Deadbat
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Well, I cannot really do a full summary as I did not really see much of the first 20 mins due to bad streams (can get medicine for that I know!). After that, it cut out a fair bit and improved 2nd half. So will report what I did see - feel free to come at me for missing stuff! I did!
From what I did see, United put in a really solid, professional and calm performance where apart from the first minute chances - we were largely untroubled. First half we were good and deservedly led. We stopped off in the second half but finished strongly and were full value for the victory.
We scored a really good goal after the let off from the miss from Hirakawa. It was a beautiful strike from Arblaster. as it dropped to him. A dipping half volley and his first for a long, long time (Norwich away two years ago was it, before he got injured and only his 3rd in 63 for us). Kitching also had a few chances and hit the post of course. We looked like adding to it and were on top against an awful Bristol City side. We controlled the tempo and pinned them back and played higher up the field than other games.
After the earlier Tanganga error, the defence was solid. Phillips did what he had to and Arblaster put in a much-improved performance. Not convinced by any of the front four really and Cannon looked the most mobile of the lot - which is saying something but we still weirdly looked more threatening but was from set plays rather than general play.
At the break, it seemed very easy. Second half we dropped off for 20-25 minutes and thought we resorted to just lumping it and did not try and keep it. We did not get up the pitch and Wilder took too long to change some of the players who looked gassed. Fortunately, Bristol City offered the square root of sod all. One Ballard header and a few blocks from Kitching, Burrows and Tanganga but Cooper did not have a save to make. I just was annoyed we stopped doing what we had one so well and dropped deep. I was worried they might nick one, as we ceded possession and territory. I thought Bristol City were for the taking and we could kill the game. The game became stop start with stoppages and maybe this helped us.
We ended up using 6 subs due to McGuiness going off with concussion. The changes helped us and Bamford, One and Donovan allowed us to get up the field, carry the ball from the latter two and the former held it up and won some free kicks/corners. Tanganga nearly scored a second with a good save from Tickle but towards the end One had a good chance to finish it but blazed over. 9 minutes seemed a long time but was probably about right - there were at least two long stoppages and 9 subs (they had already put two on at HT). Yet we saw it out well with Donovan showing some brilliant individual skill and game management to help run the time out.
Overall, it was one of our better performances of the season - maybe best one away. We won the game deservedly and whilst the opponents were awful - we also helped limit them to nothing really after that early chance. Statistically, we actually looked better in key areas which has not been the case at all this season. Wednesday was frustrating as I think we get at least a draw without the red card but we bounced back well today. Would have taken one win from the two. We now have some very winnable games against Derby, Preston and Charlton - three teams that are all struggling. A great chance to put some performances and results together. I do think that there are options in Donvan and One that give us more than BBD/Ayew and Chong and would like them to get more game time. The pleasing thing is the defence was relatively solid and Kitching has been a steady signing. Burrows did ok too in his comeback. The two midfield lads despite fitness concerns, also did well in the middle of the park. Lot of positives from today. The style of play at times is too direct still and the second half drop off happened again but we did respond well and the changes allowed us to finish the better side.
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Cooper 6/10 – One good save at the beginning but was straight at him really but had to save it. Did everything else he has to but was largely untroubled. Got annoyed that Adebayo kept standing in front of him and was not always penalised. Took some crosses well.
Tanganga 6/10 – Began at right back but ended at centre back. Awful mistake nearly cost us but recovered well and after this he played quite well. Made a few decent blocks and then went to centre back and helped see off a few dangerous forwards.
Burrows 6.5/10 - Thought he looked assured and managed to get up and down, use the ball well and show he is a good footballer. Nothing outstanding but a few crosses sent over and did what he had too defensively. Ended up at right back due to McGuiness going off and Tanganga having to come inside. He has had a tough period with inconsistent form and injuries but he has shown he can be an asset at this level when playing well.
McGuiness 6.5/10 – Gets criticised a fair but again did what he had to and a solid game really where he headed it away and made sure he did not switch off. Got a fair old whack and then had to leave the field. Been through the wars this week. Hopefully he can recover for next week – not sure how long the concussion protocol is – rules seem very confusing?
Kitching 7/10 – He has quietly been one of our better performers this season. Been composed and really solid with few mistakes. Uses the ball well too. He could have scored twice and unlucky when one shot hit the post. Switched off once when Ballard headed over but generally a really solid game.
