Post by deadbat on Oct 3, 2024 18:55:43 GMT
Sorry for the late report – blame work and the Ofsted call. Also, midweek matches I am often too tired to write anything up when I get home…
United continued their excellent start to the league season as they saw off Swansea in a contest that won’t be remembered long in supporters’ minds of either side. A bizarre own goal from Josh Tymon settled the game but despite Swansea creating an excellent chance just prior to this, the Blades were full value for the win. The home side missed several opportunities to add to the margin with the inside of the bar and post being struck at the Kop End in the second half. Michael Cooper was only tested right at the death, saving from a late free kick but the visitors struggled to create much at all, despite enjoying large swathes of possession; the majority of it was played in non-threatening areas. United still are not fully clicking offensively with some of their main men still not quite ‘at it’ but the defence continues to look solid and it was the fifth clean sheet in a row. Cooper has only conceded one goal in 450 minutes of football since he signed with those in front shielding him very skilfully. United also could afford to rotate their starters with three key men being rested for an hour. The Blades continue to quietly move up the league, remaining the only undefeated side and now are up to third. Indeed, without a points deduction, the Blades would be right at the top.
As alluded to, Wilder gave starts to Tyrese Campbell, Jamie Shackleton and Andre Brooks with Kieffer Moore, Alfie Gilchrist and Jesrun Rak Sayki moving onto the bench. There was also room for youngster Billy Blacker in reserve. Swansea under Luke Williams had began to improve in recent times and came to the Lane unbeaten in three games.
The game began with the visitors enjoying a lot of the ball, as they often do, but did not create much and the game was mired in a midfield battle. The home side were slow to get going and struggling to get O’Hare and Hamer into the game with Campbell not able to impose himself. However, the former Stoke man had the game’s first chance as his low shot was saved by Vigouroux. Burrows was often the outlet down the left and was continuing his impressive form but it was a game that lacked intensity and pace to either side’s attacks. Hamer went in the book for another unnecessary foul but Tymon that followed him with a yellow card of his own.
Shackleton had an effort deflected wide and from the resultant corner, Ahmedhodzic had a header from point blank range that went wide when he should have maybe done better. United were trying to move up the pitch but it had been a slog so far and whilst Swansea continued to move it around, they were not really getting into any dangerous areas until a chance came and one they should have taken.
The ball came in from the left from Cooper and Peart-Harris beat the offside trap and was completely unmarked on the penalty spot. The striker somehow skewed his shot horribly wide. They were made to pay when United took the lead soon after, just before half time. Burrows got down the left and created space to whip in a dangerous cross but O’Hare was not that close to the ball as TYMON (OG) looked to deal with the delivery, but somehow he managed to divert the ball into the corner past a shocked keeper.
The second half, the Blades upped the tempo immediately and moved it quicker to get in the Swansea final third. They had more men forward and players were trying to turn the defence around. Another mistake from Tymon saw Brooks rob him but after the good initial work, he rather telegraphed his finish and Vigouroux pushed it away. The rebound fell to Campbell but his finish was bounced into the ground and hit the underside of the bar. Brooks had another chance that was blocked before Campbell again got on the second ball but his effort was pulled wide.
United were well on top now and were looking to finish Swansea off. Peck’s ball found Brooks who chopped inside and looked to go down the other side, but the keeper made a good save again, this time with his feet. Souttar was harshly booked for a trip on half way where as Hamer was pulled down in a far more dangerous position but somehow the offender escaped censure.
United opted to make changes just before the hour with Moore, Rak Sayki and Gilchrist came on for Campbell, Brooks and Shackleton. Moore held the ball up well showing his worth and then was so close to a goal soon after his entrance. Burrows ball was superb as he thread a clever ball that split the defence and the big man was in. He held off a challenge and hit a low shot that beat the keeper but sadly bounced off the inside off the post.
Cooper and Ronald were replaced by Vipotnik and Bianchini but Swansea had offered nothing at all from an attacking point of view and United were controlling things and looking to finish the game off.
Fulton and Ji Song were withdrawn for Allen and Abdulai with 15 minutes to play in another double change for the Swans where as Brewster came on for Hamer for the home side and ended up playing in a number 10 role behind Moore. He showed a few decent touches and then drove at the defence and curled an effort wide, with Rak Sayki to his right asking for it.
