Deadbat
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Pod available at your preferred way of listening here and match report below:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1508158343?i=1000535026156
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Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the Blades fans could leave the Lane with beaming smiles as United finally could experience that winning feeling after trouncing Peterborough 6-2. United played confident and entertaining football and attacked at will scoring some superb goals in a complete team performance. A Jack Robinson threatened to undo a dominant first half where the home side should have been more than a goal up but after the break United regained the initiative and put the visitors away with ruthless efficiency. A number of players impressed with John Fleck showing the form of old and superb debuts from Morgan Gibbs White and the youngster Iliman Ndiaye. Both players left the pitch to standing ovations after excellent contributions. United scored 6 goals in a league game for the first time February 2000 in a victory against West Brom.
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic was not able to name new keeper Robin Olsen (quarantine) in his line up and had a number of other player unavailable due to various reasons. Berge (covid recovery), Davies (knock) and McGoldrick (calf) did not make it as Jokanovic made four changes form the last game. In came Jack Robinson, Ben Osborn and making their debuts Iliman Ndiaye and Morgan Gibbs White.
Peterborough started with former Owl’s loanee and Blades fan Jack Marriott up the top of the pitch flanked by Siriki Dembele.
The game began with United in the ascendancy with a better tempo than we had seen all season. Gibbs White and Osborn were heavily involved down the flanks and Ndiaye was showing for the ball. A bursting run by Fleck created space but the ball would not quite sit before Norrington Davies cross was cleared. Posh had hardly been in United’s half and it was one way traffic in terms of possession and territory. The opening goal came after 14 minutes when patient play saw it moved to the right and Gibbs White jinked inside beating his man before calmly picking his man out. NDIAYE came onto it and placed the ball calmly past Pym and it was a dream start for the Frenchman as he gleefully wheeled away in celebration. He kissed the Bramall Lane turf as he walked back to halfway clearly delighted with his debut goal.
The Blades continued to dominate and another decent move saw Osborn cross and Sharp return it but it was just too high for Ndiaye. Sharp could not bring the ball under control after a lovely chipped ball from Norwood and as the ball dropped Fleck looked to finish the rebound but went down and appealed for a penalty. The referee who had let a lot of contact go both ways waved away the appeal.
A rare error from United saw Foderingham kick out after a back pass from Norrington Davies but Untied were soon back on the attack. Both Gibbs White and Ndiaye were linking well with little flicks and passes with the former coming inside and the latter deep to receive the ball, looking like a young McGoldrick in some of the things he did! United needed to get the 2nd their domination deserved but again Sharp could not quite react quick enough and another chance went. After a number of corners bounced around, Posh were able to break out and out of nothing were level.
It was a routine punt down the field but Robinson made a real mess of it and MARRIOTT outmuscled the defender and was through on goal. He calmly drilled past Foderingham and the game was incredibly level. The defender put his head to his hands as sadly he has made another individual error after a poor start to the season. United had been in total control but the frail confidence and individual mistakes started to creep in for a period after this. However, they did have a chance to regain the lead as Egan had a header from point blank range but could not repeat his exploits in the week for Ireland and headed straight at Pym. Sharp could not force home as Kent blocked it and Peterborough survived.
Robinson then somehow headed wide from Norwood’s whipped delivery. This was the final opening for the Blades who will have been bitterly disappointed not to have been leading after being by far the better side. United had played front foot football and the two new incomers had made a difference in movement and unpredictability but Fleck and Norwood had also put in much improved performances.
Straight after the break Posh had a great chance to lead. The ball came down the left and as it came in United were lacking numbers and Foderingham had to stand up and block from Marriott and then also Burrows on the rebound. A Peterborough man went down looking for a penalty but it seemed quite theatrical and the referee blew up for simulation and booked Burrows for his attempts to con the officials. After this scare, the Blades were able to regain the lead on 51 minutes.
The goal was down the tenacity and skill of FLECK who stole in and robbed his man Kent who was dithering, played the ball to Sharp who put it back into the path of the Scottish midfielder who kept his cool and calmly played it with his right foot into the far corner of the net. Fleck had certainly looked more like his old self and this goal was reminiscent of the old Fleck from a few years ago powering through midfield with his dribbling and strong running.
