Deadbat
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Podcast reaction
Report below…..
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The Blades sit in the heady heights of sixth place in the Premier League after a fantastic performance saw them deservedly beat established Premier League Burnley at Bramall Lane. A scintillating first half saw United cut the Clarets to shreds with some superb football and three well made and taken goals. John Lundstram was quite literally ‘Johnny on the spot’ with a double strike after some great build up on both goals and then more good work by Mousset who had been involved in the build up to the first two goals, led to John Fleck driving home a third. Burnley had no answer to the pressing from the Blades all over the field and then the quick interchange with the wing backs high up the field. McGoldrick was central to all that was good about the first half showing. After the break Burnley had a few more moments but nothing of major concern to Dean Henderson and indeed if it had not been Nick Pope, United could have had even more goals. For United fans they surely cannot believe how good the season has been but under Wilder, maybe we should not be so shocked. It seems that this journey will continue to go on and the belief and togetherness on and off the field is gathering even more momentum.
Wilder made one change with Mousset back in for Robinson up the top of the field. Chris Wood was deemed unfit for Burnley but they still possessed a solid, well organised and superbly managed outfit and seemed to present a tough task for United. The game began in difficult weather conditions with the rain and wind swirling around a near capacity Bramall Lane. United settled very well and the passing and movement was crisp and intelligent. McGoldrick was coming off deep and linking and the wing backs were involved on both sides.
They forced an early corner and had appeals for a penalty when Fleck’s cross hit Westwood but there was nothing doing. Another corner was won soon after but Burnley cleared. Basham then advanced after good build up and his cross narrowly evaded Mousset at the far post. Soon after, a ball from the right from Baldock saw Lowton slip but McGoldrick turned the ball wide. Baldock was involved in many attacks but his cross evaded everyone before a rare Burnley attack saw a looping Rodriguez header comfortable for Henderson on the angle. United kept attacking and Stevens cross was deflected out before the breakthrough came soon after.
Stevens was involved down the left and his ball found McGoldrick who sent an inviting low cross that Mousset touched on and LUNDSTRAM was waiting to turn it into the goal at the far post. It was well made and well taken and the finish was reminiscent of his goal against Palace in the set up and execution.
United continued to attack and Mousset was in on the angle but drove it across goal and McGoldrick was just on his heels.
Burnley had not threatened at all but did have a spell after the goal punctuated with an appeal for a penalty on O’Connell from a corner and after a VAR check it was adjudged not to have been deliberate.
United were still playing all the football and Tarkowski had to resort to illegal means to scythe down McGoldrick and he was booked. His remonstrations after the yellow card could have drawn further censure from Simon Hooper. From the free kick, United moved it about smartly again with patient clever and probing football before Mousset changed his arm from range but curled his effort wide.
The home crowd were appreciative of the efforts both off the ball in terms of winning it back but the keep ball approach in mounting attacks. Mousset had to get some treatment after a knock on the head but soon after the home fans were celebrating again. It was another really well-made goal with more lovely football in the build-up. McGoldrick played in Stevens whose cross was evaded by Mousset but again waiting to pounce was LUNDSTRAM with another run into the box and a cool finish. A quick check for VAR showed there was nothing doing in terms of any offside or offence in the build up and United and Lundstram had doubled their tally.
The euphoria from the second had barely quelled when the noise levels inside the Lane erupted again within a minute! Burnley were sloppy in possession and Mousset nicked it off the dithering Tarkowski and fed FLECK. The midfielder drove forward and no challenge was forthcoming as he drove it superbly into the corner giving England keeper Pope no chance. 3-0! The ground was in raptures. United had simply steamrolled Burnley and it was not just desire and will to win, but excellent clever football that was quickened up at the right moments. The half time whistle went not long after and the crowd stood to a person to salute this tremendous showing.
Pieters was replaced by Taylor on the left side of the defence as Burnley looked to try and contend with United’s shape, something they had struggled mightily with in the first half. After the break United will have reckoned Burnley would improve in all aspects of their play but there was no noticeable sign of this and United continued to move the ball well. They won a corner but a foul was awarded when the ball came over. A good chance did come when a mistimed interception from O’Connell saw the ball drop for Barnes but he smashed over when well placed. It was not even close really but at least an opportunity for the so far dismal away side.
At the other end United had chances to make it safe. Good play down the right from Lundstram and Baldock saw the ball come over and Stevens could not quite get the connection he wanted as it did not sit down for him and was deflected behind for a corner. Egan’s header was off target from the resultant set play. Another chance came for the home side when Mousset was down injured but United played on and a lovely floated ball from O’Connell saw McGoldrick steal in on the last man but his header was turned around the post from Pope.
