Burnley 2 United 1 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The promotion race for the Blades is over – at least in terms of the automatic places – as Burnley and Leeds are celebrating after results on Easter Monday confirmed their places back in the top flight. Leeds emphatic 6-0 win over Stoke set the scene for the fixture and United knew they simply had to win. Defeat at Turf Moor ended a horrific few weeks for United, who lost 3 in 4 games, and went from leading the division to not even taking the race to the penultimate week. This collapse was unexpected in most quarters but United’s results have ultimately caught up with performances and now they have to rally themselves for the end of season bunfight of the divisional playoffs. With sides like Coventry and Bristol City in much better form, Wilder has to find a formula and some performances to take the Blades to Wembley and hope to end their hoodoo at the national stadium.



Wilder made four changes with Robinson, Cannon, Moore and Brereton Diaz in for Holding, Campbell, Rak Sakyi and Brewster in what appeared to be a change of formation. Burnley went with the same line up that started the previous game with the dangerous Edwards and Anthony down the flanks but with their strong backline led by keeper Trafford and centre backs Esteve and Egan Riley.



The Blades looked like they were going to go more direct and Moore and Cannon combined with the latter finding the Welsh forward whose shot was at Trafford. This was on 16 seconds! Burnley came down the other end and Anthony was held up after going past Choudhury. Ahmedhodzic was penalised for a foul on Fleming when he seemed to win the ball. United won a corner but Burrows fired over after it dropped to him. Burnley had their best chance on 8 minutes when Anthony’s shot hit Fleming and went wide as Cooper saw it out. United were well in the game and Moore had another effort; this time from further out; and Trafford held the shot well again.



Cannon was played in by Hamer as the encouraging start continued but Esteve simply brushed him aside. Burnley started to come back into the game although Brownhill got away with two poor challenges. The home side started to see more of the ball with Anthony and Edwards causing problems down the sides.



Burnley came down the right and Edwards sat down Souza and his shot was pushed away from Cooper After Fleming got back to make the tackle on Cannon; Hamer stupidly brought his man down with a cynical challenge to get another yellow card. Burnley made them pay as the free kick came in, Moore could not divert his header away and Cullen dropped on the rebound to fire it towards goal. Cooper could only parry out centrally and BROWNHILL reacted as several United player did not and smashed home.





United tried to respond, Moore was given a chance but he took too long and Esteve cleared to help his partner Egan Riley out. The Blades were level as Hamer slipped in CANNON and on the angle he rifled in a superb striker past Trafford and suddenly the home fans looked nervous.



The Blades could not build on this and the home side appealed for a penalty as Fleming got goal side of Ahmedhodzic and went down but the contact appeared minimal and the forward was looking for it. The referee waved play on but sadly the centre back did not learn from his switch off and was slow again – but this time clumsily kicked out at Hannibal as the ball dropped and the penalty was an easy decision. BROWNHILL took it and sent Cooper the wrong way and Burnley were back in the lead again.



The Blades seemed to lose their cool as Peck tripped his man and Robinson was booked for arguing. Brereton Diaz then slammed into his man as the home fans scented blood. Hannibal went off at half time whipping up the crowd but they were good value for their lead as United failed to build on a promising start with more wretched defending.



Burnley had the first chance of the second half as Flemming in but was just offside as he tried to split the defence. Hamer tried to find Cannon and the striker took it on after the clever ball forward and slipped in Brereton Diaz but this pass was a touch behind the Chilean. He managed to get a shot away but it was over the bar. The same man had a chance at the far post but Anthony came back to nick it off his toe.



On the hour, Campbell and Rak Sakyi were on for Cannon and Brereton Diaz and Laurent replaced Edwards. Peck sent a cross over but the excellent Esteve cut it out. Burnley had been content to hold what they had but Anthony got away from Souza too easily and pulled it back for Flemming but his shot was palmed out by Cooper. United were not really putting much pressure on and still yet to test Trafford this half and Burnley were winning the 50-50 battles and ensuring that they needed to ensure their defence was not pushed back.



Lucas Pires was cautioned for brining back Rak Sakyi but Burrows completely wasted the cross and sent it over the bar. Seriki and McCallum came on for Souza and Burrows but time was running out and United were seemingly out of ideas at this point. Brewster also came on for Peck and the formation and line up was difficult to work out as United tried to find a response but were now creating very little. A couple of Robinson long throws were cleared before Barnes and Worrall came on for the home side who were nearly over the line. There was 6 minutes of stoppage time but United’s race looked ran and they could not muster a single chance. The final whistle went with Burnley’s fans and players celebrating their promotion and Leeds across the Pennines could also enjoy themselves as they joined the Clarets in the top flight.

 

[Deadbat]

United – To see Burnley celebrating in front of the players/fans must have been galling. It was billed as the decider a few weeks/months ago but in the end just was the game which Burnley sealed the deal. Our manager/players sadly deserve to have to through that experience and watch the celebrations after we bottled it completely in that run of defeats – even one win and today would not have been the end but credit to Burnley and Leeds – they have absolutely powered on and we completely fell apart – against poor sides. We have lost all four games to the top two and been well beaten in all four games -granted we did ok for an hour v Leeds at the Lane and first half today and it was not a battering by any stretch. They are better than us both defensively and going forward and today showed even in those little battles they were quicker and stronger. Both sides have a plan to play – granted Leeds are more expansive but are better than us individually and collectively. At the start of the season, I did not think we would be anywhere near these (or even Luton/Boro) but we stayed the pace but frustrating to throw it away after all that good work.



I did not think we would get anything today and so it proved. We did give it a go first half I felt and started well and could have led but poor defending and ill discipline saw us concede a free kick and then not defend it again. We get level with finally a moment from Cannon but Anel makes a moronic decision, and we are behind again. You did not think we could score two and so it proved. We had been ok first half and only defensive mistakes let us down but were right in the game. Wilder said the goals were not like us, but they are very much like is currently sadly. We make mistakes, do not react and do not win the first and second balls.



I wanted us to have a real go second half but it never worked. We made changes but in the end it seemed to be just a case of throwing on men and hoping if we have more forwards, then we might get a goal but you have to find a structure to create and score. It all became a bit desperate and seemed to be just get it to Hamer and hope he finds something. We looked a bit desperate at the end and never really looked like scoring. Burnley saw it out comfortably.



We have now lost 3 in 4 and have several players probably in their poorest form of the season (Anel, Burrows, Souza, Campbell) and do not know our strongest side or what formation we are playing – this is 44 games in? We still of course, have some good players and not sure Coventry, Bristol City or Sunderland or that great really – but we look a tired mob that looks lacking in confidence and belief. Instead of being together, we seem a bit disjointed and we have players arguing with opponents/fans and a manager doing likewise. I do not get the sense this side has the belief they can go on and win the games to go up – I hope I am wrong but we are not the side we were at the start of the season or before Xmas. Even the wins (aside from Boro/Coventry) have been a struggle. Playoffs though you just need a few big games and you are up. It’s a 1 in 4 chance but we have to trust the players can recover and show that they can prove why we were up there all season.



We have two games left. I would rest Cooper, Burrows, Ahmedhodzic, Hamer, Peck, Souza and Campbell (our six most important players arguably) for both games. I don’t get Wilder saying he wants 90 points – it seems a pointless exercise expanding energy that is unnecessary. We have nothing to gain by playing them and those saying we need to find form/a formula – we have had 44 games to do that – it is not going to kick into life now. We need to just give them some time to rest and recuperate and hopefully two weeks where they can then come back fresher will see us somehow find at least one big performance (we have not put back to back ones together all season) to see us somehow get over the line and get to Wembley and then who knows? I worry that Coventry, Bristol City are in much better form and are scoring more goals than us. I am not confident at all we will even get to Wembley – the notion we are the third best team is correct but that is over a season and the last 2-3 months the form suggests otherwise I would suggest? I think I genuinely would be mor surprised if we go up now than just limply lose in the two legged game but I hope my pessimism is misplaced but the sides below will not be fearful at all having seen us/played us. Equally they are not great sides and we should not be so worried but in tight games we are now losing when we were winning them before. I can only go on what I have seen recently. Hopefully some fans will give me some confidence that I need to believe more!







