Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,463
- Reaction score
- 37,675
In a battle of previously unbeaten sides at Bramall Lane; it was the visitors who took the spoils as Huddersfield continued their impressive league run that now stretches to 32 games (Playoff final notwithstanding). The Blades had arguably not faced many of the stronger sides in the division and faced with one of the pre season promotion favourites, United were well beaten.
In truth the game was maybe not quite as one sided as the score indicated but a dreadful spell of defending and three opportunistic finishes accounted for the Blades. It was a disastrous spell but poor goalkeeping and failure to defend set plays saw three goals fly into the Blades goal at the Kop end. The game was effectively over at half time and although United huffed and puffed and had chances they never really looked like making inroads into the deficit. United’s fans realised that the better teams in this division could really hone in on their weaknesses at both end of the park as stronger, more physical and quicker players won key battles all over the field. It was a rude awakening for the Blades and their supporters who will now realise that it will be a long hard season if the team does not improve against the better sides.
United began by starting new loan left back Marcus Williams, who came in for the injured Jean Francois and began with Lee Williamson and Ryan Flynn also starting in place of Mendez Laing and McAllister with the former on the bench and the latter not in the 16. Surprisingly there was no place on the bench for Norwegian Tonne but goal scorer from Scunthorpe Ched Evans was a substitute.
Huddersfield began with former Blade Ian Bennett in goal but were without the injured Gary Naysmith. They left star man Gary Roberts and striker Jordan Rhodes on the bench.
United began with Quinn on the right and Flynn on the left which seemed odd but United started well and had a half chance from Porter’s head off target. Novak also had an opportunity but he too was off target. Cresswell had a couple of efforts as he came inside but was well off target with one and then Bennett field another comfortably. It was not easy for the home side as Huddersfield were imposing themselves in the midfield area and United were struggling to make much headway against a physical and robust outfit. Arfield was not far off target and then Lee was able to test Simonsen. United had a decent effort when Williamson chipped onto the roof of the net but Novak again caused problems but his effort deflected over the bar.
It had been a relatively even contest but suddenly from nothing the visitors were in front. It came from a shot from range from Ward which Simonsen ought to have gathered or at least pushed around the post but he palmed out invitingly and NOVAK was able to pounce and convert the loose ball reacting quicker than any of the United defender. Lee then nearly added a second when he was stronger than Collins but Simonsen was able to make the save.
United had a great chance to level when Maguire burst out of defence played a ball down the wing to Lowton who drove a cross over but Porter with the goal at his mercy fired wide. This miss was to prove costly as soon after the visitors doubled the lead.
A free kick from the left was not cleared and the ball was volleyed across by Arfield and NOVAK was able to turn the ball home from close range. Unbelievably it was three nil soon after. Another set play came over and GOBERN outmuscled his defender and powered the ball home with Simonsen well beaten. The Blades fans looked stunned and suddenly the game looked over with still well over a half to go. It could have been four as a ball came over from another set play and he hapless Collins and Maguire once again were over powered by Novak whose header was cleared off the line. It was turning into a disaster for the Blades who were all over the place at the back.
The half time whistle came soon after and the Blades players trooped down the tunnel staring at the end of a 0-3 reverse and a first defeat of the season in prospect.
Wilson made two changes as he replaced the disappointing Williamson and Porter with McDonald and Evans. The Welsh striker almost made an instant impact but his free kick was well saved from former Blade Bennett. The best chance of the game for the home side came soon after as the ball was played through and although Cresswell looked offside, he was coming back and Evans running through was one on one but he dithered and when he did shoot it was too close to Bennett who saved well. The chance was as good as you would get but had been wasted.
Williams then got forward well but pulled his shot wide. McDonald was having an impact showing his ability on the ball and he was involved in a a nice move saw an interchange of passes. The ball was played into the path of Lowton but his curling left foot effort went agonisingly the wrong side of Bennett’s post. United were having chances but with time running out it seemed as if even a goal at this stage would be a mere consolation. It nearly came but the excellent Bennett turned McDonald’s grass cutter around the post and also saved again from Evans as the game entered time added on. Many United fans had long gone from the ground by the time the final whistle came as the score line from Stevenage filtered in confirming one of the darkest days in the history of Sheffield football with both sides now languishing in the third tier of league football and well beaten.