Brady came on for McNeil for the visitors; a tell-tale sign how well Baldock had played the dangerous young winger. For the home side, Mousset had taken a few knocks and was struggling now and Sharp came on to replace him just after the hour mark. The Frenchman had assisted on all three goals and was given a good reception for his efforts. Certainly, him and McGoldrick had caused Burnley all sorts of issues and created space for runners (and goal scorers in behind).
Burnley finally had an effort on goal when Tarkowski had a header at the back post from the same predictable diagonal high cross they had tried all game. Henderson saved quite easily and United hacked the ball away. Burnley had more appeals for a penalty but it all seemed a bit desperate and nothing again was given.
Barnes was booked for dissent and Burnley were not showing any sign of getting back into the game and United were actually still creating more chances and Lundstram had a fierce volley saved from Pope. McGoldrick was away with options in Lundstram right and Sharp left or he could go alone. He chose the pass to Sharp whose drilled shot was saved by Pope with his leg at full stretch. The goal may have been brought back as there was a suspicion of a push in the centre of the field in the build-up.
McGoldrick may not have scored but his efforts were really appreciated by the crowd as he came off for McBurnie with 15 minutes to play. Jagielka then came on for Egan who seemed to pick up a strain/knock and United opted not to risk him as the game entered the final stages. Lundstram curled wide after another run as he scented his hat trick.
Vydra had come on for Burnley for Rodriguez and he was adjudged to have been knocked down by unfair means by Basham as Burnley tried to find something to give their fans hope. The United man was booked but the free kick from a dangerous position from Brady hit the wall.
United still were creating chances on the break and Sharp did well and played in Lundstram but he dragged his shot wide as the Kop anticipated the perfect end to his and United’s day. It mattered little in the end and the Blades saw out the three minutes of additional time with absolute ease. A superb performance and victory from the home side and what a time to be a Blade!
United – You think things cannot get any better and then another day comes along and your admiration for Wilder and this group goes up even further. Today we played an established Premier League side who are always prepared and normally win these sorts of games or at least are well in them. They don’t tend to have a let down in the games again the other 14. Well today they did but they did because we were too good for them. We simply outplayed them. We were brilliant particularly in the first half when at times we just cut them open. It all started with good pressing and pressure to get it back or force them to go long and then we would move it around sensibly and with patience. We then got into the last third and we upped the tempo at the right times and suddenly sprang into life and Didzy, Enda, George and Mousset were involved with the midfield dovetailing nicely. The first two goals were excellent in the build up with so many players involved and it was great to see the ball hit the net. The third was good tenacious ‘win back’ play and we finally saw a finish from Fleck – he needs to do this more. Lunny was excellent in all aspects of the game and his two goals were the icing on the cake. He could have had 2 or 3 more. He seemed to be everywhere. I am not sure there was one bad player. A few misplaced passes from Norwood and Baldock’s final ball would be nit-picking and a drop off from front two when the subs came on was also noticeable. These are minor things in what was otherwise a fantastic performance individually and collectively. The whole defence was so solid and headed away their predictable long ball angled in time after time. They did not get dragged about and the midfield did as much good work off the ball as on it. The front two were also a threat and have made the shirts their own for now. Mousset tires but he gives defences issues with his pace and running and Didz just is so intelligent. He may not have scored yet this season but if he plays like that it does not matter – he is so important to the team and how we play.
I feared for us a bit today as felt we could not defend and break like we did in the Liverpool and Arsenal games and there would be more of the ball and expectation to attack. Well shows what I know – we did have more of the ball but used it well and had tons of chances. The keeper made 2 or 3 other saves and we could have had even more goals. Still waiting for more goals at the Kop end! We have seen 6 at the Lane end and only one in front of Shoreham Street!
I love the way second half we kept it when we could but kept solid and never really looked like conceding. It was professional but not negative and we did have other chances. We made fouls and stopped play (with ‘injuries’) at the right time. It seems we are getting this Premier League malarkey in terms of knowing when to go down and get fouls without being too erm…cheaty!
Sat at home tonight eating my takeaway Indian and celebrating a Sheffield double (don’t really care about them at the moment but added a nice end to the day!) and grinning inanely at how good we were and how good we ARE. United really belong here at this level. I see no reason why we cannot keep these performances and ticking the points over. We have a few tough games (wish Man Utd had lost today before the next game here) and Spurs are due to get going at some point but then even after that we have a decent run of games. We need to just keep going and keep this level of consistency of play up. If we do that, we will be fine and could finish a lot higher than even many of us thought never mind those pundits that wrote us off.
