Deadbat
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The Blades went down to a Sergio Aguero strike after a moment of quality from Kevin De Bruyne undid a brave United performance where they had held City off for 73 minutes. The visitors had been the better side and Dean Henderson had kept the home side in it with some wonder saves including a penalty save from Jesus. United were excellent without the ball and kept a solid shape being workmanlike and organised but maybe will be a touch disappointed at their work on the ball and the fact they did not have a legitimate effort on goal all night. Still, the Blades have given a really good account of themselves twice against the current league champions and many other sides have been put to the sword against them. United now can moved on from the incredibly touch period of games and focus on games that give them a far greater opportunity of points.
United made two changes from the side that started at Arsenal with Besic in for Lundstram and Billy Sharp making a surprise start, in for Lys Mousset. For City, they fielded a wealth of attacking talent and could leave superstars like Aguero and Bernardo Silva on the bench but still had the likes of Sterling and De Bruyne starting along with the returning Aymeric Laporte in defence.
City began with all the possession and forced United back as the Blades had to keep a solid defensive shape. Sterling and De Bruyne were instrumental on the ball and were probing but O’Connell and Egan got interceptions. United got the ball forward for the first time and Sharp and McBurnie linked well but Sharp’s cross was intercepted by Fernandinho. City showed their ability to break and O’Connell had to deny the advancing De Bruyne. Besic’s wild tackle rightly earned him a yellow card after he lunged in on Laporte and then City nearly scored after a mistake from Basham. He was robbed by Sterling and neat quick football saw the ball sent switched between Mahrez and De Bruyne, before the latter’s close-range finish was superbly pushed away by Henderson.
United got another yellow card when Norwood pulled back an attacker as City again threatened to break at speed. After the ball was cleared for a corner, Fernandinho returned the ball over and Otamendi’s spectacular bicycle kick was saved by the feet of Henderson. Once again, he had kept United in the game.
McBurnie and Sharp had worked really hard for United and the former won a corner which saw Egan and Laporte come together after a challenge on Ederson. McBurnie’s good work won another period of brief respite for United in a game that City had dominated possession.
Mahrez worked his way into the box from the left moving away from Stevens before Basham came in and made contact. It was a clumsy challenge and there was contact and referee Mason awarded the penalty. Any VAR check confirmed that it was adjudged the correct decision. Jesus took the kick but it was not far enough away from Henderson and he made a great save. He clutched the rebound to the delight of most inside the ground. Replays showed the keeper was off his line but these days no one is sure what might be looked at and what is ignored and there was not even a check for this for any possible retake opportunity.
Fleck was booked for a foul on Fernandinho was skipped away and De Bruyne fired over not long after. The City skipper was himself booked after a series of fouls and finally given his card after he went through the back of McBurnie.
The half time whistle came soon after and United were still well in the game thanks to the brilliance of Henderson coupled with a tenacious, hardworking performance.
City continued to dominate the ball after the break but Fleck drew two challenges and Rodri cynically hauled him down to earn himself a booking. United then won two corners and were making a better fist of pushing City back. Sterling and then De Bruyne nearly got in but O’Connell did well to make two interceptions. Rodri headed not far wide from a corner before Mousset came on for Sharp, whose efforts were warmly applauded from the crowd.
Sloppy play saw United turn it over and the cross came over Jesus outjumped a stationery Basham and should have done better but headed straight at Henderson. It was blood and guts stuff and both teams were going for it. McBurnie and Baldock combined to feed Basham whose cross shot was parried out by Ederson and fell to Mousset but the sub tried an audacious back heel when a pull back to Fleck may have been the better option and the keeper saved comfortably.
Aguero came on for Jesus and he was immediately involved as City came at the other end but Egan stepped in to make a vital block.
On 72 minutes, some lovely football by the Blades nearly led to a goal. Several quick passes on the edge of the box saw the ball moved out to the left and the cross came in from Stevens and McBurnie could not quite get the final touch although he would probably have been flagged offside.
After this let off, City broke and got the vital opening goal. Sterling moved the ball over to the right and with United stretched, De Bruyne sent over a wonderful cross that was perfect for AGUERO to convert from close range.
United fans tried to respond with fantastic backing and they continued to give City a real go but they struggled to find the quality or composure to break them down. Robinson and Lundstram came on for Besic and Basham and then Aguero was booked for kicking the ball away. After another soft decision went against United, McBurnie was booked for protesting.
Sterling nearly made the game safer after a jinking run and a shot that went narrowly wide. Baldock went down after a challenge and Mahrez was off target, before the United full back was deemed fit to continue.
Stoppage time saw United hit a few hopeful balls forward but they could not create any final chances although the ball was in the City box from a final attempt to muster a chance before Mason ended proceedings.