United – So far we have won most games comfortably (Walsall excepted) and been close to winning the two we have drawn. Today was completely different and against a team that was very physical and quite direct but also seemed quicker and fitter than us we really struggled. Yes, we did not take our chances and they took their chances but I felt for much of the game we were not really quick or strong enough. United seemed so slow and did not win the first or second balls all over the field.
We were never at the races for much of the contest and I felt we lost many individual battles as well as the respective departmental battles (midfield especially). The two centre backs were up against two dangerous and physical forwards who put themselves about and completely dominated Maguire and Collins for most of the game. In contrast our two centre forwards won little all game and got over powered and beaten on the floor and in the air. In terms of actual football we probably played as good a football as them but where it mattered we lost out and they were clinical in our box and defended better in their own. Bennett made some good saves and we had chances particularly in the second half but the game was pretty much over by this stage.
We lost the midfield battle and were overrun at times. We looked in short; like we did in the Championship last season. I had said we had not played anyone yet (maybe Brentford have surprised but they were awful at the Lane) and today showed that we won’t walk the division. In weeks to come against Charlton, Wednesday, Preston, MK Dons etc we play some more of the teams I expect to be near the top and will have to do much better than we did tonight or we will potentially do what Wednesday did last year when they started like a house on fire (same as us) and then just tailed away completely to a mid table finish.
Maybe it was a one off but today we looked exactly like we did last season and looked slow, easy to score against and basically a soft touch. Collins and Maguire really had nightmares and Doyle and Williamson barely had a kick. The two wide men were never in the game and Cresswell and Porter were slow to everything and had no kind of understanding at all.
Huddersfield – I expected them to be near the top and nothing I have seen so far or tonight changes that opinion. They are well supported both in terms of at boardroom level and from the stands and seem to have the organisation in place to be a solid Championship club at least.
They have a smattering of experienced players in Bennett, Naysmith, Lee etc and some good young players like Novak, Rhodes and Ward. They left some talented players on the bench (Roberts and Rhodes) and still won at a canter. The two centre backs were strong and dominant and they won all the scraps in the middle. Novak and Lee were filthy for much of the contest but against a weak referee they dominated us and our players could not react and change their approach on how the referee controlled things. They seemed happy to be shrugged and muscled off whilst at the other end our front two looked powder puff in contrast.
They were fill of 6 foot + players who put the foot in and won headers and this allowed them to turn possession over and go on the attack. They are a really physical team and may not play sparkling football but they win headers/score off set plays and win set plays at the other end. Basic percentage football for the most part but you can see why they have been unbeaten for so long. They simply outmuscled and outstrength-ed us and then got the ball in the key areas of our box to score goals. At the other end they won the headers we could not defensively and limited us to long range efforts for the most part.
They have spent a fair bit of money in league one terms in the last few years and were unlucky not to go up last season. Lee Clark and Terry McDermott are an excellent tandem who know what they are doing and they seem a club on the move but of course if they fail to go up this year it may be that some of their players move on and their young manager may move on too. I think they may go up and they came to a previously unbeaten team and won very easily wrestling control of the game, taking their chances and then doing a really professional job in the second half. They look miles better than us I am afraid and much more of a promotion contending team on that evidence.
Simonsen 4/10 – Another woeful error that saw a fairly even game turned on its head. It was a simple shot that should have been held or at worse pushed around the post. After this his confidence went again and he dithered on his line, did not command and his kicking was equally bad. They had obviously scouted us as every corner and free kick they sent under the bar or into the six yard box scenting his dreadful command of his goal. They could have scored more goals from set plays. He really needs to be replaced and fast. Against poorer teams we can protect him but today against a good side he looked really poor and a liability. To say Huddersfield had a 41 year old in Bennett who looked far superior says it all.
Lowton 5/10 – Not tight enough to his man defensively and he left way too much room. He got forward well in the second half and had a decent effort just wide but he has to improve his defending if he wants to play at a higher level as he gives his man too much room and does not concentrate enough. He has bags of talent but needs to switch on more and do the basics. I would take a run of games where he never gets over halfway if he stops his man and crosses but at the moment he is not doing that.
Williams 6/10 – Our best defender and on his debut. He did ok and won a few tackles and made a few clearances but seemed stunned at what was going on around him. Got forward when he could and also was able to win a few tackles and blocks and one of few players who seemed ‘up for the battle’. At times he also switched off or over played but at least he did not hide and tried to get amongst things.
