Wrexham 5 United 3 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

It was defeat for the Blades on Boxing Day at Hollywood backed Wrexham as the home side took the spoils in a thrilling contest at the Racecourse Ground. United had led twice and were 3-1 up at one stage but poor defending throughout saw the home side given a chance to make the comeback and complete the turnaround. In the end the Welsh side were good value for the win as former old boy Kieffer Moore came back to haunt them. United’s second half fragilities continue to be a major issue and the forlorn hopes of a playoff run now look a long way off, with results at the bottom leaving United looking nervously over their shoulder yet again.



Manager Chris Wilder named an unchanged side – something he has not done much in recent times – with Pat Bamford remaining the lone striker supported by Callum O’Hare. Wrexham started with three up top with former Blade Kieffer Moore joined by former Owl, Josh Windass and big money buy Nathan Broadhead.



Wrexham began looking for Moore in the air at every opportunity but McCallum got down the left well for the visitors and his dangerous cross was flicked not far wide by O’Hare. Doyle’s low shot at the other end was held by Cooper but on 4 minutes, the Blades took the lead. It began down the right with good work from Seriki and O’Hare and the full back sent a cross into the box. It was barely half a chance for BAMFORD but the veteran striker somehow managed to turn it into the net via the far post with an outrageous flicked finish.



The lead lasted no more than a minute as the open game saw the home side quickly peg the Blades back. Thomason was given too much room down the right and when his cross came over Windass was equally left in space and sent the cross back into a dangerous area. BINDON (OG) could only turn it into his own net with Moore breathing down his neck.



The game settled down briefly although both teams looked dangerous from full/wing back positions with Thomason getting well forward for Wrexham and Seriki doing the same for the away side. It was the latter who made the next telling contribution as he sent over a great ball and BAMFORD was left unmarked to turn the ball home.



It continued to swing from end to end and Cooper has to pouch a header as another ball came in from the left-hand side. Bamford – on a hat trick – blazed over. Broadhead was then chopped down by Bindon, who was having an uncomfortable evening, but the fouled player hit his effort well over the bar. A dangerous corner was headed goalwards by Moore but Arblaster nodded off the line.



United were looking dangerous whenever they attacked and after Okonkwo’s foolishly kicked out when he could have let the ball into his box and claim it with his hands. From the McCallum long throw, Moore flicked on but only succeeded in diverting it into the path of the anticipating O’HARE. He bravely headed home and United had a two-goal cushion. Moore’s last contribution for the Blades was to set up a goal for an opponent and this time, playing for the opposition, he repeated the feat for the Blades!

Once again, United did not focus after scoring and a McCallum mistake led to Sheaf’s shot being deflected over via Tanganga. As the corner came over, MOORE made amends for this mistake and powerfully headed home with Cooper stuck to his line and no United defender to stop the big striker.



Wrexham then had a spell and had two appeals for penalties. Moore was a touch offside when Arblaster, in appealing for the decision, got his hand on the ball. Soon after, Bindon did well to chest the ball away as the home crowd were baying for decisions. Despite Wrexham now having their best period, United had a great chance to make it four. O’Hare did well to dummy the ball and Bamford played in Chong but the winger took too long and his finish was weak and saved by Okonkwo for a corner. The half time whistle came as Bamford claimed he was felled with both teas frustrated by a number of decisions. United led an entertaining contest but both sides will not have been happy with the defending that saw some soft goals conceded.



Bindon headed over a corner but it was the home side who came out in more determined fashion and it was not a surprise when they levelled. Thomason once again was the threat as he got down the side and sent over a deep cross and LONGMAN beat McCallum to the header to nod down and in. It was another really poor goal to concede with yet again the ball not prevented from going wide and no challenge on the cross or finish. Wrexham now sensed they could go on and win the game. Windass’ effort was powerfully saved by Cooper as United were having none of the ball in midfield.



Chong came off for Burrows who went wide left with Hamer switching to the right seemingly. Burrows did get a cross over that just evaded O’Hare before Bamford was brought down by Longman just on the edge of the box. Hamer took the free kick but his effort was pushed round the post by Okonkwo. Despite these two opportunities, the game was now being played mostly in the United half and they should have led from another corner. The marking was terrible and Doyle was free but Cooper made the save before Broadhead’s effort deflected off Tanganga, leading to Arblaster having to clear off the line again.



Soumare and Campbell came on for Riedewald and Bamford with 20 minutes to play but United had struggled to find any intensity this half. The turnaround was complete when Arblaster mis controlled and the ball was played in for MOORE who was suddenly in on the angle. Tanganga tried to get back but the striker cooly lifted it over Cooper into the net for his second goal.



Despite a poor 2nd half performance, United could have been level as Hamer’s clever play got him away from his man and his cross was perfect for Arblaster but the midfielder’s shot was too close to the keeper. After this golden chance, the game was up for United son after. The ball was played down the channel and Bindon’s challenge was clumsy and late – Thomason went to ground (although replays showed contact was minimal) and the penalty was given. Moore could have taken it for the hat trick but WINDASS sent Cooper the wrong way and the game was effectively finished.



O’Hare and McCallum came off for Ings and Burrows and Campbell hit the underside of the bar in stoppage time but United liked a sorry bunch by the time the final whistle came. After a promising start, United had once again thrown away a lead and their weak mentality and inability to cope with sides raising the tempo after the break, continues to see them throw away points and winning positions.

 

[Deadbat]

United – We have seen flashes in recent weeks of some real swashbuckling forward play and we have started creating and scoring goals but more importantly we have been able to keep some clean sheets and look more solid defensively. However, even in this run we have seen games and moments where we have buckled (Leicester, Norwich, and WBA) and the same weak mentality and 2nd half implosions have continued. Tonight was an odd game. We led 3-1 but I think Wrexham had been slightly the better side at this point – we just scored some good goals on the break and exploited their poor defending. We looked like scoring every time we attacked. Sadly, so did they and the way we conceded so quickly after the first and third, said a lot about the lack of leadership and brains in our side. We never kept the ball all game really – other than the pockets of play for the goals first half. We seemed to just turn it over so easily. A lot will be made about individuals at the back and all of the back 5 did not have good games defensively but I do think in front of them we had no protection or control. Wrexham were more physical and got a lot of crosses in and scored from 3 of them but they also played through us a fair bit. We never stopped the ball to source. I might be criticised for this but thought Riedewald and Arblaster were dreadful – they rarely won a tackle/header or challenge all game and for all the mistakes that McCallum, Bindon and Cooper made – I thought that they were given no protection. We never had control of the game – even at 3-1. It is so frustrating, as we played some neat and clever football in the first half hour and scored three decent goals but looked like shipping goals the other way as easy.



