater came on Burns and Palmer replaced Belloumi. Hull did have a great opportunity on 72 minutes as Mehlem came onto the cross from Coyle and was inexplicable left unmarked but his header bounced off the bar, down and out. Millar put the rebound wide. It was Hull’s best chance of the game and one they should have converted.
Brooks was the next to go in the book for his tackle on Jones before a dangerous cross just evaded two Hull forwards as the home side tried to find the goal that would give them hope. Souza then broke well but his ball was intercepted and Hull won another corner. Gilchrist, had played well but tackle was really poor on Omur and the remonstrations from the home contingent was such that both manager Walter and sub Palmer were both carded.
Gilchrist had to go off with Seriki coming on but just before this Bedia could not quite divert a cross goalwards and put it wide. The game ticked into 5 minutes of additional time but it was the away side who came closest to the third goal as Seriki was well forward and it fell for Burrows but his shot was straight at Pandur. United saw the time out with Souza making two more late interceptions to deny Hull any sniff of a consolation.
The final whistle came with many home fans already departed into the Humberside night air. The Blades celebrated as a team but manager Wilder, with a nice touch, pushed Ahmedhodzic forward to take the acclaim as the Blades fans sang his name recognising his honesty over some of his off the field struggles.
United – A professional and solid win. I am not sure we were outstanding as Wilder said after the game. We scored two decent goals and had lots of other good breaks and pieces of play and with better composure and decisions could have scored more or created more. However, we did what he had to and Hull rarely got into our area or caused any real danger. They had a few long-range shots/crosses Cooper helped over but other than the header off the bar; they created little of anything really despite all the possession and corners they had (many of these they took short and lost- led to our goals). I did feel after a decent first half where we maybe could and should have been two up; we were a bit slow and passive, on and off the ball, after the break and I worried about another fade out in performance as they had a few moments where they got down the side and crosses came in. However, the subs actually gave us the energy and lift we needed and led to the second and killer goal.
After this Hull did have some moments and if the header goes in, who knows? The last 10 minutes or so we saw it out rather easily and they lost hope really. I think we were sloppy with the ball and at times too many crosses were allowed to come in and better teams may have got back into the game but we beat what we had to, in front of us. In the end, it was not a vintage performance but we mostly defended well and offered enough to suggest we always looked the more likely to score, throughout the game. The improvements of Souza and Ahmedhodzic this season were in evidence again and Hamer showed his class. We also saw the two full backs continue to improve and Souttar was rock solid again. The defensive side of the team in terms of shape, closing down space and preventing too many clear chances was excellent. Going forward, despite the talent, think we can be more ruthless and Moore needs to be better in his play if he wants to really ensure this system works and allows us to be more of a threat.
Overall, though it is another win and we have had a good start. Not sure we have played many (any?) side that will be in the top half by the end of the season and believe likes of Hull and Preston may be close to a relegation scrap but we can only beat what is in front of us. We now play two newly promoted sides in Derby/Pompey and hopefully there is a good chance to add a fair few points from these. Maybe we might even see a resolution in the takeover (one way or another) but it has gone on so long now, I will believe it when I see it!
Ratings:
Cooper 7/10 – Little to do in the first half other than the push over from the free kick. His kick/chip outs are really good and he is excellent seemingly with his feet. Second half had a bit more to do but again mostly standard crosses taken and one push over. Did have a real worry when the one hit the bar but survived and kept his second clean sheet. Just looks solid so far but defence protected him well.
Gilchrist 7.5/10 – Defended sensibly first half despite little help from Rak Sayki and thought he made some good interceptions and did what he had to. Also had a few good runs forward even if there was no end product. Solid in the tackle and seems to be improving. The one black mark is the really bad tackle that was close to a red card- luckily his feet was not off the ground. Seemed to injure himself as a result. Loses half a mark for that moment but was really good, the rest of the game.
Burrows 7.5/10 – Like Gilchrist seems to be growing with every game. Defensively was fine and kept to his position but some lung bursting runs where he linked well with Hamer and a few one-twos and moments where he got down the side and sent crosses over. Really energetic player and good on the ball.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – My man of the match. Thought he was outstanding and really finished a difficult week well after everything he discussed linked to his Dad and the issues with his country. First half came out with the ball and read the play superbly and just coasted it. Second half was busier but made several good interceptions or got his body in the right area. Good on the ball when he had it, but better than that he did the ugly stuff too.
Souttar 7.5/10 – Solid to start with and few blocks/tackles but a poor back pass nearly caught us out. However, he is just a solid, no nonsense centre half and such a big unit. The back two were really good and never gave them a sniff until that late header but even that may have been a midfield runner switching off. Quietly very effective and you have to say these two have the shirt now and Robinson will have to bide his time.
Souza 7.5/10 – Broke up play a bit and kept it simple but his passing was a bit off at times first half and a few loose moments. He did cover a lot of ground and mopped up a number of occasions and was able to just do what he has to. Did not like him waving his arms again a few times when he felt players did not read his intentions but overall he has had a much better start to this season and his tackling, running and overall play has been a key part of our good start.
Arblaster 6.5/10 – Stupid early booking after he gave it away and not as influential as he has been and bit sloppy with it but as the game went on he quietly did his job, getting on the ball and moving it on or breaking things up. He was not as involved as other games this season but it was a case of helping shield the defence and do what he needed to go and ensuring we were not opened up.
Rak Sayki 5/10 – Frustrating and looked well off the pace for much of it despite getting in some promising areas. He did have the odd good run but often no real end product and when he had a chance tried a daft flick. He seemed to be gassed quite early on and at times left Gilchrist exposed I thought. Second half he gave it away a few times and did not look the same threat so not surprised he went off.