Maguire 4.5/10 – Really poor performance that showed how far he has to go to make it at the top level. In truth he was up against a journeyman pro in Lee and a robust but ordinary forward in Novak. He really struggled and was outmuscled, outthought and outplayed. Had one good run forward that should have led to a goal for Porter. I felt for him as his partner did not help him but faced with his first real test of the season he struggled badly unfortunately. I am afraid he will play far better opponents than those if he wants to play Champ/Prem level and he has to do much better than that. He was slow to headers, second to the ball and looked erratic. He is only a young kid and has a lot to learn but tonight proved he is a long way off being the finished article.
Collins 4/10 – After his impressive performances so far this season he reverted to type as the muscular Lee and Novak imposed themselves on us from the outset. Lost key headers, let the forward hold the ball up and bring others in and was unable to win the key first ball. He looked very much like he did last season; that being a slow centre back who is not physical nor fast enough to cope with decent centre forwards. Had a bit of a mare tonight and only started fighting and grappling when the game was over and he had lost the key headers/challenges.
Williamson 4/10 – Never in the game at all. I can barely remember him touching the ball in the first half and he lost all the physical challenges as Huddersfield easily won this area of the game. He looks disinterested when he starts games and only seems to be influential when he comes on and is an impact player. He needs to decide whether he wants to be a footballer at the higher levels or just be a nothing lower league player as that is where he is going (back to Rotherham/Mansfield) is he does not start becoming consistent and not playing one good game in four.
Doyle 5/10 – He has been decent when he has played this season but today he never got hold of the midfield and I felt they controlled this area of the field. Never won tackles or made interceptions like he has and was rarely on the ball. Faced with cleverer and stronger players (height/weight)
Quinn 5/10 – Maybe his poorest game this season so far. He never got in the game. Started wide right which was bizarre and he never really saw enough of the game. I would have moved him inside personally but the game just seemed to pass him by. He never hid and tried to keep going but like most of the United players things just did not come off for him tonight. His corners were awful and 4 never beat the first mad.
Flynn 4/10 – Like Porter he has not convinced at all and looks woefully lightweight and weak. Lost one physical challenge early and then seemed to avoid contact after that. Sadly he looks one out of his depth so far and has to do much better but does not impose himself and the game seems to pass him by. He had three chances to run at his man and just hit an aimless ball against the first man.
Cresswell 5/10 – Poor. He tired hard but the centre backs imposed themselves on him all game and he never really had any real chances or even linked with his teammates. He had no kind of understanding with the equally slow and stationary Porter and they really do not look any kind of partnership. We need some pace or power up front and those two offer neither. If the ball is not played right to their feet (even that does not always stick) we lose it as they won’t win headers consistently nor be able to get on the end of through balls as both appallingly slow.
Porter 4/10 – He has been really poor so far and looks slow and off the pace. His first touch is not good enough and he fails to hold the ball up adequately. I have barely seen the ball stick to him all season when he has played and it seems to constantly shoot off him. He missed a golden chance to equalise. He looks a strange signing as you would think he would be busting a gut to prove himself after injuries but he seems to be just jogging about and ambling around as if it does not matter. Rightly taken off at half time. Needs the proverbial rocket up his backside as his performances so far have been woeful. May sound harsh but can only call it as I see it.
Subs –
McDonald 7/10 – Miles better than Williamson and showed some class on the ball as we tried to get back into a game that was pretty much over. He played a few lovely balls thought and was one of our bright spots. He may lack mobility and may not be able to get up and down but has a lovely touch and his range of passing offers us something we do not have. I would certainly start him Saturday even considering his aforementioned weaknesses.
Evans 6/10 – A lot more dangerous than the other front players. He should have scored with a chance one on one and had another few efforts he maybe should have done better with but looked far more dangerous than Cresswell and Porter. Maybe he is not fully match fit but I would play him ahead of the other two even if he only lasts 60-70 minutes. At least he looks like he may get a shot away or could make things happen by worrying or turning defenders by getting into channels.
