Post by deadbat on Sept 21, 2024 20:23:59 GMT
It was the third win on the bounce for the Blades and they continued their unbeaten start to the season after a deserved victory over Derby County at the Lane on Saturday afternoon. Gus Hamer’s superb free kick was the difference between the sides on the day but in truth, the home side were dominant throughout and never really tested as Michael Cooper picked up his third consecutive clean sheet. With Harry Souttar impressive at the back and Hamer always looking a threat, United had too much for the promoted Rams with youngsters Peck, Brooks and Seriki impressing in a dominant home victory. United went up to 4th and continued to build on a quietly impressive start to the campaign.
Manager Chris Wilder had to make a change with Oliver Arblaster ruled out with an ankle injury and Sydie Peck coming in to replace him. Vini Souza captained the side for the first time. Louis Marsh was on the bench in the only other change from the squad. The visiting Rams, has enjoyed a good return to the second tier after promotion and former Blade Ben Osborn started in midfield for Paul Warne’s side.
Derby started on the attack and had an opportunity inside the first minute as they got down the right but Souttar managed to clear for a corner. Yates had an effort from the corner but it was well off target after the cross came over from another former United player Mendez Laing. After a slow start, the Blades got the ball forward and won a corner of their own. From the delivery, it sat up for Rak Sayki after the ball was played inside via Peck and O’Hare, and his shot deflected up onto the bar. Zetterstrom may have got some contact on the effort to help divert it onto the woodwork.
United now were enjoying most of the ball with Moore trying to hold the ball up and link with Hamer and O’Hare and Derby sat in looking to break on the counter. United won a number of corners and set plays but struggled to fashion many clear chances and were often guilty of overplaying but Moore head a header blocked. United were controlling the game but the next good chance came when Mendez Laing cut in and drove a shot on the angle that caromed off the outside of the post to keep the Blades honest.
United regained their shape after this let off and Rak Sayki had an effort blocked before Moore was well placed but took too long to make a decision. Hamer then came inside and steadied himself before hitting a lot shot that Zetterstrom had to push away. Ahmedhodzic had a header blocked from Burrows delivery from the corner as United looked to turn the screw.
Souza was the first player in the book for pulling his man back but this was after a number of challenges had been waved away as the referee opted to play on often to the detriment of the home side. United had been the better side but had not created too many clear chances and with both side hitting the woodwork, there was only one other save, from the visiting custodian, in a contest the Blades shaded without properly dominating.
The second half saw United try and up the pace and after Cashin was booked for hauling down Burrows, Hamer then drew the foul from Osborn and led to a dangerous free kick 25 yards from goal. Burrows and HAMER both were interested, but the latter took it and whipped a superb free kick into the corner as the ball kissed the post on the way in giving the Derby goalkeeper no chance. Hamer wheeled away to the Kop and his t shirt under his shirt showed a lovely tribute to Maddy Cusack, on the anniversary of her death. It was a moment of sheer quality and gave United the lead they deserved.
After this, the game became a bit scrappy and Ahmedhodzic was cautioned but United were in the ascendancy and Burrows had an effort blocked before Gilchrist was well positioned but his fierce drive was pushed over by Zetterstrom. Hamer then had an effort blocked before he then shot over as he continued to look the most threatening player on the field. Gilchrist seemed to have picked up a knock and Seriki replaced him on 66 minutes. Brooks also took the field with Rak Sayki giving way where as Harness replaced former Blade Osborn for the visitors.
United won three corners on the bounce and then Moore had an effort off target before Peck then had two opportunities before the final effort was kicked away as United looked to seal the deal. Brooks then took aim but was blocked as the home side continued to look the most likely to score again. Brewster came on for O’Hare and then Brown and Phillips replaced Nyambe and Mendez Laing as Derby tried to find something in a game they had barely threatened.
Elder was booked for a cynical foul after good work from Seriki who always looked to be positive when he got on the ball. The Derby defender was replaced by Tyler Blackett and Ward came on for Goudmjin. Moore was the next man to go into the book.
