United 1 Brighton 1 - report

[Deadbat]

United had to settle for a draw in their quest for European football as they could not quite do enough to see off Brighton and Hove Albion at a wet and windy Bramall Lane. Enda Stevens first half howitzer put the Blades ahead but a quick-fire riposte from one-time United target, Neal Maupay levelled matters. The second half saw United dominate but they could not quite force the decisive moment to win the game despite McBurnie missing two good chances.



Manager Wilder named an unchanged side as United looked to build on the last two victories in another game played in front of tricky weather conditions at a sold-out Bramall Lane. The home side were fast out of the blocks and some slick football saw Stevens and O’Connell advance to win early territory. Sharp fired off target after good build up and Brighton were having to defend with numbers to stop an energetic Blades opening. McBurnie could not react quick enough after good work from Baldock down the right. United won two early corners and Fleck was heavily involved, celebrating his new contract and drew two early fouls with Bissouma booked for a very late tackle. The same man had the first effort on goal but it was easily repelled by Henderson.



United continued to probe with Stevens and then Fleck looking to drive beyond the defence and the Blades won two corners that were both cleared. A break saw McBurnie cynically upended by Propper before Sharp’s cross was cleared. The Brighton midfielder was booked when the ball went dead. United had been by far the better side and the opener came after a short corner on the right-hand side. Burn could only partially clear and STEVENS hit a driven shot high into the net and beyond Ryan. It was a superb strike and gave the Blades a deserved lead.



Sadly, the lead was short-lived and only four minutes later, the away side were level. Mooy’s free kick was headed back from Webster and MAUPAY reacted quickest to nod home from point blank range.



United were back on the offensive winning two corners and then Fleck nearly found an opening again. United continued to try and probe and were moving the ball at pace and with fluidity but had not created too many clear-cut openings. The half time whistle sent soon after another decent United attack had been thwarted.



The second half saw a blow as Stevens had tweaked a calf and Osborn came on to play left wing back. United continued to dominate the ball but were unable to find a chance and Brighton actually had an opening when Dunk fired off target after a corner dropped to him.



United continued to force the issue though and a corner saw O’Connell and McBurnie denied in a scramble and then soon after Fleck fired wide after neat build-up. United continued to mount the pressure and were dominating the ball but Maupay hit a flashing volley just over from the angle.



Norwood’s cross saw Osborn return the ball and Ryan smothered before McGoldrick and Lundstram came on for Sharp and Berge as the Blades looked to find the vital moment of quality. Brighton were now time wasting at every opportunity and Ryan was taking an age over goal kicks. The visiting team had an appeal for a penalty for an Osborn hand ball but McBurnie then had a great chance but missed the ball after good work down the left from O’Connell and Osborn. There was a moment of concern when Dunk went down after a Lundstram tackle but the review for a red card found in the Blades player’s favour.



United were now piling on the pressure and Ryan had to deny McBurnie after lovely work from McGoldrick down the left. Baldock and Basham combined and the ball was cleared and it was now one-way traffic. The Blades threw men forward and Brighton made a number of blocks as the game entered a very generous three minutes stoppage time. Despite United continuing to attack time beat them and the delight of the Brighton players at the end in gaining the draw said it all about the momentum of the game.



United – Thought we played well and actually were better on and off the ball in this game than Bournemouth and West Ham. Defensively we were sound other than the one switch off and we moved through the field well and some lovely stuff saw us control the ball. We dominated possession and won more corners and really should have had more chances for all the control of the game we had. That is the only issue really. We did not really test the keeper enough. McBurnie missed a couple of good chances and we had some scrambles and the ball did not quite drop but we maybe did not do enough at the top end. We started the game well; we had all the ball and were moving it about and at pace. We got the goal through a great striker and after this you sensed we would go on and win easily but then they scored almost straight away. A sloppy goal conceded when a routine set play was headed back and we lost two headers as Maupay got in and scored. We kept attacking though and despite Stevens coming off, it looked like there was only winner really. They may say they had a half-hearted appeal for a spot kick on the Osborn one which seemed close to him and the Lundstram tackle but overall it was all United second half really. We had so much of the ball, lots of corners but could not quite do enough but McBurnie ought to take one of the chances he had. I thought that most of the team were really good and we defended well, won the loose balls and controlled the ball. Fleck and Norwood were excellent. I was a bit disappointed with Berge who seemed way behind the pace and tempo and positionally seems to be struggling with that area he is playing. I also thought McBurnie and Sharp tried hard but slowed things right down and we lacked real quality in that area.