Within two minutes and it was 3-1 on 53 minutes. Ndiaye brought the ball down and played in Sharp who got down the right and sent over an inviting cross for OSBORN to come in and convert with his right foot from close range. A lovey team goal that was well made with quick passing, movement and players desire to get ahead of their men. Something we have not seen much of in this Blades team in recent times. The ground was jubilant and Ndiaye and Gibbs White continued to link well with impudent flicks and tricks but carrying the ball too making defenders turn towards their own goal.
Fleck continued to run the midfield area winning the ball and driving through and create space. With the Peterborough team wilting under wave after wave of attacks, it looked like United may score every time they attacked. Another move saw Norrington Davies win a tackle and Ndiaye released Gibbs White who was through on the angle but Pym made a reaction save. The Wolves loanee knew he should have scored by his reaction.
Sharp’s hold up was also a focal point of United’s play and he was causing all sorts of problems for the defence. He dropped the shoulder and left Butler for dead and was chopped down. It looked close to being inside the box but the referee adjudged it was just outside the box. The rolled delivery was intercepted but United were rampant now. The fourth goal came when Ndiaye flashed more tricks and stepovers and played in GIBBS WHITE who smashed his shot high into the roof of the net past the flailing Pym. Another goal for another debutant! He celebrated with a very understated handshake with Ndiaye in front of the Kop as the had clearly built up a relationship very quickly.
It was dominant stuff from United who were seizing on every loose ball and then in contract to much of what we have seen this season, were off to the races with full backs up the field, midfielders getting into the box and strikers looking dangerous. The fifth goal came when Sharp was once again the architect with more intelligent and experienced front play. It was backheeled into his path and he stood up a deep cross but they was a lot of work still for NDIAYE to do but he arched his back and headed it into the net. As he scored, he seemed to cramp up and had to be substituted but it did not seem anything too serious and he lapped up the applause as he quite rightly got a standing ovation from four sides of Bramall Lane. Luke Freeman came on in his place and Conor Hourihane also entered the fray for his debut replacing Oliver Norwood.
There were still around 20 minutes to go and Peterborough were in disarray as United had swarmed all over them in a dominant spell since half time. Freeman nearly got another after quick feet and he curled wide before Gibbs White was the next to get a standing ovation, replaced by McBurnie.
Peterborough had barely been in the United half since that early chance but did get a consolation as Foderingham stayed at home and the ball was played into the box from the left and with the defence dithering to clear, JOHNSON HARRIS nipped in and drew a challenge from Egan. It was a soft penalty but contact was made. The striker made no mistake sending it down the middle but there was only 11 minutes remaining so it did not seem to alter the course of the afternoon. United carried on attacking with Freeman nearly getting in again before in stoppage time, a sixth goal came as Sharp and McBurnie linked playing it through OSBORN who clinically converted, again with his unfavoured right foot, and it was 6-2! The final whistle came not long after this and United and Jokanovic could finally celebrate a league win that will hopefully kick start the season.
United – It’s been a long time coming but we finally saw a Blades side play with no fear, attack, create and score goals! Yes, the win was great but this was not a scrappy win that was nicked or workmanlike. We battered Posh all game and save for the goal they scored and the chance after half time, we really just attacked at will. The two new lads, Gibbs White and Ndiaye made a real difference. Both technically good and fleet footed, they tried things, often with each other and had defenders worried. They tried to dribble and commit defenders and popped up in different areas. Not everything came off but there was an unpredictability we have not seen for a long time and it was entertaining. For the first time in ages players seemed to not have the worry and fear. It is odd but the two new attacking threats gave new life to the midfield behind (maybe competition for places too) and they started to doing things they had not before. Maybe as they had attackers that could run with it or run in behind, they could play it quicker or also move it quicker without stagnant forwards. Fleck was brilliant all game. As good as he has played since two seasons ago and he has to get close to that more. We cannot have one superb game and then a drop off. He was everywhere and made us tick. Norwood was less stand out but still solid and his set plays and passes were better with more forward stuff and at a better pace. The full backs got forward and Sharp even though he bungled a few chances first half was always involved and his hold up was excellent and showed some pace at times to create chances with some lovely assists second half. Ndiaye for his first game gave a remarkably mature performance. He wanted the ball and was not scared. Technically very good and can use either foot it seems but he wanted to dribble and get defenders going towards their goal and always wanted to make things happen. His first touch and control were excellent all game and he is strong too and was able to just keep the ball but also send us in the right direction. Loved his almost arrogant pomp in how he played. Him and Gibbs White clearly built up an almost instant understanding. Both players also came into different areas. The latter started wide right appeared centrally too and Ndiaye came off a lot. He was in a centre forward role but actually often ended up in a sort of 10 role. Loved watching some flair and dribbling and players trying things.