Mendez Laing – Came on in a difficult situation and gave the ball away twice and then drifted around without really doing anything. Granted we have won games but between him and Flynn we have seen no kind of real attacking threat so far with Mendez Laing maybe edging it as he has at least made a few and scored one but he has not exactly convinced so far. They both have to do much better or we may have to enter the market again.
Officials – Thought he was a weak referee. He let numerous challenges go all game but as he set his stall out by letting physical contact go, United should have reacted and got amongst Huddersfield but we seemed quite happy to let them give it out but not give it back. They really did get stuck in and Novak the centre forward must have committed 8 or 9 fouls and I don’t think he got booked. One where he made 3 fouls in one challenge and was spoken to for 3 or 4 minutes but then was still not booked. It was pathetic refereeing. Ditto for the centre backs. He let a lot go but fair play to Huddersfield if the ref was not going to penalise them then they would keep doing it and they realised by the 60-70 min mark they would have to decapitate a United player to get booked so played their style accordingly. I do think he was weak and could have imposed himself more but United could not say they knew how it was being ref as he was consistently lenient but did not react in the same manner and were limp and cautious in any kind of physical challenges.
Crowd/Atmosphere – The crowd was not as high as maybe the club would want for a top of the table clash between teams with unbeaten records but the high pricing saw to that. The expected Huddersfield boycott did not materialise and they brought a decent following and got behind their team well but they of course may have made more with cheaper prices. The same goes for the home support and you could argue that £26 for the cheapest ticket is quite frankly ridiculous for a league one game.
Maybe the new CEO, Julian Winter may look at the ticketing and the lack of offers/deals for non season ticket holders. It was interesting how the head of the commercial sector, Steve Lewis moved on a few weeks ago without any real reason? Maybe the ticketing may be something to do with it. Maybe not but it does not to be looked at.
QPR did this successfully a few weeks ago and were able to turn fans round they may have turned their back on the club due to the previous pricing structure. I think most season ticket holders would not mind offers being done or cheaper prices so long as they do not give tickets away willy-nilly. They have to look at enticing new fans or old fans back and not just rely on the hardcore very week.
As for the actual crowd support it was very quiet as United struggled and the away fans were certainly more vocal for much of the game. It seemed like the crowd expected another win and were shocked by how the game went. I guess you could say the home side did not give the home fans to shout about but at times the team will need the fans to help them two. It is a two way thing but the three quick goals effectively killed any kind of atmosphere.
In truth the game was maybe not quite as one sided as the score indicated but a dreadful spell of defending and three opportunistic finishes accounted for the Blades. It was a disastrous spell but poor goalkeeping and failure to defend set plays saw three goals fly into the Blades goal at the Kop end. The game was effectively over at half time and although United huffed and puffed and had chances they never really looked like making inroads into the deficit. United’s fans realised that the better teams in this division could really hone in on their weaknesses at both end of the park as stronger, more physical and quicker players won key battles all over the field. It was a rude awakening for the Blades and their supporters who will now realise that it will be a long hard season if the team does not improve against the better sides.
United began by starting new loan left back Marcus Williams, who came in for the injured Jean Francois and began with Lee Williamson and Ryan Flynn also starting in place of Mendez Laing and McAllister with the former on the bench and the latter not in the 16. Surprisingly there was no place on the bench for Norwegian Tonne but goal scorer from Scunthorpe Ched Evans was a substitute.
Huddersfield began with former Blade Ian Bennett in goal but were without the injured Gary Naysmith. They left star man Gary Roberts and striker Jordan Rhodes on the bench.
United began with Quinn on the right and Flynn on the left which seemed odd but United started well and had a half chance from Porter’s head off target. Novak also had an opportunity but he too was off target. Cresswell had a couple of efforts as he came inside but was well off target with one and then Bennett field another comfortably. It was not easy for the home side as Huddersfield were imposing themselves in the midfield area and United were struggling to make much headway against a physical and robust outfit. Arfield was not far off target and then Lee was able to test Simonsen. United had a decent effort when Williamson chipped onto the roof of the net but Novak again caused problems but his effort deflected over the bar.
It had been a relatively even contest but suddenly from nothing the visitors were in front. It came from a shot from range from Ward which Simonsen ought to have gathered or at least pushed around the post but he palmed out invitingly and NOVAK was able to pounce and convert the loose ball reacting quicker than any of the United defender. Lee then nearly added a second when he was stronger than Collins but Simonsen was able to make the save.