We never really looked like scoring despite all the good play and often it was scrambles or knock downs rather than good play. Brighton were very defensive and milked the clock playing for a draw clearly. They got it but it was a very negative approach really. United did enough in territory and control to win but did not create enough. So, you can look at it both ways. I was pleased with the performance and thought everyone did their best but we just lacked that bit of extra quality to go on and win the game 2 or 3-1 really.



I will take that display though the final 11 games as I feel we will win a lot more than we lose/draw. It was a good performance and the away team were delighted to take something back from a game they were dominated against for long periods. Still, we take the point. We are on 40 points and now have the cup and then Norwich at home to come. It shows how far we have come when we are a bit disappointed to just take a point. Brighton have double our wage bill and are scrapping around to stay up. We are up near the 5/6 and a bit down not to win. We should not be. We are a good side and are continuing to play well and control games against teams who have been at this level a lot longer than us. We need to focus on the positives. Yes, Berge needs to improve. Yes, we need to improve our final bits in the last third and our strikers need to be more ruthless but overall the football is good. We are energetic, we are continuing to win battles and we are looking like a side that really belongs in the upper reaches of the top league.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Henderson 7/10 – Little to do really. The goal maybe he was caught in no mans land a bit but the header was not really somewhere he could get to and I would look at the defenders here. Outside of this he had one easy save to make early one but that was it. Second half a few went over but he did not have a save to make.



Baldock 7.5/10 – Maybe the goal the lad Webster pulled onto him and won a header but not sure he could do much. Against a tricky opponent in Burn who was trying to use his height; but he kept to his task. Kept getting on the diagonal ball from O’Connell first half and a few decent crosses/runs and then second half he was a threat again as he kept pinning them back. Showed his feisty side on a few challenges. Summed up his game when he ended up left wing near the end.



Stevens 7.5/10 – Probing down the left when he had it and always involved when we attacked. He put a few decent balls in but a few where he hit the man also. The goal was a superb bit smashing it home from only a half chance. He needs to do this more as he can really hit a ball. Apparently taken off with a calf strain but more of a precaution. With two weeks till the next game hoping he will be ok.



Basham 7.5/10 – Defensively and attacking he was solid again. First half he tried to move up the pitch but maybe took too long to do things but second half he was more forceful and drove us down that right wide. He combined with Baldock and we had a number of overloads down that side. He kept pushing us on and continued with his lung bursting runs.



O’Connell 7.5/10 – Thought he was really solid. Not sure if he or Egan maybe were a bit slow react to the goal as we were caught out, but outside of this, he was really good. Got on the ball and drove us on combining with Fleck and Stevens. Some great long passes. He continued to win most of his 50/50 balls and was forceful in his play on the ball. Had a header second half scrambled away.



Egan 7.5/10 – Thought outside of the goal, he was very good and won his battles and passed/moved it with pace as we kept the attacks up most of the game. He was good today and I felt the whole defence showed a desire to not only win battles/headers/blocks but also bring it out with purpose and pace.



Norwood 7.5/10 – Excellent for the most part. He moved it around and controlled the tempo. Picked up loose balls and we were dominating this area for most of the game. He played a number of diagonal balls and moved it on right/left/central. He just was able to help the ball on and make sure we kept possession. Only real knock was other than a few clever short set plays (that did not quite come off) his corners were a bit floaty or too long.



Berge 5.5/10 – Sure, I will get slammed for this but he was our weak link. Began the game with a decent bit of skill to drift away from two men but after this he was rarely involved. When he had it, it was all a bit safe. Physically, he was very weak in challenges and he seems to shrink in headers – that is being kind – he is awful in the air! He did nearly get in when Sharp played him in. A neat and tidy player but he is not really in games. Several times, Bissouma drifted off him and he does not do the defensive side. He needs to influence things more. At the moment looks very lost. I would start Lundstram against Norwich as Berge has actually regressed since the Palace game. He is a young lad integrating into a new team, country and system but I have to say I expected a lot better than what I have seen so far. He has been very average at best. For 22 million, I expect much more. Sure, many will criticise this opinion but I can only go on what I have seen. He may turn out to be fantastic but at the moment he looks way off what is required.