The way Moore ragged the defence around was predictable but the other areas we should and could have changed. The full backs had no protection at all and meant they kept overloading down these sides. I also thought that they worked out the balls into the channel and get our slow centre backs turned and then got men around it. We had moments 2nd half (Hamer/Arblaster shot/Campbell at the end) but they had 2 or 3 off the line – had numerous other moments where they nearly got in and genuinely looked like they might score from every attack – particularly after the break. The changes did not help but even long before this – the flow of the game had been set. I am not sure what he does in midfield as Soumare is dreadful. Hamer should have come off for me as he was offering nothing but he won’t take him or Arblaster off seemingly – even though they were two of our worst players? Brooks seems to have been thrown out again after some good performances and we ended up with a Phil Parkinson side completely out coaching us. It was not just about crosses and power despite the obvious Wrexham narrative. They did score goals from these areas but they also played better football than us and kept the ball far better. Wilder seems incapable of changing when teams have advantages and just throws on a striker or winger. We never seem to change shape to combat things and an ordinary Wrexham side put us to the sword. To go from 3-1 up at relatively limited side and lose 5-3 is embarrassing but shows where we are at – nowhere near a playoff side and still in a fair bit of trouble. We have seen some shoots of positivity of course in recent games (Stoke and Brum the main two) but the same weaknesses remain sadly. I would worry if this team is in a relegation battle come the business end as they have the hear of a pea most of them. Players who have been better recently – Bindon and McCallum- were awful and Cooper continues to struggle but for all the errors will discuss in ratings – the lack of control we have over games is an even bigger issue.



We have no legs in midfield (we did not have them with Peck – so even more shown up now) and the lack of height in here means we lost most things aerially too. With Hamer a luxury player, it means that we are often outnumbered and outran in here and simply do not see enough of the ball. When we have it we throw it away. Bamford, O’Hare and Seriki did well first half but the second half I think every single one of the eleven/subs lost their battles and seemed to have no intensity or running power. We looked done again after about 35 minutes. This must be changed – whether it is individuals playing or from the fitness department. We cannot keep our pressing and intensity up for more than like 20 minutes in games. So, if teams move it forward quickly, swarm around the ball and drop on loose bits, we fall apart. The players looked incapable of changing it and with the coaching staff also having the same inertia, it meant as soon as they made it 3-3, we knew what would happen. A good manager surely changes it there and then and we have a different shape to stop the ball coming at us. The fourth goal comes with 15 minutes left but he is essentially one on one? That shows the issues with the shape and lack of control we have in games.



The stats of the game at the end are massively lopsided for them – chances, touches in the box, dules won, passes completed. 5-3 actually flattered us in the end but I suppose after leading 3-1 and having chances, you can argue we deserved to score 3 goals but they could have had even more. They were more powerful, determined, quicker and more purposeful much of the game. 2 or 3 neat moves and decent goals cover us a largely woeful performance and we were well beaten even if they did have to turn it around and scored fairly late on.



I think we have seen enough of this group (under Selles and Wilder) to suggest they are not a side of winners and when the going gets tough, we implode. It is a shame as they is some talent and some experience that should do better but too many players are way too inconsistent too and means we can play well one week and then play like we did tonight and at WBA. Wilder can keep saying he will change things but he will have to change an awful lot -with limited funds to get the side to have a different mentality. He also had to look at some of his own coaching and question why almost every game we get worse after half time? Tonight was as bad as West Brom in many ways – as we had the game won really (but the reality is we never looked like we were comfortable and that sums it up). A lot of players seemed to be looking round at others by full time. They do not seem particularly together as a group and when we concede, we just fall apart. People may say it is only one game but after WBA the other week and many of the game we saw both under Selles/Wilder, tonight has been more the norm than the Stoke/Brum wins, which look more like the exception. This is the 2nd time we have conceded five goals in a game this season. I do not think it will be last sadly.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Cooper 2.5/10 – Five goals conceded. He had no chance on the first but again is rooted to his line. He used to come and take crosses. The second goal is a casing point. The defence should do better but it is right inside his six-yard box isn’t it? The third goal he has little chance but the fourth seems to beat him quite easily. He only made one save of note all game – the rest just go in way too easily. He does not have the mobility and any balls into the box; he is almost glued to the ground. His kicking also remains terrible. Whether he has an injury or not- we need a new keeper to add competition and probably replace him as he is nowhere near the keeper of last season. Not given much protection and I suppose none of the goals were glaring errors but hard to say much positive about him.



Seriki 5/10 - Attacking wide first half good and made two goals with crosses. He had a few other good moments and our main threat to create but defensively gave his man way too much room – on the first goal and then throughout. Second half he never got forward and they continued to attack at will down his side. Not helped by Chong or Hamer who never helped him by getting back. For his attacking play he might be a 7.5 but defensively he was poor and gave his man too much time – not helped by issue in front (giving the ball away). Cannot give him more than 5 when the man of the match was down his side.



McCallum 2/10 – His worst performance of the season. Left his man unmarked on the first, he then gave it away in the lead up to the second goal and then the third, he just gets under the ball and his man scores. Normally good in the air too. His passing and distribution was poor too.



Bindon 2/10 – Played superbly last week but maybe that was a one off as for the most part in his United career he has looked clumsy, slow, and weak. Add in errors and we have seen why he was not playing. Tonight, he was back to the very low standard we saw under Selles. He scores an own goal – where he does not sort his feet out, chops his man down for a free kick and generally got outmuscled and moved around all game. Summed it up with a rash tackle for the penalty and got booked. Had a very uncomfortable afternoon. Surely we can find better in January? Just hope Mee can come back soon but he was hardly convincing? The same issues at the back are there. We signed him, Tanganga, Mee, McGuiness and the Zatterstrom. None have shown they are commanding or solid enough consistently, evidenced by how easily we ship goals.