Brooks had looked sharp since his entry onto the field and he won a free kick as Harness brought him down as United continued to have most of the ball and territory. With the game still only having one goal in it, Derby still felt like they had a chance and a long throw had to be dealt with by the rock solid Souttar as the minutes ticked down.
Seriki then had a driven effort blocked just before the game moved into 6 minutes additional time. In this extra time, United managed things well and indeed the best chance came for the home team as Peck was played in by Brooks but the keeper flipped over. The final whistle came soon after and it was another win for the Blades as they carried on their early season momentum.
United – It was quite similar to the Watford game in that it was a definite deserved win and one we perhaps should have won by more than a single goal. We scored a good goal but we did have lots of other really good chances/attacks where the final finish or decision in the final third was not quite decisive. We defended really well and other than the one off the outside of the post (20 mins in?) we were not threatened. The second half I do not think Derby had an attack of note never mind an effort and it was easy for Cooper and the defence who were solid again.
The first half we shaded but both teams hit the woodwork and Derby were well in it but I still think we looked more likely and forced the play. I just think we overplayed and took too many touches. Moore did lots of good things but his final ball/touch was not quite good enough and O’Hare had his least efficient game for the Blades. Hamer was quiet but had a shot saved and another not far off as he continued to look the main threat. Derby did have a few moments but not sure they really got through us much or penetrated. At half time, we were the better side but had not really been decisive enough when in some excellent areas.
After the break, we seemed to play faster and was trying to get into the box quicker and more often. The goal is a superb piece of individual piece of brilliance but we had pushed them back and won a few free kicks before this. After we scored, I thought United started to settle down and there was only one team looking like scoring after this. Again, poor moments or decisions in the final third and we failed to put a game away we were dominating. Derby looked clueless how to even attack and not sure they even got in our box second half but at 1-0, you never know with a set play or long throw.
The lads that came on in Seriki and Brooks gave us a real energy boost and we finished the game the stronger of the two and Derby were well beaten. The score flattered them as for possession, control and chances, it was far more comfortable than the narrow scoreline suggested. It was a more routine win that Watford I felt and even though it was only a goal, not sure I ever felt worried that Derby might snatch an undeserved point.
Overall, it’s another three points, and I feel we are still not properly clicking. Hamer played ok but still can do more but continues to be a match winner. I thought Moore led the line but still made poor decisions at times and not sure it was the best of days for O’Hare and Rak Sayki. The midfield was solid with Souza doing the stuff he needed and Peck belying his young age, with an impressive first league start. The defence though were rock solid with few mistakes and just ensure Derby did not have a sniff. Last week Ahmedhodzic was superb; this week it was Souttar. Cooper looked composed and untroubled too, meaning that whilst decisions and moments going forward were frustrating at times, we did not ned to worry due to the solidity at the back.
Overall, it is another win, another clean sheet and I still feel we have more to come – from the attacking players. I loved the contribution of the youngsters, starting and off the bench and in the end, we looked the more energetic side by full time. It was as comfortable a 1-0 as you could wish to see. Still improvements to be made but 6 games in and 4 wins and 2 draws and we have to be happy. We are well set with many players actually not quite fulling hitting their stride yet and thus more to come. Hope Arblaster is not out for too long but Peck’s contribution was really exciting again.
The stuff off the field seems to be rumbling on indefinitely but on the field, we have slowly transformed things with the average age going down and us building a different side with youthful energy and also a winning mentality being instilled already. It is nice just to come out of the Lane and be smiling again.
Ratings:
Cooper 6/10 – Did not have a proper save to make. One shot hit the outside of the post but outside of this he had nothing to do but loved his quick throws/kick outs which set us moving quickly. He seems really calm and composed and seems a solid signing.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – Began the game in determined fashion with a few tackles. Lost his position once but this was a rarity and he continued to step in and try and get forward too. Second half had one run and powerful shot. Came off as he seemed to be struggling with a knock. Needs to get fitter as he has been replaced a few times before the end of games but he continues his solid play.