United – I will throw out all the clichés and say once again, a fantastic effort. We worked so hard, were organised, resolute and off the ball did so many good things. I thought we kept in the game thanks to Henderson making three fantastic saves and then after not creating anything, had a few moments second half. I thought the attitude, the ability to stay in the game and just keep disciplined was great. Players were covering for each other and really doing the little things to stop them cutting us apart. They had one great chance thought Sterling and then one off a set play and Henderson made two good saves. The penalty was sloppy from us and a silly rash tackle but again Henderson bailed us out. I thought the front two worked hard on scraps and even though we did not play much possession stuff, they held it up and stemmed the tide and helped us remain very much in the game.
Not sure we had anything clear cut at all and the two good moves saw Mousset try a daft back heel and then McBurnie may have been off. Bit disappointing, we never really had a meaningful shot all night or make the keeper properly work at all. That is the big criticism for me as other teams Norwich, Palace and Wolves have got through this defence (and we did at City a few weeks ago). All the quality came from them and on another night, it would have been 2 or 3-0 and probably deserved on possession and chances. Hard to stop them when they beat the press and come at you. They have such pace and running from all over the field. Still think when they are on form, they are the best side in the league – may sound ridiculous when Liverpool are running away with things. The speed they move it and move it on to each other is frightening and you realise how far them and Liverpool are off the rest of the league. We played a big club in Arsenal at the weekend but they are light years off City with the pace, speed and athleticism of their players.
I did think United were a bit rushed in possession and went long too much. We lacked the composure we have in many other games. I get City press you and don’t give your time and maybe the shock factor was not there after we played them well at the Etihad but I think some of our players were guilty of getting rid too easy. We overplayed a few times at the back and nearly cost us but not in midfield and further up the field. I thought the midfield three worked hard but tonight they were just up against far superior players and it showed. They were just quicker, more skilled and better in every aspect but no shame in that. I thought Bash really struggled tonight and made a number of mistakes. It was the worst he has been for a while. Egan and O’Connell had a few nervy moments but stuck at it. We saw little of the wing backs going forward but that is maybe as City matched us up, showing the respect Pep gives us. The front two worked so hard but had no service as we were so deep trying to stop the fast break and the pace they have on the attack. When you lose it, they are often in and two passes and it is a chance.
I cannot knock United too much tonight. We gave the Champions a tough game and they had to score a fantastic goal to win it. I think we could have done better with the ball and this has been a theme for the last 4 games since we played well at City. We seem to have stopped trusting our ability to move it about and started going long more/channel balls. That is fine now and again. We have not seen the overloads/the ability to get 3 v 2 in any areas and it had been a bit more like a 5 then a 3 at the back. It is hard versus such quality teams.
Just glad now to get this run out of the way. I would have expected 4 defeats from City x 2/Liverpool and Arsenal. We got one point more than I thought we did and beat West Ham. Now we have a few weeks off nearly and then have to get back to what we can do in terms of having more of the ball, getting forward and making chances. We will not have to face any opponent as tough for the run in and can go into any game seriously thinking we can get a result.
United made two changes from the side that started at Arsenal with Besic in for Lundstram and Billy Sharp making a surprise start, in for Lys Mousset. For City, they fielded a wealth of attacking talent and could leave superstars like Aguero and Bernardo Silva on the bench but still had the likes of Sterling and De Bruyne starting along with the returning Aymeric Laporte in defence.
City began with all the possession and forced United back as the Blades had to keep a solid defensive shape. Sterling and De Bruyne were instrumental on the ball and were probing but O’Connell and Egan got interceptions. United got the ball forward for the first time and Sharp and McBurnie linked well but Sharp’s cross was intercepted by Fernandinho. City showed their ability to break and O’Connell had to deny the advancing De Bruyne. Besic’s wild tackle rightly earned him a yellow card after he lunged in on Laporte and then City nearly scored after a mistake from Basham. He was robbed by Sterling and neat quick football saw the ball sent switched between Mahrez and De Bruyne, before the latter’s close-range finish was superbly pushed away by Henderson.
United got another yellow card when Norwood pulled back an attacker as City again threatened to break at speed. After the ball was cleared for a corner, Fernandinho returned the ball over and Otamendi’s spectacular bicycle kick was saved by the feet of Henderson. Once again, he had kept United in the game.
McBurnie and Sharp had worked really hard for United and the former won a corner which saw Egan and Laporte come together after a challenge on Ederson. McBurnie’s good work won another period of brief respite for United in a game that City had dominated possession.
Mahrez worked his way into the box from the left moving away from Stevens before Basham came in and made contact. It was a clumsy challenge and there was contact and referee Mason awarded the penalty. Any VAR check confirmed that it was adjudged the correct decision. Jesus took the kick but it was not far enough away from Henderson and he made a great save. He clutched the rebound to the delight of most inside the ground. Replays showed the keeper was off his line but these days no one is sure what might be looked at and what is ignored and there was not even a check for this for any possible retake opportunity.
Fleck was booked for a foul on Fernandinho was skipped away and De Bruyne fired over not long after. The City skipper was himself booked after a series of fouls and finally given his card after he went through the back of McBurnie.