United had a great chance to level when Maguire burst out of defence played a ball down the wing to Lowton who drove a cross over but Porter with the goal at his mercy fired wide. This miss was to prove costly as soon after the visitors doubled the lead.
A free kick from the left was not cleared and the ball was volleyed across by Arfield and NOVAK was able to turn the ball home from close range. Unbelievably it was three nil soon after. Another set play came over and GOBERN outmuscled his defender and powered the ball home with Simonsen well beaten. The Blades fans looked stunned and suddenly the game looked over with still well over a half to go. It could have been four as a ball came over from another set play and he hapless Collins and Maguire once again were over powered by Novak whose header was cleared off the line. It was turning into a disaster for the Blades who were all over the place at the back.
The half time whistle came soon after and the Blades players trooped down the tunnel staring at the end of a 0-3 reverse and a first defeat of the season in prospect.
Wilson made two changes as he replaced the disappointing Williamson and Porter with McDonald and Evans. The Welsh striker almost made an instant impact but his free kick was well saved from former Blade Bennett. The best chance of the game for the home side came soon after as the ball was played through and although Cresswell looked offside, he was coming back and Evans running through was one on one but he dithered and when he did shoot it was too close to Bennett who saved well. The chance was as good as you would get but had been wasted.
Williams then got forward well but pulled his shot wide. McDonald was having an impact showing his ability on the ball and he was involved in a a nice move saw an interchange of passes. The ball was played into the path of Lowton but his curling left foot effort went agonisingly the wrong side of Bennett’s post. United were having chances but with time running out it seemed as if even a goal at this stage would be a mere consolation. It nearly came but the excellent Bennett turned McDonald’s grass cutter around the post and also saved again from Evans as the game entered time added on. Many United fans had long gone from the ground by the time the final whistle came as the score line from Stevenage filtered in confirming one of the darkest days in the history of Sheffield football with both sides now languishing in the third tier of league football and well beaten.
United – So far we have won most games comfortably (Walsall excepted) and been close to winning the two we have drawn. Today was completely different and against a team that was very physical and quite direct but also seemed quicker and fitter than us we really struggled. Yes, we did not take our chances and they took their chances but I felt for much of the game we were not really quick or strong enough. United seemed so slow and did not win the first or second balls all over the field.
We were never at the races for much of the contest and I felt we lost many individual battles as well as the respective departmental battles (midfield especially). The two centre backs were up against two dangerous and physical forwards who put themselves about and completely dominated Maguire and Collins for most of the game. In contrast our two centre forwards won little all game and got over powered and beaten on the floor and in the air. In terms of actual football we probably played as good a football as them but where it mattered we lost out and they were clinical in our box and defended better in their own. Bennett made some good saves and we had chances particularly in the second half but the game was pretty much over by this stage.
We lost the midfield battle and were overrun at times. We looked in short; like we did in the Championship last season. I had said we had not played anyone yet (maybe Brentford have surprised but they were awful at the Lane) and today showed that we won’t walk the division. In weeks to come against Charlton, Wednesday, Preston, MK Dons etc we play some more of the teams I expect to be near the top and will have to do much better than we did tonight or we will potentially do what Wednesday did last year when they started like a house on fire (same as us) and then just tailed away completely to a mid table finish.
Maybe it was a one off but today we looked exactly like we did last season and looked slow, easy to score against and basically a soft touch. Collins and Maguire really had nightmares and Doyle and Williamson barely had a kick. The two wide men were never in the game and Cresswell and Porter were slow to everything and had no kind of understanding at all.
Huddersfield – I expected them to be near the top and nothing I have seen so far or tonight changes that opinion. They are well supported both in terms of at boardroom level and from the stands and seem to have the organisation in place to be a solid Championship club at least.
They have a smattering of experienced players in Bennett, Naysmith, Lee etc and some good young players like Novak, Rhodes and Ward. They left some talented players on the bench (Roberts and Rhodes) and still won at a canter. The two centre backs were strong and dominant and they won all the scraps in the middle. Novak and Lee were filthy for much of the contest but against a weak referee they dominated us and our players could not react and change their approach on how the referee controlled things. They seemed happy to be shrugged and muscled off whilst at the other end our front two looked powder puff in contrast.