Burrows 6.5/10 – As with Gilchrist, did what he had to do defensively after a less than positive start when they skipped down his side on 30 seconds! Recovered and started to be first to the ball and also linked well when he could. Had one shot off target and continued to try and link with Hamer down this side. Got his foot in and read the situations when he had to.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Brilliant last week at Hull and another solid game where he read things and stepped in and just did what he had to. Apart from a silly booking, just a really comfortable game overall and him and Souttar look a very good pairing with pace, height, strength and ability to read the game.
Souttar 8/10 – Steadily been improving but today he was superb. Defensively did not put a foot wrong as he dominated aerially and in any balls that came towards him. Just looked a colossus but he was very good on the ball too. Two or three times found himself down the wing or well forward and some deft skill for a big man almost got us in! With him at the back I never felt worried as he mopped everything up and just completely dominated. Our man of the match and quickly becoming a bit of a cult hero.
Souza 7/10 – Captain for the day with Arblaster out. Not sure he was as good as he has been but did what he had to in terms of just picking the loose stuff up and keeping it basic. We had so much of the ball in their half, he did not really have to chase around or cover as much. Still did what he had to in terms of helping us control midfield.
Peck 7/10 – Really impressive first league start. Had been superb v Wrexham and then maybe not quite at the same level at Barnsley but seen his energy and passion also in the cameos off the bench. Wilder could easily have moved Hamer inside or gone with Shackleton, so a real big shot of confidence to give him his bow. He looked absolutely at home as he got around the pitch, won tackles and moved it on sensibly. Mobile player who had developed physically, I am really excited about his development (along with Blaster) as he really does look someone who could go on and be a very good footballer. Has a bit of everything. Today there was nothing astounding but nothing poor – just a solid, energetic and competent showing where he looked like a veteran, not a league debutant. Love his passion too.
Rak Sayki 5/10 – I have been disappointed with him so far. Had 3 back-to-back starts now and not sure he has really done enough and expect Brooks to return as the starter next week. He had a few runs and moments and a deflected shot off the bar but too often he took too many touches or took too long to make a decision. Every game he has played he has faded and struggled to keep the pace up and had to come off around the hour mark. Need to see much more. Clearly a talent but he has not really delivered or imposed himself enough yet for me.
Hamer 7.5/10 – Odd again as he there were long stretches where he was not in the game or seemed isolated out wide but inevitably when he got on the ball, you felt something might happen. The Derby defence genuinely looked petrified whenever he got it and often just kicked it out or had to double up on him. Had a few runs inside and one effort saved before the moment of brilliance on the winner. Every time he got the ball you just thought he might cause problems but it is odd as there can be spells where he does nothing or overplays/tried too much and/or loses it. A match winner and someone that will continue to cause teams all sorts of problems at this level. 4 goals now and looking like he is on a trajectory for a Michael Brown type season.
O’Hare 5/10 – Thought it was his poorest game for the club. Not much came off and his first touch was awful today as it came off or ran into trouble. He did continue to work hard and he does not hide but not sure he did much with the ball that led to chances or us getting up the field and was a frustrating day for him.
Moore 6/10 – Will again get criticism and yes his touch was not always secure and that allied to his final decision means he will again be seen as a weak link by some. However, he continued to be a focal point, draw defenders and did a lot of good things again. We did have quite a few chances where he took too long or he hit some wayward passes/crosses but he is quite mobile for a big man. He may not be the quickest but covers a fair bit of ground and does leave space for others. He does have to be better with the ball when in good positions though as we had openings with a better or quicker decision, could have led to clear chances and more goals.
Subs -
Seriki 7/10 – Came on for Gilchrist and was really good. Burst forward and made sure we stayed up the field. Won a few free kicks, linked well with Brooks and generally looked quick, energetic and up to the task. Had been a real pleasantly surprised with his skill and energy in the appearances off the bench was very good today. Loved the fist pump to the South Stand when he won the tackle near the end!