Ratings:



Cooper 5.5/10 – He was again given too much to do with mistakes happening frequently in front of him. Pushed one away from Edwards and then on the goal he maybe should push it wide (saw BBC blame him which was harsh as others made mistakes) but he will know he needs to not keep it central even though came at him fast. Think he will be disappointed with it. Penalty sent the wrong way but again put in a position where he has to try and bail us out. Second half made one decent save but was straight at him. His kicking has really dropped off recently.



Choudhury 6/10 - Started with one ball over the top that beat him but then battled with Anthony in a few challenges. Thought he struggled with the pace and trickery and given little help from BBD in front but at least stuck to his task. At the end got involved with some fans as the stewards probably did not do enough to segregate them from our players who went to our supporters. He has been one of few recently who has been ok and competed. I think he will stay next year and no problems with that as a handy lad – he is not amazing but does a solid job and the issues are elsewhere in the side.



Burrows 5/10 – Saw his defensive issues but again as with Choudhury the formation meant Hamer has to get back and support but he did not. Edwards was given too much space and they had chances down here as he was not shut down. He had one shot over but saw little attacking wide threat and a few awful set plays. I think he has really dropped off in recent months and we are seeing little going forward (one good run v Cardiff apart) in the last period of the season. His actual crossing for the most part since Xmas has been really poor and he overhits so many crosses/free kicks. A lot to ask him keeping his standards that he set and is his first at a higher level but we saw with McCallum (and RND before this) sadly we have no one else really who can fill in and give him a much needed break he needed.



Ahmedhodzic 3/10 – Looked off it from the start. Too busy tussling with others and trying to foul – got penalised early for one and then just did not seem quick enough to react. He did not put enough contact on Flemming on the first run but he was wrong side and then so slow to react on the next move and a stupid tackle. Second half gave away another daft foul and was guilty of grappling a lot instead of playing the ball. He looked like he did in the Premier League – against players who will be there next season. Not sure why our manager persists with this partnership which is not good enough.



Robinson 4.5/10 – I have seen mixed opinion on his performance. Seen some say he was ok and some say he was awful. I thought he was somewhere in between but in key moments did not step up or win the balls we needed. In general play, he was better than Anel but he also made mistakes – slow to react on the goal and then a stupid booking for arguing. He also switched off a few times and was not close enough to his man but he did clear a few and was less of a liability than his partner. Both are clearly not good enough individually or as a pair when against better and quicker/stronger players. It’s mad that the two who conceded 100 goals are still starting together and that the manager did not address this in January only bringing in a centre back that he himself admitted is not fit!



Souza 4/10 – I thought he was really poor today but again seen some say he was ok. Thought he was off the pace and did not get to the ball first and then when he had it, he gave it away. Made some baffling choices with the ball but also did not cut out the flow to the forwards. We looked a bit soft in the middle and never had control of this area. Not sure, he is fully fit and was taken off again before the end. Needs taking out for the final few weeks.



Peck 5.5/10 – Better than Souza but he was having to cover for him and others who were not helping. We played a two but we had no more control of this area as Hamer just roamed around and BBD did nothing at all to help either full back or central midfield. Peck does not play enough forward passes even though he has been great this season. He had a few ok moments with the ball but a few came off him. I would rest him for the final two games too.



Hamer 6/10 – Our main threat but still frustrating and he did not always make the right decisions but he at least tried to get on it and make things happen. His ball set up the goal and anything decent (two or three good balls to Cannon) came from him. He lacks discipline and at times means we get done on the break. Another daft booking so has to be rested now for one of the final two – as two bookings and he missed the entire playoffs? Does it carry forward – so if he got one in the final two or two in the two semis – he misses the second leg/final?



Brereton Diaz 3/10 – I keep hearing he is in the wrong position and maybe he is. Maybe he needs to be on the left but Hamer is not going to be central now (Wilder would have done it) so he is playing right but he looks a forlorn figure. I get it is his not his best role maybe but still expect more from him. He looks a bit disinterested and for a loan player looking for a move (either here or elsewhere – as he has now had 2 clubs dispose of him in less than 6 months – you think he would do everything to avoid us being the third?) he is not doing enough. Had one chance but blasted over. I would not have him playing. Rak Sakyi offers far more in terms of a threat and at least will take defenders over and make men cover him. Looks slow/weak and unfit. Just hope the so-called option to buy was only if we went up.



Moore 5/10 – He was involved in the game but not sure his contributions were hugely positive. He had one decent chance early but was a weak effort. Another long range shot but won few headers really and just ended up moving further and further up field. Second half I forgot he was even playing. Although to be fair we did not put any decent crosses in.



Cannon 5.5/10 – Did get his goal which was a great strike to be fair (so gets an extra mark or so for that) and showed he can shoot. However, outside of this he looked slow, weak and got brushed aside on a number of occasions despite being well positioned and/or played in but at least made some good runs getting in some decent areas. His overall performance outside of this was poor again I am afraid as he gets muscled out of it too easily. His pass to BBD was behind him second half and not sure we saw much of him after the break before he was taken off.



Subs -



Rak Sakyi 5.5/10 – Made a difference in that he at least ran at them. Got one booked and had a few runs but he never put a cross over or had a shot or got beyond but they did double up. Has to start for me as at least he offers another threat – so teams have to worry about him.



Campbell 4/10 – Barely saw him really. Had a few balls played in but another who got outmuscled. Just never got into the game really but another who was given no service.



McCallum – Tried to win a few headers but an awful cross summed up his complete lack of quality. The difference in the Burnley subs and the quality/pedigree they have, compared to the likes of him was quite telling.



Brewster – Ran around a lot but to be fair was asked to play central midfield which is mad (anyone know if we are likely to see Tom Davies again!) He lost his head when he chopped his man down near the end.



Seriki – Tried to find some space but he had a few chances to run at them but came back inside.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We changed the team and one he brought in scored. The first half we began well and had chances. We were right in it but then more stupid fouls led to both goals – free kick/penalty as our players lack discipline to defend and do the basics – just swiping at opponents. First half we were ok though and maybe a bit unlucky to trail. Second half was really poor. We lacked any kind of ideas. They sat deep and we had no pace to get beyond them. His subs just seemed to be a case of throwing people on and hoping for the best rather than a clear tactical tweak or sense we were trying something different. He said after that we might get 90 pts and how great that is but the reality is no one remembers how many points the third got or who even finished third, if you do not go up? He also said we don’t concede goals like that. We have done for the last 2 or 3 months. Every week. I am not sure he has an idea how to get us conceding less and conceding more. We did play two up top and at least had a few chances (not clear ones apart from Moore really) but again the keeper has not had a save to make outside of the goal and we again seemed to not know how to really pen a team in. It seemed to be the same tactic – hope Hamer (and then JRS) can find a bit of a moment. Our play lacks structure and a plan. At the end it all seemed a bit desperate with chucking men on, many in random positions. He clearly had no idea of his best team and the chopping/changing has probably not helped but this is also not helped by the fact many of our players are not as fit as opponents (the better ones at least). We have many who cannot do 90 mins (Souza, Campbell, Holding) and that is a worry when we have a two-legged playoff with a 4-day turnaround. Hope he can somehow raise them and get us up for it but seems stubborn still – playing the likes of Robinson, Cannon and BBD (when all 3 are woefully out of form) and I am concerned that if we start any playoffs with Anel/Robinson, we are not getting through as they are so soft and make mistakes. We do not win enough first balls into our box nor second balls that drop. Ultimately that is why we keep conceding stupid goals. We do not score enough the other way. The semis will be tight but currently that narrative is why we have lost 3/4 games and why we will lose rather than win these games by a single goal. We need to somehow have more control of games – as if we don’t we are relying on us suddenly doing things at both ends that we have not in recent months.