Phillips 7/10 – Did what he had to and first half, he helped us control this area. Got his foot in, made interceptions and moved it on. Nothing flashy but just did the basics well. I thought his set plays were mixed, with some good ones and then some that hit the first man. Good cross from open play for Kitching. Played the full 90 too which is pleasing and gets a week to recover. When he plays, he definitely makes us better but just needs to stay fit. Contender for our man of the match with Kitching.
Arblaster 7/10 – Pleased for him. I have been quite critical this season feeling he has contributed very little and not deserved the minutes he has gained really. I worry if he will ever get back to what he was, but today was a big step in the right direction. A solid showing where he got stuck in, was more involved and of course scored a great goal which was only a half chance. Got a whack before half time and did tire after the break and eventually went off.
Chong 5/10 –Thought our front four that started were poor and wasteful with the ball. Chong was not particularly involved in things and we seemed to go down the other side more perhaps? Quite game and second half he was even more of a peripheral figure.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 –As above. He played a few decent balls (the one to Tanganga for the chance) but another where the game passes him by. Really slow and some loose passes that set them on the way a few times. He did get his foot in a couple of times too. Not sure what he is offering currently – at least Chong has shown some flashes – not sure he has offered very much at all since coming back.
Ayew 5/10 – Thought he had a few touches early on and tried to link play but seemed woefully short of fitness and stamina and too often, he was slow to react. He was not dreadful but another that did not quite do enough even though we had a fair bit of the ball up top first half. Should have come off, long before he did.
Cannon 6/10 – He was better than the other three forward players but not sure he had much in the way of chances/creating anything for others. At least was able to put himself about and did hold it up a few times. Had a few efforts blocked out and thought improved when we had other forward options around him.
Subs –
McCallum 6/10 – Did what he had to as he made clearances and helped the ball down the line. Made us more solid down the left.
Donovan 7.5/10 – Gets highest mark joint but only on limited minutes. Thought he was really good when he came on. He ran the ball down the side, committed defenders, got us up the pitch and showed some great skills. The bit at the end where he beat a couple of men and won a corner was excellent and saw the game out. Surely, he deserves a start. We won the game but I am not sure that is down to BBD/Chong really?
Bamford 6.5/10 – Thought he held it up well when he came on. A few times he was looking for free kicks and then reacted and got booked at the end but he did win free kicks/bring others into play and showed his intelligence.
Peck 6/10 – Solid enough with a few tackles and interceptions. One move he did really well but then gave it away though.
One 6/10 – Lovely bit of skill to beat his man down the right and looked powerful when he got the ball but missed a big chance when he has to do better. Want to see more of him.
Baptiste – Final sub (and extra one) due to concussion. Just an extra defender to help us over the line.
Manager Rating: Wilder 7/10 – Credit to him and the coaching staff. I have been very critical this season and the stats/performances have been poor on the whole. We have picked up more points than we have deserved and had won 1 in 5, before today. I was worried we were definitely on the slide but today he changed the side, to freshen it up and whilst the forwards did not really have much impact, maybe this rested some (Peck, Bamford) that could come on and help us finish stronger. The first half was really good and we looked assured. Did not like the drop off and felt changes needed to come before they did but the subs did help us get control again. I would like to see one of erm One and Donovan as feel their pace can hurt teams more than the plodding BBD and Chong. Ayew looks miles off being an effective player at this level sadly but at least gave Bamford a rest I suppose? I think Wilder would have got hammered if we lost with their team he picked but we won so he rightly gets the credit. I thought we looked solid and had a good shape for the most part. Just wish we did not resort to wellying it out and going deep (which we did again for half of the second half). However, I am happy to be mid table in the league considering how we have played. A big chance to push on next few, before a really tricky final month before Xmas where we play some of the better sides.
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Bristol City – A club that seems to be going nowhere and just stuck in a loop of mid table Championship – sometimes a big higher, sometimes a bit lower. Have a wealthy owner but do not seem any closer to Premier League. They have gone backwards since making the playoffs against us (so have we!) and went from a young manager Manning to a foreign manager, who was axed and now gone back to an up and comer, Skubala. Season has been very inconsistent. Some decent wins often followed up by defeats. Inconsistent (like us) and do not have a clear way of playing either. They signed a few lower league strikers in Tolaj and Ballard – they also brought in Tickle - a goalie we were linked with. I prefer their approach to ours. Trying to sign players that may improve and have resale value. We did this with Cooper and Burrows but now seem to not even look at the lower leagues.
