Post by deadbat on Nov 5, 2024 23:01:22 GMT
The Blades made it three wins on the bounce and back-to-back away wins after an unlikely come from behind victory at Ashton Gate. After controlling much of the possession in the first half, they only were able to create one chance with Gus Hamer striking the post. Bristol City had an opportunity of their own when Nakhi Wells poked wide but it was a game of few incidents. The second half saw the home side improve and United, despite making changes could not really lift themselves. Chances came from Knight and Mehmeti before Cooper brought down sub Armstrong and Mehmeti converted. When Kieffer Moore went off injured, soon after he came on, it seemed the game was petering out in a disappointing night but youngster Ryan One came up with a deft header. After Bristol City had been reduced to ten men, Harrison Burrows then scored for the second successive game in the 97th minute and the Blades had a fantastic win. They had been far from their best but it was a fantastic three point on the eve of the Sheffield Derby and puts them into the automatic promotion places.
With three games in a week and perhaps an eye on the Sheffield Derby, even though Wilder denied this pre match, there were five changes to the starting line-up. Arblaster, Moore and Rak Sayki were rested whilst Ahmedhodzic was back in for Robinson and Brewster missed out with an injury. In came Peck, Brooks, Hamer, and Campbell in the other changes.
Bristol City had been in excellent form in recent weeks and were unbeaten in eight games coming into the game and had not lost for 11 games at Ashton Gate, going back to last season. They also tweaked their starting side with four changes with Naismith, Pring, McGuane and Earthy brough in for Tanner, McNally, Dickie and Williams.
Hamer seemed to be starting in a more central role with O’Hare over on the left and Brooks on the right. United moved the ball around patiently and were dominating the ball before Sykes pulled up and had to go off after only 5 minutes. Mehmeti took his place.
United were dominating possession ad Hamer nearly got Campbell in but Souttar had to be alive to hold up Wells at the other end. Burrows was found from Peck’s pass but his cross was cleared before Ahmedhodzic showed his class to deny the lively Wells. Peck and Souza had been dominating the ball but both were careless with sloppy giveaways and Souza had to recover the former’s loose touch.
The game had been one starved of chances but two game in quick succession. Firstly, Hirakawa got away from Gilchrist and sent over the cross and Souttar got in a mess seeing Wells with a guilt edged chance but he poked wide of the post. It was a great chance for the home side but the Blades came even closer soon after as Hamer got away down the right and cut in. His shot was hit with real force and beat O’Leary all ends up but bounced off the inside of the post and away.
City got a corner when the officials failed to spot it coming off Hirakawa but it came to nothing whilst a corner at the other end saw Souttar in a heap and needing treatment. Fortunately, he was deemed ok to carry on after the United medical staff checked him over and he returned to the field a few minutes later.
United continued to have a lot of the ball but outside of the one Hamer chance, were not really creating much and Brooks and O’Hare were struggling to create anything with the youngster in particular not taking advantage of his opportunity. United were having most of the ball but the home side seemed happy to sit off and wait for the mistake and then break but they were as wasteful when they regained possession. United won a corner as Campbell worked the channel but the referee decided the four minutes of stoppage time was up and blew for half time.
Armstrong came on for Wells at half time and United had a chance early on as Campbell got in but were unable to find a cross or touch to get anything sent towards goal and Burrows fouled his man and Bristol City got away with it. Hamer came inside and tried a long-range effort but it was well off target.
Burrows was harshly penalised for handball after it seemed like the Bristol City man had committed the first offence. Souza then brought down his man and the free kick was whipped in and met by Knight who lost Gilchrist and headed down but just wide. It was a real let off for United.
The home side were now in the ascendancy and were forcing United back who were not having the same level of control as the first half. Wilder made three changes with Rak Sayki, Arblaster and Moore came on for Brooks, Peck and Campbell. There was an opportunity for Arblaster but he overplayed the ball to Hamer.
Mehmeti came away from Burrows and fired in a shot that Cooper had to make the save with his feet but a blow came for United when Moore picked up an injury. Unlike Souttar, he was not able to play on and was slowly walking around the pitch. It was real blow on the eve of the derby and youngster Ryan One came on to replace him.
It went from bad to worse for the Blades on 73 minutes when Bristol City took the lead. A clever ball from Knight set Armstrong away and Cooper came off his line but was rash as he took the striker out and it was a clear penalty and a yellow card for the Blades keeper.
MEHMETI took it and whilst Cooper went the right way, it had enough power to go into the net and the home side had the lead which they probably deserved for a much better second half performance.