Brooks 7/10 – As above. He came on and got down the right, linking with Seriki and showing his quick feet and ability to drive into the box. He won a few corners/free kicks and showed his composure on the ball. Felt we improved when he came on and expect him to be back in from the start next week.
Brewster 5/10 – Not sure he got into the game as he played in a wide left position initially and then moved inside but he is constantly on his heels and does not press at all. He looks like he is a young lad who is learning the game still which is a worry. Not sure I ever feel like he will create/come close to scoring a goal and the best we can hope for, is he might win a free kick or chase a ball down.
McCallum – Came on for Hamer at the end in stoppage time but not sure he touched it as we just looked to see out time?
Norrington Davies – As above.
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Another clean sheet and home win where we showed resilience but also kept a good, disciplined shape and continued to learn from the QPR game. We never actually looked like conceding really (one shot off the outside of the post) and the second half we managed it professionally. After we scored, we did what we had to do in order to win the game and on another day could have gone on to win by more. We did get the balance right in terms of when to go forward and when to sit in and it was only some poor choices/balls in the final third that stopped us winning by a more comfortable margin. Overall, it was a solid performance and fair play to Wilder for trusting the likes of Peck and Seriki too.
Derby – They have had a good start to the season and maybe surprised how well they have done after a poor pre season and some questions about the manager and recruitment. They came to the Lane after some impressive results but after a decent start to the game and they did hit the post, they never really threatened at all. I thought they sort of sat back and were just waiting for the inevitable. The free kick had arisen after a series of fouls they conceded, when they sat back to begin the second half. There was little anyone could do about the brilliant free kick but their reaction after the goal was non existent and we looked more likely. They made chances but never looked close to even really troubling our goal. Their squad lacks depth (bit like us I suppose!) and you worry where the goal will come from as they lack game changers. They were competitive all game and did not get blown away but in the end, they lost at a bit of a whimper and 1-0 definitely flattered them.
I like Paul Warne, who sems a top bloke, and for them just having a season of consolidation would be a result after the years of turmoil off the pitch which culminated in them going down into League One. I thought they would just do enough to stay up and think that will still be the case but they do lack quality and as I say, goals that I feel they may end up in a bit of a fight at the wrong end, especially with the lack of depth throughout the squad. A big home support will help and reckon they will do enough to stay out of trouble in the end.
Opponent Man of the Match – The keeper made a few really good saves and Zetterstrom may just about take this award. Mendez Laing had a few runs and their only real effort of note as they looked powder puff up top. Osborn was busy and great to see him come round the ground and go the Kop on full time showing his affection for the club and vice versa but I think we were right not to bring him back (nice lad but limited really). He should never have been put on the wall though and his lack of height made it easier for Hamer!
Opponent Weak link – Elder and Nymabe had been praised in the full back positions but struggled today and both never really got to grips with our attacks out wide. Hamer drew Nymabe inside and he struggled to cope with it. However, whilst the defence struggled at times, they were not helped byt the lack of movement from Jackson and Yates who were both as bad as each other and easily sniffed out as United dominated the game.
Referee/Officials –5 bookings, 3 for us and 2 for them which not sure showed the nature of the game with barely a bad tackle from either side. I would say they were time wasting from the off and somehow managed to escape censure despite it going on for most of the first half. The keeper was ridiculous how long he was taking and then Madley had the cheek to warn Cooper at the end! Nothing that contentious though all game. We had one half-hearted appeal for a penalty second half. Wilder and Warne had a bit of a pushing match when Warne claimed Wilder put his hands on a Derby player -I’m not sure he did anything but try and get us the ball back. Both were booked but seemed a bit of ado about nothing really.
Crowd – Good crowd inside the Lane with Derby selling out the away end and decent atmosphere. I think the home fan will continue to respond if the players put effort in and show they care and we saw more of that – continuing from the Watford game. As the game went on, the noise remained up and helped us get over the line. Was a difficult afternoon with the tributes for Maddy on 8 minutes (the Hamer celebration was a lovely touch) and also with the sad passing of Shoreham View, Jonny Gascoigne, this week. Made it a sombre afternoon for many and made you think of what is important in life. Still, was good to end a difficult week with a Blades win and a Sheffield double – something that due to our troubles last season, has not happened much in recent times.