They have a mix of youth and experience but lack the quality and depth to be anywhere higher than the same old mid table position. There are about 10 teams like Bristol City (and us) who could finish anywhere from 9th to 18th. At a push a bit higher or lower – but highly unlikely. The fans do not seem happy and have had two rotten defeats at home to Blackburn and us and not scored in 5 home games. They have to improve at Ashton Gate. They looked a side low in confidence and never really tested us at all. I thought they would sense out vulnerability and get more crosses in and push us back but even second half when they had their best spell, they did not create anything really? The game finished with them lacking any kind of belief they would get back into it. They deserved nothing from the game. The fans let them have it at the end and rightly so.
Opposition player of the match – Hirakawa missed a sitter but he was still the main threat out wide and had a good tussle with Tanganga. He looked the most likely but nobody did look likely. Tickle was probably their next best player with a few good saves and had more to do than Cooper.
Opposition weak link – Twine normally does well against us but was quiet but his replacement, Adebayo was even worse when he came on. Kept chucking himself to the ground and also was cynical with persistent fouls and standing on Cooper illegally on kicks. Ballad was not in the game. Tolaj, the big striker they got from Plymouth seems to have been missed (injured?), as had scored a few goals.
Referee – Ben Speedie. Thought he could not be any worse than Langford?! Did the Fleetwood game this season but cannot remember the ref as was focusing on our dire performance. Fairly young ref and an up and comer – so type Wilder wants to see more of possibly? Did well today. Only the two late bookings – both deserved. Not sure there was anything controversial at all but he handled the game well and tried to keep it flowing. Not his fault, there kept being head injuries! The time added on was possibly right even though seemed a long time. We were timewasting a fair bit although Cooper had to wait to kick it out, as he had a man on him constantly. I will say, he should have booked Adebayo who kept standing on Cooper on his kicks and committed about 8 fouls!
From what I did see, United put in a really solid, professional and calm performance where apart from the first minute chances - we were largely untroubled. First half we were good and deservedly led. We stopped off in the second half but finished strongly and were full value for the victory.
We scored a really good goal after the let off from the miss from Hirakawa. It was a beautiful strike from Arblaster. as it dropped to him. A dipping half volley and his first for a long, long time (Norwich away two years ago was it, before he got injured and only his 3rd in 63 for us). Kitching also had a few chances and hit the post of course. We looked like adding to it and were on top against an awful Bristol City side. We controlled the tempo and pinned them back and played higher up the field than other games.
After the earlier Tanganga error, the defence was solid. Phillips did what he had to and Arblaster put in a much-improved performance. Not convinced by any of the front four really and Cannon looked the most mobile of the lot - which is saying something but we still weirdly looked more threatening but was from set plays rather than general play.
At the break, it seemed very easy. Second half we dropped off for 20-25 minutes and thought we resorted to just lumping it and did not try and keep it. We did not get up the pitch and Wilder took too long to change some of the players who looked gassed. Fortunately, Bristol City offered the square root of sod all. One Ballard header and a few blocks from Kitching, Burrows and Tanganga but Cooper did not have a save to make. I just was annoyed we stopped doing what we had one so well and dropped deep. I was worried they might nick one, as we ceded possession and territory. I thought Bristol City were for the taking and we could kill the game. The game became stop start with stoppages and maybe this helped us.
We ended up using 6 subs due to McGuiness going off with concussion. The changes helped us and Bamford, One and Donovan allowed us to get up the field, carry the ball from the latter two and the former held it up and won some free kicks/corners. Tanganga nearly scored a second with a good save from Tickle but towards the end One had a good chance to finish it but blazed over. 9 minutes seemed a long time but was probably about right - there were at least two long stoppages and 9 subs (they had already put two on at HT). Yet we saw it out well with Donovan showing some brilliant individual skill and game management to help run the time out.
