Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
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Pre game pod….
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Post game pod….
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Report below…..
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United fought back for another point on the road in London; coming from behind yet again with a late John Fleck angled strike. The Blades were not at the best and the performance was not quite up to the standards Chris Arsenal fans will point to two penalty appeals in both games against us but really that is clutching and they have to much better than that to beat us. The fact they haven’t says a lot about where they are, but also where we are. Wilder had demanded; as he alluded to after the game. United had started the game well but Arsenal gradually took control and without creating too much; they got a goal after a deflected cross fell to Gabriel Martinelli who tapped home. After the break United had a few headed opportunities but the home side broke away a few times and had a few half chances but never really put the game beyond the visitors. Wilder made a number of changes to his personnel and shape and finally United had a go and got the late leveller. After this United had chances to win it and if anyone looked more likely it the end it was us.
Wilder made one change which was enforced with Mousset in for McGoldrick who was ruled out with a minor foot injury. Kieron Freeman made a rare appearance on the bench where once again there was no place for his namesake, Luke. United wore the fluorescent lime change kit evoking memories of the famous FA Cup clash played at Highbury back in 1999 when the match was replayed.
Arsenal were without Aubameyang but still had a 160 million strike force and featured Pepe, Lacazette and Ozil from the start.
The game started with United on the ball early and Lundstram’s challenge shrugged off his man but as Mousset looked to get away, Luiz did likewise out muscling the striker and the ball rolled out for a goal kick. Pepe had an effort from range that was easy for Henderson. Norwood’s late tackle on Lacazette in the middle of the park draw the ire of Mike Dean and he was given a yellow card after only four minutes.
United had a half chance as Stevens got down the left and linked with McBurnie before the ball was deflected and would not quite sit and went out for a corner.
United attacked down the left again and Stevens’ cross was headed over by the unmarked Mousset who really should have done better. The same man headed off target again not long after but was offside. Both efforts were nowhere near the goal.
Arsenal had been second best but came into it more on the quarter hour mark and Lacazette got away from Stevens and then Pepe ran away from Egan and his deep cross was steered wide from Martinelli. The same man shot wide from the angle as Arsenal started to have more of the ball. Basham and O’Connell had to be alert to deny some neat one touch intricate football. Norwood fired badly over in a rare break after the home side had been the dominant force for the middle part of the half.
United were not keeping the ball at all and both Lundstram and Norwood gave it away. Arsenal were looking to get between the wing backs and centre backs and both Pepe and Martinelli nearly got in. The theme of the Blades sitting off continued and they were caught out just before the break.
Both Lundstram and Baldock did not press and the ball was moved about and Saka got forward and unopposed sent a dangerous cross in that clipped Baldock and sent the ball spiralling away from the centre backs and MARTINELLI was able to convert from close range. There was a brief appeal from offside from the United backline but it seemed quite clear that he had come from well behind anticipated to come onto the loose ball as the defence appeared statuesque.
The second half began as the first half ended with United looking a bit sluggish and not keeping it and as the game stretched, the pace and movement of the Arsenal players started to see gaps appear. Baldock was rightly booked for a cynical foul on halfway on Saka. The game was scrappy and Lacazette nearly got in again but a timely block was made from Egan at full stretch.
A rare break saw Stevens send a dangerous cross over but McBurnie could not quite get on the end of it. Mousset’s race was run and he came off for Sharp before the hour mark. Not long after this United had a really good chance when McBurnie headed goalwards with Leno grasping thin air but Xhaka cleared away with his chest. Appeals were waved away from Dean as the ball was cleared.
Lundstram volleyed high into the Clock End before Arsenal broke at pace and Pepe went past Stevens but appeared to be on his way down before O’Connell’s challenge. Dean once again waved it away but there was the obligatory VAR check that backed up the referee’s opinion. There was some slight contact on the angle but you could argue that he was clearly looking for it.