Dickie and Morrison came on for Naismith and Earthy for the home side as United tried to find a response but the sub Dickie cut Burrows two dangerous crosses out. The game ticked into the final three minutes of normal time and it was looking desperate for United but an error from O’Leary gave them a corner as the keeper somehow punched behind his own goal.
Hamer took a quick one, exchanging passes with Souza and as the home side switched off. Hamer sent over a deep cross which Souttar kept alive. The ball looped up and youngster ONE diverted a superb header into the top corner and United it seemed had salvaged a late point.
However, the Blades now had the momentum and Rak Sayki juggled with the ball and fired over after some near build up and it was the home side who were now looking rocked. There was 7 minutes of stoppage time to be played and in the 94th minute, more poor Bristol City defending saw Dickie give the ball away and O’Hare stole in and was heading towards goal. The defender cynically pulled him back and as the last man had to go with the red card seemingly inevitable.
Hamer’s free kick was straight at O’Leary but United now were looking like they could get a late winner and were deep in the City half trying to work an opening. Rak Sayki and Seriki combined and then Hamer nearly got in. The pressure remained on though and as the ball was moved across Arblaster played an intelligent ball to BURROWS who was in on the angle. A Bristol City defender grabbed his shirt but he was still able to get his shot away and hit a superb drive low into the corner. There was wild celebrations from the United players in front of the traveling fans behind the goal as it was almost the last kick of the game and a dramatic conclusion.
United saw out the final moments and the final whistle came signalling an unlikely comeback from the visitors which showed their fighting spirit on a night when they had a number of young players both starting and finishing the game. The home side will not believe they had lost the game but were extremely naïve in their defending in the final aspects of the game and United took full advantage. The Blades move up to second place and now will try and recover for the Sheffield Derby, albeit it with the possibility that Kieffer Moore could be sidelined which would be a big blow.
United – Not quite sure how we won that?! It seemed like it was going to be one of those nights. Injuries to Souttar (who at least carried on) and then Moore (seemed like he could be out for at least a few weeks and surely a major doubt for Sunday and he is such a key man) and then after we sort of make changes, but then put our big guns on, we concede a bad goal but somehow we conjure up two late goals and win the game! The finish reminded me of the Khadra goal at Swansea in terms of how late it was and how important. I thought that overall, I would have taken a point before the game, at half time and of course definitely when we conceded. In the end we get all three points!
I thought they looked poor first half and there for the taking but despite us having a lot of the ball, we did not do much with it although the Hamer shots goes in, then it is different maybe? Sadly, we could not really hurt them and moved it around but with little threat or danger with Campbell isolated and us getting little from O’Hare and Brooks out wide. Souza was really good again but the youngsters coming in, Peck and Brooks did not really offer much at all. The defence other than one Souttar slip for the Wells chance were fine. At 0-0 we were ok though and felt with the changes we could make, we could go on and win.
However, they upped it second half and we sat off but also gave it away so cheaply and they started to press us back. Knight headed wide and also Cooper made a save with his feet. They were not dominating but were in control and we looked off it and almost like we just were settling for a draw again – much like Leeds and Boro away. We made changes and Arblaster improved us hugely but sadly Moore went off and then a poor moment of defending as we do not press the pass and get caught square and Cooper makes his first real mistake. Think he probably could have stayed at home on this? If he does come out then just narrow the angle, do not dive in. After this I could not see a way back but we did slowly start to push them back and won a few corners/got some crosses in but not sure I saw a goal coming but credit to Hamer for the quick thinking, Souttar for keeping it alive and One for the header. After this I probably was still ok with a point but they seemed to really it back and even before the red card, we were looking like we might get another chance or two. The goal when it came was patient football but what a finish and what a left foot Burrows has. It was a superb moment and great that we had so many youngsters who could enjoy it.
It does show the concerns over the squad depth when we ended up with likes of Seriki and One on at the end (of course he had a big moment) and started with Peck and Brooks too. The Moore injury is the big negative and worry as if he is out for a period and for the big game Sunday, that does weaken us significantly with such little depth in that area. Relying on Campbell and a young lad bring back the poor work we did at the end of August in not strengthening the side. It is more than one game though and hopefully with the international break it might not be a long absence. We will wait and see.
For now though it was one of those games where it was just important to get the win and three points and keep the run going. I felt we had sort of changed the side, it had not really worked but we still were in the game but then we made the changes, go behind, Moore gets injured and you think what a bad night but it all turned round in the end! Got to credit the players for keeping going and showing belief. It is good we scored some goals later in games too as we have not really done that this season – most have been first half or early in the second half of teams.