Fleck 8/10 – Superb performance. He was the best player on the pitch. Drew several fouls and was able to dribble/ghost past men. He showed lovely feet, winning tackles and then attacking defenders. He was excellent all game and most of our threats came from his running and creativity. Brighton have some good midfielders but he was the best by a long way today. Great he has signed a new contract as he is so key to what we do.



McBurnie 6/10 – I thought he tried hard but not sure much came off today. He was neat enough at times but also not sure he won enough 50/50’s today when in other games he has been winning battles. He seemed a bit behind play at times and on his heels. Kept going and won a few free kicks and chased channels. Had two great chances though and really needed to score at least one of them. The first he just miskicked and then the second the keeper saved. At this level, you don’t get many opportunities like this. He has improved as the season has gone on but today, he could have done better.



Sharp 6/10 – As with MacBurnie, he worked hard and tried but I felt everything slowed down when the ball went up to the front two. They both need several touches to bring it down and find the next player. In some ways, that is good to hold it up but neither run behind or stretch defences and allow others to get back such is their plodding ways. That again seems harsh but if we are serious about being a top side, we need more pace and dynamism in this area. These two never really looked like penetrating or running past defenders and means away teams can sit deep. He did ok and a few decent runs (one down the left second half) where he won corners etc but he never really looked like scoring or even getting close to goal.



Subs –



Osborn 7/10 – Did ok actually. One error from a header and pass early on but then he began to be more secure on the ball and was involved in some decent attacks down the left and a few moves nearly led to chances. He did not let the team down at all.



McGoldrick – Lost it a few times early but then started to get in the game and he had the one great run where he came down the left and put a terrific cross in when McBurnie nearly scored. Nice to see him back and hope one day he gets this elusive goal.



Lundstram – Involved in a challenge that saw Dunk go down. It seemed both went in committed and not sure Lunny went in with any real malice but apparently it was a poor tackle and he was lucky not to get a red card. He was decent again and involved in a few attacks, including a decent free kick where he peeled off but his cross did not beat the first man. For me, he needs to start against Norwich.





Manager Wilder 7/10 – A good performance where we were ‘at it’ most of the game. We took the game to the opposition and for the most part controlled the game. We got the goal but sadly gave them a foothold back in quite quickly. That meant they could go back to the time wasting and negative tactics they employed most of the game. We kept going and the chances were made (I would have thrown Mousset on to stretch them myself as they sat back knowing we had little pace/running behind) but did not quite do enough to win. We got the late goal v Bournemouth but today it did not quite come. We did enough to win really against a side that barely attacked but just lacked enough when it mattered. Still, as he says it was a committed and energetic performance and, on another day, we win the game.



Brighton – They looked a side bereft of confidence and overall will have been delighted to get something from a game they were second best from for long spells.



They did not have much possession or much territory really and other than a few breaks, they were sitting back and defending. We were the dominant side and finally got ahead but then they got level straight away with a set play goal.



After this the form of the first half an hour continued. They played 3 at the back and matched us up and had a very big back 5 with even the wing backs both 6 footers (Burn 6’6’’) and were trying to keep a solid shape. They had little of the ball and I felt Norwood and Fleck controlled the football. They just wanted to stay deep and keep a shape. They managed to restrict us to a few chances and the keeper did not have much to do so will feel they defended well but they never really looked that interested in breaking out or trying to attack. They will take a point of course. They will say they were resilient and stayed in and at this stage of the season a draw is a good result. I am surprised they are so low down. They have some good technical players and Potter is a manager I like but they seem to have been struggling. With just 11 to play it is a bit of a dogfight between 7 or 8 teams for maybe 2 of the bottom places. I think they have enough to get out with some solid players at the back (back three all decent really) and some decent footballers in Mooy and Propper etc. Maupay/Murray will always nick a goal of course too.



Opponent Man of the Match – Mooy takes a decent set play and at times looked good but, on the ball, I felt Norwood and Fleck outshined him. Maupay got a goal but did little else but that is the life of a striker. The best player may have been the midfielder, Bissouma who carried it, got stuck in (too much and got booked early) and was always looking to get on the ball. The defenders Webster, Dunk and Duffy won a lot of headers and blocks so all three were solid today.



Opponent Weak link – Schelotto was a bit of a character with some ridiculous diving and at times we caused him some problems down the right. Murray was never in the game at all and was starved of the ball.



