When we don't win at the football

[SteveBlade]

When we aren't quite up to standard why is it always because Wilder's fucked up, or the players couldn't be arsed?

When a defeat comes along it's suddenly proof of how we're not quite good enough yet, or how we're inconsistent? Forget the four game winning streak, that's irrelevant.

In games like yesterday when we got put on the back foot in the second half, it's usually because they're all unfit. Everyone knows we generally fade in the second half and struggle to impact the game. A very true statement if you ignore most of our victories this season.

In my opinion it was a good game of football where we dominated a top side at home. That side then came out in the second half and really came at us, like I'd expect of a good home side.

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

But I suppose the unfit thing makes more sense.

 

[Rodley]

When we aren't quite up to standard why is it always because Wilder's fucked up, or the players couldn't be arsed?

When a defeat comes along it's suddenly proof of how we're not quite good enough yet, or we're inconsistent? Forget the four game winning streak, that's irrelevant.

In games like yesterday when we got put on the back foot in the second half, it's usually because they're all unfit. Everyone knows we generally fade in the second half and struggle to impact the game. A very true statement if you ignore most of our victories this season.

In my opinion it was a good game of football where we dominated a top side at home. That side then came out in the second half and really came at us, like I'd expect of a good home side.

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

But I suppose the unfit thing makes more sense.

Don’t come at us with common sense

Tuesdays match will be another difficult one, Stoke have bags on quality.

 

[lakedistblade]

I am double annoyed.all the hero worship over Lampard winds me up and then the smart arse comes out and completely outwits Wilder tactically second half while our manager sat stroking his ego in the dug out. our midfield dominant first half but no space second. Quality goal settles it from quality players hmmmmm

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

A honest question, that hopefully someone can answer. How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it? I suspect that the answer is none, and there must be a reason for that.

 

[Steve Mackan]

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

I don't think the ability to know that the above is largely true, and to complain about managerial decisions, have to be mutually exclusive.

 

[Carlton Blade]

We weren't very good in the 2nd half. From 46-55 I'm not sure Derby were either. But we definitely dropped off before a ball was kicked second half, regardless of anything Derby did.

We gave them the initiative and eventually they took it. They deserved the 3 points and we definitely contributed to our own downfall

 

[dublin 10 blade]

When we aren't quite up to standard why is it always because Wilder's fucked up, or the players couldn't be arsed?

When a defeat comes along it's suddenly proof of how we're not quite good enough yet, or how we're inconsistent? Forget the four game winning streak, that's irrelevant.

In games like yesterday when we got put on the back foot in the second half, it's usually because they're all unfit. Everyone knows we generally fade in the second half and struggle to impact the game. A very true statement if you ignore most of our victories this season.

In my opinion it was a good game of football where we dominated a top side at home. That side then came out in the second half and really came at us, like I'd expect of a good home side.

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

But I suppose the unfit thing makes more sense.

Tsk tsk tsk ya know you can’t be talking common sense like that on here , if we’re not 4 nowt up by half time , certain posters are just waiting to say how
Shit / no investment/ unfit / not good enough journey men shite we are
I tell ya what I’d rather be watching us playing than that Galactico shite that I saw on Friday it was fucking embarrassing with all the millions they’ve spent to see that

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

We weren't very good in the 2nd half. From 46-55 I'm not sure Derby were either. But we definitely dropped off before a ball was kicked second half, regardless of anything Derby did.

We gave them the initiative and eventually they took it. They deserved the 3 points and we definitely contributed to our own downfall

We started off badly, we began dominating possession, but not in dangerous areas or with dangerous outcomes, their keeper touched billy sharp about the same amount of times as the ball, but we got back into it. The half time team talk should've been one of hell & fury and unleash the dogs of war, but it wasn't, we strolled out in the 2nd half played 10 metres further back than we had done in the 1st half, very lazy-daisy and invited them on. When we tried to chance things & liven things up, we brought on the footballing equivalent of mogadon & quaalude.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

.

 

[AWetFlannel]

Completely agree, how often we forget where we thought we'd finish this and last season.

We aren't naive enough to predict we'll finish 1st, yet every time we drop points we are shocked about our deficiencies.

If we dominated for the 90 and created 20 chances people would still be straight on here praying for a big January budget because 'we aren't good enough'.

For what, the title? Who thought we were or should be?

 

[super_pig]

When we aren't quite up to standard why is it always because Wilder's fucked up, or the players couldn't be arsed?

When a defeat comes along it's suddenly proof of how we're not quite good enough yet, or how we're inconsistent? Forget the four game winning streak, that's irrelevant.

In games like yesterday when we got put on the back foot in the second half, it's usually because they're all unfit. Everyone knows we generally fade in the second half and struggle to impact the game. A very true statement if you ignore most of our victories this season.