Manager Chris Wilder had to make a change with Oliver Arblaster ruled out with an ankle injury and Sydie Peck coming in to replace him. Vini Souza captained the side for the first time. Louis Marsh was on the bench in the only other change from the squad. The visiting Rams, has enjoyed a good return to the second tier after promotion and former Blade Ben Osborn started in midfield for Paul Warne’s side.
Derby started on the attack and had an opportunity inside the first minute as they got down the right but Souttar managed to clear for a corner. Yates had an effort from the corner but it was well off target after the cross came over from another former United player Mendez Laing. After a slow start, the Blades got the ball forward and won a corner of their own. From the delivery, it sat up for Rak Sayki after the ball was played inside via Peck and O’Hare, and his shot deflected up onto the bar. Zetterstrom may have got some contact on the effort to help divert it onto the woodwork.
United now were enjoying most of the ball with Moore trying to hold the ball up and link with Hamer and O’Hare and Derby sat in looking to break on the counter. United won a number of corners and set plays but struggled to fashion many clear chances and were often guilty of overplaying but Moore head a header blocked. United were controlling the game but the next good chance came when Mendez Laing cut in and drove a shot on the angle that caromed off the outside of the post to keep the Blades honest.
United regained their shape after this let off and Rak Sayki had an effort blocked before Moore was well placed but took too long to make a decision. Hamer then came inside and steadied himself before hitting a lot shot that Zetterstrom had to push away. Ahmedhodzic had a header blocked from Burrows delivery from the corner as United looked to turn the screw.
Souza was the first player in the book for pulling his man back but this was after a number of challenges had been waved away as the referee opted to play on often to the detriment of the home side. United had been the better side but had not created too many clear chances and with both side hitting the woodwork, there was only one other save, from the visiting custodian, in a contest the Blades shaded without properly dominating.
The second half saw United try and up the pace and after Cashin was booked for hauling down Burrows, Hamer then drew the foul from Osborn and led to a dangerous free kick 25 yards from goal. Burrows and HAMER both were interested, but the latter took it and whipped a superb free kick into the corner as the ball kissed the post on the way in giving the Derby goalkeeper no chance. Hamer wheeled away to the Kop and his t shirt under his shirt showed a lovely tribute to Maddy Cusack, on the anniversary of her death. It was a moment of sheer quality and gave United the lead they deserved.
After this, the game became a bit scrappy and Ahmedhodzic was cautioned but United were in the ascendancy and Burrows had an effort blocked before Gilchrist was well positioned but his fierce drive was pushed over by Zetterstrom. Hamer then had an effort blocked before he then shot over as he continued to look the most threatening player on the field. Gilchrist seemed to have picked up a knock and Seriki replaced him on 66 minutes. Brooks also took the field with Rak Sayki giving way where as Harness replaced former Blade Osborn for the visitors.
United won three corners on the bounce and then Moore had an effort off target before Peck then had two opportunities before the final effort was kicked away as United looked to seal the deal. Brooks then took aim but was blocked as the home side continued to look the most likely to score again. Brewster came on for O’Hare and then Brown and Phillips replaced Nyambe and Mendez Laing as Derby tried to find something in a game they had barely threatened.
Elder was booked for a cynical foul after good work from Seriki who always looked to be positive when he got on the ball. The Derby defender was replaced by Tyler Blackett and Ward came on for Goudmjin. Moore was the next man to go into the book.
Brooks had looked sharp since his entry onto the field and he won a free kick as Harness brought him down as United continued to have most of the ball and territory. With the game still only having one goal in it, Derby still felt like they had a chance and a long throw had to be dealt with by the rock solid Souttar as the minutes ticked down.