We saw some more good individual performances from some – Burrows, Anel and Souza and a few others did well when they came on – Arblaster, One, Rak Sayki but a few did not really take their chances – such as Brooks and Peck. Souttar and Cooper also made a few mistakes tonight and I felt our play on and off the ball was quite sloppy at times, particularly second half but we got away with it in the end but have to credit the side for their approach as after we got the leveller, when for the kill when could have just settled – I’d have had no problem with that as I have said but we showed a really determined effort to get all three points.
Ratings:
Cooper 5/10 – Nothing to do first half really other than a few bits with his feet and one punch – which he should have caught. He nearly was beaten by Wells but was down to poor defending. Second half under more pressure and saved one with his feet. The goal I thought he came out too far and then he compounded it by bringing his man down. His first real mistake for us but he has been excellent. Nearly got the penalty too.
Gilchrist 5/10 - Started ok and won his tackles but then Hirakawa beat him once leading to the Wells chance and started to force him back. He did ok first half in this regard to stay with him but his poor passing was a feature again sadly. He lost his man on the headed chance when they nearly scored.
Burrows 7.5/10 – He tried to get forward but a few crosses did not find a Blades shirt with few men up to support but kept on moving up the flank to support. Few loose touches at the back but Anel retrieved things after. He lost Mehmeti on the chance when Cooper saved but after this he drove forward and put a few good crosses in and then he of course had the big moment when he hit the beautiful shot right into the corner to win it! He is getting better and better and looks a fantastic signing. Loved his celebration at the end and quickly becoming a real fans favourite.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Showed his ability as he read a few through balls and used his size to hold off Wells. He tried to keep the ball but seemed frustrated with lack of movement in front. He continued to keep going second half in terms of covering but then the goal he is ball watching as Armstrong gets behind.
Souttar 6/10 – Solid enough but a few scares when he mis controlled on the cross leading to the Wells chance and then he got a knock which was a concern with his ACL history. He carried on afterwards. Second half he had a few moments where he had to head/block as we were put under pressure. Had one header over from a corner but then on the equaliser he kept it alive.
Souza 7.5/10 – Thought he once again looked our best player as he strolled around, used it well and moved the ball on and kept us ticking us over. He lost it a few times but seemed to have no options and had to cover for some poor showings from some of the youngsters around him. Continued to keep showing for it and was the main player for us who won the tackles, picked up loose stuff and tried to move it on.
Peck 4/10 – I felt he was really hyped up after the Wrexham game and did really well for a few league games after this but in the recent games he has played he has looked way off the pace. Loose touches, poor passing and slow to recover when it was turned over. He looked sluggish I felt and almost not ready for the intensity of it. A few ok touches and moments but he needs to be sharper in all aspects of the game to get more time. Not surprised he got took off as was not his night at all.
O’Hare 6/10 – Tried to work hard and cover and do a lot of defensive work but I would say he again was really disappointing on the ball and his lack of pace/drive seems a worry as he cannot accelerate away from players. He did some ok things and was more involved than he has been. A few times he had it and got crowded out but then he actually finished the game better than he has most of the season and contributed to the sending off and was involved in some of our attacks as we finally pushed them back. Still weak and quite slow and need to see much more from him but he does work hard for the side.
Brooks 3/10 – Many been asking for him to get more games, particularly with O’Hare being off it but he did not take his chance at all. So easy to read as he always comes inside and defenders will work him out now. A bit like Peck, felt he was given a chance and wasted it really. He had a fair bit of the ball but either lost it or played safe. Swapped him wings but he offered no more over the other side. He looked completely lost tonight and sadly won’t be starting for a while on that showing.
Hamer 6.5/10 – He showed some of his class in flashes. At times his passing is poor but will try things and go forward when he can and always looking to be positive. He had the one excellent effort when he drove and had the fantastic shot that hit the post- a superb effort. He kept trying to work but had little in front with only Campbell. He actually gave the ball away when they broke and won the penalty and I have to say he does give it away a lot and tries too many ambitious touches. However, he did keep going and was sharp on the quick corner and was probing as we sought the winner with a few shots/free kicks and moments. He clearly had lots of class but needs to be more careful with the ball.
Campbell 5.5/10 – Thought he did ok with little support and often had to come deep to try and find moments but it was hard when he fed off scraps. He actually ran the channels ok and won a few balls/throws but can’t remember him having any clear moments in front of goal or created anything of note.
