Deadbat
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I know this may go on front page but give people to reply/disagree etc.......
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Sheffield United were brought back down to earth with a bump as they were held by newly promoted Leicester at Bramall Lane in a game that the visitors dominated for long periods but then ultimately could have lost it towards the end . After a comfortable win against Watford on Saturday; United would have been confident that they could make it back to back wins but found things much tougher against a well organised Leicester side that played better football for much of the contest.
The goal that gave Leicester a deserved lead was a fortunate one coming via a deflected effort from a free kick but there could be no arguments that the breakthrough had been coming. United got back onto level terms with a wonder goal by winger Keith Treacy, with his weaker foot, from well over 25 yards that found the top corner of the net. After this United finally started to come alive and were the better side for the final 20 minutes of the game as they finally started to pass the ball rather than relying on the long ball approach. Leicester definitely deserved their point and on reflection over the course of the game may feel a little aggrieved not to have taken all three whereas United will point to improvements in the final third where they had chances to win it.
The game began with United unchanged but Leicester started the game on top and for the first 10 minutes, the game was played largely in the United defensive third of the field. N’Guessan was prompted early and Taylor was booked for a body check on the winger. Howard had to limp off for the Foxes and was replaced by Waghorn. The first chance fell to Fryatt whose effort was smothered by Bunn and United had to defend successive corners. Leicester seemed to have an extra man in midfield as they dominated possession and the chances with the Blades simply unable to get into the game. However, out of the blue they almost scored then Henderson’s deflected effort almost shocked Weale as it bounced off the crossbar and fortunately for the Foxes away to danger.
Leicester’s superiority continued soon after this let off though and a golden chance came the way of Fryatt after Oakley’s through ball completely dissected the United centre backs. The striker advanced on Bunn but the keeper smothered himself and made a brave blocked safe. United scrambled the ensuing follow up to safety. Indecision and carelessness from both Walker and Taylor led to further concern amongst the terraces. From another Leicester corner Fryatt blazed over when unmarked. It has been a disappointing first half performance from United and the crowd were starting to become restless, as evidence by a smattering of boos when the half time whistle went.
It was no surprise to see Blackwell make a change with the ineffective Howard replaced by Quinn. The midfielder quickly got himself into the action making firstly an interception and then playing a clever cross field ball which saw cheers from the home fans. Ward had a driven effort parried away by Weale before the assistant referee’s flag brought to an end any chance Evans had of converting the rebound. However, Leicester took the lead on 52 minutes. After a clumsy foul was given away, Oakley took the free kick from 3 30 yards. The free kick was hit hard but did not seem to have the direction to trouble Mark Bunn but seemed to hit Matt FRYATT inadvertently and wrong foot the on loan keeper who was committed to diving to his right and the ball span past his left hand side. United could not argue with the scoreline even if the goal had been fortunate and its execution. Not long after another deflected effort had Bunn scrambling to make a save.
United had shown no signs of getting into the game but suddenly they were level with a superb goal. After Taylor had advance, the ball fell to TREACEY who took a touch and then from distance hit an absolute thunderbolt which found the top corner of the net to bring the Blades an undeserved equaliser. A truly superb goal and suddenly after long periods of poor play, United had a foothold back into the game.
Treacy was booked not long after and then replaced by Reid. United now started to show some purpose and Quinn had two superb efforts that nearly brought them the lead. Firstly, he had a volleyed effort with his left foot that whizzed past the post after Henderson’s chest lay off. Secondly, he took a free kick after Oakley had upended Ward but his curler was flicked over the bar by Weale.
Cotterill replaced Ward and with Walker attacking down the right, United now seemed to be the side that looked most likely to get the winner. However, despite a few half chances and a number of throws and corners forced, the Blades could not create a clear chance and the four minutes of stoppage time elapsed without incident.
United – I did say today would be much more of a test and I was proved right. Leicester played well and deserved a point, possibly all three. For long periods of the game we were outplayed I felt. They played better football than us, won the loose balls and looked more dangerous going forward. From back to front we were just not at it tonight. In terms of individuals I cannot name one player who played well. We had some average performances and a lot of poor ones. For all his criticism in recent times Quinny came on and actually made a difference just getting amongst them and trying to get us on the front foot. Our defence was hesitant throughout, our midfield was pedestrian and careless when in possession and our strikers were immobile and ineffective, although completely starved of service. The wide men were not in the game much but once again were not given much of the ball and had to go looking for it.