Seriki then had a driven effort blocked just before the game moved into 6 minutes additional time. In this extra time, United managed things well and indeed the best chance came for the home team as Peck was played in by Brooks but the keeper flipped over. The final whistle came soon after and it was another win for the Blades as they carried on their early season momentum.
United – It was quite similar to the Watford game in that it was a definite deserved win and one we perhaps should have won by more than a single goal. We scored a good goal but we did have lots of other really good chances/attacks where the final finish or decision in the final third was not quite decisive. We defended really well and other than the one off the outside of the post (20 mins in?) we were not threatened. The second half I do not think Derby had an attack of note never mind an effort and it was easy for Cooper and the defence who were solid again.
The first half we shaded but both teams hit the woodwork and Derby were well in it but I still think we looked more likely and forced the play. I just think we overplayed and took too many touches. Moore did lots of good things but his final ball/touch was not quite good enough and O’Hare had his least efficient game for the Blades. Hamer was quiet but had a shot saved and another not far off as he continued to look the main threat. Derby did have a few moments but not sure they really got through us much or penetrated. At half time, we were the better side but had not really been decisive enough when in some excellent areas.
After the break, we seemed to play faster and was trying to get into the box quicker and more often. The goal is a superb piece of individual piece of brilliance but we had pushed them back and won a few free kicks before this. After we scored, I thought United started to settle down and there was only one team looking like scoring after this. Again, poor moments or decisions in the final third and we failed to put a game away we were dominating. Derby looked clueless how to even attack and not sure they even got in our box second half but at 1-0, you never know with a set play or long throw.
The lads that came on in Seriki and Brooks gave us a real energy boost and we finished the game the stronger of the two and Derby were well beaten. The score flattered them as for possession, control and chances, it was far more comfortable than the narrow scoreline suggested. It was a more routine win that Watford I felt and even though it was only a goal, not sure I ever felt worried that Derby might snatch an undeserved point.
Overall, it’s another three points, and I feel we are still not properly clicking. Hamer played ok but still can do more but continues to be a match winner. I thought Moore led the line but still made poor decisions at times and not sure it was the best of days for O’Hare and Rak Sayki. The midfield was solid with Souza doing the stuff he needed and Peck belying his young age, with an impressive first league start. The defence though were rock solid with few mistakes and just ensure Derby did not have a sniff. Last week Ahmedhodzic was superb; this week it was Souttar. Cooper looked composed and untroubled too, meaning that whilst decisions and moments going forward were frustrating at times, we did not ned to worry due to the solidity at the back.
Overall, it is another win, another clean sheet and I still feel we have more to come – from the attacking players. I loved the contribution of the youngsters, starting and off the bench and in the end, we looked the more energetic side by full time. It was as comfortable a 1-0 as you could wish to see. Still improvements to be made but 6 games in and 4 wins and 2 draws and we have to be happy. We are well set with many players actually not quite fulling hitting their stride yet and thus more to come. Hope Arblaster is not out for too long but Peck’s contribution was really exciting again.
The stuff off the field seems to be rumbling on indefinitely but on the field, we have slowly transformed things with the average age going down and us building a different side with youthful energy and also a winning mentality being instilled already. It is nice just to come out of the Lane and be smiling again.
Ratings:
Cooper 6/10 – Did not have a proper save to make. One shot hit the outside of the post but outside of this he had nothing to do but loved his quick throws/kick outs which set us moving quickly. He seems really calm and composed and seems a solid signing.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – Began the game in determined fashion with a few tackles. Lost his position once but this was a rarity and he continued to step in and try and get forward too. Second half had one run and powerful shot. Came off as he seemed to be struggling with a knock. Needs to get fitter as he has been replaced a few times before the end of games but he continues his solid play.
Burrows 6.5/10 – As with Gilchrist, did what he had to do defensively after a less than positive start when they skipped down his side on 30 seconds! Recovered and started to be first to the ball and also linked well when he could. Had one shot off target and continued to try and link with Hamer down this side. Got his foot in and read the situations when he had to.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Brilliant last week at Hull and another solid game where he read things and stepped in and just did what he had to. Apart from a silly booking, just a really comfortable game overall and him and Souttar look a very good pairing with pace, height, strength and ability to read the game.
