Burnley 5 United 0 - report

[Deadbat]

The Blades sank to rock bottom in the Premier League after fellow strugglers Burnley registered their first home win after losing all the previous seven games at Turf Moor. After a few decent results against Wolves and Brighton, United faced two crucial games and have lost both games without even a whimper. There now has to be serious questions about the management team as United look completely inert and unable to fashion any kind of performance together. The ease in which the Clarets picked them up was a continuation of the abomination of the previous week when Bournemouth similarly won at a canter. A red card for Oli McBurnie did not help but United in truth were absolutely shambolic from start to finish and the 5-0 defeat flattered the away aside who looked devoid of ability, fight and any kind of plan. The players looked a sorry mess by full time as they continue to completely stink up the Premier League looking our of their depth from boardroom level to manager/coaches to players.





There were three changes as Ahmedhozic, Fleck and McBurnie came in for Bogle, Souza and McAtee. Burnley brought in Larsen for Gudmundsson but former Blade Sander Berge was at the heart of the home midfield. The game was only 15 seconds young when the home side incredibly took the lead. Burnley kicked off and Amdouni won three 50-50 challenges in a row with Norwood, Hamer, and Robinson all unable to dispossess him. The ball was played wide to Taylor who sent over a dangerous cross and RODRIGUEZ got in front of Trusty to flick past Foderingham. It was a remarkable start to the game and once again the Blades were up against it.



The lack of challenges continued from United as Burnley dominated with former man Berge at the heart of the possession football. United could not get into the game at all and Burnley were swarming all around them looking a far more confident side despite being below the Blades before kick-off. On 9 minutes it could have been another as Rodriguez had an effort over the bar as not one Blades defender attacked a high ball in the build-up. Berge continued to get booed by some United fans but was showing he quality and calmness on the ball that the Blades midfield sadly lacked.



United did have an effort on 12 minutes but Hamer’s volley after a spot of head tennis was wide. Burnley were then back on the attack and Rodriguez was nearly in again. The lack of challenges and intensity was incredible as Burnley just walked through midfield unopposed. Finally, an effort on goal came from the Blades when Robinson’s long throw dropped to Norwood whose volleyed effort was saved well by Trafford. The appalling injury record for the Blades continued as Baldock was the next to pull up after just coming back from injury! It seemed another hamstring injury and he hobbled off with Bogle in his place.



Trusty was turned easily as Burnley’s attacking players seemed too quick and technical for United before Archer lost the ball easily leading to another spell of possession. The second goal came just before the half hour. A ball over the top saw Thomas completely switch off and leave his man LARSON who beat a woeful offside trap but was still a long way from goal but was allowed to run almost an entire half as the left wing back just gave up, with a pathetic and desperate point to his keeper his only effort to stop the player. Foderingham stayed at home and the Burnley player ran in and scored easily. 2-0 and almost certainly game over for the second week running before half time.



United did have a chance to get back in it soon after as the ball came down the left and Trusty did well to get in and crossed. The ball was not cleared properly and Archer had a chance to reduce the arrears but his finish was appalling and he blazed miles over.



Fleck was booked for a poor late challenge whilst United’s cynical side continued to show as MCBurnie was then carded for a flailing elbow. United were not winning proper tackles or challenges but picking up yellow cards for nasty and desperate pieces of play. O’Shea joined the United players in the book when he caught McBurnie late in retribution as the game became testy. Kompany was booked for his protests.



Norwood continued to play the safe ball and the shape and tactics was unknown as Burnley were looking comfortable. Burnley won another corner and then had appeals for a penalty as Thomas got hold of a shirt but got away with it despite VAR taking a look. Thomas then was beaten for skill and chopped his man down as the humiliation continued for the Leicester loan man who continued to look hopelessly out of his depth at this level. Burnley had another corner soon after but Robinson cleared but the dreadful afternoon took a new turn as the high ball saw McBurnie lead with his elbow on purpose again and got a second yellow. Both could easily have been straight reds and another moment of ill discipline from the United striker – that shows why the calls for him to be captain seem extremely silly as he continues to show an appalling lack of professionalism and regard for his teammates. The half time whistle came soon after and United player trooped off to more boos from the fans for the second consecutive week.