The goal was down to those two and their link up with a calm pass after skill on the wing from Gibbs White and a cool finish from Ndiaye. We had chances to go 2 or 3 up but it never happened but it was not like the visitors were in the game at all and the goal really was against the run of play. Robinson was just not strong enough and it was an awful error. I worry we still lack strength in this area. I suppose with Davies out, he comes in as the left sided centre back if we play a two but I think I would still prefer Basham and Egan – Bash has not been great but does not make as many big errors that lead to goals like Robinson. It handed them a way back into a game they had not been in.
Second half they actually could have scored as we were wide open but credit to Foderingham for the save (double save) and we somehow survived a great chance. After this Fleck scored a great goal and then a team goal from Osborn. Gibbs White nearly got one but then did with a wonder striker and we blew them away. Ndiaye was really enjoying himself and scored a great header before going off to rapturous applause. United looked like scoring every attack. Peterborough just had gone and looked like they did not want to be there anymore. At 71 minutes we could go on and get 7 or 8 if we wanted but we made changes (maybe with Tuesday in mind) and it became not quite as fluent but Freeman still had chances. The penalty was poor defending and a bit soft but more irritating than a huge concern with the game in the bag. We still had chances after this and got a 6th with Osborn capping an excellent individual game for him too.
Incredible after so many games and months with little chances, creativity or goals (and wins) and then today happened. You could not say it has been coming as for all the possession we have not really had many chances and it has been safe and conservative/slow. Today we had the ball so much again but moved it into the right areas and with the bit of something different up top, we looked like scoring. It could have been a lot more than 6 really and I am not wrong to say the full time flattered them. They got absolutely hammered and United could have scored every time we attacked, particularly second half. I am delighted with Ndiaye and he looks a great prospect on that evidence but hope people do not expect that every game (and he may be in and out a bit as he has never played a professional game till today) but also it is exciting to think what we might have. He looks to have real confidence. Gibbs White also is a skilful and intelligent player. As pleased as I was about them, I was as delighted about Fleck’s (and Norwood to some extent) massively improved play. I thought we dominated midfield, showed desire to get every loose ball and they could not cope with it as we swarmed all over them. We played some good football with some one touch and quick stuff, mixed in with patient stuff. Peterborough looked a poor side but we made them look poor and today was about us definitely.
It is just one result though but you hope it kick starts us. We have to follow it up in the next two games this week and look to try and put a series of wins together now. We have set the standard individually and collectively and have to follow it up. Tuesday is big as if can get close to that and/or win, then suddenly we are mid table and it’s gone from an awful start to an average one but a team that is improving. For now, though rather than worry too much about the games coming up or where it hopefully might take us, I just want to enjoy a game and a day where United were excellent and we saw some brilliant individual displays, two great debuts, some free-flowing football and chances/goals aplenty. Too often recently, either on TV or in person, we have felt almost bored but negative football where we looked nervous. Finally, we saw some of the opposite. Attacking, trying things and in short, entertaining the fans. Players wanted to make things happen rather than waiting and it seemed to spread with the new players helping restore the confidence of some of the badly out of form established players.
Hopefully now we can settle down and show much more of what we saw today on a regular basis. With players around such as Berge, Davies and Hourihane (and the keeper) to come in too, then the competition will hopefully ensure players have to be close to these standards. Today was really enjoyable and football was fun again after such a dreary 18 months being a Blade!