Hamer 7/10 – Superb goal which showed his class as he made a lung busting run to get there and then clinically slotted it home. Few other pieces of link play with likes of Burrows, O’Hare and Moore and showed his class as times. Not as much of a factor second half. Did pick up a needless booking too.
O’Hare 6/10 – Began with a few overplays but then made the goal with the interception, run and pass. This showed why he can be such a threat. Had a few other moments where he chose the wrong option and not sure he got on it as much as I would have liked and then second half as they came into it, we needed a different sort of option. He needs to get fitter (forget he was out for a long time with a bad injury) and ensure he can be as influential after half time as often starts games looking really dangerous. Still his link play with Hamer at times is a joy to watch but needs to be more involved.
Moore 4.5/10 – He will be criticised again and I can see why even though I will defend elements of his game. Too slow to do things and his decision making was again not the best. Had an excellent chance but came inside when he needed to drive at goal – similar to the Watford chance. He had other moments where he took too long or did not get it under control. Second half a few moments where he has the chance to play people in and he shot or played a poor ball. However, he did really well on the second goal using his strength. He does occupy defenders but he has to be more careful with the ball and make better decisions when in good positions but looks rather clumsy and slow so far.
Subs -
Brooks 6.5/10 – Came on and gave us some energy and set up the second goal with a great flick. Another who dived in and got booked. Get a feeling that he will start the next game and Rak Sayki will come off the bench as he has not done enough to take his place (the concussion issue obviously kept him out for a period).
McCallum 7/10 – Played in an attacking role and helped us press and just gave us some good energy as Hamer and O’Hare were tiring. Got on the end of the break and scored a really good finish. Very all action athlete that seems a useful lad to have around that we can plug into lots of positions.
Brewster 5/10 – Barely noticed him although did get involved in the goal in the build up. Won one free kick but outside of that he was quite slow to react to things and often was behind his man or would lose it when he needed to hold onto it. Surprised he is getting time ahead of Campbell.
Seriki – Replaced Gilchrist after he got hurt making the tackle. Well forward despite us being 2 up late in the game. Wilder does seem to trust him that he can come in and play when needed.
Shackleton – Ended up advanced in the late chance we had through Burrows, as he fed him but only on for a few minutes.
Manager: Wilder 7.5/10 – Three points on the road and a clean sheet. Been a good reaction since that QPR disappointment with a solid draw at Norwich and two back to back wins now either side of the break. Tactically was quite aware what they were going to do and has us almost playing a cat and mouse of when to press and when to sit off and had to pick and choose when to go. The goals though came from us breaking quickly and exposing their lack of cover/protection from having a corner. Overall, we started ok and looked dangerous as we looked to exploit their weaknesses in overplaying and got the goals at the right times. The changes he made gave us energy and after we had looked a bit flat after the break, gave us something different and they all were involved in the second goal.
Hull – Looked a rotten side most of the night. Had a bit of a flurry second half when they actually decided to put the ball in the box finally after tip tapping it around but outside of the one off the bar they never seriously threatened. The game began with this almost David Weir style of playing it out and the keeper moving it across and then back to the full back and across again. The players they have are not that technically strong so this makes it hard to see how this will work? He is clearly going to persist with it but worry he won’t see this month out if he keeps at it and they keep throwing away goals and losing games. They clearly have been told to keep passing it but we nearly robbed them a few times before we did and scored. Ironically both goals came from corners as they even did not want to out these in the box (had 16 to 3 corners). The possession was 69% but most of it was in pointless areas and not even close to our half. We had 4 shots on target to their 2 and most of the dangerous play and good passing came when we broke and got into the Hull final third.
The fans were getting frustrated that they kept doing it but clearly that is his way. To defend him, they have lost a lot of talented players and not really replaced them but maybe that is why he needs to be more pragmatic to give himself and his team, a base to build on. Now they are desperate for points and will be more nervous and will make more mistakes and teams will just press on them and take advantage. Walter said they had more chances which was a nonsense and his after the match interview was bordering on absurd as his team lost really comfortably but he made out they were really good and just a few small elements went wrong! They had been employing the same tactic all game and the same mistakes kept happening. I worry for them as they lack experience and quality. Surprised Slater did not play as he at least gives them bite and some of the players they have brought in look a bit out of their depth or not really adapted yet to this level. I think it will be a season where they will need to just stay clear of murky waters, in terms of the bottom three places.
Opponent Man of the Match – Omur had a few moments and Kamara first half had a few driving runs but Millar (United were linked with him of course) came on and was quite dangerous and maybe their best player despite Moore ragging him for the goal. I thought their best overall player was maybe Coyle who kept going and got up and down.
Opponent Weak link – The weak link was their tactics really but in terms of players, Belloumi made a real hash of it, getting robbed as we broke to score. I thought they had little to offer up front and Bedia struggled to make any headway.
Referee/Officials – Peter Bankes. He was at the centre of the controversy last season at Spurs with the additional time and an astonishing attack from Heckingbottom who slammed Bankes for making him change the way we played (having to kick it out long). Tonight, he rightly carded 4 United players for some clumsy and quite cynical tackles. Think he got the Gilchrist one right as he did at least have his foot on the floor, as bad a tackle as it was. They picked up two bookings – one for a foul and one for complaining. Aside from this, no real moments of controversy and nothing that needed forensic examination. He was fine and one of the better performances after some bad ones at the Lane recently.