Tanganga 3.5/10 –Made a few blocks at least but he was overpowered by Moore on the headed goal (not a surprise when he seems almost a foot smaller than him!) and then the third gets back too late (reminded me of the Sunderland first goal at Wembley). He was not helped by nobody in front keeping the ball or winning any loose balls at all. I would say for the money we allegedly invested; he has not been quite as I expected. He is not dominant and quite small for a centre back. We still need a big, commanding centre back.



Riedewald 3/10 – Not his night at all. Never got a foothold of the game, seemed quite slow and gave it away a few times too. Committed some silly fouls and they seemed too quick for us in the middle. We had no control of midfield all game. They just won the ball and ran through us.



Arblaster 2/10 – He cleared two off the line but thought he was largely woeful tonight. He gave it away constantly, looked slow and unfit and always at full stretch. Missed a good chance at 3-3 too. He looks way off the level he was – granted been out a long time. We saw a better showing last week but this was v 10 men and so was easier for him but against a strong, fit and physical Parkinson midfield, he and Riedewald got overpowered and never saw the ball. Lucky not to concede a penalty and he was always seeing the ball get away from him. Worrying that he seems to lack the running power he always used to have. Just hope it is a fitness thing but he is nowhere near it on most of the games we have seen and we need to bring another midfielder in. He needs games to get stronger but we cannot carry players sadly. It shows that how desperate we are that we are flogging him in games rather than play the woeful Soumare or Matos.



O’Hare 6/10 – Started really well and involved in all of our good attacking stuff. Worked really hard and every decent move, he seemed to be involved in. Helped set up the first, then scored the third. He also dummied the chance for the Chong effort. He dropped off badly after half time and barely saw him – hence the lower mark.



Hamer 3/10 – Largely anonymous again. He is not contributing enough. We see flashes – the chance created for Blaster or the free kick but mostly he just wanders around, gives it away cheaply and then concedes stupid fouls. We got outnumbered in midfield so often and his lack of discipline is the main issue. I would be tempted to say stay up top off a striker and do not come back – when he does he just fouls players or does not really help out. I would not be averse to selling him in January but not sure we would get much for him and probably struggle to get our money back. Clearly a talented player but he rarely if ever takes games by the scruff of the neck. Today at 2-3, you wanted him to get hold of the ball, help us keep control but completely disappeared. Same as at Wembley. He is very frustrating. People may say you have to live with the lack of defensive work or fitness issues but it’s more than that – I want him to get on the ball, keep it and make things happen. He rarely had done that this season. A lot has been made of Selles, defensive issues or the drop off from Cooper/ Burrows etc but he had had a poor season – albeit injured for spells – and now not sure anyone would talk about him being one of the best players in the division.



Chong 2/10 – Defensively he left us completely exposed and his man was man of the match. Flattered to deceive but he at least helped us keep it for spells as we looked dangerous down this side. He missed a good chance at 3-1 – score this and it is maybe game over but probably not with us! He is neat and tidy but lacks power and acceleration and think Brooks was playing well so harsh to be left out now. He did not help Seriki out at all either as they kept coming down this side. It was as bad after he went off though to be fair with Hamer not even trying to get back.



Bamford 7.5/10 – Scored a superb goal and a well taken second. Could have have another few with decent runs and one shot over/another blocked. He looked a threat and they struggled to hold his movement and clever play. After the break saw less of him and he was taken off. Worrying that he has not re-signed yet and you worry if rumours about him signing in the MLS, may come to fruition.



Subs -



Burrows 3/10 – Another struggle. He did put one good cross in but then after this, he was not really in the game from an attacking sense and the ball kept coming off him or he made poor decisions. His drop off in form has mirrored Coopers – the worry is McCallum looked more like the player we saw last season.



Soumare 2/10 – Gave it away a few times and continued to look a rabbit in headlights. We were still level at 3-3 when he entered the field. There were others who made errors but he supposed to give us some energy and maybe win a few balls in there – he did neither of these and continued to look like a player who is way out of his depth. Surely if we can end the loan, we will do in the window?



Campbell 4/10 – Ran one our but at this stage we were not seeing the ball and so it was hard for anyone up the top. His effort at the end was a snap shot and decent really and a bit unlucky.



Ings – Only on the final stages. Not sure he touched it as the game was done.



Brooks – As above.



Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Gets a few marks for the way we attacked early on but that is generous he even gets 2/10! He cannot keep blaming the players. We keep seeing the same thing, where we throw away games and cannot keep leads. He does not amend the shape, tactics and seems unable to get his messages across at half time. He is supposed to be a top motivator and gets the best out of players but not sure that is happening really? Man for man we should not be getting outplayed by Wrexham at all but individually and collectively they were better. Parkinson knew our weaknesses from crosses and down the sides – getting it forward quickly and despite seeing they had issues at the back, we were unable to exploit them, liked they did against us. The changes made us even worse. He should have made tactical and shape changes at the break when you could see they were on top but once again, he did nothing and the result was rather predictable. He keeps talking about how he will not allow such things but it keeps happening – maybe they are not able to follow his instructions and/or maybe they are not taking on board what he is wanting? Structurally after the half oif games we look a total mess and teams get it forward, we lack the running power to get back and they create lots of chances. In terms of the side, 8 of the 11 and 4 of the 5 subs are his players so not buying all this – it’s Selles players too. Credit for him for the recent upturn and we have been far better than the mess of the start of the season but the performances at WBA and Wrexham have been totally unacceptable. The old mantra we have of ‘out run, out fight, and out work’ is happening for our opponents too often. I worry long term what the plan is under him and the new owners. I still think we won’t go down – but we are still in big trouble – but not sure what I see that makes me thing tactically we can improve under him and the coaching staff? We will have less money and bring in probably weaker players with a lesser budget so the emphasis is going to be more on coaching and tactics to get the best out of players (motivation) but at the moment I am concerned those things he was so good at, he is struggling with now.



Wrexham – I saw wildly different predictions start of the season. Some had them challenging for promotion and in or around the playoffs, whilst others thought they may be a in a relegation scrap. Seemed like no one was quite sure of their ceiling. They bought some experienced Championship players but I was concerned also about the limitations of Parkinson and his rather direct/basic style. Moore seemed perfect for it and has scored a lot of goals as they get it forward and do get crosses in. He was not as bad as some made out for us and provided us a focal point we do not now have but he will always be remembered for that error in the Play Off final. I do remember some terrible games from him for us and not that sad we moved on from him but he does provide a nuisance for teams. Tonight, we always knew he would score and he did (twice).