Arsenal were now getting men over and Henderson had to field a low drive before Robinson who had just come on for Lundstram pushed Torreira over as he ran through. Lacazette curled the free kick over before departing to be replaced by Nketiah came on. He fired a long way over from his first involvement. Robinson was playing in the number 10 but then seemed to move left side for a spell as Basham departed for Besic and United changed shapes again and Robinson seemed to join McBurnie up top. United kept plugging away but the game was now in the final 10 minutes. Arsenal were sitting back more and this proved their undoing.
The three substitutes combined with Besic darting forward and playing in Robinson who floated his cross over, Sharp flicking on and FLECK came onto it on the angle and hit a volley into the ground and up and over Leno into the top corner. It was a clever, controlled finish and the Scottish midfielder ran to the nearby United fans as his teammates piled on top of him to celebrate.
After this remarkably United scented a winner. McBurnie was now winning all the loose balls and he got clobbered leading to a free kick. Flecks’s cross was cleared but then United had another chance as Robinson sent a cross over from the left and McBurnie’s shot was blocked as the ball would not quite sit down, Fleck’s effort immediately after was blocked as Arsenal were now hanging on somewhat.
Baldock’s galloping run saw Xhaka scythe him down and get rightly booked and from the whipped Norwood delivery it fell for Robinson who managed to send over a cross that dropped for Besic whose low shot was hit powerfully but straight at Leno who grasped the ball with McBurnie waiting to pounce.
The game entered three minutes of stoppage time and Arsenal pushed forward for the last time and a neat reverse ball saw them almost in on the left but Egan managed to get in the way at the expense of a corner. Mustafi’s looping header was clutched by Henderson and soon after the final whistle came. It was another hard-earned point and the Blades players came and acknowledged the fantastic travelling support in the corner before leaving the Emirates and London without defeat once again.
United – I actually thought Wilder was a bit over critical really. Sure, we were not as good as we have been but that has been the trend the last 4 or 5 games (save for maybe the first half v City and spells 2nd half v West Ham). The team does look a bit heavy legged and we sometimes forget many have played every game and we have not had the luxury of being able to rotate like some of the other teams – albeit some have played more games in Europe etc. We have put so much into things and performances that I think it is inevitable energy levels may regress. Oddly we ended the game powerfully though, so I think it mental as well as physical.
The performance was not as bad as Liverpool (granted they were fantastic) but not as good as City. Did we deserve a draw? Not sure. Maybe they shaded possession but not sure they created tons of chances and did not exactly blow us away. At times you saw the superior pace, technique and power. Thought they were night and day to the Emery team in terms of physicality and actually won a lot of the loose stuff and overpowered us a few times (not all game). It was odd though as we began the game really well. We had the first 10 minutes and Mousset had two good chances (one offside admittedly) and we played some neat stuff. They started to get more of the ball in midfield and pen us back and we started to sit off. They did not create much at all but you felt them started to play those little pockets of play and that chance may come. They missed one good one at the far stick with the volley that went wide and then started to dictate without anything clear cut being set up but I wanted half time so we could kind of reset as we were tossing away possession all the time after being decent to start. The goal was frustrating but we sat off again and the cross was not closed down. It was a bit lucky but the defence were not anticipating and lost the striker (seemed to be O’Connell) and he scored easily.
I wanted to see a big improvement in terms of us both on and off the ball but we continued to be sloppy and they started to find gaps but a poor final ball or decision meant they did not create much either. Indeed, McBurnie had the best chance of either side with the header cleared off the line. Henderson did not have much to do but you felt they may get a second as they were utilising their pace. On another day a penalty could have been given but it was very theatrical how he fell. I did have an inkling they might get one and we were still very ragged, even after the subs but started to chick more men forward. We had Egan and O’Connell in the box more than once. Eventually a ball dropped and Fleck’s superb finish got us level. After this we had 2 or 3 chances to win it and the ball did not quite drop for McBurnie and then Fleck as the United fans anticipated a potential historic victory. They got a corner at the end but after we scored, they did nothing really and as I say we looked the more likely.