In my opinion it was a good game of football where we dominated a top side at home. That side then came out in the second half and really came at us, like I'd expect of a good home side.

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

But I suppose the unfit thing makes more sense.

i’ve learned to be a bit more balanced (i hope)
this league is really tight there are no standouts and everybody can beat everybody.. noone is going to walk it with 4 defeats and 90 points this time

 

[itsinyerblood]

A honest question, that hopefully someone can answer. How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it? I suspect that the answer is none, and there must be a reason for that.

The answer you're searching for is to be found in your question, "How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it?". It's a well known fact that Wilder has had one of the smallest budgets with which to build a squad straight out of Division 1. It seems that what some supporters expect, even demand, is immediate success, not the gradual building that will strengthen us, making the Blades capable of competing against those sides that have spent far in excess of ourselves. Of course it's not always the case. Remember last season when we beat Wolves, you know, the side who walked away with this division? We've punched way above our weight ever since Wilder became our manager, yet questions like this are asked and expected to be taken seriously.

Relatively speaking, we've only just entered this division, yet why some of us expect immediate promotion escapes me. It might take anything from three to five seasons to get the side that will make us able to compete at this level as well as the level above. Patience isn't synonymous with certain sections of our support, perhaps that's why questions about our ability to beat the very best in this division continue to be asked? Ok we lost yesterday, and we've dropped to the 'lowly' position of second in this division. What if we finished second, would the same questions be asked?

To be honest, it's a complete nonsense to expect Wilder to do more than he's currently doing. By all means ask whatever you feel is a realistic and attainable question, but as the man said, we've been here for all of one and a bit seasons, all achieved with some of the smallest budgets this division has to offer. And yet some on here expect something that takes time to build.....as I said, it's a complete nonsense.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Excellent post Steve.

The other week I thought we looked lethargic and slightly under par at home to Hull
But because we won....there was little criticism of the performance.
In fact many said CW made the correct decision to keep the same team when high energy football means you must use the squad.

Another point.
Remember last season when we played really well comfortably beating top of the league Wolves.
On their forum, none of their fans gave us any credit, all the talk was about them playing their worse game of the season and how their manager made tactical mistakes.

Yesterday Derby played well in the 2nd half, they are one of the best teams in this league
But like Wolves fans some of our fans have this arrogance that we should be beating every team.
Our 1st half performance was impressive yesterday but Derby controlled the 2nd half, that’s what can happen.

Still wouldn’t worry too much, there are at least 12 good teams in this league, on their day they will test anyone.
So success if all about consistency and the c word is something we are very good at during Wilders tenure.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

The answer you're searching for is to be found in your question, "How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it?". It's a well known fact that Wilder has had one of the smallest budgets with which to build a squad straight out of Division 1. It seems that what some supporters expect, even demand, is immediate success, not the gradual building that will strengthen us, making the Blades capable of competing against those sides that have spent far in excess of ourselves. Of course it's not always the case. Remember last season when we beat Wolves, you know, the side who walked away with this division? We've punched way above our weight ever since Wilder became our manager, yet questions like this are asked and expected to be taken seriously.

Relatively speaking, we've only just entered this division, yet why some of us expect immediate promotion escapes me. It might take anything from three to five seasons to get the side that will make us able to compete at this level as well as the level above. Patience isn't synonymous with certain sections of our support, perhaps that's why questions about our ability to beat the very best in this division continue to be asked? Ok we lost yesterday, and we've dropped to the 'lowly' position of second in this division. What if we finished second, would the same questions be asked?

To be honest, it's a complete nonsense to expect Wilder to do more than he's currently doing. By all means ask whatever you feel is a realistic and attainable question, but as the man said, we've been here for all of one and a bit seasons, all achieved with some of the smallest budgets this division has to offer. And yet some on here expect something that takes time to build.....as I said, it's a complete nonsense.

Yes, I was there. We played 80mins (including injury time) against 10 men. They were still the better team for periods and missed a penalty to make it 1-1.

It was a serious question, honestly asked. I didn't ask "Why aren't we beating the top 6 teams regularly?", which would've better tied in with your response. Since asking, I've checked and the answer is wolves at home last season, Leeds away last year and Boro at home last year. The reason why I asked the question was to see if we 'froze' when we played them.

I'll criticise CW if I think he's making mistakes that a manager of his ability, experience and resources shouldn't be making.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Excellent post Steve.

The other week I thought we looked lethargic and slightly under par at home to Hull
But because we won....there was little criticism of the performance.
In fact many said CW made the correct decision to keep the same team when high energy football means you must use the squad.

Another point.
Remember last season when we played really well comfortably beating top of the league Wolves.
On their forum, none of their fans gave us any credit, all the talk was about them playing their worse game of the season and how their manager made tactical mistakes.