Subs -
Moore – Brought on but had little time to make any impact before going off. So important to the way we play and part of that spine that has seen us so solid so hope it is not a long-term injury.
Rak Sayki 6.5/10 – Was a threat and terms of getting at them and pushing them back. Few runs down the side and inside and had that one effort where he juggled and volleyed over. Defenders clearly are worried about him and he looked far more of a threat than Brooks as he can go both inside and out.
Arblaster 7/10 – Thought he made a big difference in that he won tackles, got on the ball and started to allow us to drive forward. He played it with pace and quickened it up and was far better than Peck showing the difference in these two in terms of league experience. His composure in some of the attacks to keep it moving or find the right pass, as shown on the goal, shows his class.
One 7/10 – Came on, put himself about and then scored a huge goal! He looked a handful and he is a decent size for someone so young. The goal was not easy but got great power on the header. Looked a threat and at least someone who might be able to give us some spot minutes here and there.
Seriki – Looked a bit all over the place in a good and bad way. Fell over once and set them on the attack but then got forward a few times too! Nearly picked the ball up before it went out and a few other odd moments. Certainly, was involved!
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – At 86 minutes his mark may have been a 4/10 but results change things of course! He kind of half changed the side but it did not really work in terms of, he made the changes, Moore got injured and then we concede. It was looking a bit of a disaster at this point but then we come back and win the game. Fair play on him and the coaching staff as at 1-1, we could have settled. I was fine with us changing the side, as Sunday is a big game but more than that we have three games in a week but then I was a bit annoyed he brought the three on, even though our performance second half needed the changes! It shows we don’t have the depth to make changes against some of the decent sides but we can just about get away with it against many in this league. In the end, we ended up with a lot of young lads playing but got the win which will be a great experience. He will be worried about the striking situation but for now we need to just be delighted to get another in and a really dramatic way to get three points.
Bristol City – In really good form with a run of eight games without a defeat before the game and held Leeds at home and had some impressive recent away wins at Middlesbrough and Preston. This is all against the backdrop of the tragedy with Liam Manning’s son. Seems like the club has really rallied around and put in some impressive performances. At the start of the season, I thought they were another team that wouldn’t be close to the playoffs but probably wouldn’t go down. I have seen nothing to change that opinion despite their recent good form. They do have some good young players and slowly Manning is getting them playing a style of football that wins games but is attractive too but they lack the quality and experience I feel to push to the top 6. I could be wrong and recent results might mean they are a surprise challenger.
I scan down their squad and there is nobody that blows me away or looks at this stage like someone who could step up a level but a few young players obviously have time to improve. They also lack the depth of others such as West Brom, Sunderland, Norwich, Coventry that I had as being around the top 6 along with those coming down and Leeds. Still, they are far better than many that will be looking over their shoulder.
They seemed to have chopped and changed managers a bit in recent times and approach but Pearson was there for a decent period of time. They want back to the younger, more progressive manager and maybe the fans would have thought it may take longer so the positive start is encouraging. Be interested if they can sustain it.
In terms of tonight’s game, surprised how they sat back, especially with the good from they are on. They almost let us have the ball and just sort of sat back. We had the one big chance and they had one good one too but it was a bit of a nothing game. We probably shaded it but could not hurt them but they barely attacked – playing on the break which was odd for the home side doing so well? Second half they did up it and were the better side and had chances and got the goal. They may say it worked out perfectly as they let us have it, soaked it up and then stepped up but in the end they failed to see the game out with some awful play/defending.
Bristol City may say they were unlucky but the defending when it mattered was awful. If we had done that we would be raging with the game seemingly in their grasp. The keeper punch, the switching off at the corner and then the stupid give away/red card. They then failed to mark Burrows at the end and paid the consequences. They can bemoan how we may have stole the game but their play was really poor in how they failed to see the game out and showed why they will probably be a way off any playoff chase. I am sure they will say we have gone there and won twice in recent years with us being way off our best but the better teams tend to do that when they are not at their best. If they have any aspirations about pushing up the league, they have to see games like that out.
Opponent Man of the Match – Hirakawa was lively early on but Wells was not really in the game and they improved when Armstrong came on and he did well to get the penalty. Their best player was probably Knight who is a decent box to box midfielder who does a bit of everything. Thought he was good second half when they improved.
Opponent Weak link – The keeper made a real howler on the goal but Dickie made a right erm dick of himself with the stupid give away and red card which led to us having the man advantage – although very late and we go on to win it.