They were fill of 6 foot + players who put the foot in and won headers and this allowed them to turn possession over and go on the attack. They are a really physical team and may not play sparkling football but they win headers/score off set plays and win set plays at the other end. Basic percentage football for the most part but you can see why they have been unbeaten for so long. They simply outmuscled and outstrength-ed us and then got the ball in the key areas of our box to score goals. At the other end they won the headers we could not defensively and limited us to long range efforts for the most part.
They have spent a fair bit of money in league one terms in the last few years and were unlucky not to go up last season. Lee Clark and Terry McDermott are an excellent tandem who know what they are doing and they seem a club on the move but of course if they fail to go up this year it may be that some of their players move on and their young manager may move on too. I think they may go up and they came to a previously unbeaten team and won very easily wrestling control of the game, taking their chances and then doing a really professional job in the second half. They look miles better than us I am afraid and much more of a promotion contending team on that evidence.
Simonsen 4/10 – Another woeful error that saw a fairly even game turned on its head. It was a simple shot that should have been held or at worse pushed around the post. After this his confidence went again and he dithered on his line, did not command and his kicking was equally bad. They had obviously scouted us as every corner and free kick they sent under the bar or into the six yard box scenting his dreadful command of his goal. They could have scored more goals from set plays. He really needs to be replaced and fast. Against poorer teams we can protect him but today against a good side he looked really poor and a liability. To say Huddersfield had a 41 year old in Bennett who looked far superior says it all.
Lowton 5/10 – Not tight enough to his man defensively and he left way too much room. He got forward well in the second half and had a decent effort just wide but he has to improve his defending if he wants to play at a higher level as he gives his man too much room and does not concentrate enough. He has bags of talent but needs to switch on more and do the basics. I would take a run of games where he never gets over halfway if he stops his man and crosses but at the moment he is not doing that.
Williams 6/10 – Our best defender and on his debut. He did ok and won a few tackles and made a few clearances but seemed stunned at what was going on around him. Got forward when he could and also was able to win a few tackles and blocks and one of few players who seemed ‘up for the battle’. At times he also switched off or over played but at least he did not hide and tried to get amongst things.
Maguire 4.5/10 – Really poor performance that showed how far he has to go to make it at the top level. In truth he was up against a journeyman pro in Lee and a robust but ordinary forward in Novak. He really struggled and was outmuscled, outthought and outplayed. Had one good run forward that should have led to a goal for Porter. I felt for him as his partner did not help him but faced with his first real test of the season he struggled badly unfortunately. I am afraid he will play far better opponents than those if he wants to play Champ/Prem level and he has to do much better than that. He was slow to headers, second to the ball and looked erratic. He is only a young kid and has a lot to learn but tonight proved he is a long way off being the finished article.
Collins 4/10 – After his impressive performances so far this season he reverted to type as the muscular Lee and Novak imposed themselves on us from the outset. Lost key headers, let the forward hold the ball up and bring others in and was unable to win the key first ball. He looked very much like he did last season; that being a slow centre back who is not physical nor fast enough to cope with decent centre forwards. Had a bit of a mare tonight and only started fighting and grappling when the game was over and he had lost the key headers/challenges.
Williamson 4/10 – Never in the game at all. I can barely remember him touching the ball in the first half and he lost all the physical challenges as Huddersfield easily won this area of the game. He looks disinterested when he starts games and only seems to be influential when he comes on and is an impact player. He needs to decide whether he wants to be a footballer at the higher levels or just be a nothing lower league player as that is where he is going (back to Rotherham/Mansfield) is he does not start becoming consistent and not playing one good game in four.
Doyle 5/10 – He has been decent when he has played this season but today he never got hold of the midfield and I felt they controlled this area of the field. Never won tackles or made interceptions like he has and was rarely on the ball. Faced with cleverer and stronger players (height/weight)
Quinn 5/10 – Maybe his poorest game this season so far. He never got in the game. Started wide right which was bizarre and he never really saw enough of the game. I would have moved him inside personally but the game just seemed to pass him by. He never hid and tried to keep going but like most of the United players things just did not come off for him tonight. His corners were awful and 4 never beat the first mad.
Flynn 4/10 – Like Porter he has not convinced at all and looks woefully lightweight and weak. Lost one physical challenge early and then seemed to avoid contact after that. Sadly he looks one out of his depth so far and has to do much better but does not impose himself and the game seems to pass him by. He had three chances to run at his man and just hit an aimless ball against the first man.