Burnley – I have never been Parker’s biggest fan and thought he was the biggest obstacle for them going up. Felt he has always got lucky with teams with big budgets/expensive and deep squads, but I have to say he has led them magnificently. Yes, he is helped with a talent laden roster but he has got them on an amazing unbeaten run and they have been so hard to beat and score against. We fell apart (and even Leeds had wobbles) but they have powered on. They have got stronger and embraced their style (yes, it is not great to watch but even they have routed some teams -we haven’t) and found the formula to be too good for most teams. They beat us with a classic away performance at the Lane and were too strong then and so it proved again today. They celebrate promotion in front of our players/fans which makes it even harder to watch but that is our fault as I discussed above.



They came out and wanted to finish the job but first half maybe a bit lucky to lead but showed desire to get men in our box and I felt that the loose balls they were onto them quicker. They have some wind-up merchants in Hannibal, Esteve and Flemming but they backed it up tonight. They do go to ground a lot looking for things but then we were stupid in the free kick/penalty we gave away.



As for next year, their defence of course will get tested much more and that has been their strength this season. I see the same prognosis for them as Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – even if they invest. Parker’s success will ultimately lead to his downfall but then if they had not gone up, he would have got sacked – now he will get sacked but probably before Xmas next season!



Opponent Man of the Match – Brownhill for his two goals (how many has he got against us now?) but not far behind was Esteve. Outstanding and just bullied likes of Cannon, Moore and Campbell.



Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was that poor but Pires at full back I think could be got at. Flemming is not good enough for the top level and like with Pires who scored 4 today (I think both teams need to upgrade there).



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Not reason we lost and got both penalty calls right but felt a few fouls they did should have been yellows. A lad near the end got one for far worse than the ones that were not pulled up for. I thought he should have booked Brownhill for two late fouls but then our bookings were right – Hamer stupid, Robinson stupid, Brewster stupid. All slow and just dived in. Peck and Anel could have been booked too. Makes me laugh how at the end of games (yes, stewarding not great today) our lads play the big man card but in games they are soft as anything but can be quite cynical and dirty too. The BBD challenge was ridiculous too. We have got all these fines but are not particularly imposing or scary we just lack discipline and often have these tussles when games have gone or when it is irrelevant. Would not mind if it intimidated teams/players but we do it the wrong times. When Esteve and Hannibal were essentially winding things up, our players did nothing then – when we needed to put one on the deck maybe at that point?

 

[Addison]

The game was lost for me as soon as the team sheet was announced. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same things again and again in the hope you will achieve a different outcome. Well we started with a big man up top last time out against Burnley and it didn't work. CW accepted before the game we weren't capable of beating Burnleys high press so adopted for hoof ball and Esteve lapped it up.

I see some praising the manager for going with 4-4-2. So why was our best forward on the bench. With Moore its hoof with Campbell we would have had to play on the floor. Ohare must be out of favour and couldn't even get on at the end with the favourite Brewster getting unnecessary game time. We had an opportunity to attack them on the break with pace yet we keep Rak Saki on the bench. Even our neighbours for 45 minutes caused them more problems with their pacy wingers. The second half fall off was all too predictable with a succession of aimless long throws and hoof up to Moore.

As for the defence well once again we see the effect of JLT. The back four on Saturday was so solid with Holding at the helm. Anel had one of his best games but as soon as he's at the side of JLT he morphs into accident prone Arry. JLT's slow reaction for the first and Anels stupid challenge for the second didn't help. CW needs to understand it is like us when we have this centre back pairing.

It is a mini league and what has gone on before doesn't count now. I'm half hoping we draw Wall and CW finally accepts a pairing of Holding and Anel are best equipped to deal with the hoofwaffen coming our way. Coventry and Bristol suit our 4-2-3-1 style if COH starts. Sunderland despite them playing poorly possess the pace to really hurt us so hence the need for a Holding Anel pairing. What ever happens if we start with Anel and Robinson it will end in tears imo.

You make your own luck in this game and if you continually make the wrong selection choices you don't deserve any.

 

[Booker4]

That's a fair report that Deadbeat and I usually think you're harsh! I'd probably say overall I thought we played reasonably well, may e I'd give slightly higher ratings. I didn't think BBD was 3/19 but I can see why you're frustrated with him. Overall though I hope Wilder sticks with the 442 as I think whoever plays up top needs more support with another up there and we've not had enough goals from O'Hare or Brewster in behind who isn't a number ten anyway.

I really think we can win the play offs, nowt to fear.

Back to BBD and I do think he can offer us a lot over the next few seasons, especially if he is able to play on the left but I understand why Wilder plays Hamer there.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

I don't mind playing 442 but for crying out loud put BBD on the left and Rak-Sayki (as frustrating as he is), on the right and get some balance to this team. Hell drop Peck and play Hamer and O'Hare in the middle. It's not like they're shy of tracking back and tackling, hence all Hamer's yellow cards.

 

[Deadbat]

The game was lost for me as soon as the team sheet was announced. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same things again and again in the hope you will achieve a different outcome. Well we started with a big man up top last time out against Burnley and it didn't work. CW accepted before the game we weren't capable of beating Burnleys high press so adopted for hoof ball and Esteve lapped it up.

I see some praising the manager for going with 4-4-2. So why was our best forward on the bench. With Moore its hoof with Campbell we would have had to play on the floor. Ohare must be out of favour and couldn't even get on at the end with the favourite Brewster getting unnecessary game time. We had an opportunity to attack them on the break with pace yet we keep Rak Saki on the bench. Even our neighbours for 45 minutes caused them more problems with their pacy wingers. The second half fall off was all too predictable with a succession of aimless long throws and hoof up to Moore.

As for the defence well once again we see the effect of JLT. The back four on Saturday was so solid with Holding at the helm. Anel had one of his best games but as soon as he's at the side of JLT he morphs into accident prone Arry. JLT's slow reaction for the first and Anels stupid challenge for the second didn't help. CW needs to understand it is like us when we have this centre back pairing.

It is a mini league and what has gone on before doesn't count now. I'm half hoping we draw Wall and CW finally accepts a pairing of Holding and Anel are best equipped to deal with the hoofwaffen coming our way. Coventry and Bristol suit our 4-2-3-1 style if COH starts. Sunderland despite them playing poorly possess the pace to really hurt us so hence the need for a Holding Anel pairing. What ever happens if we start with Anel and Robinson it will end in tears imo.

You make your own luck in this game and if you continually make the wrong selection choices you don't deserve any.

Summed it up for me. If he plays Anel and Robinson as the pair we will keep conceding stupid goals and not get out of the first tie. Whatever happens in front with tactics/selections becomes irrelevant. These two do not win enough first or second balls that come into our box and thus we concede stupid goals. It's happened consistently in the last few months but Wilder I fear will keep with this ineffective partnership.

 

[Putney Blade]

United – To see Burnley celebrating in front of the players/fans must have been galling. It was billed as the decider a few weeks/months ago but in the end just was the game which Burnley sealed the deal. Our manager/players sadly deserve to have to through that experience and watch the celebrations after we bottled it completely in that run of defeats – even one win and today would not have been the end but credit to Burnley and Leeds – they have absolutely powered on and we completely fell apart – against poor sides. We have lost all four games to the top two and been well beaten in all four games -granted we did ok for an hour v Leeds at the Lane and first half today and it was not a battering by any stretch. They are better than us both defensively and going forward and today showed even in those little battles they were quicker and stronger. Both sides have a plan to play – granted Leeds are more expansive but are better than us individually and collectively. At the start of the season, I did not think we would be anywhere near these (or even Luton/Boro) but we stayed the pace but frustrating to throw it away after all that good work.



I did not think we would get anything today and so it proved. We did give it a go first half I felt and started well and could have led but poor defending and ill discipline saw us concede a free kick and then not defend it again. We get level with finally a moment from Cannon but Anel makes a moronic decision, and we are behind again. You did not think we could score two and so it proved. We had been ok first half and only defensive mistakes let us down but were right in the game. Wilder said the goals were not like us, but they are very much like is currently sadly. We make mistakes, do not react and do not win the first and second balls.