Referee/Officials/VAR – A few moments to look at that went for us and maybe could have gone against us but will say, that the other way I would have said the same really. The Osborn handball would have been very harsh as it was driven at him and then the Lundstram – Dunk clash. Some say it was a high foot but in real speed, it seemed two players going for the ball. I think a red would have been very harsh but I have not seen it back. Bissouma was booked for two wild tackles early and then Propper for a headlock on McBurnie as he tried to get away. That was it! Ryan time wasted all game but Scott just kept pointing to his watch. Then after all this timewasting and the Dunk injury; he decided three minutes would be played. THREE MINUTES. Utterly bonkers. It was at least 5 or 6 and that is being generous. Shame as I felt we might nick a winner. Shows you can time waste all you like and you won’t get booked or time added on. The two assistant referees were hopeless as they kept looking at the referee for help but never made any decisions themselves. They may as well not have been there.



Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Bit flat for me. I agree with Wilder and I would have thought that we would have given the team a better reaction at the end but also during the game; the crowd needed to do more. A sold-out crowd with a full away following and the team playing well again but it was a bit too quiet and needed more backing/noise. The crowd were appreciative and not negative but I think that we could have upped the decibel levels more. I don’t think it was a frustrating type atmosphere but as I say I wanted a bit more for a side that surely deserves it?

 

[Deadbat]

Tufty Club Reaction - Brighton Home

Play Tufty Club Reaction - Brighton Home by Tufty Club on desktop and mobile. Play over 320 million tracks for free on SoundCloud.

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Here's the pod review also

 

[Antonb]

You were right, you were too hard on Berge, I watched him closely. He made some great runs off the ball , but wasnt picked out. He give the ball away once, but that was because McBurnie changed direction. Anyhow, a great write up, Love em!

 

[Houston_Blade]

Spot on with the ratings and reasonings, Fleck definitely MoM for me.

Back 3 were superb and also commented at the match how comfortable Egan was on the ball today. Would be interested to see if he had most touches for us as he seemed to have a lot of the ball.

Norwood showed again why we don’t need a ‘Norwood replacement’.

Would have liked to have seen Lundstram and a forward on 10 mins sooner. McGoldrick needs longer than he had to influence the game. Mousset would have been better for short term impact.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

100 % right about Berge, only just arrived but alarm bells already ringing. How come when we are hanging on to a lead 5,6, 7 mins always goes up yet today only 3 mins, ridiculous.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

100 % right about Berge, only just arrived but alarm bells already ringing.

Nonsense

 

[Tarqs]

Dunk down for 3/4 minutes, 6 subsitutions, yet only 3 mins added on. Found that decision utterly baffling.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Nonsense

Why what have you seen so far in his performances. Weak in the air, doesn't play his size and done nothing to justify his inclusion in the team so far. Hopefully early days and needs time to adapt but think Deadbeat has got it right in his report.

 

[Tarqs]

Why what have you seen so far in his performances. Weak in the air, doesn't play his size and done nothing to justify his inclusion in the team so far. Hopefully early days and needs time to adapt but think Deadbeat has got it right in his report.

He's actually very strong on the ball, when he's carrying it I've never seen him lose it.

Very weak in the air mind, but not something I'm overly fussed about. I think he's playing in a position he wont end up in, if anything he's the replacement for Norwood long term.

Lunny had 4/5 games before Berge came in where he was poor, some people seem to forget that quickly.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

Why what have you seen so far in his performances. Weak in the air, doesn't play his size and done nothing to justify his inclusion in the team so far. Hopefully early days and needs time to adapt but think Deadbeat has got it right in his report.

I see someone who's just joined and trying to fit into a team with a very specific way of playing, in a very fast league. Give the lad a bit of time, he's looked extremely strong on the ball at times, but he's clearly not up to speed yet - it'll come, you can't start judging after 3 60-70 minute stints.

 

[Rudders]

The added time was just plain cheating from the officials. There were 5 subs made in the second half, one of the Brighton subs took ages as Murray walked the width of the pitch. Two pretend injury breaks and perhaps one proper one injury break for them of at least 1 minute each
Their goalie got warned for time taking at goal kicks twice. Reckon 8-9 minutes at least needed. Refs in the premier league reward and encourage the gamesmanship/cheating via time wasting as they don't add on time accurately

 

[Bladesthorpe]

He's actually very strong on the ball, when he's carrying it I've never seen him lose it.

Very weak in the air mind, but not something I'm overly fussed about. I think he's playing in a position he wont end up in, if anything he's the replacement for Norwood long term.