Swansea started to finally have more of the ball but it was mostly throws and set plays that maybe concerned United. Some unnecessary fouls conceded did not help the heart rate of the United fans as Norrington Davies came on for O’Hare. The game drifted into the four additional minutes of stoppage time and a late free kick saw Cooper push away Grimes effort and United cleared before Peck’s tactical foul stopped Swansea in their tracks and United saw out the subsequent free kick and the full-time whistle went soon after. It was another workmanlike performance from the Blades and another three points continuing their positive start.
United – A boring game overall that was a flat atmosphere with little excitement and one of those games that you just get the win and get out of there. I said pre game, we have blown Swansea away so many times in recent years at Bramall Lane but it might not go like that again and so it proved. I said I would take a 1-0 win off a knob end (to quote Neil Warnock) and in the end that was nearly what it was (knee end maybe!).
First half we never got going and as Wilder said, it was too slow and we were not really pressing off the ball either. I felt we looked sluggish and players were not forcing the play and it was all very safe and sideways. Swansea had a lot of the ball but not sure they did much with it and even for all their play we still had chances (Campbell wide, deflected effort wide, Anel header wide and then the bizarre own goal) compared to their admittedly good one, when they missed the chance. Not sure the chances worked, even though I get the squad management in terms of games coming thick and fast and felt Campbell struggled to give us a focal point. I also thought Hamer and O’Hare were not in the game again. It just felt a dull, uninspiring contest. We upped it a fair bit second half and the pace was much better. We suddenly got Brooks into the game, who had been disappointing, and he had a flurry of chances and should have scored. Campbell hits the bar and then Moore, who made a real difference hit the post.
Whilst ever it remains at 1-0, you worry a team could nick something and we did not help ourselves the last 10 minutes, sitting deep and giving cheap free kicks away but they did not seriously threaten outside of the free kick which was comfortable in terms of a save. We just take the win and move on but it is hard to really assess things. We have had a great start and the defence has looked solid but we are not really scoring much or entertaining hugely but at this stage, I am not that concerned. We will face tougher contests and teams (not played that many great sides yet in my opinion or anyone who will be right up there) to come and hopefully we will up our game accordingly when we face better opponents. I think we need more from Hamer and O’Hare and we have missed Arblaster’s composure and range of passing the last few games, but that is picking on things maybe unnecessarily when we are unbeaten, not conceding and on such good form results wide. It has been a much better start than I could have forecast and we have to be happy. Hopefully some of the attacking play will click soon and we can come out after a convincing performance but every game we have won we have deserved and we are where we are on merit.
We now have 3 much tougher games in Luton, Boro and Leeds. If we come out of those three unbeaten, then I will be starting to really believe we can have a good season but with the break to come after Saturday, we need to focus on a big push in that final game at the Lane. Luton have beat us the last two games at the Lane (we of course beat them at their place) and despite an indifferent start but have a physical strong team who can cause problems and are underachieving I believe so far. We need to be better than we have the last few games but will bring back a few rested players and hopefully the game will have a better feel to it in terms of the tempo and atmosphere.
Ratings:
Cooper 6.5/10 – Another clean sheet but another game he had little to do but what he did he was extremely competent. They missed one sitter but his other work was solid again. Came out when he needed to and cleared the danger, punched one away and made one save at the death which was expected but one he got away well at a crucial time.
Shackleton 6/10 – Largely anonymous attacking wide and defensively he was not really tested too much. The chance they had came down that side with no real pressure on the ball and a few times thought he looked more a midfielder than a full back. He looks a steady player but lacks physicality and offers very little in an offensive sense. We did look more solid when Gilchrist came on at the back and tightened up a bit I felt.
Burrows 7/10 – Continues to impress and improve game by game. He assisted on the goal and another fantastic ball to Moore, nearly saw another ‘assist.’ He was good on the ball with decent passing, movement into space and used it sensibly. Defensively he has been better than I thought and dealt with what he had to. Looks a great signing so far.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Thought he was our second-best player after Burrows and just a quietly effective game. Came out of defence a few times and made some good runs breaking up the stagnant plodding play of the rest of the United side (Burrows apart) and he did what he had too defensively. Never look threatened and just swept up and did what he had to. Been very good this season.