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/id1508158343?i=1000535026156
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Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the Blades fans could leave the Lane with beaming smiles as United finally could experience that winning feeling after trouncing Peterborough 6-2. United played confident and entertaining football and attacked at will scoring some superb goals in a complete team performance. A Jack Robinson threatened to undo a dominant first half where the home side should have been more than a goal up but after the break United regained the initiative and put the visitors away with ruthless efficiency. A number of players impressed with John Fleck showing the form of old and superb debuts from Morgan Gibbs White and the youngster Iliman Ndiaye. Both players left the pitch to standing ovations after excellent contributions. United scored 6 goals in a league game for the first time February 2000 in a victory against West Brom.
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic was not able to name new keeper Robin Olsen (quarantine) in his line up and had a number of other player unavailable due to various reasons. Berge (covid recovery), Davies (knock) and McGoldrick (calf) did not make it as Jokanovic made four changes form the last game. In came Jack Robinson, Ben Osborn and making their debuts Iliman Ndiaye and Morgan Gibbs White.
Peterborough started with former Owl’s loanee and Blades fan Jack Marriott up the top of the pitch flanked by Siriki Dembele.
The game began with United in the ascendancy with a better tempo than we had seen all season. Gibbs White and Osborn were heavily involved down the flanks and Ndiaye was showing for the ball. A bursting run by Fleck created space but the ball would not quite sit before Norrington Davies cross was cleared. Posh had hardly been in United’s half and it was one way traffic in terms of possession and territory. The opening goal came after 14 minutes when patient play saw it moved to the right and Gibbs White jinked inside beating his man before calmly picking his man out. NDIAYE came onto it and placed the ball calmly past Pym and it was a dream start for the Frenchman as he gleefully wheeled away in celebration. He kissed the Bramall Lane turf as he walked back to halfway clearly delighted with his debut goal.
The Blades continued to dominate and another decent move saw Osborn cross and Sharp return it but it was just too high for Ndiaye. Sharp could not bring the ball under control after a lovely chipped ball from Norwood and as the ball dropped Fleck looked to finish the rebound but went down and appealed for a penalty. The referee who had let a lot of contact go both ways waved away the appeal.
A rare error from United saw Foderingham kick out after a back pass from Norrington Davies but Untied were soon back on the attack. Both Gibbs White and Ndiaye were linking well with little flicks and passes with the former coming inside and the latter deep to receive the ball, looking like a young McGoldrick in some of the things he did! United needed to get the 2nd their domination deserved but again Sharp could not quite react quick enough and another chance went. After a number of corners bounced around, Posh were able to break out and out of nothing were level.
It was a routine punt down the field but Robinson made a real mess of it and MARRIOTT outmuscled the defender and was through on goal. He calmly drilled past Foderingham and the game was incredibly level. The defender put his head to his hands as sadly he has made another individual error after a poor start to the season. United had been in total control but the frail confidence and individual mistakes started to creep in for a period after this. However, they did have a chance to regain the lead as Egan had a header from point blank range but could not repeat his exploits in the week for Ireland and headed straight at Pym. Sharp could not force home as Kent blocked it and Peterborough survived.
Robinson then somehow headed wide from Norwood’s whipped delivery. This was the final opening for the Blades who will have been bitterly disappointed not to have been leading after being by far the better side. United had played front foot football and the two new incomers had made a difference in movement and unpredictability but Fleck and Norwood had also put in much improved performances.
Straight after the break Posh had a great chance to lead. The ball came down the left and as it came in United were lacking numbers and Foderingham had to stand up and block from Marriott and then also Burrows on the rebound. A Peterborough man went down looking for a penalty but it seemed quite theatrical and the referee blew up for simulation and booked Burrows for his attempts to con the officials. After this scare, the Blades were able to regain the lead on 51 minutes.
The goal was down the tenacity and skill of FLECK who stole in and robbed his man Kent who was dithering, played the ball to Sharp who put it back into the path of the Scottish midfielder who kept his cool and calmly played it with his right foot into the far corner of the net. Fleck had certainly looked more like his old self and this goal was reminiscent of the old Fleck from a few years ago powering through midfield with his dribbling and strong running.