I wanted us to have a real go second half but it never worked. We made changes but in the end it seemed to be just a case of throwing on men and hoping if we have more forwards, then we might get a goal but you have to find a structure to create and score. It all became a bit desperate and seemed to be just get it to Hamer and hope he finds something. We looked a bit desperate at the end and never really looked like scoring. Burnley saw it out comfortably.



We have now lost 3 in 4 and have several players probably in their poorest form of the season (Anel, Burrows, Souza, Campbell) and do not know our strongest side or what formation we are playing – this is 44 games in? We still of course, have some good players and not sure Coventry, Bristol City or Sunderland or that great really – but we look a tired mob that looks lacking in confidence and belief. Instead of being together, we seem a bit disjointed and we have players arguing with opponents/fans and a manager doing likewise. I do not get the sense this side has the belief they can go on and win the games to go up – I hope I am wrong but we are not the side we were at the start of the season or before Xmas. Even the wins (aside from Boro/Coventry) have been a struggle. Playoffs though you just need a few big games and you are up. It’s a 1 in 4 chance but we have to trust the players can recover and show that they can prove why we were up there all season.



We have two games left. I would rest Cooper, Burrows, Ahmedhodzic, Hamer, Peck, Souza and Campbell (our six most important players arguably) for both games. I don’t get Wilder saying he wants 90 points – it seems a pointless exercise expanding energy that is unnecessary. We have nothing to gain by playing them and those saying we need to find form/a formula – we have had 44 games to do that – it is not going to kick into life now. We need to just give them some time to rest and recuperate and hopefully two weeks where they can then come back fresher will see us somehow find at least one big performance (we have not put back to back ones together all season) to see us somehow get over the line and get to Wembley and then who knows? I worry that Coventry, Bristol City are in much better form and are scoring more goals than us. I am not confident at all we will even get to Wembley – the notion we are the third best team is correct but that is over a season and the last 2-3 months the form suggests otherwise I would suggest? I think I genuinely would be mor surprised if we go up now than just limply lose in the two legged game but I hope my pessimism is misplaced but the sides below will not be fearful at all having seen us/played us. Equally they are not great sides and we should not be so worried but in tight games we are now losing when we were winning them before. I can only go on what I have seen recently. Hopefully some fans will give me some confidence that I need to believe more!







Ratings:



Cooper 5.5/10 – He was again given too much to do with mistakes happening frequently in front of him. Pushed one away from Edwards and then on the goal he maybe should push it wide (saw BBC blame him which was harsh as others made mistakes) but he will know he needs to not keep it central even though came at him fast. Think he will be disappointed with it. Penalty sent the wrong way but again put in a position where he has to try and bail us out. Second half made one decent save but was straight at him. His kicking has really dropped off recently.



Choudhury 6/10 - Started with one ball over the top that beat him but then battled with Anthony in a few challenges. Thought he struggled with the pace and trickery and given little help from BBD in front but at least stuck to his task. At the end got involved with some fans as the stewards probably did not do enough to segregate them from our players who went to our supporters. He has been one of few recently who has been ok and competed. I think he will stay next year and no problems with that as a handy lad – he is not amazing but does a solid job and the issues are elsewhere in the side.



Burrows 5/10 – Saw his defensive issues but again as with Choudhury the formation meant Hamer has to get back and support but he did not. Edwards was given too much space and they had chances down here as he was not shut down. He had one shot over but saw little attacking wide threat and a few awful set plays. I think he has really dropped off in recent months and we are seeing little going forward (one good run v Cardiff apart) in the last period of the season. His actual crossing for the most part since Xmas has been really poor and he overhits so many crosses/free kicks. A lot to ask him keeping his standards that he set and is his first at a higher level but we saw with McCallum (and RND before this) sadly we have no one else really who can fill in and give him a much needed break he needed.



Ahmedhodzic 3/10 – Looked off it from the start. Too busy tussling with others and trying to foul – got penalised early for one and then just did not seem quick enough to react. He did not put enough contact on Flemming on the first run but he was wrong side and then so slow to react on the next move and a stupid tackle. Second half gave away another daft foul and was guilty of grappling a lot instead of playing the ball. He looked like he did in the Premier League – against players who will be there next season. Not sure why our manager persists with this partnership which is not good enough.



Robinson 4.5/10 – I have seen mixed opinion on his performance. Seen some say he was ok and some say he was awful. I thought he was somewhere in between but in key moments did not step up or win the balls we needed. In general play, he was better than Anel but he also made mistakes – slow to react on the goal and then a stupid booking for arguing. He also switched off a few times and was not close enough to his man but he did clear a few and was less of a liability than his partner. Both are clearly not good enough individually or as a pair when against better and quicker/stronger players. It’s mad that the two who conceded 100 goals are still starting together and that the manager did not address this in January only bringing in a centre back that he himself admitted is not fit!



Souza 4/10 – I thought he was really poor today but again seen some say he was ok. Thought he was off the pace and did not get to the ball first and then when he had it, he gave it away. Made some baffling choices with the ball but also did not cut out the flow to the forwards. We looked a bit soft in the middle and never had control of this area. Not sure, he is fully fit and was taken off again before the end. Needs taking out for the final few weeks.



Peck 5.5/10 – Better than Souza but he was having to cover for him and others who were not helping. We played a two but we had no more control of this area as Hamer just roamed around and BBD did nothing at all to help either full back or central midfield. Peck does not play enough forward passes even though he has been great this season. He had a few ok moments with the ball but a few came off him. I would rest him for the final two games too.



Hamer 6/10 – Our main threat but still frustrating and he did not always make the right decisions but he at least tried to get on it and make things happen. His ball set up the goal and anything decent (two or three good balls to Cannon) came from him. He lacks discipline and at times means we get done on the break. Another daft booking so has to be rested now for one of the final two – as two bookings and he missed the entire playoffs? Does it carry forward – so if he got one in the final two or two in the two semis – he misses the second leg/final?



Brereton Diaz 3/10 – I keep hearing he is in the wrong position and maybe he is. Maybe he needs to be on the left but Hamer is not going to be central now (Wilder would have done it) so he is playing right but he looks a forlorn figure. I get it is his not his best role maybe but still expect more from him. He looks a bit disinterested and for a loan player looking for a move (either here or elsewhere – as he has now had 2 clubs dispose of him in less than 6 months – you think he would do everything to avoid us being the third?) he is not doing enough. Had one chance but blasted over. I would not have him playing. Rak Sakyi offers far more in terms of a threat and at least will take defenders over and make men cover him. Looks slow/weak and unfit. Just hope the so-called option to buy was only if we went up.



Moore 5/10 – He was involved in the game but not sure his contributions were hugely positive. He had one decent chance early but was a weak effort. Another long range shot but won few headers really and just ended up moving further and further up field. Second half I forgot he was even playing. Although to be fair we did not put any decent crosses in.



Cannon 5.5/10 – Did get his goal which was a great strike to be fair (so gets an extra mark or so for that) and showed he can shoot. However, outside of this he looked slow, weak and got brushed aside on a number of occasions despite being well positioned and/or played in but at least made some good runs getting in some decent areas. His overall performance outside of this was poor again I am afraid as he gets muscled out of it too easily. His pass to BBD was behind him second half and not sure we saw much of him after the break before he was taken off.



Subs -



Rak Sakyi 5.5/10 – Made a difference in that he at least ran at them. Got one booked and had a few runs but he never put a cross over or had a shot or got beyond but they did double up. Has to start for me as at least he offers another threat – so teams have to worry about him.



Campbell 4/10 – Barely saw him really. Had a few balls played in but another who got outmuscled. Just never got into the game really but another who was given no service.



McCallum – Tried to win a few headers but an awful cross summed up his complete lack of quality. The difference in the Burnley subs and the quality/pedigree they have, compared to the likes of him was quite telling.



Brewster – Ran around a lot but to be fair was asked to play central midfield which is mad (anyone know if we are likely to see Tom Davies again!) He lost his head when he chopped his man down near the end.