So, we had the first 10-15 and the last 10 and Arsenal had more of the game in the other 60-65. They had a lot of the ball but not sure they hurt us that much. A few shots flashed wide and over but only remember Henderson saving a few easy shots other than the goal. They did have a few breaks and you worried it would be put to bed but it never happened and we stayed in the game and then got our goal. A great point. As Wilder says, not really at our best and we gave it away too much. Arsenal beat our press to easy after the first 10-15 minutes and not sure we did press enough at all actually and seemed a bit caught in two minds. They had unopposed possession for long stretches but as I say did not do much with it. I was delighted to get something. Even with their best player missing, they are still packed with talent and multi-million-pound players and have picked up in terms of desire, running and attitude under Arteta. To take something back and ensure we managed to get something from that ridiculously hard three away games is brilliant. Indeed, four points from six after the two defeats away at the best two in the league, is really impressive. I do think a few are a bit off it currently and Wilder alluded to the fact some are stalling on contract offers. Once again, love his honesty in basically saying, you have been great but you have got here because of him/us and how we play and may not have tons of offers from others. If it Fleck and Lundstram, the two he is referring to then I think teams would look at Fleck but the latter on current form.
We now have our toughest game left of the season against City. After another energy sapping game, be a tough one and half wished they had won before they played us as they will want to respond. They have some phenomenal players in De Bruyne, Silva x 2, Aguero, Sterling etc and can destroy teams as Villa saw last week. We have to stay in the game early and cannot be too hung ho as they will pick you off but I hope it would be another really good night under the lights at the Lane. We need to improve on the last three performances but if we can and with their defence you never know. After this we can reset and hopefully get 2 or 3 bodies in to give some strength in depth to cover for when a few are out of form as they are at the moment. I do believe we need some fresh legs to come in. We then have a run of 4 or 5 games where there are not only points to be hard, but a chance to get back to the performance levels we set before and also the chance for a few weeks off. Indeed, after City, we only have two games in around four weeks if you look at the Cup game where he may rest most and the winter break.
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Post game pod….
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Report below…..
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United fought back for another point on the road in London; coming from behind yet again with a late John Fleck angled strike. The Blades were not at the best and the performance was not quite up to the standards Chris Arsenal fans will point to two penalty appeals in both games against us but really that is clutching and they have to much better than that to beat us. The fact they haven’t says a lot about where they are, but also where we are. Wilder had demanded; as he alluded to after the game. United had started the game well but Arsenal gradually took control and without creating too much; they got a goal after a deflected cross fell to Gabriel Martinelli who tapped home. After the break United had a few headed opportunities but the home side broke away a few times and had a few half chances but never really put the game beyond the visitors. Wilder made a number of changes to his personnel and shape and finally United had a go and got the late leveller. After this United had chances to win it and if anyone looked more likely it the end it was us.
Wilder made one change which was enforced with Mousset in for McGoldrick who was ruled out with a minor foot injury. Kieron Freeman made a rare appearance on the bench where once again there was no place for his namesake, Luke. United wore the fluorescent lime change kit evoking memories of the famous FA Cup clash played at Highbury back in 1999 when the match was replayed.
Arsenal were without Aubameyang but still had a 160 million strike force and featured Pepe, Lacazette and Ozil from the start.
The game started with United on the ball early and Lundstram’s challenge shrugged off his man but as Mousset looked to get away, Luiz did likewise out muscling the striker and the ball rolled out for a goal kick. Pepe had an effort from range that was easy for Henderson. Norwood’s late tackle on Lacazette in the middle of the park draw the ire of Mike Dean and he was given a yellow card after only four minutes.
United had a half chance as Stevens got down the left and linked with McBurnie before the ball was deflected and would not quite sit and went out for a corner.
United attacked down the left again and Stevens’ cross was headed over by the unmarked Mousset who really should have done better. The same man headed off target again not long after but was offside. Both efforts were nowhere near the goal.