Within two minutes and it was 3-1 on 53 minutes. Ndiaye brought the ball down and played in Sharp who got down the right and sent over an inviting cross for OSBORN to come in and convert with his right foot from close range. A lovey team goal that was well made with quick passing, movement and players desire to get ahead of their men. Something we have not seen much of in this Blades team in recent times. The ground was jubilant and Ndiaye and Gibbs White continued to link well with impudent flicks and tricks but carrying the ball too making defenders turn towards their own goal.
Fleck continued to run the midfield area winning the ball and driving through and create space. With the Peterborough team wilting under wave after wave of attacks, it looked like United may score every time they attacked. Another move saw Norrington Davies win a tackle and Ndiaye released Gibbs White who was through on the angle but Pym made a reaction save. The Wolves loanee knew he should have scored by his reaction.
Sharp’s hold up was also a focal point of United’s play and he was causing all sorts of problems for the defence. He dropped the shoulder and left Butler for dead and was chopped down. It looked close to being inside the box but the referee adjudged it was just outside the box. The rolled delivery was intercepted but United were rampant now. The fourth goal came when Ndiaye flashed more tricks and stepovers and played in GIBBS WHITE who smashed his shot high into the roof of the net past the flailing Pym. Another goal for another debutant! He celebrated with a very understated handshake with Ndiaye in front of the Kop as the had clearly built up a relationship very quickly.
It was dominant stuff from United who were seizing on every loose ball and then in contract to much of what we have seen this season, were off to the races with full backs up the field, midfielders getting into the box and strikers looking dangerous. The fifth goal came when Sharp was once again the architect with more intelligent and experienced front play. It was backheeled into his path and he stood up a deep cross but they was a lot of work still for NDIAYE to do but he arched his back and headed it into the net. As he scored, he seemed to cramp up and had to be substituted but it did not seem anything too serious and he lapped up the applause as he quite rightly got a standing ovation from four sides of Bramall Lane. Luke Freeman came on in his place and Conor Hourihane also entered the fray for his debut replacing Oliver Norwood.
There were still around 20 minutes to go and Peterborough were in disarray as United had swarmed all over them in a dominant spell since half time. Freeman nearly got another after quick feet and he curled wide before Gibbs White was the next to get a standing ovation, replaced by McBurnie.
Peterborough had barely been in the United half since that early chance but did get a consolation as Foderingham stayed at home and the ball was played into the box from the left and with the defence dithering to clear, JOHNSON HARRIS nipped in and drew a challenge from Egan. It was a soft penalty but contact was made. The striker made no mistake sending it down the middle but there was only 11 minutes remaining so it did not seem to alter the course of the afternoon. United carried on attacking with Freeman nearly getting in again before in stoppage time, a sixth goal came as Sharp and McBurnie linked playing it through OSBORN who clinically converted, again with his unfavoured right foot, and it was 6-2! The final whistle came not long after this and United and Jokanovic could finally celebrate a league win that will hopefully kick start the season.
United – It’s been a long time coming but we finally saw a Blades side play with no fear, attack, create and score goals! Yes, the win was great but this was not a scrappy win that was nicked or workmanlike. We battered Posh all game and save for the goal they scored and the chance after half time, we really just attacked at will. The two new lads, Gibbs White and Ndiaye made a real difference. Both technically good and fleet footed, they tried things, often with each other and had defenders worried. They tried to dribble and commit defenders and popped up in different areas. Not everything came off but there was an unpredictability we have not seen for a long time and it was entertaining. For the first time in ages players seemed to not have the worry and fear. It is odd but the two new attacking threats gave new life to the midfield behind (maybe competition for places too) and they started to doing things they had not before. Maybe as they had attackers that could run with it or run in behind, they could play it quicker or also move it quicker without stagnant forwards. Fleck was brilliant all game. As good as he has played since two seasons ago and he has to get close to that more. We cannot have one superb game and then a drop off. He was everywhere and made us tick. Norwood was less stand out but still solid and his set plays and passes were better with more forward stuff and at a better pace. The full backs got forward and Sharp even though he bungled a few chances first half was always involved and his hold up was excellent and showed some pace at times to create chances with some lovely assists second half. Ndiaye for his first game gave a remarkably mature performance. He wanted the ball and was not scared. Technically very good and can use either foot it seems but he wanted to dribble and get defenders going towards their goal and always wanted to make things happen. His first touch and control were excellent all game and he is strong too and was able to just keep the ball but also send us in the right direction. Loved his almost arrogant pomp in how he played. Him and Gibbs White clearly built up an almost instant understanding. Both players also came into different areas. The latter started wide right appeared centrally too and Ndiaye came off a lot. He was in a centre forward role but actually often ended up in a sort of 10 role. Loved watching some flair and dribbling and players trying things.