More than individuals and not winning individual battles, the most frustrating thing was our complete lack of idea when with the ball. We barely kept the ball for more than 2 or 3 passes all night and only for the closing stages did we try and get it down and play a little and it was only a little. For the most part it was long, diagonal balls that our strikers did not win anyway. It was a reliance on long throws or knock downs. Our crosses came from too far away from the goal (not near enough the byline) and all our players seemed miles away from each other meaning we went long all the time.
Yes we did better for the last part of the game but even then it was just pressure football and little actual passing or movement. Overall it was really was poor tonight and they will have to massively improve from that. Sure we were the better side for the final part of the game but we have to surely impose ourselves on team and being outplayed for 60-65 minutes by an away side that has only just come up is worrying. Blackwell showed once again he had no plan B. Credit to him for the half time personnel change but the tactics remained the same for much of the game. Leicester were dominating possession and the game but we did nothing to change it. This was a fault levelled at him last season and it was the same tonight really. I come away tonight thinking it is going to be a tough battle this year and we look a long way from a possible promotion side.
Leicester – I think they will finish in the top 10 and may even be an outside contender of the playoffs. They were well organised, strong at the back and played some decent football. They came out and went for the victory and tried to attack United were put on the back foot early on and could not get into the game. Blackwell said last season when sides like Derby and Preston came and had a go at us it brought out the best in us so what was his excuse tonight?
They have a tall side that won’t get out battled but have some good footballers in the likes of Wellens and Oakley who can get it down and play. Fryatt is a lively striker who does not give defenders a rest. Howard went off injured but is a strong centre forward who does much the job Henderson does for us. N’ Guessan is a player we supposedly watched and tonight he did look good with pace, physique and trickery. At the back Hobbs and Brown are decent in the air but both read the game well. The keeper Weale commanded his box well and took a lot of aerial balls.
Leicester seemed so much sharper than us from the off, both in quickness to the ball and also in terms of their speed of though and the way they kept the ball. We seemed unable to get amongst them and when we had the ball we gave it them back thought poor touches or usually long aimless balls.
Bunn 7/10 – Made one excellent save from a one on one in the first half from Fryatt and his overall handling and taking of crosses was sound much of the night. Made one poor judgement for a punch but then did well to save the deflected shot that followed. Had no chance on the goal. His actual kicking was not as good tonight but he still tried to always look to get things moving quickly which I like and one or two kicks found their location.
Walker 6/10 – Nowhere near as polished as Saturday. Actually was careless with the ball at times putting us into problems and also switched off defensively on a few occasions. Got better as United improved and played as a second right winger for the closing stages. He put one delightful low cross in that no one got on the end of but most of his crosses were poor tonight and were floated and easily taken by the keeper.
Taylor 5.5/10 – Heard a few people raving about him Saturday which I could not understand. I felt he was ok against Watford but tonight he looked really poor. He got stupidly booked for a body check in the first half and I felt he struggled with N’Guessan’s height and power all game. His positional sense needs a lot of work and he gives his man way too much room. On the ball he just seems to have an inability to use his right foot and it nearly cost us twice when he dithered when a simple clearance with his wrong foot would have done instead of trying to get it onto his left foot.
Morgan 6.5/10 – Best defender tonight and he was only ordinary. Howard going off probably helped him as it meant the height/strength they had up top went early on. He did his usual heading/clearing role and was fairly solid although a few fairly routine through balls dissected him and Kilgallon too easily.
Kilgallon 6/10 – Not at his best. Thought he was hesitant tonight and seemed slow to react to danger or to through balls. He let Fryatt get away from him too easily at times and generally just seemed caught up in the malaise of the rest of the team. Only got on the front foot and imposed himself on the striker/s for the last 20 minutes.
Treacy 6.5/10 – He was not in the game for spells but he put our best cross over in the first half which just evaded Ward and then of course provided our only real genuine moment of quality with the goal so that gives him an extra mark. Ironically he seemed set to be brought off just before he scored! Of course after a needless booking it was not long before he still got the hook.
Montgomery 6/10 – He scrapped and won a few tackles but he did not get in the game as Leicester’s midfield dictated the midfield in the first half and for long stretches of the game. His passing and touch when he was hassled was really poor. He got better for the final stages and helped us finally win the central area of the field for the only time in the match.
Howard 4/10 – A really poor performance from him tonight. He was completely ineffective as he barely touched the ball and when asked to dig in and help United retain the ball as they were under the cosh he barely won a tackle or loose ball and let his man walk/run off him too many times leaving Leicester with a man over. He just does not have the quality on the ball or impose himself enough for us to be able to hide his woeful defensive/off the ball deficiencies.