Seriki – Tried to find some space but he had a few chances to run at them but came back inside.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We changed the team and one he brought in scored. The first half we began well and had chances. We were right in it but then more stupid fouls led to both goals – free kick/penalty as our players lack discipline to defend and do the basics – just swiping at opponents. First half we were ok though and maybe a bit unlucky to trail. Second half was really poor. We lacked any kind of ideas. They sat deep and we had no pace to get beyond them. His subs just seemed to be a case of throwing people on and hoping for the best rather than a clear tactical tweak or sense we were trying something different. He said after that we might get 90 pts and how great that is but the reality is no one remembers how many points the third got or who even finished third, if you do not go up? He also said we don’t concede goals like that. We have done for the last 2 or 3 months. Every week. I am not sure he has an idea how to get us conceding less and conceding more. We did play two up top and at least had a few chances (not clear ones apart from Moore really) but again the keeper has not had a save to make outside of the goal and we again seemed to not know how to really pen a team in. It seemed to be the same tactic – hope Hamer (and then JRS) can find a bit of a moment. Our play lacks structure and a plan. At the end it all seemed a bit desperate with chucking men on, many in random positions. He clearly had no idea of his best team and the chopping/changing has probably not helped but this is also not helped by the fact many of our players are not as fit as opponents (the better ones at least). We have many who cannot do 90 mins (Souza, Campbell, Holding) and that is a worry when we have a two-legged playoff with a 4-day turnaround. Hope he can somehow raise them and get us up for it but seems stubborn still – playing the likes of Robinson, Cannon and BBD (when all 3 are woefully out of form) and I am concerned that if we start any playoffs with Anel/Robinson, we are not getting through as they are so soft and make mistakes. We do not win enough first balls into our box nor second balls that drop. Ultimately that is why we keep conceding stupid goals. We do not score enough the other way. The semis will be tight but currently that narrative is why we have lost 3/4 games and why we will lose rather than win these games by a single goal. We need to somehow have more control of games – as if we don’t we are relying on us suddenly doing things at both ends that we have not in recent months.



Burnley – I have never been Parker’s biggest fan and thought he was the biggest obstacle for them going up. Felt he has always got lucky with teams with big budgets/expensive and deep squads, but I have to say he has led them magnificently. Yes, he is helped with a talent laden roster but he has got them on an amazing unbeaten run and they have been so hard to beat and score against. We fell apart (and even Leeds had wobbles) but they have powered on. They have got stronger and embraced their style (yes, it is not great to watch but even they have routed some teams -we haven’t) and found the formula to be too good for most teams. They beat us with a classic away performance at the Lane and were too strong then and so it proved again today. They celebrate promotion in front of our players/fans which makes it even harder to watch but that is our fault as I discussed above.



They came out and wanted to finish the job but first half maybe a bit lucky to lead but showed desire to get men in our box and I felt that the loose balls they were onto them quicker. They have some wind-up merchants in Hannibal, Esteve and Flemming but they backed it up tonight. They do go to ground a lot looking for things but then we were stupid in the free kick/penalty we gave away.



As for next year, their defence of course will get tested much more and that has been their strength this season. I see the same prognosis for them as Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – even if they invest. Parker’s success will ultimately lead to his downfall but then if they had not gone up, he would have got sacked – now he will get sacked but probably before Xmas next season!



Opponent Man of the Match – Brownhill for his two goals (how many has he got against us now?) but not far behind was Esteve. Outstanding and just bullied likes of Cannon, Moore and Campbell.



Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was that poor but Pires at full back I think could be got at. Flemming is not good enough for the top level and like with Pires who scored 4 today (I think both teams need to upgrade there).



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Not reason we lost and got both penalty calls right but felt a few fouls they did should have been yellows. A lad near the end got one for far worse than the ones that were not pulled up for. I thought he should have booked Brownhill for two late fouls but then our bookings were right – Hamer stupid, Robinson stupid, Brewster stupid. All slow and just dived in. Peck and Anel could have been booked too. Makes me laugh how at the end of games (yes, stewarding not great today) our lads play the big man card but in games they are soft as anything but can be quite cynical and dirty too. The BBD challenge was ridiculous too. We have got all these fines but are not particularly imposing or scary we just lack discipline and often have these tussles when games have gone or when it is irrelevant. Would not mind if it intimidated teams/players but we do it the wrong times. When Esteve and Hannibal were essentially winding things up, our players did nothing then – when we needed to put one on the deck maybe at that point?

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Summed it up for me. If he plays Anel and Robinson as the pair we will keep conceding stupid goals and not get out of the first tie. Whatever happens in front with tactics/selections becomes irrelevant. These two do not win enough first or second balls that come into our box and thus we concede stupid goals. It's happened consistently in the last few months but Wilder I fear will keep with this ineffective partnership.

He could play Gilchrist at centre back instead of Robinson, which is his best and natural position.

 

[Putney Blade]

Huffed & puffed but never created much. Their goalie hardly troubled. Been like this most of the season. We are offensively weak. Our two central midfielders ain’t scored a single goal between themselves. Says everything really. Unsure how we can wrench more creative & offensive quality from the players we have. Wilder got a big job to do!

 

[Montymagic]

Not sure I'd have given wilder anything more than a 1

 

[BerksBlade]

Bit harsh on Cooper & Choudhury I think. Cooper's kicking was better today - pinged 3 or 4 flat passes straight to our players. Got down to save the initial shot for the goal and was entitled to expect more help from his defenders. Choudhury stuck to his task at RB against tricky opposition. Just a shame he didn't get the chance to put wind-up merchant Hannibal in the stands!

 

[blades_95]

Fair report as always DB. I don’t think we were terrible today, it was a game low on quality but they were more composed than us and saw it out comfortably enough.

Think the teamsheet told us everything we needed to know again though. Changing to a 4-4-2 and playing for knockdowns off Moore in a do or die game against 2nd in the league, who have the best defence in the division… that’s what you do with 15 mins to go, not from the start. Sadly Wilder doesn’t know his best 11 and we’re 44 games in & he just seems to be randomly throwing teams together now & hoping. Not a chance Leeds or Burnley come to us and change their whole system for a game like this, it basically admitted that we knew our usual team/style wasn’t good enough to win.

I think Burnley are just a better version of us - a bit drab, don’t score many, don’t concede many but have enough quality to win most weeks. That’s what we were before Souttar got injured.

Side note, what on earth has O’Hare done to get dropped out of nowhere? Him, JRS & Hamer behind Campbell for the play offs - it worked for 2/3rds of the season, let’s go back to basics.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

We just weren’t good enough … Burnley were a very average team ( on an unbeaten run of 29 games is that not a contradiction in terms ?? ) which says it all regards the quality of the division this season ..
The side that got promoted in 2019:came through a league a hell of a lot stronger… maybe we’ve dodged bullet ? Or maybe it’ll be a an exodus of our better players ??? ..

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Fair report as always DB. I don’t think we were terrible today, it was a game low on quality but they were more composed than us and saw it out comfortably enough.

Think the teamsheet told us everything we needed to know again though. Changing to a 4-4-2 and playing for knockdowns off Moore in a do or die game against 2nd in the league, who have the best defence in the division… that’s what you do with 15 mins to go, not from the start. Sadly Wilder doesn’t know his best 11 and we’re 44 games in & he just seems to be randomly throwing teams together now & hoping. Not a chance Leeds or Burnley come to us and change their whole system for a game like this, it basically admitted that we knew our usual team/style wasn’t good enough to win.

I think Burnley are just a better version of us - a bit drab, don’t score many, don’t concede many but have enough quality to win most weeks. That’s what we were before Souttar got injured.

Side note, what on earth has O’Hare done to get dropped out of nowhere? Him, JRS & Hamer behind Campbell for the play offs - it worked for 2/3rds of the season, let’s go back to basics.

I think O'hare got banished once Brewster managed to outscore him. Shame as we look better when O'hare plays. I'd hope to sign better than either this Summer.