Arsenal had been second best but came into it more on the quarter hour mark and Lacazette got away from Stevens and then Pepe ran away from Egan and his deep cross was steered wide from Martinelli. The same man shot wide from the angle as Arsenal started to have more of the ball. Basham and O’Connell had to be alert to deny some neat one touch intricate football. Norwood fired badly over in a rare break after the home side had been the dominant force for the middle part of the half.
United were not keeping the ball at all and both Lundstram and Norwood gave it away. Arsenal were looking to get between the wing backs and centre backs and both Pepe and Martinelli nearly got in. The theme of the Blades sitting off continued and they were caught out just before the break.
Both Lundstram and Baldock did not press and the ball was moved about and Saka got forward and unopposed sent a dangerous cross in that clipped Baldock and sent the ball spiralling away from the centre backs and MARTINELLI was able to convert from close range. There was a brief appeal from offside from the United backline but it seemed quite clear that he had come from well behind anticipated to come onto the loose ball as the defence appeared statuesque.
The second half began as the first half ended with United looking a bit sluggish and not keeping it and as the game stretched, the pace and movement of the Arsenal players started to see gaps appear. Baldock was rightly booked for a cynical foul on halfway on Saka. The game was scrappy and Lacazette nearly got in again but a timely block was made from Egan at full stretch.
A rare break saw Stevens send a dangerous cross over but McBurnie could not quite get on the end of it. Mousset’s race was run and he came off for Sharp before the hour mark. Not long after this United had a really good chance when McBurnie headed goalwards with Leno grasping thin air but Xhaka cleared away with his chest. Appeals were waved away from Dean as the ball was cleared.
Lundstram volleyed high into the Clock End before Arsenal broke at pace and Pepe went past Stevens but appeared to be on his way down before O’Connell’s challenge. Dean once again waved it away but there was the obligatory VAR check that backed up the referee’s opinion. There was some slight contact on the angle but you could argue that he was clearly looking for it.
Arsenal were now getting men over and Henderson had to field a low drive before Robinson who had just come on for Lundstram pushed Torreira over as he ran through. Lacazette curled the free kick over before departing to be replaced by Nketiah came on. He fired a long way over from his first involvement. Robinson was playing in the number 10 but then seemed to move left side for a spell as Basham departed for Besic and United changed shapes again and Robinson seemed to join McBurnie up top. United kept plugging away but the game was now in the final 10 minutes. Arsenal were sitting back more and this proved their undoing.
The three substitutes combined with Besic darting forward and playing in Robinson who floated his cross over, Sharp flicking on and FLECK came onto it on the angle and hit a volley into the ground and up and over Leno into the top corner. It was a clever, controlled finish and the Scottish midfielder ran to the nearby United fans as his teammates piled on top of him to celebrate.
After this remarkably United scented a winner. McBurnie was now winning all the loose balls and he got clobbered leading to a free kick. Flecks’s cross was cleared but then United had another chance as Robinson sent a cross over from the left and McBurnie’s shot was blocked as the ball would not quite sit down, Fleck’s effort immediately after was blocked as Arsenal were now hanging on somewhat.
Baldock’s galloping run saw Xhaka scythe him down and get rightly booked and from the whipped Norwood delivery it fell for Robinson who managed to send over a cross that dropped for Besic whose low shot was hit powerfully but straight at Leno who grasped the ball with McBurnie waiting to pounce.
The game entered three minutes of stoppage time and Arsenal pushed forward for the last time and a neat reverse ball saw them almost in on the left but Egan managed to get in the way at the expense of a corner. Mustafi’s looping header was clutched by Henderson and soon after the final whistle came. It was another hard-earned point and the Blades players came and acknowledged the fantastic travelling support in the corner before leaving the Emirates and London without defeat once again.
United – I actually thought Wilder was a bit over critical really. Sure, we were not as good as we have been but that has been the trend the last 4 or 5 games (save for maybe the first half v City and spells 2nd half v West Ham). The team does look a bit heavy legged and we sometimes forget many have played every game and we have not had the luxury of being able to rotate like some of the other teams – albeit some have played more games in Europe etc. We have put so much into things and performances that I think it is inevitable energy levels may regress. Oddly we ended the game powerfully though, so I think it mental as well as physical.