Yesterday Derby played well in the 2nd half, they are one of the best teams in this league
But like Wolves fans some of our fans have this arrogance that we should be beating every team.
Our 1st half performance was impressive yesterday but Derby controlled the 2nd half, that’s what can happen.

Still wouldn’t worry too much, there are at least 12 good teams in this league, on their day they will test anyone.
So success if all about consistency and the c word is something we are very good at during Wilders tenure.

I don't think that that they are and I don't expect them to be in the top 6 at the end of the season. I view them as competent, but no great shakes. They are defensively suspect and nothing special going forwards.

 

[Houso]

A honest question, that hopefully someone can answer. How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it? I suspect that the answer is none, and there must be a reason for that.

Really? Unless I've misinterpreted your post, of last season's final top 6 we beat Wolves, Derby and Boro. Only Fulham beat us in both games.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Really? Unless I've misinterpreted your post, of last season's final top 6 we beat Wolves, Derby and Boro. Only Fulham beat us in both games.

see post #14.

 

[Sheffsteel]

I don't think that that they are and I don't expect them to be in the top 6 at the end of the season. I view them as competent, but no great shakes. They are defensively suspect and nothing special going forwards.

That’s your view but all the experts and media expect them to finish top 6.
They recently outplayed Man United at Old Trafford, which shows their potential.

To be fair it’s difficult to pick out clear favourites for promotion.
There are so many teams that on their day are very good. The key is consistency.
To be fair Wilders teams are always consistent, think there’s only been about 3 matches in the last years where we’ve been poor.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Really? Unless I've misinterpreted your post, of last season's final top 6 we beat Wolves, Derby and Boro. Only Fulham beat us in both games.

Also regards the current top 7 we’ve won 2 and lost 2
3 away matches with only 1 at home
Also one of the defeats was early season before Norwood joined.

To be fair it’s irrelevant who you beat as it’s the same 3 points beating the top of the league compared to the bottom of the league.

Wilder himself has commented that when chasing promotion it’s natural to focus on the matches against your rivals BUT he’s said a massive test is beating the teams at the bottom because when everyone expects you to easily win, it brings its own pressures.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

That’s your view but all the experts and media expect them to finish top 6.
They recently outplayed Man United at Old Trafford, which shows their potential.

To be fair it’s difficult to pick out clear favourites for promotion.
There are so many teams that on their day are very good. The key is consistency.
To be fair Wilders teams are always consistent, think there’s only been about 3 matches in the last years where we’ve been poor.

Experts like Paul Parker?

What they do in the league cup doesn't interest me. In their 6 leagues prior to playing us, they lost to Rotherham & Bolton, drew with Blackburn, QPR & Norwich and beat Brentford. 6 points out of 18, middle table form from a mid table quality team. From how we controlled the game in the first half, they shouldn't have got anything out of playing us either.

They've got Frank Lampard as manager & people have bought into the hype. Do you honestly think that if Mason Mount was playing for us, he'd have been called up for England? On that basis Henderson should be in the squad before Bettinelli.

 

[grafikhaus]

A honest question, that hopefully someone can answer. How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it? I suspect that the answer is none, and there must be a reason for that.

There is. We can't afford to compete with those clubs - not our fault, it's just the way it is. CW and the team have done tremendously well, but graft can only take you so far. Absolutely no disrespect to our players, but we can't afford to buy 'game-changers'. We can't even afford bench-warmers who could come on and change things. Most of our signings are 'sticking plasters'.

Tuesday's opponents, Stoke, had Peter Crouch, Saido Berahino and Charlie Adam on the bench yesterday...

 

[Topplayersleave]

It was more to do with what we didn't do rather than what Derby did.

We camped in our own half and let Derby have the ball

Any team would look half decent knocking it about under zero pressure

When we had to chase "the draw" which is all we mentally attempted to achieve we looked on a different level to them

 

[itsinyerblood]

Yes, I was there. We played 80mins (including injury time) against 10 men. They were still the better team for periods and missed a penalty to make it 1-1.

It was a serious question, honestly asked. I didn't ask "Why aren't we beating the top 6 teams regularly?", which would've better tied in with your response. Since asking, I've checked and the answer is wolves at home last season, Leeds away last year and Boro at home last year. The reason why I asked the question was to see if we 'froze' when we played them.

I'll criticise CW if I think he's making mistakes that a manager of his ability, experience and resources shouldn't be making.

A slight over-reaction there Nic, I don't recall suggesting that you shouldn't criticise Wilder. What I would add is that all managers, including some of the so-called managerial 'greats', have made mistakes. It's human nature, and managers aren't exempt from poor decision making. What matters is whether Wilder makes more good decisions than poor ones. So far, over the 'season and a bit', I'd suggest that we've done quite well all things considered. Maybe ask the Board to throw in a bit more money that will allow Wilder to compete with the so-called 'big hitters'? But should we still be in the Championship next season, and even the one after, then look at our trajectory and see how we're doing. I'd prefer that we achieve promotion with a side capable of competing at this level.