Lunny had 4/5 games before Berge came in where he was poor, some people seem to forget that quickly.

What's Lunny got to do with Berge's performances? Don't make your argument using other players , concentrate on what he's done so far which sadly so far ain't much.

 

[true99blade]

The added time was just plain cheating from the officials.

“Cheating” is a bit of an odd term to use.

 

[Wapping Blade]

The added time was just plain cheating from the officials. There were 5 subs made in the second half, one of the Brighton subs took ages as Murray walked the width of the pitch. Two pretend injury breaks and perhaps one proper one injury break for them of at least 1 minute each
Their goalie got warned for time taking at goal kicks twice. Reckon 8-9 minutes at least needed. Refs in the premier league reward and encourage the gamesmanship/cheating via time wasting as they don't add on time accurately

Their goalie got warned three times, I might have been going spare about it

 

[Tarqs]

What's Lunny got to do with Berge's performances? Don't make your argument using other players , concentrate on what he's done so far which sadly so far ain't much.

Lunny aint got anything to do with Berge's performance, he does have a lot to do with his place in the team though.

 

[Greenblades]

Agree with all of that. I’m sure our new signing will come good but I think right now Lunny has the shirt back. Reading in the cup might give a few more a run as well. Good review.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Berge was much better 2nd half when the focus of the play was on the right. Had a 15 minute spell where he did a lot of good things. He couldn't get on the ball first half.

There have been good signs and 5.5 is harsh. But he wasn't great

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Berge 5.5/10 – Sure, I will get slammed for this but he was our weak link

Nope, about right for me - he'll end up being a fantastic passer of the ball for us, once he gets to grips with the pace of this league or we play him where he's made his name for Genk and Norway. CW has some tough calls to make.

UTB

 

[Roygbiv]

Berge was our poorest performer in my eyes but certainly don't think it's anything to worry about yet. He's obviously a classy player but he needs to toughen up and catch up to the intensity of our team. We are in a great position to give him the best platform to do that.

I would possibly consider playing him in the Norwood role at Reading to see how he takes to playing in his natural position. That said, it's another good opportunity for him to play on the right and settle into the system.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Berge was our poorest performer in my eyes but certainly don't think it's anything to worry about yet. He's obviously a classy player but he needs to toughen up and catch up to the intensity of our team. We are in a great position to give him the best platform to do that.

I would possibly consider playing him in the Norwood role at Reading to see how he takes to playing in his natural position. That said, it's another good opportunity for him to play on the right and settle into the system.

What was that you were saying about Maupay in the podcast Roygbiv ?

I thought Mousset would have come on for Sharp and he was all stripped and ready on about 65 minutes, but for some reason Wilder changed his mind. We just didn't have that striker who could get past the last man, Sharp and McBurnie both did well, in their own way, but Mousset is the only one we have who gives us that.

 

[Yewsman]

I felt particularly in first half we were far too slow getting the ball forward and played to their strengths buy putting in high crosses which their 3 central defenders just gobbled up. They had those 3 huge defenders who were completely dominant in the air and a threat at the other end. We had 12 corners but never looked like causing them any danger and never looked like scoring. They had 2 corners and we looked vulnerable at both. Second half we tried keeping the ball on the ground more and they rode their luck a bit but we didn’t really create any clear cut chances. Any we move on.

 

[lakedistblade]

Quote I will take that display though the final 11 games as I feel we will win a lot more than we lose/draw. It was a good performance and the away team were delighted to take something back from a game they were dominated against for long periods. Still, we take the point. We are on 40 points and now have the cup and then Norwich at home to come. It shows how far we have come when we are a bit disappointed to just take a point. Brighton have double our wage bill and are scrapping around to stay up. We are up near the 5/6 and a bit down not to win. We should not be. We are a good side and are continuing to play well and control games against teams who have been at this level a lot longer than us. We need to focus on the positives. Yes, Berge needs to improve. Yes, we need to improve our final bits in the last third and our strikers need to be more ruthless but overall the football is good. We are energetic, we are continuing to win battles and we are looking like a side that really belongs in the upper reaches of the top league.unquote

Really great summary that puts things into perspective and made me feel better this morning. Thanks - You are a Blades therapist Deadbat ! What we are doing with what we've got is fantastic and there should only be satisfaction and respect for a dominating performance yesterday. We can dream of champions league and it keeps the interest going but how different that result would seem if we were in sayVillas position now. I think the crowd was quiet becuase expectations have got too high. Let's relax and celebrate Blades. We are consistently good and have much to look forward to. As for Berge he's out of position and needs time. Please let's not go through the Mcburnie public pillory again it can only damage the prospect of a great young player achieving his significant potential. It's fantastic that we are safe and have time to tweak selections and tactics in this situation. Europa cup nailed on.