Souttar 6.5/10 – Did not have the best of first halves in the sense his passing was atrocious and he gave it away three times. Once he tried a daft overhead kick (Hamer did the same in the exact same passage of play) and seemed off his game but improved hugely as the game went on and continued to be rock solid in terms of heading and clearing of the ball/tackling and helped us keep another clean sheet. The partnership with Anel been great.
Souza 6.5/10 – Another decent game in terms of breaking up play and doing the basics to help us mop up. Not sure he got on the ball as much as he has done in other games but he did what he is king od in the team to do. Few tackles and recoveries but also some daft fouls too which takes it down from a 7/10.
Peck 6/10 – Exhausted by the end and maybe the number of games for him taking its toll after getting his bow into the side. He did some decent bits and tried to move it on but a few times was too slow or turned into trouble. One good ball to Brooks second half but then he tired badly and was struggling to cover/pick up runners. Although the cynical foul was probably ok to stop a break right at the end but another booking.
Brooks 5.5/10 – Real mixed bad. Awful first half with poor touches and decisions and kept coming inside and looked so predictable. Second half improved with his ability to run at players and looked a threat. However, his finishing was really poor again and he once again came inside almost every time. Has to do better on both chances – the second was neat skill but both too easy for the keeper. Ironically, was just getting into the game and looking a threat when we took him off – but probably a planned move.
Hamer 5.5/10 – Last few games not a lot has come off for him. He tried some Hollywood balls and they did not really work and not sure he saw much come through him. Another daft booking which means he is close to a suspension – which is worrying when we have better opposition coming up – and will need his quality and ‘moments.’ Need him to up things and become more involved. There is an argument to play him central and maybe try Brooks and Rak Sayki either side for a game?
O’Hare 4/10 – Not in the game at all and worryingly he has been largely ineffective for the last two or three games with no goal threat, no efforts and not even any assists or passes that have led to chances. Gone to ground too easily and looks for free kicks. He started the season well and still at times looks busy but been a bit disappointed with him recently and may need a rest if he does not become more involved or more influential in games.
Campbell 4/10 – I think some may criticise this mark but watched him carefully and he kind of hid. He clearly is way off match fitness and it showed. He had one shot first half but he did not show for the ball and felt they had an easy ride and we had no real focal point. To be fair to him, not sure he is a target man and had little service but needed more movement. Had a few efforts second half but pulled/snatched at both – should have scored the rebound. Given a chance but not sure he took it and we saw how important Moore is and that we probably still need to strengthen in this area.
Subs -
Moore 6.5/10 – Thought he came on and instantly had an impact with his hold up, touch, occupation of defenders and aerial ability. He also moved more than Campbell off the ball as shown on the chance when he did well to hold off his man but then really should have scored.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – Came on and won a few tackles and blocks and we looked more solid down this side. He had little help from JRS in front but he did what he needed to in order to preserve the win.
Rak Sayki 4/10 – Thought he was totally anonymous when he came on. Had one run where he got tackled but he seemed to not be aware or alive to the play and looked miles off the pace – a real contrast to Pompey. It is hard as both he and Brooks might argue it’s hard to get a level of consistency if they don’t get a run but neither has quite done enough to say, ‘I am the starter!’ I was getting really annoyed with his lack of defensive work and he just seemed lackadaisical as they were having forays down that side and he was not even a body – often strolling around as they went 2 v 1 on Gilchrist.
Brewster 6/10 – Did ok actually when he came on with a few bits of link play and some runs including one where he shot just wide. If he can just chase/harry and help us keep the ball then that is fine. Interesting that Campbell was preferred to him. Maybe he worries that he might not last more than brief spells? Is kind of playing more of a number 10 when he plays currently.
Norrington Davies – Barely on the pitch but handy a lad to come in and do a job either left centre back or left back – as happened here – Burrows moved further up.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win. Nothing remarkable. He changed some players, made subs to help rotate people round but we got a clean sheet and improved after a sluggish start and created enough chances to win by more. We need to be more assertive from the start of games and impose ourselves more and I also feel we need more from our so-called flair players but overall, it’s another solid result.