 

[Champagneblade]

Fair report as always DB. I don’t think we were terrible today, it was a game low on quality but they were more composed than us and saw it out comfortably enough.

Think the teamsheet told us everything we needed to know again though. Changing to a 4-4-2 and playing for knockdowns off Moore in a do or die game against 2nd in the league, who have the best defence in the division… that’s what you do with 15 mins to go, not from the start. Sadly Wilder doesn’t know his best 11 and we’re 44 games in & he just seems to be randomly throwing teams together now & hoping. Not a chance Leeds or Burnley come to us and change their whole system for a game like this, it basically admitted that we knew our usual team/style wasn’t good enough to win.

I think Burnley are just a better version of us - a bit drab, don’t score many, don’t concede many but have enough quality to win most weeks. That’s what we were before Souttar got injured.

Side note, what on earth has O’Hare done to get dropped out of nowhere? Him, JRS & Hamer behind Campbell for the play offs - it worked for 2/3rds of the season, let’s go back to basics.

I thought United created the better chances and were the better team in open play at half time. 2-1 wasn’t a fair scoreline.

But the difference was simply Burnley made fewer unenforced errors.

For their first, Burrows slips to make it an easy cross, the header ricochets fortunately but it wasn’t directed correctly, Cooper parries our rather than wide and nobody is alert to react of pick up Brownhill. 4 instances where that could have been avoided. The penalty came from Anel being too jittery. That said it all came from a throw in that should have gone our way.

It’s clear to me what our best team is. We should rest players so we can put it out there. FWIW it’s this:

Cooper
Choudhury Holding Ahmedhodzic Burrows
Peck Souza
Rak-Sakyi O’Hare Hamer
Campbell

I like Seriki but prefer him as sub and think Choudhury just just a little more experienced.

Our only recent clean sheet was without JLT. Let’s not forget that.

 

[Fruitbat]

United – To see Burnley celebrating in front of the players/fans must have been galling. It was billed as the decider a few weeks/months ago but in the end just was the game which Burnley sealed the deal. Our manager/players sadly deserve to have to through that experience and watch the celebrations after we bottled it completely in that run of defeats – even one win and today would not have been the end but credit to Burnley and Leeds – they have absolutely powered on and we completely fell apart – against poor sides. We have lost all four games to the top two and been well beaten in all four games -granted we did ok for an hour v Leeds at the Lane and first half today and it was not a battering by any stretch. They are better than us both defensively and going forward and today showed even in those little battles they were quicker and stronger. Both sides have a plan to play – granted Leeds are more expansive but are better than us individually and collectively. At the start of the season, I did not think we would be anywhere near these (or even Luton/Boro) but we stayed the pace but frustrating to throw it away after all that good work.



I did not think we would get anything today and so it proved. We did give it a go first half I felt and started well and could have led but poor defending and ill discipline saw us concede a free kick and then not defend it again. We get level with finally a moment from Cannon but Anel makes a moronic decision, and we are behind again. You did not think we could score two and so it proved. We had been ok first half and only defensive mistakes let us down but were right in the game. Wilder said the goals were not like us, but they are very much like is currently sadly. We make mistakes, do not react and do not win the first and second balls.



I wanted us to have a real go second half but it never worked. We made changes but in the end it seemed to be just a case of throwing on men and hoping if we have more forwards, then we might get a goal but you have to find a structure to create and score. It all became a bit desperate and seemed to be just get it to Hamer and hope he finds something. We looked a bit desperate at the end and never really looked like scoring. Burnley saw it out comfortably.



We have now lost 3 in 4 and have several players probably in their poorest form of the season (Anel, Burrows, Souza, Campbell) and do not know our strongest side or what formation we are playing – this is 44 games in? We still of course, have some good players and not sure Coventry, Bristol City or Sunderland or that great really – but we look a tired mob that looks lacking in confidence and belief. Instead of being together, we seem a bit disjointed and we have players arguing with opponents/fans and a manager doing likewise. I do not get the sense this side has the belief they can go on and win the games to go up – I hope I am wrong but we are not the side we were at the start of the season or before Xmas. Even the wins (aside from Boro/Coventry) have been a struggle. Playoffs though you just need a few big games and you are up. It’s a 1 in 4 chance but we have to trust the players can recover and show that they can prove why we were up there all season.



We have two games left. I would rest Cooper, Burrows, Ahmedhodzic, Hamer, Peck, Souza and Campbell (our six most important players arguably) for both games. I don’t get Wilder saying he wants 90 points – it seems a pointless exercise expanding energy that is unnecessary. We have nothing to gain by playing them and those saying we need to find form/a formula – we have had 44 games to do that – it is not going to kick into life now. We need to just give them some time to rest and recuperate and hopefully two weeks where they can then come back fresher will see us somehow find at least one big performance (we have not put back to back ones together all season) to see us somehow get over the line and get to Wembley and then who knows? I worry that Coventry, Bristol City are in much better form and are scoring more goals than us. I am not confident at all we will even get to Wembley – the notion we are the third best team is correct but that is over a season and the last 2-3 months the form suggests otherwise I would suggest? I think I genuinely would be mor surprised if we go up now than just limply lose in the two legged game but I hope my pessimism is misplaced but the sides below will not be fearful at all having seen us/played us. Equally they are not great sides and we should not be so worried but in tight games we are now losing when we were winning them before. I can only go on what I have seen recently. Hopefully some fans will give me some confidence that I need to believe more!







Ratings:



Cooper 5.5/10 – He was again given too much to do with mistakes happening frequently in front of him. Pushed one away from Edwards and then on the goal he maybe should push it wide (saw BBC blame him which was harsh as others made mistakes) but he will know he needs to not keep it central even though came at him fast. Think he will be disappointed with it. Penalty sent the wrong way but again put in a position where he has to try and bail us out. Second half made one decent save but was straight at him. His kicking has really dropped off recently.



Choudhury 6/10 - Started with one ball over the top that beat him but then battled with Anthony in a few challenges. Thought he struggled with the pace and trickery and given little help from BBD in front but at least stuck to his task. At the end got involved with some fans as the stewards probably did not do enough to segregate them from our players who went to our supporters. He has been one of few recently who has been ok and competed. I think he will stay next year and no problems with that as a handy lad – he is not amazing but does a solid job and the issues are elsewhere in the side.



Burrows 5/10 – Saw his defensive issues but again as with Choudhury the formation meant Hamer has to get back and support but he did not. Edwards was given too much space and they had chances down here as he was not shut down. He had one shot over but saw little attacking wide threat and a few awful set plays. I think he has really dropped off in recent months and we are seeing little going forward (one good run v Cardiff apart) in the last period of the season. His actual crossing for the most part since Xmas has been really poor and he overhits so many crosses/free kicks. A lot to ask him keeping his standards that he set and is his first at a higher level but we saw with McCallum (and RND before this) sadly we have no one else really who can fill in and give him a much needed break he needed.



Ahmedhodzic 3/10 – Looked off it from the start. Too busy tussling with others and trying to foul – got penalised early for one and then just did not seem quick enough to react. He did not put enough contact on Flemming on the first run but he was wrong side and then so slow to react on the next move and a stupid tackle. Second half gave away another daft foul and was guilty of grappling a lot instead of playing the ball. He looked like he did in the Premier League – against players who will be there next season. Not sure why our manager persists with this partnership which is not good enough.



Robinson 4.5/10 – I have seen mixed opinion on his performance. Seen some say he was ok and some say he was awful. I thought he was somewhere in between but in key moments did not step up or win the balls we needed. In general play, he was better than Anel but he also made mistakes – slow to react on the goal and then a stupid booking for arguing. He also switched off a few times and was not close enough to his man but he did clear a few and was less of a liability than his partner. Both are clearly not good enough individually or as a pair when against better and quicker/stronger players. It’s mad that the two who conceded 100 goals are still starting together and that the manager did not address this in January only bringing in a centre back that he himself admitted is not fit!



