A few observations from the stats (Millwall):

[Coolblade]

A few observations from the stats: [I appreciate these confirm to a large extent what we all saw!]

- there was a clear improvement in the second half. In the first half we had no shots on target, and an xG of 0.34 v 0.91. We deserved to be a goal down. In the second half we were consistently more threatening with xG of 0.86 v 0.42 with four shots on target. A draw would have been a fair result

- the best outfield player for us statistically was Bindon, with Robbo second. They each won 7 aerial duels amongst other positive contributions. Cannon was ranked lowest with no shots, no crosses, no key passes, no dribbles and repeated lost possession with 64.7% pass completion. He should never be played as a winger (?) again.

- Burrows with most shots (4) joint second most key passes and second most crosses, and Hamer with most key passes (more than double anyone else) most crosses (more than double anyone else) and most accurate crosses were our key creative forces. Barry looks dangerous but does flatter to deceive a bit with most dribbles (2) but no key passes and only three crosses - none accurate. Ditto O’Hare who makes lots of effort with minimal output. Brooks had second most key passes (despite being a second half substitute) with (surprisingly) a 100% pass completion rate. He certainly looked better than Cannon

- Peck as the only real holding midfielder (although he wanders up field frequently) is just too much to ask. Possibly best represented by our tackle success rate being half that of Millwall, with five times fewer interceptions

- the highest rated player on the pitch was Ivanovic with four shots, most aerial duels (for them), an assist etc. He looked pretty useful.

Overall, no excuses. Whilst we were a little unlucky, and their keeper played a blinder, we just have to do better. It’s not good enough. I just pray we keep Hamer.

Back to the pub…….

 

[Rudders]

Surprised Bindon’s stats were that good, he looked hopeless today and we got a lot better when he went off. He looks miles off at key moments and creates several good chances for the opposition each week

 

[bakeblade]

Surprised Bindon’s stats were that good, he looked hopeless today and we got a lot better when he went off. He looks miles off at key moments and creates several good chances for the opposition each week

He loses key headers, their goal and another in the second half which should have been 2 nil

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Only one stat mattered, Sheffield United 0 Millwall 1 and until we stop conceding poor goals and start picking up points, nothing else matters.

UTBFTP

 

[Barmyblade]

As most people recognise, it’s often about balance. Burrows remains a key attacking player for us - including nearly scoring, and his forward looking stats are strong. But with that centre back and midfield selections, we needed a more solid defensive approach - which Burrows struggled to offer.

A back three of Godfrey, Robbo and Bindon, with Burrows freed up as left wing back, Seriki (or Brooks) at right wing back - and Cannon on his sofa at home - would perhaps have played better to our strengths.

 

[Coolblade]

Fair point about Burrows defensively with average stats - with one successful tackle (but the player with most only won two!) - four aerial duels, and four clearances

Perhaps also reflecting your point is that he had 96 touches, more than 20 more than anyone else - being by far our most involved player. I would suggest he remains a key player for us, we are just asking too much of him (ditto Peck).