I do not think they will worry the playoffs but will not be near the bottom and think mid table is where they will end up – which is fine for their first season at this level. They have spent a lot and some of the signings were hugely overpriced (Broadhead, Doyle etc) and I thought they looked shocking at the back with poor centre backs and a dodgy keeper but even though we scored three, we did not keep going at them and sat back and they took over. They put over some great crosses and scored some good goals – from their perspective. The second half they fought back well and showed a resilience and strength of character our set of weaklings do no have. I am not sure they have better players but to many of ours just looked like they were looking at others or feeling sorry for themselves and Wrexham fought hard, won first and second balls and were worthy winners. Moore and Windass caused us problems but the lad Thomason was outstanding.





Opponent Man of the Match – Thomason. Non stop energy, crosses of real quality and we never really got to grips with him.



Opponent Weak link – The keeper looks shocking whenever I see him and his error led to the third but the two centre backs were poor but not exploited.



Referee / Officials – Kitchen got some jip from the Wrexham fans (technically neither was a penalty – first one Moore was marginally offside it looked and the Bindon one hit his chest. They did have a few that went against them but as the game went on, he started to give them most 50-50’s but to be fair they won more tackles and competed more. We barely won a ball and so it was obvious they would get more free kicks as they were doing most of the attacking. The penalty, on some replays looks like he went down easy but others can see why he gave it. My snap reaction was, ‘penalty, stupid tackle’ so I have no issues with the award. Outside of this we picked up some stupid bookings again (Hamer) and the just got outmuscled and outfought as we showed how spineless we are, when teams become physical and up the intensity. Referees are the least of our issues when perform like that tonight.

 

[Addison]

Leicester, Preston. Coventry, West Brom and now Wrexham the second half fall off is alarming. All games under the current manager. In four of the five games the opposition manager changed tactics and we couldn't cope. Today Wrexham didnt need to they just played the same way all game and we failed miserably to deal with it. So those putting it all at Selles door are just looking for excuses. At half time everyone could see Wrexham had control of the middle and were exposing our full backs due to the fact Chong and Hamer were giving them no protection. What does the manager do nothing until we concede our customary goal 10 minutes into the second half. At 3-3 we are still in the game and you wait for the tactical switch minimum Chong off for Brooks. Yet we put a left back at LCB into a three and he McCallum gets progressively worse from that point onwards. I can only surmise CW is missing Jackie long throw so much he's desperate to repeat his mistake of the last 2 years in playing a left back at centre half. Game was lost at that point.

Score bit harsh on Seriki. He was very good first half but had no protection in front if him. Would have given him a point more for the quality of the crosses for the first two goals. Agree only Bamford and COH were the others to come out with any credit. The Bindon experiment failed miserably today. Can we play Ben Mee next game with his arm in a sling!

Arblaster and Jairo were two of the poorest players on the pitch. One is no where near fit the other seems to be carrying an injury. They got no help from Hamer who just strolled through the game. Chong instead of Brooks was just baffling.

To be out coached by a dinosaur like Parkinson confirmed there is a serious problem on the touchline. They seem incapable of stemming the tide. The inability to change tactics and substitutions lost us a game again today from a winning position. We are now back in a relegation battle and you wonder who will want to come in the JTW to a team so lacking in desire and bereft of ideas when the pressure is on.

 

[Deaneandagana]

Leicester, Preston. Coventry, West Brom and now Wrexham the second half fall off is alarming. All games under the current manager. In four of the five games the opposition manager changed tactics and we couldn't cope. Today Wrexham didnt need to they just played the same way all game and we failed miserably to deal with it. So those putting it all at Selles door are just looking for excuses. At half time everyone could see Wrexham had control of the middle and were exposing our full backs due to the fact Chong and Hamer were giving them no protection. What does the manager do nothing until we concede our customary goal 10 minutes into the second half. At 3-3 we are still in the game and you wait for the tactical switch minimum Chong off for Brooks. Yet we put a left back at LCB into a three and he McCallum gets progressively worse from that point onwards. I can only surmise CW is missing Jackie long throw so much he's desperate to repeat his mistake of the last 2 years in playing a left back at centre half. Game was lost at that point.

Score bit harsh on Seriki. He was very good first half but had no protection in front if him. Would have given him a point more for the quality of the crosses for the first two goals. Agree only Bamford and COH were the others to come out with any credit. The Bindon experiment failed miserably today. Can we play Ben Mee next game with his arm in a sling!

Arblaster and Jairo were two of the poorest players on the pitch. One is no where near fit the other seems to be carrying an injury. They got no help from Hamer who just strolled through the game. Chong instead of Brooks was just baffling.

To be out coached by a dinosaur like Parkinson confirmed there is a serious problem on the touchline. They seem incapable of stemming the tide. The inability to change tactics and substitutions lost us a game again today from a winning position. We are now back in a relegation battle and you wonder who will want to come in the JTW to a team so lacking in desire and bereft of ideas when the pressure is on.

Always quick to criticise, I note no comments from the Birmingham game??

 

[Northernsoulblade]

Cheers deadbat nice report 2nd half totally bottled it unfit weak and got what we deserved should be ashamed of themselves

 

[Tarqs]

Leicester, Preston. Coventry, West Brom and now Wrexham the second half fall off is alarming. All games under the current manager. In four of the five games the opposition manager changed tactics and we couldn't cope. Today Wrexham didnt need to they just played the same way all game and we failed miserably to deal with it. So those putting it all at Selles door are just looking for excuses. At half time everyone could see Wrexham had control of the middle and were exposing our full backs due to the fact Chong and Hamer were giving them no protection. What does the manager do nothing until we concede our customary goal 10 minutes into the second half. At 3-3 we are still in the game and you wait for the tactical switch minimum Chong off for Brooks. Yet we put a left back at LCB into a three and he McCallum gets progressively worse from that point onwards. I can only surmise CW is missing Jackie long throw so much he's desperate to repeat his mistake of the last 2 years in playing a left back at centre half. Game was lost at that point.

Score bit harsh on Seriki. He was very good first half but had no protection in front if him. Would have given him a point more for the quality of the crosses for the first two goals. Agree only Bamford and COH were the others to come out with any credit. The Bindon experiment failed miserably today. Can we play Ben Mee next game with his arm in a sling!