Souza 4/10 – I thought he was really poor today but again seen some say he was ok. Thought he was off the pace and did not get to the ball first and then when he had it, he gave it away. Made some baffling choices with the ball but also did not cut out the flow to the forwards. We looked a bit soft in the middle and never had control of this area. Not sure, he is fully fit and was taken off again before the end. Needs taking out for the final few weeks.



Peck 5.5/10 – Better than Souza but he was having to cover for him and others who were not helping. We played a two but we had no more control of this area as Hamer just roamed around and BBD did nothing at all to help either full back or central midfield. Peck does not play enough forward passes even though he has been great this season. He had a few ok moments with the ball but a few came off him. I would rest him for the final two games too.



Hamer 6/10 – Our main threat but still frustrating and he did not always make the right decisions but he at least tried to get on it and make things happen. His ball set up the goal and anything decent (two or three good balls to Cannon) came from him. He lacks discipline and at times means we get done on the break. Another daft booking so has to be rested now for one of the final two – as two bookings and he missed the entire playoffs? Does it carry forward – so if he got one in the final two or two in the two semis – he misses the second leg/final?



Brereton Diaz 3/10 – I keep hearing he is in the wrong position and maybe he is. Maybe he needs to be on the left but Hamer is not going to be central now (Wilder would have done it) so he is playing right but he looks a forlorn figure. I get it is his not his best role maybe but still expect more from him. He looks a bit disinterested and for a loan player looking for a move (either here or elsewhere – as he has now had 2 clubs dispose of him in less than 6 months – you think he would do everything to avoid us being the third?) he is not doing enough. Had one chance but blasted over. I would not have him playing. Rak Sakyi offers far more in terms of a threat and at least will take defenders over and make men cover him. Looks slow/weak and unfit. Just hope the so-called option to buy was only if we went up.



Moore 5/10 – He was involved in the game but not sure his contributions were hugely positive. He had one decent chance early but was a weak effort. Another long range shot but won few headers really and just ended up moving further and further up field. Second half I forgot he was even playing. Although to be fair we did not put any decent crosses in.



Cannon 5.5/10 – Did get his goal which was a great strike to be fair (so gets an extra mark or so for that) and showed he can shoot. However, outside of this he looked slow, weak and got brushed aside on a number of occasions despite being well positioned and/or played in but at least made some good runs getting in some decent areas. His overall performance outside of this was poor again I am afraid as he gets muscled out of it too easily. His pass to BBD was behind him second half and not sure we saw much of him after the break before he was taken off.



Subs -



Rak Sakyi 5.5/10 – Made a difference in that he at least ran at them. Got one booked and had a few runs but he never put a cross over or had a shot or got beyond but they did double up. Has to start for me as at least he offers another threat – so teams have to worry about him.



Campbell 4/10 – Barely saw him really. Had a few balls played in but another who got outmuscled. Just never got into the game really but another who was given no service.



McCallum – Tried to win a few headers but an awful cross summed up his complete lack of quality. The difference in the Burnley subs and the quality/pedigree they have, compared to the likes of him was quite telling.



Brewster – Ran around a lot but to be fair was asked to play central midfield which is mad (anyone know if we are likely to see Tom Davies again!) He lost his head when he chopped his man down near the end.



Seriki – Tried to find some space but he had a few chances to run at them but came back inside.



Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We changed the team and one he brought in scored. The first half we began well and had chances. We were right in it but then more stupid fouls led to both goals – free kick/penalty as our players lack discipline to defend and do the basics – just swiping at opponents. First half we were ok though and maybe a bit unlucky to trail. Second half was really poor. We lacked any kind of ideas. They sat deep and we had no pace to get beyond them. His subs just seemed to be a case of throwing people on and hoping for the best rather than a clear tactical tweak or sense we were trying something different. He said after that we might get 90 pts and how great that is but the reality is no one remembers how many points the third got or who even finished third, if you do not go up? He also said we don’t concede goals like that. We have done for the last 2 or 3 months. Every week. I am not sure he has an idea how to get us conceding less and conceding more. We did play two up top and at least had a few chances (not clear ones apart from Moore really) but again the keeper has not had a save to make outside of the goal and we again seemed to not know how to really pen a team in. It seemed to be the same tactic – hope Hamer (and then JRS) can find a bit of a moment. Our play lacks structure and a plan. At the end it all seemed a bit desperate with chucking men on, many in random positions. He clearly had no idea of his best team and the chopping/changing has probably not helped but this is also not helped by the fact many of our players are not as fit as opponents (the better ones at least). We have many who cannot do 90 mins (Souza, Campbell, Holding) and that is a worry when we have a two-legged playoff with a 4-day turnaround. Hope he can somehow raise them and get us up for it but seems stubborn still – playing the likes of Robinson, Cannon and BBD (when all 3 are woefully out of form) and I am concerned that if we start any playoffs with Anel/Robinson, we are not getting through as they are so soft and make mistakes. We do not win enough first balls into our box nor second balls that drop. Ultimately that is why we keep conceding stupid goals. We do not score enough the other way. The semis will be tight but currently that narrative is why we have lost 3/4 games and why we will lose rather than win these games by a single goal. We need to somehow have more control of games – as if we don’t we are relying on us suddenly doing things at both ends that we have not in recent months.



Burnley – I have never been Parker’s biggest fan and thought he was the biggest obstacle for them going up. Felt he has always got lucky with teams with big budgets/expensive and deep squads, but I have to say he has led them magnificently. Yes, he is helped with a talent laden roster but he has got them on an amazing unbeaten run and they have been so hard to beat and score against. We fell apart (and even Leeds had wobbles) but they have powered on. They have got stronger and embraced their style (yes, it is not great to watch but even they have routed some teams -we haven’t) and found the formula to be too good for most teams. They beat us with a classic away performance at the Lane and were too strong then and so it proved again today. They celebrate promotion in front of our players/fans which makes it even harder to watch but that is our fault as I discussed above.



They came out and wanted to finish the job but first half maybe a bit lucky to lead but showed desire to get men in our box and I felt that the loose balls they were onto them quicker. They have some wind-up merchants in Hannibal, Esteve and Flemming but they backed it up tonight. They do go to ground a lot looking for things but then we were stupid in the free kick/penalty we gave away.



As for next year, their defence of course will get tested much more and that has been their strength this season. I see the same prognosis for them as Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – even if they invest. Parker’s success will ultimately lead to his downfall but then if they had not gone up, he would have got sacked – now he will get sacked but probably before Xmas next season!



Opponent Man of the Match – Brownhill for his two goals (how many has he got against us now?) but not far behind was Esteve. Outstanding and just bullied likes of Cannon, Moore and Campbell.



Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was that poor but Pires at full back I think could be got at. Flemming is not good enough for the top level and like with Pires who scored 4 today (I think both teams need to upgrade there).



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Not reason we lost and got both penalty calls right but felt a few fouls they did should have been yellows. A lad near the end got one for far worse than the ones that were not pulled up for. I thought he should have booked Brownhill for two late fouls but then our bookings were right – Hamer stupid, Robinson stupid, Brewster stupid. All slow and just dived in. Peck and Anel could have been booked too. Makes me laugh how at the end of games (yes, stewarding not great today) our lads play the big man card but in games they are soft as anything but can be quite cynical and dirty too. The BBD challenge was ridiculous too. We have got all these fines but are not particularly imposing or scary we just lack discipline and often have these tussles when games have gone or when it is irrelevant. Would not mind if it intimidated teams/players but we do it the wrong times. When Esteve and Hannibal were essentially winding things up, our players did nothing then – when we needed to put one on the deck maybe at that point?