Overall, it was one of our better performances of the season - maybe best one away. We won the game deservedly and whilst the opponents were awful - we also helped limit them to nothing really after that early chance. Statistically, we actually looked better in key areas which has not been the case at all this season. Wednesday was frustrating as I think we get at least a draw without the red card but we bounced back well today. Would have taken one win from the two. We now have some very winnable games against Derby, Preston and Charlton - three teams that are all struggling. A great chance to put some performances and results together. I do think that there are options in Donvan and One that give us more than BBD/Ayew and Chong and would like them to get more game time. The pleasing thing is the defence was relatively solid and Kitching has been a steady signing. Burrows did ok too in his comeback. The two midfield lads despite fitness concerns, also did well in the middle of the park. Lot of positives from today. The style of play at times is too direct still and the second half drop off happened again but we did respond well and the changes allowed us to finish the better side.
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Cooper 6/10 – One good save at the beginning but was straight at him really but had to save it. Did everything else he has to but was largely untroubled. Got annoyed that Adebayo kept standing in front of him and was not always penalised. Took some crosses well.
Tanganga 6/10 – Began at right back but ended at centre back. Awful mistake nearly cost us but recovered well and after this he played quite well. Made a few decent blocks and then went to centre back and helped see off a few dangerous forwards.
Burrows 6.5/10 - Thought he looked assured and managed to get up and down, use the ball well and show he is a good footballer. Nothing outstanding but a few crosses sent over and did what he had too defensively. Ended up at right back due to McGuiness going off and Tanganga having to come inside. He has had a tough period with inconsistent form and injuries but he has shown he can be an asset at this level when playing well.
McGuiness 6.5/10 – Gets criticised a fair but again did what he had to and a solid game really where he headed it away and made sure he did not switch off. Got a fair old whack and then had to leave the field. Been through the wars this week. Hopefully he can recover for next week – not sure how long the concussion protocol is – rules seem very confusing?
Kitching 7/10 – He has quietly been one of our better performers this season. Been composed and really solid with few mistakes. Uses the ball well too. He could have scored twice and unlucky when one shot hit the post. Switched off once when Ballard headed over but generally a really solid game.
Phillips 7/10 – Did what he had to and first half, he helped us control this area. Got his foot in, made interceptions and moved it on. Nothing flashy but just did the basics well. I thought his set plays were mixed, with some good ones and then some that hit the first man. Good cross from open play for Kitching. Played the full 90 too which is pleasing and gets a week to recover. When he plays, he definitely makes us better but just needs to stay fit. Contender for our man of the match with Kitching.
Arblaster 7/10 – Pleased for him. I have been quite critical this season feeling he has contributed very little and not deserved the minutes he has gained really. I worry if he will ever get back to what he was, but today was a big step in the right direction. A solid showing where he got stuck in, was more involved and of course scored a great goal which was only a half chance. Got a whack before half time and did tire after the break and eventually went off.
Chong 5/10 –Thought our front four that started were poor and wasteful with the ball. Chong was not particularly involved in things and we seemed to go down the other side more perhaps? Quite game and second half he was even more of a peripheral figure.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 –As above. He played a few decent balls (the one to Tanganga for the chance) but another where the game passes him by. Really slow and some loose passes that set them on the way a few times. He did get his foot in a couple of times too. Not sure what he is offering currently – at least Chong has shown some flashes – not sure he has offered very much at all since coming back.
Ayew 5/10 – Thought he had a few touches early on and tried to link play but seemed woefully short of fitness and stamina and too often, he was slow to react. He was not dreadful but another that did not quite do enough even though we had a fair bit of the ball up top first half. Should have come off, long before he did.
Cannon 6/10 – He was better than the other three forward players but not sure he had much in the way of chances/creating anything for others. At least was able to put himself about and did hold it up a few times. Had a few efforts blocked out and thought improved when we had other forward options around him.
Subs –
McCallum 6/10 – Did what he had to as he made clearances and helped the ball down the line. Made us more solid down the left.
Donovan 7.5/10 – Gets highest mark joint but only on limited minutes. Thought he was really good when he came on. He ran the ball down the side, committed defenders, got us up the pitch and showed some great skills. The bit at the end where he beat a couple of men and won a corner was excellent and saw the game out. Surely, he deserves a start. We won the game but I am not sure that is down to BBD/Chong really?