Report below…..
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The Blades sit in the heady heights of sixth place in the Premier League after a fantastic performance saw them deservedly beat established Premier League Burnley at Bramall Lane. A scintillating first half saw United cut the Clarets to shreds with some superb football and three well made and taken goals. John Lundstram was quite literally ‘Johnny on the spot’ with a double strike after some great build up on both goals and then more good work by Mousset who had been involved in the build up to the first two goals, led to John Fleck driving home a third. Burnley had no answer to the pressing from the Blades all over the field and then the quick interchange with the wing backs high up the field. McGoldrick was central to all that was good about the first half showing. After the break Burnley had a few more moments but nothing of major concern to Dean Henderson and indeed if it had not been Nick Pope, United could have had even more goals. For United fans they surely cannot believe how good the season has been but under Wilder, maybe we should not be so shocked. It seems that this journey will continue to go on and the belief and togetherness on and off the field is gathering even more momentum.
Wilder made one change with Mousset back in for Robinson up the top of the field. Chris Wood was deemed unfit for Burnley but they still possessed a solid, well organised and superbly managed outfit and seemed to present a tough task for United. The game began in difficult weather conditions with the rain and wind swirling around a near capacity Bramall Lane. United settled very well and the passing and movement was crisp and intelligent. McGoldrick was coming off deep and linking and the wing backs were involved on both sides.
They forced an early corner and had appeals for a penalty when Fleck’s cross hit Westwood but there was nothing doing. Another corner was won soon after but Burnley cleared. Basham then advanced after good build up and his cross narrowly evaded Mousset at the far post. Soon after, a ball from the right from Baldock saw Lowton slip but McGoldrick turned the ball wide. Baldock was involved in many attacks but his cross evaded everyone before a rare Burnley attack saw a looping Rodriguez header comfortable for Henderson on the angle. United kept attacking and Stevens cross was deflected out before the breakthrough came soon after.
Stevens was involved down the left and his ball found McGoldrick who sent an inviting low cross that Mousset touched on and LUNDSTRAM was waiting to turn it into the goal at the far post. It was well made and well taken and the finish was reminiscent of his goal against Palace in the set up and execution.
United continued to attack and Mousset was in on the angle but drove it across goal and McGoldrick was just on his heels.
Burnley had not threatened at all but did have a spell after the goal punctuated with an appeal for a penalty on O’Connell from a corner and after a VAR check it was adjudged not to have been deliberate.
United were still playing all the football and Tarkowski had to resort to illegal means to scythe down McGoldrick and he was booked. His remonstrations after the yellow card could have drawn further censure from Simon Hooper. From the free kick, United moved it about smartly again with patient clever and probing football before Mousset changed his arm from range but curled his effort wide.
The home crowd were appreciative of the efforts both off the ball in terms of winning it back but the keep ball approach in mounting attacks. Mousset had to get some treatment after a knock on the head but soon after the home fans were celebrating again. It was another really well-made goal with more lovely football in the build-up. McGoldrick played in Stevens whose cross was evaded by Mousset but again waiting to pounce was LUNDSTRAM with another run into the box and a cool finish. A quick check for VAR showed there was nothing doing in terms of any offside or offence in the build up and United and Lundstram had doubled their tally.
The euphoria from the second had barely quelled when the noise levels inside the Lane erupted again within a minute! Burnley were sloppy in possession and Mousset nicked it off the dithering Tarkowski and fed FLECK. The midfielder drove forward and no challenge was forthcoming as he drove it superbly into the corner giving England keeper Pope no chance. 3-0! The ground was in raptures. United had simply steamrolled Burnley and it was not just desire and will to win, but excellent clever football that was quickened up at the right moments. The half time whistle went not long after and the crowd stood to a person to salute this tremendous showing.
Pieters was replaced by Taylor on the left side of the defence as Burnley looked to try and contend with United’s shape, something they had struggled mightily with in the first half. After the break United will have reckoned Burnley would improve in all aspects of their play but there was no noticeable sign of this and United continued to move the ball well. They won a corner but a foul was awarded when the ball came over. A good chance did come when a mistimed interception from O’Connell saw the ball drop for Barnes but he smashed over when well placed. It was not even close really but at least an opportunity for the so far dismal away side.
At the other end United had chances to make it safe. Good play down the right from Lundstram and Baldock saw the ball come over and Stevens could not quite get the connection he wanted as it did not sit down for him and was deflected behind for a corner. Egan’s header was off target from the resultant set play. Another chance came for the home side when Mousset was down injured but United played on and a lovely floated ball from O’Connell saw McGoldrick steal in on the last man but his header was turned around the post from Pope.