Good report as ever DB.
To me, this game illustrated perfectly the difference between a wealthy (relatively, in parachute payment terms), skilful side which is extremely well coached, structured and disciplined, with a wealthy, skilful side which is self-evidently NOT well coached, structured and disciplined.
Burnley were better at pressing, beating the press, playing through the thirds, transitioning between being in possession and not… in fact, in every aspect of the game.
My view is that this side has gotten to where it is in large part despite Wilder not because of him. I was never a fan of Wilder’s reappointment, and even this lofty league position has not changed my view. Passion, emotion, blood and guts and being “one of us” is simply not enough in modern football.
If we do go up - which, whilst being financially great, will make for another tough season - I don’t think Wilder has what it takes to give us the best chance of staying there.
I suppose he could reasonably argue that he’s earned the opportunity to demonstrate otherwise, but I don’t think that a rational, emotionless analysis of this season would back that up.
So, give him the playoffs, but then bring in a director of football, a clever, and contemporary coach, a data driven recruitment strategy and improve our chances of staying up.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

4 out of 5 lost DB. Even worse.
I thought I saw you jogging in S8 on Sunday?
I thought you'd been selected as a sub for last night.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

You.mean Piroe who got 4 for Leeds.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Bit harsh on Cooper & Choudhury I think. Cooper's kicking was better today - pinged 3 or 4 flat passes straight to our players. Got down to save the initial shot for the goal and was entitled to expect more help from his defenders. Choudhury stuck to his task at RB against tricky opposition. Just a shame he didn't get the chance to put wind-up merchant Hannibal in the stands!

And yet Choudhury going ballistic at some chav at the end? Total waste of effort.

 

[Wards]

Think he had to play the deadly duo at the back simply because Holding was still knackered from Friday. Vital we get Holding two 90 mins (if he can manage that) in the last two fixtures now.

 

[Champagneblade]

Think he had to play the deadly duo at the back simply because Holding was still knackered from Friday. Vital we get Holding two 90 mins (if he can manage that) in the last two fixtures now.

I think this is crucial. It felt like Robinson’s ‘injury’ was face saving. Hopefully the performance against Plymouth remains n the memory as well as how composed Holding was against Cardiff. This could literally be the decision which makes the difference between going up and not going upz

 

[Chimpan-A]

Your report is spot on. The only thing I would pick up on is the losing 3 out of 4, in fact we have lost 4 out of the last 5, which is even more damning. The truth is we shouldn’t have been relying on beating this team to have a small chance, the league gifted us promotion with that run in and we turned it down!

 

[Frank the tank]

I thought United created the better chances and were the better team in open play at half time. 2-1 wasn’t a fair scoreline.

But the difference was simply Burnley made fewer unenforced errors.

For their first, Burrows slips to make it an easy cross, the header ricochets fortunately but it wasn’t directed correctly, Cooper parries our rather than wide and nobody is alert to react of pick up Brownhill. 4 instances where that could have been avoided. The penalty came from Anel being too jittery. That said it all came from a throw in that should have gone our way.

It’s clear to me what our best team is. We should rest players so we can put it out there. FWIW it’s this:

Cooper
Choudhury Holding Ahmedhodzic Burrows
Peck Souza
Rak-Sakyi O’Hare Hamer
Campbell

I like Seriki but prefer him as sub and think Choudhury just just a little more experienced.

Our only recent clean sheet was without JLT. Let’s not forget that.

We haven't conceded when holdings played
Against Bristol City they scored by simply wrong footing sub Robinson and picking their spot

 

[metalblade]

I get the frustration and disappointment from people but did we really play so bad? Burnley are a very good Championship team but I thought we shaded the first 45mins. What we can criticise is the fact we handed Burnley two goals, put C-3PO and Anel as a pair and we concede sloppy goals guaranteed. Wilder really should have got Holding up to speed sooner is another valid argument. To be fair Cooper hardly had anything to do apart from when they scored Trafford had a lot more to do even if they were routine stops. You just can't give Burnley 2 goals and expect anything from the game they are masters at seeing the games out by slowing it down and shithousing. I'm surprised they didn't get more yellow cards and that Hannibal is a nasty piece of work always on the wind up but quick to play the race card if he gets any back I'd love somebody to snap him. There you have the difference we only have Anel and C-3PO to pick from but Burnley have a decent pair of CB's I thought Esteve was excellent for them.
Starting the 2nd half 2-1 down you knew Burnley would close it out by any method and so it proved. We showed we can play with two up top which made Cannon look much better we scored a well worked goal that he finished well. Wilder has to be more flexible with his team selections and tactics we have the players but I'd question if he is getting the best out of some of them. First time I have seen anything from Cannon ok he is not blessed with lightning pace he got away once but Esteve caught him and just brushed him off the ball get the lad in the gym Billy Sharp never had pace but he was much harder to knock off the ball. Looks like Cannon could be one of those who comes alive in the box excellent finish for his goal.
Two games that mean nothing coming up Wilder needs to work on formations and tactics for the play off's and get players who need it rested and fully fit. We go into the mini cup competition as firm favourites looking at the league positions, FFS United make it count this time.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

We were the better team for 45 mins but found ourselves 2-1 down from their only two shots on target . Second half in a game we needed to win I thought we were crap .. again the creativity or craft in the last third was no existent ! I don’t think we managed a shot on target the second half?
As for Burnley I didn’t think they were much better , I thought they were bang average tbh , if anything we gave them way too much respect .

As for they ref well .. consistently on decisions for me .. awful ..how Brownhill doesn’t get a yellow for either both of those two first half tackles beggars belief when the ref was was dishing them out to our lot for far less . I don’t like the 2 shithouses Flemming & Hannibal spent more time on the deck that Lino & are constantly in the ref’s ear , again how the hell isnt Flemming booked for simulation fir the dive in the area ?
Hamer was the only player that came off the field with any credit for me , if we lose him in the summer ( as we will if we don’t get up via the play offs ) there’s gonna be a whopping great hole left in there .

Overall we went out on whimper …beyond disappointing

 

[Tickhill Blade]

It's incredible to me that with all the sport science available these days, Holding still can't play 90 minutes without cramping up. He's a centre half ffs, its not as if he's having to get up and down the pitch all game.
If players aren't injured or coming back from a recent layoff, why can't they play 90 minutes? We seem to have so many who are blowing out of their arse after an hour

 

[Wards]

Hamer was the only player that came off the field with any credit for me , if we lose him in the summer ( as we will if we don’t get up via the play offs ) there’s gonna be a whopping great hole left in there .

Massive worry this. Obviously we can try and replace him with whatever funds we generate but in many respects I don't think you can replace him like-for-like at this level, especially not with how narrow the scope of our recruitment generally is. Needs a big old rabbit pulling from a relatively small hat.

He was the only player on the field who looked likely yesterday, well until JRS came on and he's only with us for another 5 games at most.

 

[Danetheblade]

We were the better team for 45 mins but found ourselves 2-1 down from their only two shots on target . Second half in a game we needed to win I thought we were crap .. again the creativity or craft in the last third was no existent ! I don’t think we managed a shot on target the second half?
As for Burnley I didn’t think they were much better , I thought they were bang average tbh , if anything we gave them way too much respect .

As for they ref well .. consistently on decisions for me .. awful ..how Brownhill doesn’t get a yellow for either both of those two first half tackles beggars belief when the ref was was dishing them out to our lot for far less . I don’t like the 2 shithouses Flemming & Hannibal spent more time on the deck that Lino & are constantly in the ref’s ear , again how the hell isnt Flemming booked for simulation fir the dive in the area ?
Hamer was the only player that came off the field with any credit for me , if we lose him in the summer ( as we will if we don’t get up via the play offs ) there’s gonna be a whopping great hole left in there .

Overall we went out on whimper …beyond disappointing

I’m a little indifferent to him leaving to be completely honest, flatters to deceive most of the time, fitness is questionable at best, and his discipline is lacking. If he goes (for a sizeable fee) I’d be quite content knowing we’ll be able to play a genuine left winger in that spot (like BBD).

 

[Wards]

I’m a little indifferent to him leaving to be completely honest, flatters to deceive most of the time,

I don't disagree about fitness and discipline but wow...that's some take.

They do say opinions are like arseholes I guess

 

[Danetheblade]

I don't disagree about fitness and discipline but wow...that's some take.

They do say opinions are like arseholes I guess

Outside the few worldies and good parts of play, he’s a bit of a passenger, and those parts of play typically last an hour until he’s gassed. Great player, not one to rely on when the teams playing poorly as he lacks the fitness to do it all game.