Ward 6/10 – Like Treacey he did not affect things at all for long stretches and I can barely remember him doing much of note in the first half. He did improve after the break as he came inside more and started to go looking for more of the ball. Had a few good runs and showed his direct running. I would have liked to have seen him given last 20 minutes up top with Evans or Henderson as the front two’s partnership was totally ineffective.
Henderson 5/10 – Thought he was really poor pretty much from start to finish. Sure the service was diabolical but he barely won a header, his touch was awful and he just did not look a threat or even provide us an outlet or nuisance factor. Amazed he stayed on as he was just not a factor other than one chest off to Quinn.
Evans 5/10 – Sorry to say it but see above. For a 3 million man his touch was poor, his work rate was not good and he seemed to want ages when he had a few half chances. Needs to improve dramatically from that; service or no service as the two centre backs had as easy a game as they could wish for.
Subs-
Quinn 7/10 – That guy deserves some praise tonight. After the reaction Saturday and another mixed reception (to be fair more cheers tonight who seemed to rally against the idiots who see it is good to boo our players onto the pitch) he got amongst things, gave us some energy, helped break up some moves from Leicester and did seem decent things on the ball. Had two really good efforts too where he nearly scored, from a volley and a free kick.
Cotterill – Did alright when he came on with a few direct runs and attempts to draw the full back. He was part of some of our better attacks as we finally went on the offensive.
Reid – Seems a bit of a headless chicken to me in the brief glimpses I have seen. He is yet to put a cross in and the most positive things he has done is to just knock the ball in front of his opponent and win a couple of throws. I will reserve judgement but would be pleased to see him get ‘a’ cross over.
Referee – Another shocking referee that seemed to have no clue what was going on. He booked people all over the field and made a rod by booking someone early and that meant he had to book people throughout the game. He gave some perplexing decisions but he was not helped by two very poor linesmen, particularly the one on the South Stand side that was just incompetent. He gave two of the worst decisions I have ever seen. Notwithstanding a few wrong offside decisions and a couple of times when the ball went out; his decision to give a foul against Montgomery and then Taylor for basically having the ball goal side; shielding it with their opponent behind them and then both getting grabbed/pushed to the floor. Award by said linesman? Free kick to Leicester on both occasions. Unbelievable. In the second half their full back did the same (just got his body between man and ball) and was fouled and he gave the free kick this time (rightly) to Leicester. He also let a player walk off the pitch seemingly injured and then just let him walk back on and rejoin the play straight after. Just totally bewildering.
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Sheffield United were brought back down to earth with a bump as they were held by newly promoted Leicester at Bramall Lane in a game that the visitors dominated for long periods but then ultimately could have lost it towards the end . After a comfortable win against Watford on Saturday; United would have been confident that they could make it back to back wins but found things much tougher against a well organised Leicester side that played better football for much of the contest.
The goal that gave Leicester a deserved lead was a fortunate one coming via a deflected effort from a free kick but there could be no arguments that the breakthrough had been coming. United got back onto level terms with a wonder goal by winger Keith Treacy, with his weaker foot, from well over 25 yards that found the top corner of the net. After this United finally started to come alive and were the better side for the final 20 minutes of the game as they finally started to pass the ball rather than relying on the long ball approach. Leicester definitely deserved their point and on reflection over the course of the game may feel a little aggrieved not to have taken all three whereas United will point to improvements in the final third where they had chances to win it.
The game began with United unchanged but Leicester started the game on top and for the first 10 minutes, the game was played largely in the United defensive third of the field. N’Guessan was prompted early and Taylor was booked for a body check on the winger. Howard had to limp off for the Foxes and was replaced by Waghorn. The first chance fell to Fryatt whose effort was smothered by Bunn and United had to defend successive corners. Leicester seemed to have an extra man in midfield as they dominated possession and the chances with the Blades simply unable to get into the game. However, out of the blue they almost scored then Henderson’s deflected effort almost shocked Weale as it bounced off the crossbar and fortunately for the Foxes away to danger.
Leicester’s superiority continued soon after this let off though and a golden chance came the way of Fryatt after Oakley’s through ball completely dissected the United centre backs. The striker advanced on Bunn but the keeper smothered himself and made a brave blocked safe. United scrambled the ensuing follow up to safety. Indecision and carelessness from both Walker and Taylor led to further concern amongst the terraces. From another Leicester corner Fryatt blazed over when unmarked. It has been a disappointing first half performance from United and the crowd were starting to become restless, as evidence by a smattering of boos when the half time whistle went.