Bamford 6.5/10 – Thought he held it up well when he came on. A few times he was looking for free kicks and then reacted and got booked at the end but he did win free kicks/bring others into play and showed his intelligence.
Peck 6/10 – Solid enough with a few tackles and interceptions. One move he did really well but then gave it away though.
One 6/10 – Lovely bit of skill to beat his man down the right and looked powerful when he got the ball but missed a big chance when he has to do better. Want to see more of him.
Baptiste – Final sub (and extra one) due to concussion. Just an extra defender to help us over the line.
Manager Rating: Wilder 7/10 – Credit to him and the coaching staff. I have been very critical this season and the stats/performances have been poor on the whole. We have picked up more points than we have deserved and had won 1 in 5, before today. I was worried we were definitely on the slide but today he changed the side, to freshen it up and whilst the forwards did not really have much impact, maybe this rested some (Peck, Bamford) that could come on and help us finish stronger. The first half was really good and we looked assured. Did not like the drop off and felt changes needed to come before they did but the subs did help us get control again. I would like to see one of erm One and Donovan as feel their pace can hurt teams more than the plodding BBD and Chong. Ayew looks miles off being an effective player at this level sadly but at least gave Bamford a rest I suppose? I think Wilder would have got hammered if we lost with their team he picked but we won so he rightly gets the credit. I thought we looked solid and had a good shape for the most part. Just wish we did not resort to wellying it out and going deep (which we did again for half of the second half). However, I am happy to be mid table in the league considering how we have played. A big chance to push on next few, before a really tricky final month before Xmas where we play some of the better sides.
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Bristol City – A club that seems to be going nowhere and just stuck in a loop of mid table Championship – sometimes a big higher, sometimes a bit lower. Have a wealthy owner but do not seem any closer to Premier League. They have gone backwards since making the playoffs against us (so have we!) and went from a young manager Manning to a foreign manager, who was axed and now gone back to an up and comer, Skubala. Season has been very inconsistent. Some decent wins often followed up by defeats. Inconsistent (like us) and do not have a clear way of playing either. They signed a few lower league strikers in Tolaj and Ballard – they also brought in Tickle - a goalie we were linked with. I prefer their approach to ours. Trying to sign players that may improve and have resale value. We did this with Cooper and Burrows but now seem to not even look at the lower leagues.
They have a mix of youth and experience but lack the quality and depth to be anywhere higher than the same old mid table position. There are about 10 teams like Bristol City (and us) who could finish anywhere from 9th to 18th. At a push a bit higher or lower – but highly unlikely. The fans do not seem happy and have had two rotten defeats at home to Blackburn and us and not scored in 5 home games. They have to improve at Ashton Gate. They looked a side low in confidence and never really tested us at all. I thought they would sense out vulnerability and get more crosses in and push us back but even second half when they had their best spell, they did not create anything really? The game finished with them lacking any kind of belief they would get back into it. They deserved nothing from the game. The fans let them have it at the end and rightly so.
Opposition player of the match – Hirakawa missed a sitter but he was still the main threat out wide and had a good tussle with Tanganga. He looked the most likely but nobody did look likely. Tickle was probably their next best player with a few good saves and had more to do than Cooper.
Opposition weak link – Twine normally does well against us but was quiet but his replacement, Adebayo was even worse when he came on. Kept chucking himself to the ground and also was cynical with persistent fouls and standing on Cooper illegally on kicks. Ballad was not in the game. Tolaj, the big striker they got from Plymouth seems to have been missed (injured?), as had scored a few goals.
Referee – Ben Speedie. Thought he could not be any worse than Langford?! Did the Fleetwood game this season but cannot remember the ref as was focusing on our dire performance. Fairly young ref and an up and comer – so type Wilder wants to see more of possibly? Did well today. Only the two late bookings – both deserved. Not sure there was anything controversial at all but he handled the game well and tried to keep it flowing. Not his fault, there kept being head injuries! The time added on was possibly right even though seemed a long time. We were timewasting a fair bit although Cooper had to wait to kick it out, as he had a man on him constantly. I will say, he should have booked Adebayo who kept standing on Cooper on his kicks and committed about 8 fouls!
) as you must have missed Cannons air shot in front of goal and a few give aways. Frustrates the hell out of me, makes me flip flop between thinking there’s a player in there and a waste of space.