Swansea – They are routinely, season in, season out, one of the most boring sides I see. Whether against United or other teams, they simply send me to sleep. They keep the ball but it is often slow and predictable and few chances result. The stats show they had 66% of possession but they had one shot on target. They had lots of the ball in the first half but nothing really happened in terms of serious danger. It was just nothing football. It’s odd as they now have a new manager but it seems exactly the same as under the last few managers. We have hammered them the last few times and today was closer but it seemed the same old Swansea. Their fans must be very patient as it is incredibly frustrating and dull to watch. Even though we have beat them, I kind of get mad at how rigid they are in this short, passing football that largely does not hurt teams. The manager said he was proud of his players which is a frankly bewildering assessment. They may not have the budget/wages/parachute payments of course and we probably have a lot more expensive side but we also have a lot of young lads too. I just thought they were so timid in what they did and it was almost passing for passings sake. In the end, if United take their chances, it is a 2 or 3-0 win but in the end they had a bit of a go at the end but never looked close to scoring. Expect them to be around 12th to 15th in the league as they will beat some teams but they are miles off being a promotion contender and will be stuck in mid table I believe.
Opponent Man of the Match – They offered little up front with the lad who missed a sitter ineffective but I do like Grimes. He is a very good passer and a busy player who just does a lot of things well. I think we were linked with him in the summer and someone I am surprised has not played higher but at 29 maybe that chance has gone?
Opponent Weak link – Easy win really. The lad Tymon. Scored an awful own goal and nearly presented us with another.
Referee/Officials – Leigh Doughty. Bit frustrating at times in a nothing game. Some bookings were fine but Souttar’s was soft when Hamer got chopped down soon after and no card came. He became a bit fussy and it was stop start – he also let some free kicks go from the wrong areas but was very precise on others. Just saw him too much for a game with no real controversy but then to counter argue, there was no really poor decisions that influenced the game.
Crowd – Crowd was down with it being midweek and less than attractive in terms of opponents. Swansea brought a few hundred and it meant the whole ground was flat with barely any singing at all. The final part, the crowd did will the side on to get it over the line at least but think we will not see many quieter Bramall Lane crowds – as the game kind of dictated how passive everyone was – on and off the field.
Quick final mention giving a tribute to Jonny (Shoreham View) and it was great to see so many fans applauding on the 50th minute last night. Cannot imagine what his family have gone through and are going through and his funeral will be packed in a few weeks. Must have been an emotional night for his family and friends in that top corner of the Kop. Big well done to Nick and Hal for starting the fundraiser which has seen how popular and well loved he was.
United continued their excellent start to the league season as they saw off Swansea in a contest that won’t be remembered long in supporters’ minds of either side. A bizarre own goal from Josh Tymon settled the game but despite Swansea creating an excellent chance just prior to this, the Blades were full value for the win. The home side missed several opportunities to add to the margin with the inside of the bar and post being struck at the Kop End in the second half. Michael Cooper was only tested right at the death, saving from a late free kick but the visitors struggled to create much at all, despite enjoying large swathes of possession; the majority of it was played in non-threatening areas. United still are not fully clicking offensively with some of their main men still not quite ‘at it’ but the defence continues to look solid and it was the fifth clean sheet in a row. Cooper has only conceded one goal in 450 minutes of football since he signed with those in front shielding him very skilfully. United also could afford to rotate their starters with three key men being rested for an hour. The Blades continue to quietly move up the league, remaining the only undefeated side and now are up to third. Indeed, without a points deduction, the Blades would be right at the top.
As alluded to, Wilder gave starts to Tyrese Campbell, Jamie Shackleton and Andre Brooks with Kieffer Moore, Alfie Gilchrist and Jesrun Rak Sayki moving onto the bench. There was also room for youngster Billy Blacker in reserve. Swansea under Luke Williams had began to improve in recent times and came to the Lane unbeaten in three games.
The game began with the visitors enjoying a lot of the ball, as they often do, but did not create much and the game was mired in a midfield battle. The home side were slow to get going and struggling to get O’Hare and Hamer into the game with Campbell not able to impose himself. However, the former Stoke man had the game’s first chance as his low shot was saved by Vigouroux. Burrows was often the outlet down the left and was continuing his impressive form but it was a game that lacked intensity and pace to either side’s attacks. Hamer went in the book for another unnecessary foul but Tymon that followed him with a yellow card of his own.
Shackleton had an effort deflected wide and from the resultant corner, Ahmedhodzic had a header from point blank range that went wide when he should have maybe done better. United were trying to move up the pitch but it had been a slog so far and whilst Swansea continued to move it around, they were not really getting into any dangerous areas until a chance came and one they should have taken.