Arblaster and Jairo were two of the poorest players on the pitch. One is no where near fit the other seems to be carrying an injury. They got no help from Hamer who just strolled through the game. Chong instead of Brooks was just baffling.

To be out coached by a dinosaur like Parkinson confirmed there is a serious problem on the touchline. They seem incapable of stemming the tide. The inability to change tactics and substitutions lost us a game again today from a winning position. We are now back in a relegation battle and you wonder who will want to come in the JTW to a team so lacking in desire and bereft of ideas when the pressure is on.

Forget selles.

Look at us last season, second halves we were abysmal.

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Spot on DB.

Despite the first 20 minutes and going 3-1 up, we simply cannot control the tempo of a game with possession football. After that good start we were outplayed all over the pitch.

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Wilder must really dislike Brooks. Any opportunity to bench him and he takes it straight away, no matter how well he has played.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I just do not rate Chong at all. I do not see what he contributes. Two empty spaces where ( a fat, lumbering) Hamer ought to have been - and Chong ought to have been. Both should been withdrawn at half time. What Hamer gets away with is staggering.

 

[groveblade]

Ratings:



Cooper 2.5/10 – Five goals conceded. He had no chance on the first but again is rooted to his line. He used to come and take crosses. The second goal is a casing point. The defence should do better but it is right inside his six-yard box isn’t it? The third goal he has little chance but the fourth seems to beat him quite easily. He only made one save of note all game – the rest just go in way too easily. He does not have the mobility and any balls into the box; he is almost glued to the ground. His kicking also remains terrible. Whether he has an injury or not- we need a new keeper to add competition and probably replace him as he is nowhere near the keeper of last season. Not given much protection and I suppose none of the goals were glaring errors but hard to say much positive about him.



Seriki 5/10 - Attacking wide first half good and made two goals with crosses. He had a few other good moments and our main threat to create but defensively gave his man way too much room – on the first goal and then throughout. Second half he never got forward and they continued to attack at will down his side. Not helped by Chong or Hamer who never helped him by getting back. For his attacking play he might be a 7.5 but defensively he was poor and gave his man too much time – not helped by issue in front (giving the ball away). Cannot give him more than 5 when the man of the match was down his side.



McCallum 2/10 – His worst performance of the season. Left his man unmarked on the first, he then gave it away in the lead up to the second goal and then the third, he just gets under the ball and his man scores. Normally good in the air too. His passing and distribution was poor too.



Bindon 2/10 – Played superbly last week but maybe that was a one off as for the most part in his United career he has looked clumsy, slow, and weak. Add in errors and we have seen why he was not playing. Tonight, he was back to the very low standard we saw under Selles. He scores an own goal – where he does not sort his feet out, chops his man down for a free kick and generally got outmuscled and moved around all game. Summed it up with a rash tackle for the penalty and got booked. Had a very uncomfortable afternoon. Surely we can find better in January? Just hope Mee can come back soon but he was hardly convincing? The same issues at the back are there. We signed him, Tanganga, Mee, McGuiness and the Zatterstrom. None have shown they are commanding or solid enough consistently, evidenced by how easily we ship goals.



Tanganga 3.5/10 –Made a few blocks at least but he was overpowered by Moore on the headed goal (not a surprise when he seems almost a foot smaller than him!) and then the third gets back too late (reminded me of the Sunderland first goal at Wembley). He was not helped by nobody in front keeping the ball or winning any loose balls at all. I would say for the money we allegedly invested; he has not been quite as I expected. He is not dominant and quite small for a centre back. We still need a big, commanding centre back.



Riedewald 3/10 – Not his night at all. Never got a foothold of the game, seemed quite slow and gave it away a few times too. Committed some silly fouls and they seemed too quick for us in the middle. We had no control of midfield all game. They just won the ball and ran through us.



Arblaster 2/10 – He cleared two off the line but thought he was largely woeful tonight. He gave it away constantly, looked slow and unfit and always at full stretch. Missed a good chance at 3-3 too. He looks way off the level he was – granted been out a long time. We saw a better showing last week but this was v 10 men and so was easier for him but against a strong, fit and physical Parkinson midfield, he and Riedewald got overpowered and never saw the ball. Lucky not to concede a penalty and he was always seeing the ball get away from him. Worrying that he seems to lack the running power he always used to have. Just hope it is a fitness thing but he is nowhere near it on most of the games we have seen and we need to bring another midfielder in. He needs games to get stronger but we cannot carry players sadly. It shows that how desperate we are that we are flogging him in games rather than play the woeful Soumare or Matos.



O’Hare 6/10 – Started really well and involved in all of our good attacking stuff. Worked really hard and every decent move, he seemed to be involved in. Helped set up the first, then scored the third. He also dummied the chance for the Chong effort. He dropped off badly after half time and barely saw him – hence the lower mark.



Hamer 3/10 – Largely anonymous again. He is not contributing enough. We see flashes – the chance created for Blaster or the free kick but mostly he just wanders around, gives it away cheaply and then concedes stupid fouls. We got outnumbered in midfield so often and his lack of discipline is the main issue. I would be tempted to say stay up top off a striker and do not come back – when he does he just fouls players or does not really help out. I would not be averse to selling him in January but not sure we would get much for him and probably struggle to get our money back. Clearly a talented player but he rarely if ever takes games by the scruff of the neck. Today at 2-3, you wanted him to get hold of the ball, help us keep control but completely disappeared. Same as at Wembley. He is very frustrating. People may say you have to live with the lack of defensive work or fitness issues but it’s more than that – I want him to get on the ball, keep it and make things happen. He rarely had done that this season. A lot has been made of Selles, defensive issues or the drop off from Cooper/ Burrows etc but he had had a poor season – albeit injured for spells – and now not sure anyone would talk about him being one of the best players in the division.



Chong 2/10 – Defensively he left us completely exposed and his man was man of the match. Flattered to deceive but he at least helped us keep it for spells as we looked dangerous down this side. He missed a good chance at 3-1 – score this and it is maybe game over but probably not with us! He is neat and tidy but lacks power and acceleration and think Brooks was playing well so harsh to be left out now. He did not help Seriki out at all either as they kept coming down this side. It was as bad after he went off though to be fair with Hamer not even trying to get back.