The goal was down to those two and their link up with a calm pass after skill on the wing from Gibbs White and a cool finish from Ndiaye. We had chances to go 2 or 3 up but it never happened but it was not like the visitors were in the game at all and the goal really was against the run of play. Robinson was just not strong enough and it was an awful error. I worry we still lack strength in this area. I suppose with Davies out, he comes in as the left sided centre back if we play a two but I think I would still prefer Basham and Egan – Bash has not been great but does not make as many big errors that lead to goals like Robinson. It handed them a way back into a game they had not been in.
Second half they actually could have scored as we were wide open but credit to Foderingham for the save (double save) and we somehow survived a great chance. After this Fleck scored a great goal and then a team goal from Osborn. Gibbs White nearly got one but then did with a wonder striker and we blew them away. Ndiaye was really enjoying himself and scored a great header before going off to rapturous applause. United looked like scoring every attack. Peterborough just had gone and looked like they did not want to be there anymore. At 71 minutes we could go on and get 7 or 8 if we wanted but we made changes (maybe with Tuesday in mind) and it became not quite as fluent but Freeman still had chances. The penalty was poor defending and a bit soft but more irritating than a huge concern with the game in the bag. We still had chances after this and got a 6th with Osborn capping an excellent individual game for him too.
Incredible after so many games and months with little chances, creativity or goals (and wins) and then today happened. You could not say it has been coming as for all the possession we have not really had many chances and it has been safe and conservative/slow. Today we had the ball so much again but moved it into the right areas and with the bit of something different up top, we looked like scoring. It could have been a lot more than 6 really and I am not wrong to say the full time flattered them. They got absolutely hammered and United could have scored every time we attacked, particularly second half. I am delighted with Ndiaye and he looks a great prospect on that evidence but hope people do not expect that every game (and he may be in and out a bit as he has never played a professional game till today) but also it is exciting to think what we might have. He looks to have real confidence. Gibbs White also is a skilful and intelligent player. As pleased as I was about them, I was as delighted about Fleck’s (and Norwood to some extent) massively improved play. I thought we dominated midfield, showed desire to get every loose ball and they could not cope with it as we swarmed all over them. We played some good football with some one touch and quick stuff, mixed in with patient stuff. Peterborough looked a poor side but we made them look poor and today was about us definitely.
It is just one result though but you hope it kick starts us. We have to follow it up in the next two games this week and look to try and put a series of wins together now. We have set the standard individually and collectively and have to follow it up. Tuesday is big as if can get close to that and/or win, then suddenly we are mid table and it’s gone from an awful start to an average one but a team that is improving. For now, though rather than worry too much about the games coming up or where it hopefully might take us, I just want to enjoy a game and a day where United were excellent and we saw some brilliant individual displays, two great debuts, some free-flowing football and chances/goals aplenty. Too often recently, either on TV or in person, we have felt almost bored but negative football where we looked nervous. Finally, we saw some of the opposite. Attacking, trying things and in short, entertaining the fans. Players wanted to make things happen rather than waiting and it seemed to spread with the new players helping restore the confidence of some of the badly out of form established players.
Hopefully now we can settle down and show much more of what we saw today on a regular basis. With players around such as Berge, Davies and Hourihane (and the keeper) to come in too, then the competition will hopefully ensure players have to be close to these standards. Today was really enjoyable and football was fun again after such a dreary 18 months being a Blade!