Souttar 8/10 – Steadily been improving but today he was superb. Defensively did not put a foot wrong as he dominated aerially and in any balls that came towards him. Just looked a colossus but he was very good on the ball too. Two or three times found himself down the wing or well forward and some deft skill for a big man almost got us in! With him at the back I never felt worried as he mopped everything up and just completely dominated. Our man of the match and quickly becoming a bit of a cult hero.
Souza 7/10 – Captain for the day with Arblaster out. Not sure he was as good as he has been but did what he had to in terms of just picking the loose stuff up and keeping it basic. We had so much of the ball in their half, he did not really have to chase around or cover as much. Still did what he had to in terms of helping us control midfield.
Peck 7/10 – Really impressive first league start. Had been superb v Wrexham and then maybe not quite at the same level at Barnsley but seen his energy and passion also in the cameos off the bench. Wilder could easily have moved Hamer inside or gone with Shackleton, so a real big shot of confidence to give him his bow. He looked absolutely at home as he got around the pitch, won tackles and moved it on sensibly. Mobile player who had developed physically, I am really excited about his development (along with Blaster) as he really does look someone who could go on and be a very good footballer. Has a bit of everything. Today there was nothing astounding but nothing poor – just a solid, energetic and competent showing where he looked like a veteran, not a league debutant. Love his passion too.
Rak Sayki 5/10 – I have been disappointed with him so far. Had 3 back-to-back starts now and not sure he has really done enough and expect Brooks to return as the starter next week. He had a few runs and moments and a deflected shot off the bar but too often he took too many touches or took too long to make a decision. Every game he has played he has faded and struggled to keep the pace up and had to come off around the hour mark. Need to see much more. Clearly a talent but he has not really delivered or imposed himself enough yet for me.
Hamer 7.5/10 – Odd again as he there were long stretches where he was not in the game or seemed isolated out wide but inevitably when he got on the ball, you felt something might happen. The Derby defence genuinely looked petrified whenever he got it and often just kicked it out or had to double up on him. Had a few runs inside and one effort saved before the moment of brilliance on the winner. Every time he got the ball you just thought he might cause problems but it is odd as there can be spells where he does nothing or overplays/tried too much and/or loses it. A match winner and someone that will continue to cause teams all sorts of problems at this level. 4 goals now and looking like he is on a trajectory for a Michael Brown type season.
O’Hare 5/10 – Thought it was his poorest game for the club. Not much came off and his first touch was awful today as it came off or ran into trouble. He did continue to work hard and he does not hide but not sure he did much with the ball that led to chances or us getting up the field and was a frustrating day for him.
Moore 6/10 – Will again get criticism and yes his touch was not always secure and that allied to his final decision means he will again be seen as a weak link by some. However, he continued to be a focal point, draw defenders and did a lot of good things again. We did have quite a few chances where he took too long or he hit some wayward passes/crosses but he is quite mobile for a big man. He may not be the quickest but covers a fair bit of ground and does leave space for others. He does have to be better with the ball when in good positions though as we had openings with a better or quicker decision, could have led to clear chances and more goals.
Subs -
Seriki 7/10 – Came on for Gilchrist and was really good. Burst forward and made sure we stayed up the field. Won a few free kicks, linked well with Brooks and generally looked quick, energetic and up to the task. Had been a real pleasantly surprised with his skill and energy in the appearances off the bench was very good today. Loved the fist pump to the South Stand when he won the tackle near the end!
Brooks 7/10 – As above. He came on and got down the right, linking with Seriki and showing his quick feet and ability to drive into the box. He won a few corners/free kicks and showed his composure on the ball. Felt we improved when he came on and expect him to be back in from the start next week.