The half time whistle came soon after and United were still well in the game thanks to the brilliance of Henderson coupled with a tenacious, hardworking performance.
City continued to dominate the ball after the break but Fleck drew two challenges and Rodri cynically hauled him down to earn himself a booking. United then won two corners and were making a better fist of pushing City back. Sterling and then De Bruyne nearly got in but O’Connell did well to make two interceptions. Rodri headed not far wide from a corner before Mousset came on for Sharp, whose efforts were warmly applauded from the crowd.
Sloppy play saw United turn it over and the cross came over Jesus outjumped a stationery Basham and should have done better but headed straight at Henderson. It was blood and guts stuff and both teams were going for it. McBurnie and Baldock combined to feed Basham whose cross shot was parried out by Ederson and fell to Mousset but the sub tried an audacious back heel when a pull back to Fleck may have been the better option and the keeper saved comfortably.
Aguero came on for Jesus and he was immediately involved as City came at the other end but Egan stepped in to make a vital block.
On 72 minutes, some lovely football by the Blades nearly led to a goal. Several quick passes on the edge of the box saw the ball moved out to the left and the cross came in from Stevens and McBurnie could not quite get the final touch although he would probably have been flagged offside.
After this let off, City broke and got the vital opening goal. Sterling moved the ball over to the right and with United stretched, De Bruyne sent over a wonderful cross that was perfect for AGUERO to convert from close range.
United fans tried to respond with fantastic backing and they continued to give City a real go but they struggled to find the quality or composure to break them down. Robinson and Lundstram came on for Besic and Basham and then Aguero was booked for kicking the ball away. After another soft decision went against United, McBurnie was booked for protesting.
Sterling nearly made the game safer after a jinking run and a shot that went narrowly wide. Baldock went down after a challenge and Mahrez was off target, before the United full back was deemed fit to continue.
Stoppage time saw United hit a few hopeful balls forward but they could not create any final chances although the ball was in the City box from a final attempt to muster a chance before Mason ended proceedings.
United – I will throw out all the clichés and say once again, a fantastic effort. We worked so hard, were organised, resolute and off the ball did so many good things. I thought we kept in the game thanks to Henderson making three fantastic saves and then after not creating anything, had a few moments second half. I thought the attitude, the ability to stay in the game and just keep disciplined was great. Players were covering for each other and really doing the little things to stop them cutting us apart. They had one great chance thought Sterling and then one off a set play and Henderson made two good saves. The penalty was sloppy from us and a silly rash tackle but again Henderson bailed us out. I thought the front two worked hard on scraps and even though we did not play much possession stuff, they held it up and stemmed the tide and helped us remain very much in the game.
Not sure we had anything clear cut at all and the two good moves saw Mousset try a daft back heel and then McBurnie may have been off. Bit disappointing, we never really had a meaningful shot all night or make the keeper properly work at all. That is the big criticism for me as other teams Norwich, Palace and Wolves have got through this defence (and we did at City a few weeks ago). All the quality came from them and on another night, it would have been 2 or 3-0 and probably deserved on possession and chances. Hard to stop them when they beat the press and come at you. They have such pace and running from all over the field. Still think when they are on form, they are the best side in the league – may sound ridiculous when Liverpool are running away with things. The speed they move it and move it on to each other is frightening and you realise how far them and Liverpool are off the rest of the league. We played a big club in Arsenal at the weekend but they are light years off City with the pace, speed and athleticism of their players.
I did think United were a bit rushed in possession and went long too much. We lacked the composure we have in many other games. I get City press you and don’t give your time and maybe the shock factor was not there after we played them well at the Etihad but I think some of our players were guilty of getting rid too easy. We overplayed a few times at the back and nearly cost us but not in midfield and further up the field. I thought the midfield three worked hard but tonight they were just up against far superior players and it showed. They were just quicker, more skilled and better in every aspect but no shame in that. I thought Bash really struggled tonight and made a number of mistakes. It was the worst he has been for a while. Egan and O’Connell had a few nervy moments but stuck at it. We saw little of the wing backs going forward but that is maybe as City matched us up, showing the respect Pep gives us. The front two worked so hard but had no service as we were so deep trying to stop the fast break and the pace they have on the attack. When you lose it, they are often in and two passes and it is a chance.
I cannot knock United too much tonight. We gave the Champions a tough game and they had to score a fantastic goal to win it. I think we could have done better with the ball and this has been a theme for the last 4 games since we played well at City. We seem to have stopped trusting our ability to move it about and started going long more/channel balls. That is fine now and again. We have not seen the overloads/the ability to get 3 v 2 in any areas and it had been a bit more like a 5 then a 3 at the back. It is hard versus such quality teams.
Just glad now to get this run out of the way. I would have expected 4 defeats from City x 2/Liverpool and Arsenal. We got one point more than I thought we did and beat West Ham. Now we have a few weeks off nearly and then have to get back to what we can do in terms of having more of the ball, getting forward and making chances. We will not have to face any opponent as tough for the run in and can go into any game seriously thinking we can get a result.