Bamford 7.5/10 – Scored a superb goal and a well taken second. Could have have another few with decent runs and one shot over/another blocked. He looked a threat and they struggled to hold his movement and clever play. After the break saw less of him and he was taken off. Worrying that he has not re-signed yet and you worry if rumours about him signing in the MLS, may come to fruition.



Subs -



Burrows 3/10 – Another struggle. He did put one good cross in but then after this, he was not really in the game from an attacking sense and the ball kept coming off him or he made poor decisions. His drop off in form has mirrored Coopers – the worry is McCallum looked more like the player we saw last season.



Soumare 2/10 – Gave it away a few times and continued to look a rabbit in headlights. We were still level at 3-3 when he entered the field. There were others who made errors but he supposed to give us some energy and maybe win a few balls in there – he did neither of these and continued to look like a player who is way out of his depth. Surely if we can end the loan, we will do in the window?



Campbell 4/10 – Ran one our but at this stage we were not seeing the ball and so it was hard for anyone up the top. His effort at the end was a snap shot and decent really and a bit unlucky.



Ings – Only on the final stages. Not sure he touched it as the game was done.



Brooks – As above.



Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Gets a few marks for the way we attacked early on but that is generous he even gets 2/10! He cannot keep blaming the players. We keep seeing the same thing, where we throw away games and cannot keep leads. He does not amend the shape, tactics and seems unable to get his messages across at half time. He is supposed to be a top motivator and gets the best out of players but not sure that is happening really? Man for man we should not be getting outplayed by Wrexham at all but individually and collectively they were better. Parkinson knew our weaknesses from crosses and down the sides – getting it forward quickly and despite seeing they had issues at the back, we were unable to exploit them, liked they did against us. The changes made us even worse. He should have made tactical and shape changes at the break when you could see they were on top but once again, he did nothing and the result was rather predictable. He keeps talking about how he will not allow such things but it keeps happening – maybe they are not able to follow his instructions and/or maybe they are not taking on board what he is wanting? Structurally after the half oif games we look a total mess and teams get it forward, we lack the running power to get back and they create lots of chances. In terms of the side, 8 of the 11 and 4 of the 5 subs are his players so not buying all this – it’s Selles players too. Credit for him for the recent upturn and we have been far better than the mess of the start of the season but the performances at WBA and Wrexham have been totally unacceptable. The old mantra we have of ‘out run, out fight, and out work’ is happening for our opponents too often. I worry long term what the plan is under him and the new owners. I still think we won’t go down – but we are still in big trouble – but not sure what I see that makes me thing tactically we can improve under him and the coaching staff? We will have less money and bring in probably weaker players with a lesser budget so the emphasis is going to be more on coaching and tactics to get the best out of players (motivation) but at the moment I am concerned those things he was so good at, he is struggling with now.



Wrexham – I saw wildly different predictions start of the season. Some had them challenging for promotion and in or around the playoffs, whilst others thought they may be a in a relegation scrap. Seemed like no one was quite sure of their ceiling. They bought some experienced Championship players but I was concerned also about the limitations of Parkinson and his rather direct/basic style. Moore seemed perfect for it and has scored a lot of goals as they get it forward and do get crosses in. He was not as bad as some made out for us and provided us a focal point we do not now have but he will always be remembered for that error in the Play Off final. I do remember some terrible games from him for us and not that sad we moved on from him but he does provide a nuisance for teams. Tonight, we always knew he would score and he did (twice).



I do not think they will worry the playoffs but will not be near the bottom and think mid table is where they will end up – which is fine for their first season at this level. They have spent a lot and some of the signings were hugely overpriced (Broadhead, Doyle etc) and I thought they looked shocking at the back with poor centre backs and a dodgy keeper but even though we scored three, we did not keep going at them and sat back and they took over. They put over some great crosses and scored some good goals – from their perspective. The second half they fought back well and showed a resilience and strength of character our set of weaklings do no have. I am not sure they have better players but to many of ours just looked like they were looking at others or feeling sorry for themselves and Wrexham fought hard, won first and second balls and were worthy winners. Moore and Windass caused us problems but the lad Thomason was outstanding.





Opponent Man of the Match – Thomason. Non stop energy, crosses of real quality and we never really got to grips with him.



Opponent Weak link – The keeper looks shocking whenever I see him and his error led to the third but the two centre backs were poor but not exploited.



Referee / Officials – Kitchen got some jip from the Wrexham fans (technically neither was a penalty – first one Moore was marginally offside it looked and the Bindon one hit his chest. They did have a few that went against them but as the game went on, he started to give them most 50-50’s but to be fair they won more tackles and competed more. We barely won a ball and so it was obvious they would get more free kicks as they were doing most of the attacking. The penalty, on some replays looks like he went down easy but others can see why he gave it. My snap reaction was, ‘penalty, stupid tackle’ so I have no issues with the award. Outside of this we picked up some stupid bookings again (Hamer) and the just got outmuscled and outfought as we showed how spineless we are, when teams become physical and up the intensity. Referees are the least of our issues when perform like that tonight.

Just a minor grammatical thing:
* It's "case in point", rather than "casing point".

UTB!!

 

[breeny]

Chong/Binden clearly not good enough. Hamer, not contributing enough. Arblaster and Jairo clearly too slow and were totally dominated. Soumare is not a championship midfielder. Absolute mess.

 

[Blacksea]

I watched the Boro v Blackburn game in the afternoon,and the way Blackburn set up and handled Boro as the game progressed was a masterclass in what we needed to be doing last night,by the end Boro had long ran out of ideas and Blackburn were just casually pushing the ball around,keeping it,going forward,not inviting pressure,even Blackburn on this showing are streets ahead of us in every aspect of how to game manage with clever players who can do the basics and a bit more besides.

 

[coaxingstar71]

The way we are playing at the moment and what was evident in this game, was that we look like Porterfield's team from the 1980's. We can play nice football and beat teams comfortably that allow us to play how we want, but when we come up against a strong, more physical and direct team, we fall apart. It was like when Bassett's Wimbledon regularly bullied us during that period. We've become a soft touch and not up for a battle.

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

I’m like a broken record. Good stuff for 30 minutes,tactical break,the opposite manager tweaks formations and Wilder cannot respond. There is no calm when leading with the football,everything rushed and hence no ball retention. We retreat 10 yards,players get drained by constantly running backwards. A mess with the players at his disposal. If Bamford has any sense,we will go across the pond in January. Don’t get me started on his treatment again, of Andre Brooks.