The ball came in from the left from Cooper and Peart-Harris beat the offside trap and was completely unmarked on the penalty spot. The striker somehow skewed his shot horribly wide. They were made to pay when United took the lead soon after, just before half time. Burrows got down the left and created space to whip in a dangerous cross but O’Hare was not that close to the ball as TYMON (OG) looked to deal with the delivery, but somehow he managed to divert the ball into the corner past a shocked keeper.
The second half, the Blades upped the tempo immediately and moved it quicker to get in the Swansea final third. They had more men forward and players were trying to turn the defence around. Another mistake from Tymon saw Brooks rob him but after the good initial work, he rather telegraphed his finish and Vigouroux pushed it away. The rebound fell to Campbell but his finish was bounced into the ground and hit the underside of the bar. Brooks had another chance that was blocked before Campbell again got on the second ball but his effort was pulled wide.
United were well on top now and were looking to finish Swansea off. Peck’s ball found Brooks who chopped inside and looked to go down the other side, but the keeper made a good save again, this time with his feet. Souttar was harshly booked for a trip on half way where as Hamer was pulled down in a far more dangerous position but somehow the offender escaped censure.
United opted to make changes just before the hour with Moore, Rak Sayki and Gilchrist came on for Campbell, Brooks and Shackleton. Moore held the ball up well showing his worth and then was so close to a goal soon after his entrance. Burrows ball was superb as he thread a clever ball that split the defence and the big man was in. He held off a challenge and hit a low shot that beat the keeper but sadly bounced off the inside off the post.
Cooper and Ronald were replaced by Vipotnik and Bianchini but Swansea had offered nothing at all from an attacking point of view and United were controlling things and looking to finish the game off.
Fulton and Ji Song were withdrawn for Allen and Abdulai with 15 minutes to play in another double change for the Swans where as Brewster came on for Hamer for the home side and ended up playing in a number 10 role behind Moore. He showed a few decent touches and then drove at the defence and curled an effort wide, with Rak Sayki to his right asking for it.
Swansea started to finally have more of the ball but it was mostly throws and set plays that maybe concerned United. Some unnecessary fouls conceded did not help the heart rate of the United fans as Norrington Davies came on for O’Hare. The game drifted into the four additional minutes of stoppage time and a late free kick saw Cooper push away Grimes effort and United cleared before Peck’s tactical foul stopped Swansea in their tracks and United saw out the subsequent free kick and the full-time whistle went soon after. It was another workmanlike performance from the Blades and another three points continuing their positive start.
United – A boring game overall that was a flat atmosphere with little excitement and one of those games that you just get the win and get out of there. I said pre game, we have blown Swansea away so many times in recent years at Bramall Lane but it might not go like that again and so it proved. I said I would take a 1-0 win off a knob end (to quote Neil Warnock) and in the end that was nearly what it was (knee end maybe!).
First half we never got going and as Wilder said, it was too slow and we were not really pressing off the ball either. I felt we looked sluggish and players were not forcing the play and it was all very safe and sideways. Swansea had a lot of the ball but not sure they did much with it and even for all their play we still had chances (Campbell wide, deflected effort wide, Anel header wide and then the bizarre own goal) compared to their admittedly good one, when they missed the chance. Not sure the chances worked, even though I get the squad management in terms of games coming thick and fast and felt Campbell struggled to give us a focal point. I also thought Hamer and O’Hare were not in the game again. It just felt a dull, uninspiring contest. We upped it a fair bit second half and the pace was much better. We suddenly got Brooks into the game, who had been disappointing, and he had a flurry of chances and should have scored. Campbell hits the bar and then Moore, who made a real difference hit the post.
Whilst ever it remains at 1-0, you worry a team could nick something and we did not help ourselves the last 10 minutes, sitting deep and giving cheap free kicks away but they did not seriously threaten outside of the free kick which was comfortable in terms of a save. We just take the win and move on but it is hard to really assess things. We have had a great start and the defence has looked solid but we are not really scoring much or entertaining hugely but at this stage, I am not that concerned. We will face tougher contests and teams (not played that many great sides yet in my opinion or anyone who will be right up there) to come and hopefully we will up our game accordingly when we face better opponents. I think we need more from Hamer and O’Hare and we have missed Arblaster’s composure and range of passing the last few games, but that is picking on things maybe unnecessarily when we are unbeaten, not conceding and on such good form results wide. It has been a much better start than I could have forecast and we have to be happy. Hopefully some of the attacking play will click soon and we can come out after a convincing performance but every game we have won we have deserved and we are where we are on merit.