It was no surprise to see Blackwell make a change with the ineffective Howard replaced by Quinn. The midfielder quickly got himself into the action making firstly an interception and then playing a clever cross field ball which saw cheers from the home fans. Ward had a driven effort parried away by Weale before the assistant referee’s flag brought to an end any chance Evans had of converting the rebound. However, Leicester took the lead on 52 minutes. After a clumsy foul was given away, Oakley took the free kick from 3 30 yards. The free kick was hit hard but did not seem to have the direction to trouble Mark Bunn but seemed to hit Matt FRYATT inadvertently and wrong foot the on loan keeper who was committed to diving to his right and the ball span past his left hand side. United could not argue with the scoreline even if the goal had been fortunate and its execution. Not long after another deflected effort had Bunn scrambling to make a save.
United had shown no signs of getting into the game but suddenly they were level with a superb goal. After Taylor had advance, the ball fell to TREACEY who took a touch and then from distance hit an absolute thunderbolt which found the top corner of the net to bring the Blades an undeserved equaliser. A truly superb goal and suddenly after long periods of poor play, United had a foothold back into the game.
Treacy was booked not long after and then replaced by Reid. United now started to show some purpose and Quinn had two superb efforts that nearly brought them the lead. Firstly, he had a volleyed effort with his left foot that whizzed past the post after Henderson’s chest lay off. Secondly, he took a free kick after Oakley had upended Ward but his curler was flicked over the bar by Weale.
Cotterill replaced Ward and with Walker attacking down the right, United now seemed to be the side that looked most likely to get the winner. However, despite a few half chances and a number of throws and corners forced, the Blades could not create a clear chance and the four minutes of stoppage time elapsed without incident.
United – I did say today would be much more of a test and I was proved right. Leicester played well and deserved a point, possibly all three. For long periods of the game we were outplayed I felt. They played better football than us, won the loose balls and looked more dangerous going forward. From back to front we were just not at it tonight. In terms of individuals I cannot name one player who played well. We had some average performances and a lot of poor ones. For all his criticism in recent times Quinny came on and actually made a difference just getting amongst them and trying to get us on the front foot. Our defence was hesitant throughout, our midfield was pedestrian and careless when in possession and our strikers were immobile and ineffective, although completely starved of service. The wide men were not in the game much but once again were not given much of the ball and had to go looking for it.
More than individuals and not winning individual battles, the most frustrating thing was our complete lack of idea when with the ball. We barely kept the ball for more than 2 or 3 passes all night and only for the closing stages did we try and get it down and play a little and it was only a little. For the most part it was long, diagonal balls that our strikers did not win anyway. It was a reliance on long throws or knock downs. Our crosses came from too far away from the goal (not near enough the byline) and all our players seemed miles away from each other meaning we went long all the time.
Yes we did better for the last part of the game but even then it was just pressure football and little actual passing or movement. Overall it was really was poor tonight and they will have to massively improve from that. Sure we were the better side for the final part of the game but we have to surely impose ourselves on team and being outplayed for 60-65 minutes by an away side that has only just come up is worrying. Blackwell showed once again he had no plan B. Credit to him for the half time personnel change but the tactics remained the same for much of the game. Leicester were dominating possession and the game but we did nothing to change it. This was a fault levelled at him last season and it was the same tonight really. I come away tonight thinking it is going to be a tough battle this year and we look a long way from a possible promotion side.
Leicester – I think they will finish in the top 10 and may even be an outside contender of the playoffs. They were well organised, strong at the back and played some decent football. They came out and went for the victory and tried to attack United were put on the back foot early on and could not get into the game. Blackwell said last season when sides like Derby and Preston came and had a go at us it brought out the best in us so what was his excuse tonight?
They have a tall side that won’t get out battled but have some good footballers in the likes of Wellens and Oakley who can get it down and play. Fryatt is a lively striker who does not give defenders a rest. Howard went off injured but is a strong centre forward who does much the job Henderson does for us. N’ Guessan is a player we supposedly watched and tonight he did look good with pace, physique and trickery. At the back Hobbs and Brown are decent in the air but both read the game well. The keeper Weale commanded his box well and took a lot of aerial balls.
Leicester seemed so much sharper than us from the off, both in quickness to the ball and also in terms of their speed of though and the way they kept the ball. We seemed unable to get amongst them and when we had the ball we gave it them back thought poor touches or usually long aimless balls.
Bunn 7/10 – Made one excellent save from a one on one in the first half from Fryatt and his overall handling and taking of crosses was sound much of the night. Made one poor judgement for a punch but then did well to save the deflected shot that followed. Had no chance on the goal. His actual kicking was not as good tonight but he still tried to always look to get things moving quickly which I like and one or two kicks found their location.