Referee/Officials – John Busby. Another fussy referee who I thought gave them a lot of the 50-50 decisions. Constantly blowing his whistle and seemed to want to be too involved. He was behind the play a fair bit too and seem to guess a lot of things. The penalty was right for me as Cooper caught him, unnecessarily. The red card I was not sure at the time as thought the man may have got across but he was a fair bit behind. O’Hare is not that quick and might not have got to the goal but the ref was not to know that and he was the last man. Was it a clear goalscoring opportunity – not sure but as I say he was the last man. I was a bit surprised he did send him off but technically he may be right?
With three games in a week and perhaps an eye on the Sheffield Derby, even though Wilder denied this pre match, there were five changes to the starting line-up. Arblaster, Moore and Rak Sayki were rested whilst Ahmedhodzic was back in for Robinson and Brewster missed out with an injury. In came Peck, Brooks, Hamer, and Campbell in the other changes.
Bristol City had been in excellent form in recent weeks and were unbeaten in eight games coming into the game and had not lost for 11 games at Ashton Gate, going back to last season. They also tweaked their starting side with four changes with Naismith, Pring, McGuane and Earthy brough in for Tanner, McNally, Dickie and Williams.
Hamer seemed to be starting in a more central role with O’Hare over on the left and Brooks on the right. United moved the ball around patiently and were dominating the ball before Sykes pulled up and had to go off after only 5 minutes. Mehmeti took his place.
United were dominating possession ad Hamer nearly got Campbell in but Souttar had to be alive to hold up Wells at the other end. Burrows was found from Peck’s pass but his cross was cleared before Ahmedhodzic showed his class to deny the lively Wells. Peck and Souza had been dominating the ball but both were careless with sloppy giveaways and Souza had to recover the former’s loose touch.
The game had been one starved of chances but two game in quick succession. Firstly, Hirakawa got away from Gilchrist and sent over the cross and Souttar got in a mess seeing Wells with a guilt edged chance but he poked wide of the post. It was a great chance for the home side but the Blades came even closer soon after as Hamer got away down the right and cut in. His shot was hit with real force and beat O’Leary all ends up but bounced off the inside of the post and away.
City got a corner when the officials failed to spot it coming off Hirakawa but it came to nothing whilst a corner at the other end saw Souttar in a heap and needing treatment. Fortunately, he was deemed ok to carry on after the United medical staff checked him over and he returned to the field a few minutes later.
United continued to have a lot of the ball but outside of the one Hamer chance, were not really creating much and Brooks and O’Hare were struggling to create anything with the youngster in particular not taking advantage of his opportunity. United were having most of the ball but the home side seemed happy to sit off and wait for the mistake and then break but they were as wasteful when they regained possession. United won a corner as Campbell worked the channel but the referee decided the four minutes of stoppage time was up and blew for half time.
Armstrong came on for Wells at half time and United had a chance early on as Campbell got in but were unable to find a cross or touch to get anything sent towards goal and Burrows fouled his man and Bristol City got away with it. Hamer came inside and tried a long-range effort but it was well off target.
Burrows was harshly penalised for handball after it seemed like the Bristol City man had committed the first offence. Souza then brought down his man and the free kick was whipped in and met by Knight who lost Gilchrist and headed down but just wide. It was a real let off for United.
The home side were now in the ascendancy and were forcing United back who were not having the same level of control as the first half. Wilder made three changes with Rak Sayki, Arblaster and Moore came on for Brooks, Peck and Campbell. There was an opportunity for Arblaster but he overplayed the ball to Hamer.
Mehmeti came away from Burrows and fired in a shot that Cooper had to make the save with his feet but a blow came for United when Moore picked up an injury. Unlike Souttar, he was not able to play on and was slowly walking around the pitch. It was real blow on the eve of the derby and youngster Ryan One came on to replace him.
It went from bad to worse for the Blades on 73 minutes when Bristol City took the lead. A clever ball from Knight set Armstrong away and Cooper came off his line but was rash as he took the striker out and it was a clear penalty and a yellow card for the Blades keeper.
MEHMETI took it and whilst Cooper went the right way, it had enough power to go into the net and the home side had the lead which they probably deserved for a much better second half performance.
Dickie and Morrison came on for Naismith and Earthy for the home side as United tried to find a response but the sub Dickie cut Burrows two dangerous crosses out. The game ticked into the final three minutes of normal time and it was looking desperate for United but an error from O’Leary gave them a corner as the keeper somehow punched behind his own goal.
Hamer took a quick one, exchanging passes with Souza and as the home side switched off. Hamer sent over a deep cross which Souttar kept alive. The ball looped up and youngster ONE diverted a superb header into the top corner and United it seemed had salvaged a late point.