We now have 3 much tougher games in Luton, Boro and Leeds. If we come out of those three unbeaten, then I will be starting to really believe we can have a good season but with the break to come after Saturday, we need to focus on a big push in that final game at the Lane. Luton have beat us the last two games at the Lane (we of course beat them at their place) and despite an indifferent start but have a physical strong team who can cause problems and are underachieving I believe so far. We need to be better than we have the last few games but will bring back a few rested players and hopefully the game will have a better feel to it in terms of the tempo and atmosphere.
Ratings:
Cooper 6.5/10 – Another clean sheet but another game he had little to do but what he did he was extremely competent. They missed one sitter but his other work was solid again. Came out when he needed to and cleared the danger, punched one away and made one save at the death which was expected but one he got away well at a crucial time.
Shackleton 6/10 – Largely anonymous attacking wide and defensively he was not really tested too much. The chance they had came down that side with no real pressure on the ball and a few times thought he looked more a midfielder than a full back. He looks a steady player but lacks physicality and offers very little in an offensive sense. We did look more solid when Gilchrist came on at the back and tightened up a bit I felt.
Burrows 7/10 – Continues to impress and improve game by game. He assisted on the goal and another fantastic ball to Moore, nearly saw another ‘assist.’ He was good on the ball with decent passing, movement into space and used it sensibly. Defensively he has been better than I thought and dealt with what he had to. Looks a great signing so far.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Thought he was our second-best player after Burrows and just a quietly effective game. Came out of defence a few times and made some good runs breaking up the stagnant plodding play of the rest of the United side (Burrows apart) and he did what he had too defensively. Never look threatened and just swept up and did what he had to. Been very good this season.
Souttar 6.5/10 – Did not have the best of first halves in the sense his passing was atrocious and he gave it away three times. Once he tried a daft overhead kick (Hamer did the same in the exact same passage of play) and seemed off his game but improved hugely as the game went on and continued to be rock solid in terms of heading and clearing of the ball/tackling and helped us keep another clean sheet. The partnership with Anel been great.
Souza 6.5/10 – Another decent game in terms of breaking up play and doing the basics to help us mop up. Not sure he got on the ball as much as he has done in other games but he did what he is king od in the team to do. Few tackles and recoveries but also some daft fouls too which takes it down from a 7/10.
Peck 6/10 – Exhausted by the end and maybe the number of games for him taking its toll after getting his bow into the side. He did some decent bits and tried to move it on but a few times was too slow or turned into trouble. One good ball to Brooks second half but then he tired badly and was struggling to cover/pick up runners. Although the cynical foul was probably ok to stop a break right at the end but another booking.
Brooks 5.5/10 – Real mixed bad. Awful first half with poor touches and decisions and kept coming inside and looked so predictable. Second half improved with his ability to run at players and looked a threat. However, his finishing was really poor again and he once again came inside almost every time. Has to do better on both chances – the second was neat skill but both too easy for the keeper. Ironically, was just getting into the game and looking a threat when we took him off – but probably a planned move.
Hamer 5.5/10 – Last few games not a lot has come off for him. He tried some Hollywood balls and they did not really work and not sure he saw much come through him. Another daft booking which means he is close to a suspension – which is worrying when we have better opposition coming up – and will need his quality and ‘moments.’ Need him to up things and become more involved. There is an argument to play him central and maybe try Brooks and Rak Sayki either side for a game?
O’Hare 4/10 – Not in the game at all and worryingly he has been largely ineffective for the last two or three games with no goal threat, no efforts and not even any assists or passes that have led to chances. Gone to ground too easily and looks for free kicks. He started the season well and still at times looks busy but been a bit disappointed with him recently and may need a rest if he does not become more involved or more influential in games.
Campbell 4/10 – I think some may criticise this mark but watched him carefully and he kind of hid. He clearly is way off match fitness and it showed. He had one shot first half but he did not show for the ball and felt they had an easy ride and we had no real focal point. To be fair to him, not sure he is a target man and had little service but needed more movement. Had a few efforts second half but pulled/snatched at both – should have scored the rebound. Given a chance but not sure he took it and we saw how important Moore is and that we probably still need to strengthen in this area.