Walker 6/10 – Nowhere near as polished as Saturday. Actually was careless with the ball at times putting us into problems and also switched off defensively on a few occasions. Got better as United improved and played as a second right winger for the closing stages. He put one delightful low cross in that no one got on the end of but most of his crosses were poor tonight and were floated and easily taken by the keeper.
Taylor 5.5/10 – Heard a few people raving about him Saturday which I could not understand. I felt he was ok against Watford but tonight he looked really poor. He got stupidly booked for a body check in the first half and I felt he struggled with N’Guessan’s height and power all game. His positional sense needs a lot of work and he gives his man way too much room. On the ball he just seems to have an inability to use his right foot and it nearly cost us twice when he dithered when a simple clearance with his wrong foot would have done instead of trying to get it onto his left foot.
Morgan 6.5/10 – Best defender tonight and he was only ordinary. Howard going off probably helped him as it meant the height/strength they had up top went early on. He did his usual heading/clearing role and was fairly solid although a few fairly routine through balls dissected him and Kilgallon too easily.
Kilgallon 6/10 – Not at his best. Thought he was hesitant tonight and seemed slow to react to danger or to through balls. He let Fryatt get away from him too easily at times and generally just seemed caught up in the malaise of the rest of the team. Only got on the front foot and imposed himself on the striker/s for the last 20 minutes.
Treacy 6.5/10 – He was not in the game for spells but he put our best cross over in the first half which just evaded Ward and then of course provided our only real genuine moment of quality with the goal so that gives him an extra mark. Ironically he seemed set to be brought off just before he scored! Of course after a needless booking it was not long before he still got the hook.
Montgomery 6/10 – He scrapped and won a few tackles but he did not get in the game as Leicester’s midfield dictated the midfield in the first half and for long stretches of the game. His passing and touch when he was hassled was really poor. He got better for the final stages and helped us finally win the central area of the field for the only time in the match.
Howard 4/10 – A really poor performance from him tonight. He was completely ineffective as he barely touched the ball and when asked to dig in and help United retain the ball as they were under the cosh he barely won a tackle or loose ball and let his man walk/run off him too many times leaving Leicester with a man over. He just does not have the quality on the ball or impose himself enough for us to be able to hide his woeful defensive/off the ball deficiencies.
Ward 6/10 – Like Treacey he did not affect things at all for long stretches and I can barely remember him doing much of note in the first half. He did improve after the break as he came inside more and started to go looking for more of the ball. Had a few good runs and showed his direct running. I would have liked to have seen him given last 20 minutes up top with Evans or Henderson as the front two’s partnership was totally ineffective.
Henderson 5/10 – Thought he was really poor pretty much from start to finish. Sure the service was diabolical but he barely won a header, his touch was awful and he just did not look a threat or even provide us an outlet or nuisance factor. Amazed he stayed on as he was just not a factor other than one chest off to Quinn.
Evans 5/10 – Sorry to say it but see above. For a 3 million man his touch was poor, his work rate was not good and he seemed to want ages when he had a few half chances. Needs to improve dramatically from that; service or no service as the two centre backs had as easy a game as they could wish for.
Subs-
Quinn 7/10 – That guy deserves some praise tonight. After the reaction Saturday and another mixed reception (to be fair more cheers tonight who seemed to rally against the idiots who see it is good to boo our players onto the pitch) he got amongst things, gave us some energy, helped break up some moves from Leicester and did seem decent things on the ball. Had two really good efforts too where he nearly scored, from a volley and a free kick.
Cotterill – Did alright when he came on with a few direct runs and attempts to draw the full back. He was part of some of our better attacks as we finally went on the offensive.
Reid – Seems a bit of a headless chicken to me in the brief glimpses I have seen. He is yet to put a cross in and the most positive things he has done is to just knock the ball in front of his opponent and win a couple of throws. I will reserve judgement but would be pleased to see him get ‘a’ cross over.
Referee – Another shocking referee that seemed to have no clue what was going on. He booked people all over the field and made a rod by booking someone early and that meant he had to book people throughout the game. He gave some perplexing decisions but he was not helped by two very poor linesmen, particularly the one on the South Stand side that was just incompetent. He gave two of the worst decisions I have ever seen. Notwithstanding a few wrong offside decisions and a couple of times when the ball went out; his decision to give a foul against Montgomery and then Taylor for basically having the ball goal side; shielding it with their opponent behind them and then both getting grabbed/pushed to the floor. Award by said linesman? Free kick to Leicester on both occasions. Unbelievable. In the second half their full back did the same (just got his body between man and ball) and was fouled and he gave the free kick this time (rightly) to Leicester. He also let a player walk off the pitch seemingly injured and then just let him walk back on and rejoin the play straight after. Just totally bewildering.