Brewster 5/10 – Not sure he got into the game as he played in a wide left position initially and then moved inside but he is constantly on his heels and does not press at all. He looks like he is a young lad who is learning the game still which is a worry. Not sure I ever feel like he will create/come close to scoring a goal and the best we can hope for, is he might win a free kick or chase a ball down.
McCallum – Came on for Hamer at the end in stoppage time but not sure he touched it as we just looked to see out time?
Norrington Davies – As above.
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Another clean sheet and home win where we showed resilience but also kept a good, disciplined shape and continued to learn from the QPR game. We never actually looked like conceding really (one shot off the outside of the post) and the second half we managed it professionally. After we scored, we did what we had to do in order to win the game and on another day could have gone on to win by more. We did get the balance right in terms of when to go forward and when to sit in and it was only some poor choices/balls in the final third that stopped us winning by a more comfortable margin. Overall, it was a solid performance and fair play to Wilder for trusting the likes of Peck and Seriki too.
Derby – They have had a good start to the season and maybe surprised how well they have done after a poor pre season and some questions about the manager and recruitment. They came to the Lane after some impressive results but after a decent start to the game and they did hit the post, they never really threatened at all. I thought they sort of sat back and were just waiting for the inevitable. The free kick had arisen after a series of fouls they conceded, when they sat back to begin the second half. There was little anyone could do about the brilliant free kick but their reaction after the goal was non existent and we looked more likely. They made chances but never looked close to even really troubling our goal. Their squad lacks depth (bit like us I suppose!) and you worry where the goal will come from as they lack game changers. They were competitive all game and did not get blown away but in the end, they lost at a bit of a whimper and 1-0 definitely flattered them.
I like Paul Warne, who sems a top bloke, and for them just having a season of consolidation would be a result after the years of turmoil off the pitch which culminated in them going down into League One. I thought they would just do enough to stay up and think that will still be the case but they do lack quality and as I say, goals that I feel they may end up in a bit of a fight at the wrong end, especially with the lack of depth throughout the squad. A big home support will help and reckon they will do enough to stay out of trouble in the end.
Opponent Man of the Match – The keeper made a few really good saves and Zetterstrom may just about take this award. Mendez Laing had a few runs and their only real effort of note as they looked powder puff up top. Osborn was busy and great to see him come round the ground and go the Kop on full time showing his affection for the club and vice versa but I think we were right not to bring him back (nice lad but limited really). He should never have been put on the wall though and his lack of height made it easier for Hamer!
Opponent Weak link – Elder and Nymabe had been praised in the full back positions but struggled today and both never really got to grips with our attacks out wide. Hamer drew Nymabe inside and he struggled to cope with it. However, whilst the defence struggled at times, they were not helped byt the lack of movement from Jackson and Yates who were both as bad as each other and easily sniffed out as United dominated the game.
Referee/Officials –5 bookings, 3 for us and 2 for them which not sure showed the nature of the game with barely a bad tackle from either side. I would say they were time wasting from the off and somehow managed to escape censure despite it going on for most of the first half. The keeper was ridiculous how long he was taking and then Madley had the cheek to warn Cooper at the end! Nothing that contentious though all game. We had one half-hearted appeal for a penalty second half. Wilder and Warne had a bit of a pushing match when Warne claimed Wilder put his hands on a Derby player -I’m not sure he did anything but try and get us the ball back. Both were booked but seemed a bit of ado about nothing really.
Crowd – Good crowd inside the Lane with Derby selling out the away end and decent atmosphere. I think the home fan will continue to respond if the players put effort in and show they care and we saw more of that – continuing from the Watford game. As the game went on, the noise remained up and helped us get over the line. Was a difficult afternoon with the tributes for Maddy on 8 minutes (the Hamer celebration was a lovely touch) and also with the sad passing of Shoreham View, Jonny Gascoigne, this week. Made it a sombre afternoon for many and made you think of what is important in life. Still, was good to end a difficult week with a Blades win and a Sheffield double – something that due to our troubles last season, has not happened much in recent times.
(NO) 😃😃😃