The performance was not as bad as Liverpool (granted they were fantastic) but not as good as City. Did we deserve a draw? Not sure. Maybe they shaded possession but not sure they created tons of chances and did not exactly blow us away. At times you saw the superior pace, technique and power. Thought they were night and day to the Emery team in terms of physicality and actually won a lot of the loose stuff and overpowered us a few times (not all game). It was odd though as we began the game really well. We had the first 10 minutes and Mousset had two good chances (one offside admittedly) and we played some neat stuff. They started to get more of the ball in midfield and pen us back and we started to sit off. They did not create much at all but you felt them started to play those little pockets of play and that chance may come. They missed one good one at the far stick with the volley that went wide and then started to dictate without anything clear cut being set up but I wanted half time so we could kind of reset as we were tossing away possession all the time after being decent to start. The goal was frustrating but we sat off again and the cross was not closed down. It was a bit lucky but the defence were not anticipating and lost the striker (seemed to be O’Connell) and he scored easily.
I wanted to see a big improvement in terms of us both on and off the ball but we continued to be sloppy and they started to find gaps but a poor final ball or decision meant they did not create much either. Indeed, McBurnie had the best chance of either side with the header cleared off the line. Henderson did not have much to do but you felt they may get a second as they were utilising their pace. On another day a penalty could have been given but it was very theatrical how he fell. I did have an inkling they might get one and we were still very ragged, even after the subs but started to chick more men forward. We had Egan and O’Connell in the box more than once. Eventually a ball dropped and Fleck’s superb finish got us level. After this we had 2 or 3 chances to win it and the ball did not quite drop for McBurnie and then Fleck as the United fans anticipated a potential historic victory. They got a corner at the end but after we scored, they did nothing really and as I say we looked the more likely.
So, we had the first 10-15 and the last 10 and Arsenal had more of the game in the other 60-65. They had a lot of the ball but not sure they hurt us that much. A few shots flashed wide and over but only remember Henderson saving a few easy shots other than the goal. They did have a few breaks and you worried it would be put to bed but it never happened and we stayed in the game and then got our goal. A great point. As Wilder says, not really at our best and we gave it away too much. Arsenal beat our press to easy after the first 10-15 minutes and not sure we did press enough at all actually and seemed a bit caught in two minds. They had unopposed possession for long stretches but as I say did not do much with it. I was delighted to get something. Even with their best player missing, they are still packed with talent and multi-million-pound players and have picked up in terms of desire, running and attitude under Arteta. To take something back and ensure we managed to get something from that ridiculously hard three away games is brilliant. Indeed, four points from six after the two defeats away at the best two in the league, is really impressive. I do think a few are a bit off it currently and Wilder alluded to the fact some are stalling on contract offers. Once again, love his honesty in basically saying, you have been great but you have got here because of him/us and how we play and may not have tons of offers from others. If it Fleck and Lundstram, the two he is referring to then I think teams would look at Fleck but the latter on current form.
We now have our toughest game left of the season against City. After another energy sapping game, be a tough one and half wished they had won before they played us as they will want to respond. They have some phenomenal players in De Bruyne, Silva x 2, Aguero, Sterling etc and can destroy teams as Villa saw last week. We have to stay in the game early and cannot be too hung ho as they will pick you off but I hope it would be another really good night under the lights at the Lane. We need to improve on the last three performances but if we can and with their defence you never know. After this we can reset and hopefully get 2 or 3 bodies in to give some strength in depth to cover for when a few are out of form as they are at the moment. I do believe we need some fresh legs to come in. We then have a run of 4 or 5 games where there are not only points to be hard, but a chance to get back to the performance levels we set before and also the chance for a few weeks off. Indeed, after City, we only have two games in around four weeks if you look at the Cup game where he may rest most and the winter break.