Brady came on for McNeil for the visitors; a tell-tale sign how well Baldock had played the dangerous young winger. For the home side, Mousset had taken a few knocks and was struggling now and Sharp came on to replace him just after the hour mark. The Frenchman had assisted on all three goals and was given a good reception for his efforts. Certainly, him and McGoldrick had caused Burnley all sorts of issues and created space for runners (and goal scorers in behind).
Burnley finally had an effort on goal when Tarkowski had a header at the back post from the same predictable diagonal high cross they had tried all game. Henderson saved quite easily and United hacked the ball away. Burnley had more appeals for a penalty but it all seemed a bit desperate and nothing again was given.
Barnes was booked for dissent and Burnley were not showing any sign of getting back into the game and United were actually still creating more chances and Lundstram had a fierce volley saved from Pope. McGoldrick was away with options in Lundstram right and Sharp left or he could go alone. He chose the pass to Sharp whose drilled shot was saved by Pope with his leg at full stretch. The goal may have been brought back as there was a suspicion of a push in the centre of the field in the build-up.
McGoldrick may not have scored but his efforts were really appreciated by the crowd as he came off for McBurnie with 15 minutes to play. Jagielka then came on for Egan who seemed to pick up a strain/knock and United opted not to risk him as the game entered the final stages. Lundstram curled wide after another run as he scented his hat trick.
Vydra had come on for Burnley for Rodriguez and he was adjudged to have been knocked down by unfair means by Basham as Burnley tried to find something to give their fans hope. The United man was booked but the free kick from a dangerous position from Brady hit the wall.
United still were creating chances on the break and Sharp did well and played in Lundstram but he dragged his shot wide as the Kop anticipated the perfect end to his and United’s day. It mattered little in the end and the Blades saw out the three minutes of additional time with absolute ease. A superb performance and victory from the home side and what a time to be a Blade!
United – You think things cannot get any better and then another day comes along and your admiration for Wilder and this group goes up even further. Today we played an established Premier League side who are always prepared and normally win these sorts of games or at least are well in them. They don’t tend to have a let down in the games again the other 14. Well today they did but they did because we were too good for them. We simply outplayed them. We were brilliant particularly in the first half when at times we just cut them open. It all started with good pressing and pressure to get it back or force them to go long and then we would move it around sensibly and with patience. We then got into the last third and we upped the tempo at the right times and suddenly sprang into life and Didzy, Enda, George and Mousset were involved with the midfield dovetailing nicely. The first two goals were excellent in the build up with so many players involved and it was great to see the ball hit the net. The third was good tenacious ‘win back’ play and we finally saw a finish from Fleck – he needs to do this more. Lunny was excellent in all aspects of the game and his two goals were the icing on the cake. He could have had 2 or 3 more. He seemed to be everywhere. I am not sure there was one bad player. A few misplaced passes from Norwood and Baldock’s final ball would be nit-picking and a drop off from front two when the subs came on was also noticeable. These are minor things in what was otherwise a fantastic performance individually and collectively. The whole defence was so solid and headed away their predictable long ball angled in time after time. They did not get dragged about and the midfield did as much good work off the ball as on it. The front two were also a threat and have made the shirts their own for now. Mousset tires but he gives defences issues with his pace and running and Didz just is so intelligent. He may not have scored yet this season but if he plays like that it does not matter – he is so important to the team and how we play.
I feared for us a bit today as felt we could not defend and break like we did in the Liverpool and Arsenal games and there would be more of the ball and expectation to attack. Well shows what I know – we did have more of the ball but used it well and had tons of chances. The keeper made 2 or 3 other saves and we could have had even more goals. Still waiting for more goals at the Kop end! We have seen 6 at the Lane end and only one in front of Shoreham Street!
I love the way second half we kept it when we could but kept solid and never really looked like conceding. It was professional but not negative and we did have other chances. We made fouls and stopped play (with ‘injuries’) at the right time. It seems we are getting this Premier League malarkey in terms of knowing when to go down and get fouls without being too erm…cheaty!
Sat at home tonight eating my takeaway Indian and celebrating a Sheffield double (don’t really care about them at the moment but added a nice end to the day!) and grinning inanely at how good we were and how good we ARE. United really belong here at this level. I see no reason why we cannot keep these performances and ticking the points over. We have a few tough games (wish Man Utd had lost today before the next game here) and Spurs are due to get going at some point but then even after that we have a decent run of games. We need to just keep going and keep this level of consistency of play up. If we do that, we will be fine and could finish a lot higher than even many of us thought never mind those pundits that wrote us off.