 

[Bell4]

Just a minor grammatical thing:
* It's "case in point", rather than "casing point".

UTB!!

Oi

That’s my job …

 

[Keen Blade]

Always quick to criticise, I note no comments from the Birmingham game??

Just facts , presented accurately.

The forum ought to be a review of the club & team ,
Not a critique of other posters.

Let's have your comments on last night's debacle , if you diagree

 

[Keen Blade]

I just do not rate Chong at all. I do not see what he contributes. Two empty spaces where ( a fat, lumbering) Hamer ought to have been - and Chong ought to have been. Both should been withdrawn at half time. What Hamer gets away with is staggering.

I hope Hamer leaves in January , we are carrying the fat lump and it's getting tedious

 

[Keen Blade]

I watched the Boro v Blackburn game in the afternoon,and the way Blackburn set up and handled Boro as the game progressed was a masterclass in what we needed to be doing last night,by the end Boro had long ran out of ideas and Blackburn were just casually pushing the ball around,keeping it,going forward,not inviting pressure,even Blackburn on this showing are streets ahead of us in every aspect of how to game manage with clever players who can do the basics and a bit more besides.

Our fitness is certainly questionable.

But what's more worrying is that our players have the brains of a rocking horse.
(as Harry Bassett sometimes said)

It doesn't need the manager to tell Chong that if Seriki is up the pitch creating goals & chances ,
Then he - Chong - needs to feckin get back and help when we lose possession.

Chong is bone thick or bone idle and on the other side Hamer is now too slow & fat to be in the team.

Fuck me , I'm 67 and 14 stone but I could get about the pitch more effectively than him.

And Wilder is as daft as brush with substitutions - the whole thing is amateur in the extreme and totally unacceptable.

FFS get some players with brains in January.
Especially if they are stronger , more athletic and determined than my dead Grandma.

Winning 3-1 away and concede 4 on the trot ?
Under Bassett , they would all be getting a good slap round the chops.

Football has gone , it's too easy to pick up big money for pathetic effort.

 

[Blacksea]

Midfield has to be priority this January,we need some mobile defensive players who can do a bit going forward,protect the defence and break up our opponents attacks and get some semblance of control of a game.
Our defenders,flawed as they are,were just shell shocked and panicked at the way Wrexham were just walking through midfield and leaving the defence to fire fight all across the back line,at least strengthening here might enable us to keep the home form going and get enough points to keep us out of the 2 relegation spaces through giving more protection and breathing space in home games when opponents sit back a bit more and maybe restore some semblance of normality and order to away games when we need to either keep the ball,win second balls and get robust tackles in to actually get some possession in the first place.

 

[Keen Blade]

I’m like a broken record. Good stuff for 30 minutes,tactical break,the opposite manager tweaks formations and Wilder cannot respond. There is no calm when leading with the football,everything rushed and hence no ball retention. We retreat 10 yards,players get drained by constantly running backwards. A mess with the players at his disposal. If Bamford has any sense,we will go across the pond in January. Don’t get me started on his treatment again, of Andre Brooks.

Bamford's arrival as a hardworking intelligent player has demonstrated just how bone idle and/or stupid too many of ours are.
I can't see him staying with us.

And our manager ?
Once it starts to drift away from us , has he ever managed to pull it back on track with changes in shape or personnel ?

 

[Keen Blade]

Midfield has to be priority this January,we need some mobile defensive players who can do a bit going forward,protect the defence and break up our opponents attacks and get some semblance of control of a game.
Our defenders,flawed as they are,were just shell shocked and panicked at the way Wrexham were just walking through midfield and leaving the defence to fire fight all across the back line,at least strengthening here might enable us to keep the home form going and get enough points to keep us out of the 2 relegation spaces through giving more protection and breathing space in home games when opponents sit back a bit more and maybe restore some semblance of normality and order to away games when we need to either keep the ball,win second balls and get robust tackles in to actually get some possession in the first place.

I don't think we won a second ball the entire second half.
Unforgivable , given our wage bill.

 

[Blacksea]

I watched the Boro v Blackburn game in the afternoon,and the way Blackburn set up and handled Boro as the game progressed was a masterclass in what we needed to be doing last night,by the end Boro had long ran out of ideas and Blackburn were just casually pushing the ball around,keeping it,going forward,not inviting pressure,even Blackburn on this showing are streets ahead of us in every aspect of how to game manage with clever players who can do the basics and a bit more besides.

Just noticed that the kid they had playing at centre half yesterday had not long since been recalled from a loan at Chorley and hardly has a first team appearance to his name,yet he can just fit in against the top end of the division,away,and his team mates took responsibility and helped him through the game,and he never looked out of place or in any way troubled or unable to cope with whatever Boro had to throw at him

 

[John Street West Terrace]

In short Parkys tactics worked , pressed us , by-passed the midfield & our defenders couldn’t cope with balls into the box .

Only pluses Bamford , Seriki & O’Hare

Cannot understand for the life of me why Wilder didn’t put another striker up top with Bamford as all he was getting fed on was long balls from Cooper after the first 20 mins & it just came straight back at us .

The midfield other than O’Hare was none existent , we desperately need some height & physical presence in there & Soumare isn’t the answer .

Repeat of the Preston collapse , absolutely no leaders or Captains out there on the pitch

The collapse was there for all to see & even when we’re winning we looked soft as shit

 

[BazWainwright]

Good write-up Deadbat. Worrying reading and a hugely disappointing game.

We've played a far better game with 4-4-2 this season than 4-2-3-1.

Two up top - the best being Bamford and Campbell - gives far better threat at the top of the pitch with more outlets. As Bamford tired we just looked less capable and tended to withdraw. That said, I think the Hamer-O'Hare-Chong threesome behind was wrong. Chong is a long way from being a EFL Championship attack-minded midfielder, O'Hare is left to do a lot of spadework and Gus clearly has his focus on elsewhere. Behind that, Riederweld yesterday was just swamped/pressed and dispossessed and I think Ollie A is a month from getting his previous capability back. I do think we are in a conundrum as to who is the best/worst central back four pairing. Tango is struggling and the rotation of Mee/McGuinness/Bindon is not giving us any consistency and solidity against different scenarios and teams. Last night Moore just ran them ragged. I couldn't imagine him getting much joy out of O'Connell and Egan back a few years. His first goal was a classic 'who had him for set-pieces?' mistake and his second although a great finish, showed Tangos lack of pace late on in the game.