However, the Blades now had the momentum and Rak Sayki juggled with the ball and fired over after some near build up and it was the home side who were now looking rocked. There was 7 minutes of stoppage time to be played and in the 94th minute, more poor Bristol City defending saw Dickie give the ball away and O’Hare stole in and was heading towards goal. The defender cynically pulled him back and as the last man had to go with the red card seemingly inevitable.
Hamer’s free kick was straight at O’Leary but United now were looking like they could get a late winner and were deep in the City half trying to work an opening. Rak Sayki and Seriki combined and then Hamer nearly got in. The pressure remained on though and as the ball was moved across Arblaster played an intelligent ball to BURROWS who was in on the angle. A Bristol City defender grabbed his shirt but he was still able to get his shot away and hit a superb drive low into the corner. There was wild celebrations from the United players in front of the traveling fans behind the goal as it was almost the last kick of the game and a dramatic conclusion.
United saw out the final moments and the final whistle came signalling an unlikely comeback from the visitors which showed their fighting spirit on a night when they had a number of young players both starting and finishing the game. The home side will not believe they had lost the game but were extremely naïve in their defending in the final aspects of the game and United took full advantage. The Blades move up to second place and now will try and recover for the Sheffield Derby, albeit it with the possibility that Kieffer Moore could be sidelined which would be a big blow.
United – Not quite sure how we won that?! It seemed like it was going to be one of those nights. Injuries to Souttar (who at least carried on) and then Moore (seemed like he could be out for at least a few weeks and surely a major doubt for Sunday and he is such a key man) and then after we sort of make changes, but then put our big guns on, we concede a bad goal but somehow we conjure up two late goals and win the game! The finish reminded me of the Khadra goal at Swansea in terms of how late it was and how important. I thought that overall, I would have taken a point before the game, at half time and of course definitely when we conceded. In the end we get all three points!
I thought they looked poor first half and there for the taking but despite us having a lot of the ball, we did not do much with it although the Hamer shots goes in, then it is different maybe? Sadly, we could not really hurt them and moved it around but with little threat or danger with Campbell isolated and us getting little from O’Hare and Brooks out wide. Souza was really good again but the youngsters coming in, Peck and Brooks did not really offer much at all. The defence other than one Souttar slip for the Wells chance were fine. At 0-0 we were ok though and felt with the changes we could make, we could go on and win.
However, they upped it second half and we sat off but also gave it away so cheaply and they started to press us back. Knight headed wide and also Cooper made a save with his feet. They were not dominating but were in control and we looked off it and almost like we just were settling for a draw again – much like Leeds and Boro away. We made changes and Arblaster improved us hugely but sadly Moore went off and then a poor moment of defending as we do not press the pass and get caught square and Cooper makes his first real mistake. Think he probably could have stayed at home on this? If he does come out then just narrow the angle, do not dive in. After this I could not see a way back but we did slowly start to push them back and won a few corners/got some crosses in but not sure I saw a goal coming but credit to Hamer for the quick thinking, Souttar for keeping it alive and One for the header. After this I probably was still ok with a point but they seemed to really it back and even before the red card, we were looking like we might get another chance or two. The goal when it came was patient football but what a finish and what a left foot Burrows has. It was a superb moment and great that we had so many youngsters who could enjoy it.
It does show the concerns over the squad depth when we ended up with likes of Seriki and One on at the end (of course he had a big moment) and started with Peck and Brooks too. The Moore injury is the big negative and worry as if he is out for a period and for the big game Sunday, that does weaken us significantly with such little depth in that area. Relying on Campbell and a young lad bring back the poor work we did at the end of August in not strengthening the side. It is more than one game though and hopefully with the international break it might not be a long absence. We will wait and see.
For now though it was one of those games where it was just important to get the win and three points and keep the run going. I felt we had sort of changed the side, it had not really worked but we still were in the game but then we made the changes, go behind, Moore gets injured and you think what a bad night but it all turned round in the end! Got to credit the players for keeping going and showing belief. It is good we scored some goals later in games too as we have not really done that this season – most have been first half or early in the second half of teams.
We saw some more good individual performances from some – Burrows, Anel and Souza and a few others did well when they came on – Arblaster, One, Rak Sayki but a few did not really take their chances – such as Brooks and Peck. Souttar and Cooper also made a few mistakes tonight and I felt our play on and off the ball was quite sloppy at times, particularly second half but we got away with it in the end but have to credit the side for their approach as after we got the leveller, when for the kill when could have just settled – I’d have had no problem with that as I have said but we showed a really determined effort to get all three points.