 

[McGrath]

Berge was our poorest performer in my eyes but certainly don't think it's anything to worry about yet. He's obviously a classy player but he needs to toughen up and catch up to the intensity of our team. We are in a great position to give him the best platform to do that.

I would possibly consider playing him in the Norwood role at Reading to see how he takes to playing in his natural position. That said, it's another good opportunity for him to play on the right and settle into the system.

Honestly, I'm not sure he's suited to the Norwood role. I'm not sure what his role is actually.

If he's a DM, then he needs to be a bit more purposeful in his tackling and definately his heading. A guy his size should have nullified Dan Burn today as they were matched up to each other and Brighton were playing to Burns height, he didn't though.

I hate being negative and I hope he turns out to be a star, but he's had 3 games now to realise you have to step right onto it in the Prem otherwise you'll come out 2nd best. I hope the penny drops soon.

 

[blader]

Very much disagree about McBurnie. Thought he was excellent and is growing with every game (this is a player I was really unsure about after the first 5/6 games). He come short and gets out of tight spaces really well, using a combination of skill and strength. I personally really don’t like the McBurnie/Sharp combination. I think McBurnie drops and links up play really well, but teams can defend high because we don’t have that ball in behind as an option. If Mousset isn’t fit to start then fair enough but I do think there is a lack of dynamism between those 2.

Sharp is a legend, but he always will he a player that contributes very little when he isn’t scoring. No question marks over him when he was scoring 15/20/25 per season but can we afford a passenger if he is only going to contribute 4/5 per season? I think McBurnie would look even better if he had an outlet to play through once he has broken the lines or ridden the challenges, which he did lots of times yesterday.

 

[Selly]

I thought McBurnie was fantastic, everywhere on the pitch apart from the 18 yard box. He had my vote for MotM.

Regrettably that was before he missed two decent chances in the last 10 mins, failing to get a touch on one, and completely miskicking the other - that last one being criminal for a striker - you have to hit the target and at least make the keeper make a save...

 

[Wapping Blade]

Agree Fleck was MotM but I was hoping he’d get at least one of his two second half strikes on target - see Alonso’s Chelsea goal.

 

[Espania blade]

Agree with your assessment of Berge, his natural position is CDM, not quite sure why we bought as we have cover in that position.
Don't agree with including a player in the team just give him a chance to get up to speed with things, he has to be there on merit.
Hope and think he will come good but Lunny should start against Norwich.

Fleck and JOC were both superb, McBurnie does take the hard knocks, i bet his body is aching today and he took a lot battering on his legs yesterday.

I was thinking (while watching the match) "what could we do to score more goals against teams like Brighton, and who could do that job - i always come back to Drogba , (I loved watching him play, a complete centre forward for me), but where do we find a player like that ? In fairness to Mcburnie if he could add more goals to his portolio he would be pretty close, strong, a battler, not frightened to mix it up with the big boys, and nor bad on the ball, he just needs to add goals!

I thought Billy played well yesterday for the most part, but he does slow things down a bit, not sure Moose would have fair'd any better.

Teams do seem to have a "plan" when they come up against us so maybe the system needs tweaking for next season, i'm sure CW are working on it and we may see a very different line-up at he begining of next season, especially across that midfield area.
I also wonder if Lundstram has indicated he wants to leave and influenced the signing of Berge.

Great report as always DB.

 

[Espania blade]

As someone said on another post, i thought Osborn played really well when he came on and deserves a separate mention,
he looks "a leader" as well, him and Enda are going to be battling it out for a place in the team next season.

 

[GrayBlade]

100 % right about Berge, only just arrived but alarm bells already ringing. How come when we are hanging on to a lead 5,6, 7 mins always goes up yet today only 3 mins, ridiculous.

Alarm bells already ringing? Gerra way. Only for people who think it’s dead easy for a young player to uproot from one country to another and then adapt to a new club and a new league in a handful of games. Fook me, it took McBurnie half a season to get up to speed and he only came from Wales.