Subs -
Moore 6.5/10 – Thought he came on and instantly had an impact with his hold up, touch, occupation of defenders and aerial ability. He also moved more than Campbell off the ball as shown on the chance when he did well to hold off his man but then really should have scored.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 – Came on and won a few tackles and blocks and we looked more solid down this side. He had little help from JRS in front but he did what he needed to in order to preserve the win.
Rak Sayki 4/10 – Thought he was totally anonymous when he came on. Had one run where he got tackled but he seemed to not be aware or alive to the play and looked miles off the pace – a real contrast to Pompey. It is hard as both he and Brooks might argue it’s hard to get a level of consistency if they don’t get a run but neither has quite done enough to say, ‘I am the starter!’ I was getting really annoyed with his lack of defensive work and he just seemed lackadaisical as they were having forays down that side and he was not even a body – often strolling around as they went 2 v 1 on Gilchrist.
Brewster 6/10 – Did ok actually when he came on with a few bits of link play and some runs including one where he shot just wide. If he can just chase/harry and help us keep the ball then that is fine. Interesting that Campbell was preferred to him. Maybe he worries that he might not last more than brief spells? Is kind of playing more of a number 10 when he plays currently.
Norrington Davies – Barely on the pitch but handy a lad to come in and do a job either left centre back or left back – as happened here – Burrows moved further up.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – It’s a win. Nothing remarkable. He changed some players, made subs to help rotate people round but we got a clean sheet and improved after a sluggish start and created enough chances to win by more. We need to be more assertive from the start of games and impose ourselves more and I also feel we need more from our so-called flair players but overall, it’s another solid result.
Swansea – They are routinely, season in, season out, one of the most boring sides I see. Whether against United or other teams, they simply send me to sleep. They keep the ball but it is often slow and predictable and few chances result. The stats show they had 66% of possession but they had one shot on target. They had lots of the ball in the first half but nothing really happened in terms of serious danger. It was just nothing football. It’s odd as they now have a new manager but it seems exactly the same as under the last few managers. We have hammered them the last few times and today was closer but it seemed the same old Swansea. Their fans must be very patient as it is incredibly frustrating and dull to watch. Even though we have beat them, I kind of get mad at how rigid they are in this short, passing football that largely does not hurt teams. The manager said he was proud of his players which is a frankly bewildering assessment. They may not have the budget/wages/parachute payments of course and we probably have a lot more expensive side but we also have a lot of young lads too. I just thought they were so timid in what they did and it was almost passing for passings sake. In the end, if United take their chances, it is a 2 or 3-0 win but in the end they had a bit of a go at the end but never looked close to scoring. Expect them to be around 12th to 15th in the league as they will beat some teams but they are miles off being a promotion contender and will be stuck in mid table I believe.
Opponent Man of the Match – They offered little up front with the lad who missed a sitter ineffective but I do like Grimes. He is a very good passer and a busy player who just does a lot of things well. I think we were linked with him in the summer and someone I am surprised has not played higher but at 29 maybe that chance has gone?
Opponent Weak link – Easy win really. The lad Tymon. Scored an awful own goal and nearly presented us with another.
Referee/Officials – Leigh Doughty. Bit frustrating at times in a nothing game. Some bookings were fine but Souttar’s was soft when Hamer got chopped down soon after and no card came. He became a bit fussy and it was stop start – he also let some free kicks go from the wrong areas but was very precise on others. Just saw him too much for a game with no real controversy but then to counter argue, there was no really poor decisions that influenced the game.
Crowd – Crowd was down with it being midweek and less than attractive in terms of opponents. Swansea brought a few hundred and it meant the whole ground was flat with barely any singing at all. The final part, the crowd did will the side on to get it over the line at least but think we will not see many quieter Bramall Lane crowds – as the game kind of dictated how passive everyone was – on and off the field.
Quick final mention giving a tribute to Jonny (Shoreham View) and it was great to see so many fans applauding on the 50th minute last night. Cannot imagine what his family have gone through and are going through and his funeral will be packed in a few weeks. Must have been an emotional night for his family and friends in that top corner of the Kop. Big well done to Nick and Hal for starting the fundraiser which has seen how popular and well loved he was.
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