Ratings:
Cooper 5/10 – Nothing to do first half really other than a few bits with his feet and one punch – which he should have caught. He nearly was beaten by Wells but was down to poor defending. Second half under more pressure and saved one with his feet. The goal I thought he came out too far and then he compounded it by bringing his man down. His first real mistake for us but he has been excellent. Nearly got the penalty too.
Gilchrist 5/10 - Started ok and won his tackles but then Hirakawa beat him once leading to the Wells chance and started to force him back. He did ok first half in this regard to stay with him but his poor passing was a feature again sadly. He lost his man on the headed chance when they nearly scored.
Burrows 7.5/10 – He tried to get forward but a few crosses did not find a Blades shirt with few men up to support but kept on moving up the flank to support. Few loose touches at the back but Anel retrieved things after. He lost Mehmeti on the chance when Cooper saved but after this he drove forward and put a few good crosses in and then he of course had the big moment when he hit the beautiful shot right into the corner to win it! He is getting better and better and looks a fantastic signing. Loved his celebration at the end and quickly becoming a real fans favourite.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Showed his ability as he read a few through balls and used his size to hold off Wells. He tried to keep the ball but seemed frustrated with lack of movement in front. He continued to keep going second half in terms of covering but then the goal he is ball watching as Armstrong gets behind.
Souttar 6/10 – Solid enough but a few scares when he mis controlled on the cross leading to the Wells chance and then he got a knock which was a concern with his ACL history. He carried on afterwards. Second half he had a few moments where he had to head/block as we were put under pressure. Had one header over from a corner but then on the equaliser he kept it alive.
Souza 7.5/10 – Thought he once again looked our best player as he strolled around, used it well and moved the ball on and kept us ticking us over. He lost it a few times but seemed to have no options and had to cover for some poor showings from some of the youngsters around him. Continued to keep showing for it and was the main player for us who won the tackles, picked up loose stuff and tried to move it on.
Peck 4/10 – I felt he was really hyped up after the Wrexham game and did really well for a few league games after this but in the recent games he has played he has looked way off the pace. Loose touches, poor passing and slow to recover when it was turned over. He looked sluggish I felt and almost not ready for the intensity of it. A few ok touches and moments but he needs to be sharper in all aspects of the game to get more time. Not surprised he got took off as was not his night at all.
O’Hare 6/10 – Tried to work hard and cover and do a lot of defensive work but I would say he again was really disappointing on the ball and his lack of pace/drive seems a worry as he cannot accelerate away from players. He did some ok things and was more involved than he has been. A few times he had it and got crowded out but then he actually finished the game better than he has most of the season and contributed to the sending off and was involved in some of our attacks as we finally pushed them back. Still weak and quite slow and need to see much more from him but he does work hard for the side.
Brooks 3/10 – Many been asking for him to get more games, particularly with O’Hare being off it but he did not take his chance at all. So easy to read as he always comes inside and defenders will work him out now. A bit like Peck, felt he was given a chance and wasted it really. He had a fair bit of the ball but either lost it or played safe. Swapped him wings but he offered no more over the other side. He looked completely lost tonight and sadly won’t be starting for a while on that showing.
Hamer 6.5/10 – He showed some of his class in flashes. At times his passing is poor but will try things and go forward when he can and always looking to be positive. He had the one excellent effort when he drove and had the fantastic shot that hit the post- a superb effort. He kept trying to work but had little in front with only Campbell. He actually gave the ball away when they broke and won the penalty and I have to say he does give it away a lot and tries too many ambitious touches. However, he did keep going and was sharp on the quick corner and was probing as we sought the winner with a few shots/free kicks and moments. He clearly had lots of class but needs to be more careful with the ball.
Campbell 5.5/10 – Thought he did ok with little support and often had to come deep to try and find moments but it was hard when he fed off scraps. He actually ran the channels ok and won a few balls/throws but can’t remember him having any clear moments in front of goal or created anything of note.
Subs -
Moore – Brought on but had little time to make any impact before going off. So important to the way we play and part of that spine that has seen us so solid so hope it is not a long-term injury.
Rak Sayki 6.5/10 – Was a threat and terms of getting at them and pushing them back. Few runs down the side and inside and had that one effort where he juggled and volleyed over. Defenders clearly are worried about him and he looked far more of a threat than Brooks as he can go both inside and out.