Cresswell 5/10 – Poor. He tired hard but the centre backs imposed themselves on him all game and he never really had any real chances or even linked with his teammates. He had no kind of understanding with the equally slow and stationary Porter and they really do not look any kind of partnership. We need some pace or power up front and those two offer neither. If the ball is not played right to their feet (even that does not always stick) we lose it as they won’t win headers consistently nor be able to get on the end of through balls as both appallingly slow.
Porter 4/10 – He has been really poor so far and looks slow and off the pace. His first touch is not good enough and he fails to hold the ball up adequately. I have barely seen the ball stick to him all season when he has played and it seems to constantly shoot off him. He missed a golden chance to equalise. He looks a strange signing as you would think he would be busting a gut to prove himself after injuries but he seems to be just jogging about and ambling around as if it does not matter. Rightly taken off at half time. Needs the proverbial rocket up his backside as his performances so far have been woeful. May sound harsh but can only call it as I see it.
Subs –
McDonald 7/10 – Miles better than Williamson and showed some class on the ball as we tried to get back into a game that was pretty much over. He played a few lovely balls thought and was one of our bright spots. He may lack mobility and may not be able to get up and down but has a lovely touch and his range of passing offers us something we do not have. I would certainly start him Saturday even considering his aforementioned weaknesses.
Evans 6/10 – A lot more dangerous than the other front players. He should have scored with a chance one on one and had another few efforts he maybe should have done better with but looked far more dangerous than Cresswell and Porter. Maybe he is not fully match fit but I would play him ahead of the other two even if he only lasts 60-70 minutes. At least he looks like he may get a shot away or could make things happen by worrying or turning defenders by getting into channels.
Mendez Laing – Came on in a difficult situation and gave the ball away twice and then drifted around without really doing anything. Granted we have won games but between him and Flynn we have seen no kind of real attacking threat so far with Mendez Laing maybe edging it as he has at least made a few and scored one but he has not exactly convinced so far. They both have to do much better or we may have to enter the market again.
Officials – Thought he was a weak referee. He let numerous challenges go all game but as he set his stall out by letting physical contact go, United should have reacted and got amongst Huddersfield but we seemed quite happy to let them give it out but not give it back. They really did get stuck in and Novak the centre forward must have committed 8 or 9 fouls and I don’t think he got booked. One where he made 3 fouls in one challenge and was spoken to for 3 or 4 minutes but then was still not booked. It was pathetic refereeing. Ditto for the centre backs. He let a lot go but fair play to Huddersfield if the ref was not going to penalise them then they would keep doing it and they realised by the 60-70 min mark they would have to decapitate a United player to get booked so played their style accordingly. I do think he was weak and could have imposed himself more but United could not say they knew how it was being ref as he was consistently lenient but did not react in the same manner and were limp and cautious in any kind of physical challenges.
Crowd/Atmosphere – The crowd was not as high as maybe the club would want for a top of the table clash between teams with unbeaten records but the high pricing saw to that. The expected Huddersfield boycott did not materialise and they brought a decent following and got behind their team well but they of course may have made more with cheaper prices. The same goes for the home support and you could argue that £26 for the cheapest ticket is quite frankly ridiculous for a league one game.
Maybe the new CEO, Julian Winter may look at the ticketing and the lack of offers/deals for non season ticket holders. It was interesting how the head of the commercial sector, Steve Lewis moved on a few weeks ago without any real reason? Maybe the ticketing may be something to do with it. Maybe not but it does not to be looked at.
QPR did this successfully a few weeks ago and were able to turn fans round they may have turned their back on the club due to the previous pricing structure. I think most season ticket holders would not mind offers being done or cheaper prices so long as they do not give tickets away willy-nilly. They have to look at enticing new fans or old fans back and not just rely on the hardcore very week.
As for the actual crowd support it was very quiet as United struggled and the away fans were certainly more vocal for much of the game. It seemed like the crowd expected another win and were shocked by how the game went. I guess you could say the home side did not give the home fans to shout about but at times the team will need the fans to help them two. It is a two way thing but the three quick goals effectively killed any kind of atmosphere.
i'll take the red and white specs off.. 