PS. My mistake about the Wolves score, well done for correcting this.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

There is. We can't afford to compete with those clubs - not our fault, it's just the way it is. CW and the team have done tremendously well, but graft can only take you so far. Absolutely no disrespect to our players, but we can't afford to buy 'game-changers'. We can't even afford bench-warmers who could come on and change things. Most of our signings are 'sticking plasters'.

Tuesday's opponents, Stoke, had Peter Crouch, Saido Berahino and Charlie Adam on the bench yesterday...

I am in agreement with you, GH. But how many of our substitutions involve Sharp, Duffy & Basham? It's as if they are our 'default' setting.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

A slight over-reaction there Nic, I don't recall suggesting that you shouldn't criticise Wilder. What I would add is that all managers, including some of the so-called managerial 'greats', have made mistakes. It's human nature, and managers aren't exempt from poor decision making. What matters is whether Wilder makes more good decisions than poor ones. So far, over the 'season and a bit', I'd suggest that we've done quite well all things considered. Maybe ask the Board to throw in a bit more money that will allow Wilder to compete with the so-called 'big hitters'? But should we still be in the Championship next season, and even the one after, then look at our trajectory and see how we're doing. I'd prefer that we achieve promotion with a side capable of competing at this level.

PS. My mistake about the Wolves score, well done for correcting this.

No, mate you were right. We beat 'em 2-0, but I was just saying I remembered it being closer than the 2-0 score suggested.

 

[grafikhaus]

I am in agreement with you, GH. But how many of our substitutions involve Sharp, Duffy & Basham? It's as if they are our 'default' setting.

The reason Sharp (subbed 8 times this season, on as sub 3 times) and Duffy (subbed 10 times, on as sub twice) don't get 90 minutes is because of their age/performance. CW will see the stats. from the 'performance vests' and make his decision, it's nothing personal. Ditto 30-year old McGoldrick and 33 year-old Clarke. Bash has only been subbed twice.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

The reason Sharp (subbed 8 times this season, on as sub 3 times) and Duffy (subbed 10 times, on as sub twice) don't get 90 minutes is because of their age/performance. CW will see the stats. from the 'performance vests' and make his decision, it's nothing personal. Ditto 30-year old McGoldrick and 33 year-old Clarke. Bash has only been subbed twice.

View attachment 45311

I said the Basham one without checking & immediately doubted myself. I like Bash so much, i just 'feel' his subbings more.

I know what you are saying re performance, but there have been times when LC was by far the worst player on the pitch for us and BS got subbed.

Those 3 are 3 of our most important players, and they aren't easily replaceable.

 

[diplomat]

When we aren't quite up to standard why is it always because Wilder's fucked up, or the players couldn't be arsed?

When a defeat comes along it's suddenly proof of how we're not quite good enough yet, or how we're inconsistent? Forget the four game winning streak, that's irrelevant.

In games like yesterday when we got put on the back foot in the second half, it's usually because they're all unfit. Everyone knows we generally fade in the second half and struggle to impact the game. A very true statement if you ignore most of our victories this season.

In my opinion it was a good game of football where we dominated a top side at home. That side then came out in the second half and really came at us, like I'd expect of a good home side.

We lost the game because we failed to completely dominate one of the better teams in this league away from home for 90 minutes.

But I suppose the unfit thing makes more sense.

Absolutely correct. I still regard us as a good team. One I’m proud of.

Put the two wage bills side by side and tell me we aren’t a good team.

 

[essexblade73]

We started off badly, we began dominating possession, but not in dangerous areas or with dangerous outcomes, their keeper touched billy sharp about the same amount of times as the ball, but we got back into it. The half time team talk should've been one of hell & fury and unleash the dogs of war, but it wasn't, we strolled out in the 2nd half played 10 metres further back than we had done in the 1st half, very lazy-daisy and invited them on. When we tried to chance things & liven things up, we brought on the footballing equivalent of mogadon & quaalude.

Agree with this. Looked like the lads had their half time cuppa spiked with ritulin. Our problem is we have a weak bench and hence no Plan B. However that 2nd half showing was mystifying. Derby didnt look much cop and yet we just rolled over like a submissive dog. Why sub our top goalscorer, he wasnt playing badly, just didnt have the service. You dont sub your main goalscorer for someone who hasnt scored in ages if you want to win a game.
First time i've been upset with Wilder. We gifted Derby that win with decisions akin to the Clough era.
They need to dominate Stoke on Tuesday cos another spiritless performance like the 2nd half v Derby will see us get done.

 

[Rodley]

A honest question, that hopefully someone can answer. How many times have we beaten a top 6 side in the championship in the one and a bit seasons we've been in it? I suspect that the answer is none, and there must be a reason for that.

Last season off the top of my head...

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