Arblaster 7/10 – Thought he made a big difference in that he won tackles, got on the ball and started to allow us to drive forward. He played it with pace and quickened it up and was far better than Peck showing the difference in these two in terms of league experience. His composure in some of the attacks to keep it moving or find the right pass, as shown on the goal, shows his class.
One 7/10 – Came on, put himself about and then scored a huge goal! He looked a handful and he is a decent size for someone so young. The goal was not easy but got great power on the header. Looked a threat and at least someone who might be able to give us some spot minutes here and there.
Seriki – Looked a bit all over the place in a good and bad way. Fell over once and set them on the attack but then got forward a few times too! Nearly picked the ball up before it went out and a few other odd moments. Certainly, was involved!
Manager: Wilder 7/10 – At 86 minutes his mark may have been a 4/10 but results change things of course! He kind of half changed the side but it did not really work in terms of, he made the changes, Moore got injured and then we concede. It was looking a bit of a disaster at this point but then we come back and win the game. Fair play on him and the coaching staff as at 1-1, we could have settled. I was fine with us changing the side, as Sunday is a big game but more than that we have three games in a week but then I was a bit annoyed he brought the three on, even though our performance second half needed the changes! It shows we don’t have the depth to make changes against some of the decent sides but we can just about get away with it against many in this league. In the end, we ended up with a lot of young lads playing but got the win which will be a great experience. He will be worried about the striking situation but for now we need to just be delighted to get another in and a really dramatic way to get three points.
Bristol City – In really good form with a run of eight games without a defeat before the game and held Leeds at home and had some impressive recent away wins at Middlesbrough and Preston. This is all against the backdrop of the tragedy with Liam Manning’s son. Seems like the club has really rallied around and put in some impressive performances. At the start of the season, I thought they were another team that wouldn’t be close to the playoffs but probably wouldn’t go down. I have seen nothing to change that opinion despite their recent good form. They do have some good young players and slowly Manning is getting them playing a style of football that wins games but is attractive too but they lack the quality and experience I feel to push to the top 6. I could be wrong and recent results might mean they are a surprise challenger.
I scan down their squad and there is nobody that blows me away or looks at this stage like someone who could step up a level but a few young players obviously have time to improve. They also lack the depth of others such as West Brom, Sunderland, Norwich, Coventry that I had as being around the top 6 along with those coming down and Leeds. Still, they are far better than many that will be looking over their shoulder.
They seemed to have chopped and changed managers a bit in recent times and approach but Pearson was there for a decent period of time. They want back to the younger, more progressive manager and maybe the fans would have thought it may take longer so the positive start is encouraging. Be interested if they can sustain it.
In terms of tonight’s game, surprised how they sat back, especially with the good from they are on. They almost let us have the ball and just sort of sat back. We had the one big chance and they had one good one too but it was a bit of a nothing game. We probably shaded it but could not hurt them but they barely attacked – playing on the break which was odd for the home side doing so well? Second half they did up it and were the better side and had chances and got the goal. They may say it worked out perfectly as they let us have it, soaked it up and then stepped up but in the end they failed to see the game out with some awful play/defending.
Bristol City may say they were unlucky but the defending when it mattered was awful. If we had done that we would be raging with the game seemingly in their grasp. The keeper punch, the switching off at the corner and then the stupid give away/red card. They then failed to mark Burrows at the end and paid the consequences. They can bemoan how we may have stole the game but their play was really poor in how they failed to see the game out and showed why they will probably be a way off any playoff chase. I am sure they will say we have gone there and won twice in recent years with us being way off our best but the better teams tend to do that when they are not at their best. If they have any aspirations about pushing up the league, they have to see games like that out.
Opponent Man of the Match – Hirakawa was lively early on but Wells was not really in the game and they improved when Armstrong came on and he did well to get the penalty. Their best player was probably Knight who is a decent box to box midfielder who does a bit of everything. Thought he was good second half when they improved.
Opponent Weak link – The keeper made a real howler on the goal but Dickie made a right erm dick of himself with the stupid give away and red card which led to us having the man advantage – although very late and we go on to win it.
Referee/Officials – John Busby. Another fussy referee who I thought gave them a lot of the 50-50 decisions. Constantly blowing his whistle and seemed to want to be too involved. He was behind the play a fair bit too and seem to guess a lot of things. The penalty was right for me as Cooper caught him, unnecessarily. The red card I was not sure at the time as thought the man may have got across but he was a fair bit behind. O’Hare is not that quick and might not have got to the goal but the ref was not to know that and he was the last man. Was it a clear goalscoring opportunity – not sure but as I say he was the last man. I was a bit surprised he did send him off but technically he may be right?