Can anyone let me know in a sentence exactly what Soumare brings to our game, by the way? He, like so many others we have seen this season, seems to have been brought in on a FIFA 25 score rather than good old-fashioned match watching and scouting and figuring out exactly where and how to fit him into a system of football.

Like you, I can't fault Wrexham's desire not to be rolled over. Even at 3-1 they still looked like they could win it. Compare that to us at 5-3. The commentator said there was still a long way to go at that score and he'd been at the 5-5 Swindon match.

Stoke, Leicester and Oxford next, all of whom will have watched that Boxing Day mauling last night and figured out how best to deal with us. Wilder has a lot to do.

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Good write-up Deadbat. Worrying reading and a hugely disappointing game.

We've played a far better game with 4-4-2 this season than 4-2-3-1.

Two up top - the best being Bamford and Campbell - gives far better threat at the top of the pitch with more outlets. As Bamford tired we just looked less capable and tended to withdraw. That said, I think the Hamer-O'Hare-Chong threesome behind was wrong. Chong is a long way from being a EFL Championship attack-minded midfielder, O'Hare is left to do a lot of spadework and Gus clearly has his focus on elsewhere. Behind that, Riederweld yesterday was just swamped/pressed and dispossessed and I think Ollie A is a month from getting his previous capability back. I do think we are in a conundrum as to who is the best/worst central back four pairing. Tango is struggling and the rotation of Mee/McGuinness/Bindon is not giving us any consistency and solidity against different scenarios and teams. Last night Moore just ran them ragged. I couldn't imagine him getting much joy out of O'Connell and Egan back a few years. His first goal was a classic 'who had him for set-pieces?' mistake and his second although a great finish, showed Tangos lack of pace late on in the game.

Can anyone let me know in a sentence exactly what Soumare brings to our game, by the way? He, like so many others we have seen this season, seems to have been brought in on a FIFA 25 score rather than good old-fashioned match watching and scouting and figuring out exactly where and how to fit him into a system of football.

Like you, I can't fault Wrexham's desire not to be rolled over. Even at 3-1 they still looked like they could win it. Compare that to us at 5-3. The commentator said there was still a long way to go at that score and he'd been at the 5-5 Swindon match.

Stoke, Leicester and Oxford next, all of whom will have watched that Boxing Day mauling last night and figured out how best to deal with us. Wilder has a lot to do.

Campbell needed to come on much earlier. Either Hamer or Chong could have been hauled off to make way.

Let's not go too overboard in panning the attack though, fact is we scored 3 away from home in a single half, that deserves praise.

I think we all know true competition for Peck, Seriki, Cooper and Mee is what we're crying out for in the JTW, the earlier in Jan the better.

Pretty pissed of Moore never put a performance in like that for us, must have been playing at half steam the entire time prior to his op. Feels like we charitably rehabed him then let him go for peanuts once his rehab was complete Another James Bord masterstroke I suspect.

 

[bartman]

Campbell needed to come on much earlier. Either Hamer or Chong could have been hauled off to make way.

'Much earlier' is a bit of an understatement. I thought it was quite obvious that changes were needed half time.

It was clear we were strong enough in the air and were weren't getting getting close enough to their wide players.

The fact that the manager didn't adapt and change tactics/personnel at the break was bordering on incompetence

 

[bakeblade]

Good write-up Deadbat. Worrying reading and a hugely disappointing game.

We've played a far better game with 4-4-2 this season than 4-2-3-1.

Two up top - the best being Bamford and Campbell - gives far better threat at the top of the pitch with more outlets. As Bamford tired we just looked less capable and tended to withdraw. That said, I think the Hamer-O'Hare-Chong threesome behind was wrong. Chong is a long way from being a EFL Championship attack-minded midfielder, O'Hare is left to do a lot of spadework and Gus clearly has his focus on elsewhere. Behind that, Riederweld yesterday was just swamped/pressed and dispossessed and I think Ollie A is a month from getting his previous capability back. I do think we are in a conundrum as to who is the best/worst central back four pairing. Tango is struggling and the rotation of Mee/McGuinness/Bindon is not giving us any consistency and solidity against different scenarios and teams. Last night Moore just ran them ragged. I couldn't imagine him getting much joy out of O'Connell and Egan back a few years. His first goal was a classic 'who had him for set-pieces?' mistake and his second although a great finish, showed Tangos lack of pace late on in the game.

Can anyone let me know in a sentence exactly what Soumare brings to our game, by the way? He, like so many others we have seen this season, seems to have been brought in on a FIFA 25 score rather than good old-fashioned match watching and scouting and figuring out exactly where and how to fit him into a system of football.

Like you, I can't fault Wrexham's desire not to be rolled over. Even at 3-1 they still looked like they could win it. Compare that to us at 5-3. The commentator said there was still a long way to go at that score and he'd been at the 5-5 Swindon match.

Stoke, Leicester and Oxford next, all of whom will have watched that Boxing Day mauling last night and figured out how best to deal with us. Wilder has a lot to do.

Getting done by pace by Kieffer Moore is worrying

 

[KMC-1889]

Bamford's arrival as a hardworking intelligent player has demonstrated just how bone idle and/or stupid too many of ours are.
I can't see him staying with us.

And our manager ?
Once it starts to drift away from us , has he ever managed to pull it back on track with changes in shape or personnel ?

It’s been like this all the way back to the 3-3 Villa game. When Plan A works it looks fantastic but he cannot manage within the 90 minutes.

The issues with our midfield were there all last season as well.

 

[gordoncharles]

I said after last week's win that I would sooner see us continue trying to go forward and inevitably lose a few so I have to take this sort of thing on the chin.

The truth is that, even if the team management wanted to, this team is not good enough to be defensively minded, so the side may as well play to its strengths, which are in forward positions.

It's hardly worth repeating how badly we fade in so many games as it's already so obvious. The question is why it's not being addressed?

As for Moore, maybe he's in a side now which plays in a manner which suits him better. That's the purpose of the coach isn't it?

This should put paid to any idea that we can seriously expect to challenge for promotion; too many had got themselves all giddy about that. It's as likely as relegation (ie not very) despite the usual bi-polar nature of the forum after a good or bad result.