United made three changes with Traore, Osula and McAtee on for Fleck, Archer and Thomas. In truth Heckingbottom could have replaced his whole side so abject they were. The one-way traffic continued as Burnley came down the left as Koleosho and Taylor did well and Trusty had to make the clearance. Larsen then found Koleosho and his effort was side. It should have been three when da Silva had a chance blocked from Robinson. A one two ensued soon after and the ball just squirmed away from a Burnley attacker. There was more ill discipline when Osula was the next to be booked, again for a yellow card.



Larsen came off to be replaced by Gudmundsson and soon after appeals for a penalty were waved away and Hamer broke through and showed some life. His surging run saw him play the ball to Osula but was maybe overhit and the striker was closed down by Trafford who made the save. The Dane had another chance when Traore’s cross came in and his header was over. At least he had got into some good position and showed more intent than the experienced strikers no longer on the pitch.



Ahmedhodzic’s miserable season continued as he let his man go and then chopped him down leading to another regulation yellow card. The third goal came when AMDOUNI ran through Ahmedhodzic and Robinson to finish easily into the corner. It was more woeful defending with no challenge and an unopposed run.



The next goal came not long after and it came after another flurry of chances. Amdouni had a low shot that Foderingham could only push away and Koleosho had the goal at his mercy but somehow hit the post. It mattered little as the same player scored almost seconds later! The ball was once again played in with no pressure and Burnley players just ghosted through and as it fell to KOLEOSHO, he took a touch and fired into the goal via the near post.



Burnley made a triple change with Tresor, Obafemi and Redmond on for Koleosho, Amdouni and Rodriguez. One of the incoming players nearly made an instant impact but Obafemi’s curling effort went narrowly wide with Foderingham motionless. The 5th goal came as the rout continued when the ball was played around again and as it was not properly cleared, BROWNHILL hit a fierce low drive into the far corner and Burnley fans were in ecstasy.



United’s players had completely given up. The body language was of a side that did not want to be there. More chances came but flew past the post either side of Foderingham as more embarrassment was avoided. Osula had a rare effort on the break but his shot was saved from Trafford but this was a brief respite as a flicked effort from Redmond saw Foderingham flick onto the bar and then in the scramble they could not force it home. There was 4 minutes of stoppage time to be played and Brownhill had another low effort saved from Foderingham.

 

[Deadbat]

United – I am struggling to say anything different most week. I expected us to lose and lose easily. We did and then some. We also completely gave up. Again. It is an utter shambles and at the moment we may aswell be relegated and just sit the season out. Just resign from the Premier League! I know that sounds silly but that’s how I feel. Watching another half a season plus of this is hard to watch. Effectively, just read what I wrote last week. It might have been even worse. I suppose we had a few shots this week and showed some fight, of completely the wrong type as not only were we hammered again but we showed complete lack of discipline and professionalism with cynical, dirty fouls and a deserved red card – from the man many are crying out to be captain. However, the complete and utter capitulation started from the kick off as they walked through us, we did not tackle and were incredibly behind after 15 seconds. It was appalling with no pressure on the cross and no one attacking it. There was no reaction at all and they could have had more. We did have a few shots but they dominated possession and controlled the game completely. It was easy as they just walked past us – much like every other team does. We tried meekly to grab or flail at players as they ran past as our appalling fitness, pace and athleticism was exposed again – versus another side supposed to be poor but again miles better than us at everything.



The lack of fight was clear again and yes again we were terrible on the ball but we never really had it as another team dominated. Individually no one stood up and got hold of it, but the shape and pattern meant we had no foothold in a game again. The second goal was like something on a Sunday League pitch as Thomas switches off with a ridiculously high line also to blame. He then looks hopelessly at his keeper and almost may as well have shouted, ‘Help!’ as he points and almost stumbles in desperation. The Burnley man runs through and scores an easy goal. Imagine players running at their opponents and us passing it forward at pace? We had a chance via Archer who also has been a complete bust and not at the level required. After this it was back one way traffic. McBurnie tried to show some right but in completely the wrong way. He could have gone for the first elbow and clearly after O’Shea got him back, wanted the next say. Completely moronic. We had probably lost but like with the Wes error last week, this meant it was definitely done.



Second half they could have had a few more as they again just walked through. Hecky just threw three kids on and not even sure what the formation was or who was playing where? Mind you it was like that at the start so nothing really much different! After this we had two Osula chances but that was it and they then ran through us again and again. They could have scored 4 or 5 goals in about 2 minutes before the third came and then the fourth and then the fifth. The players just gave up and after each goal there was no argument, no questioning, no pointing of fingers, just an acceptance that they are totally and utterly shite and out of their depth. Bet many do not even want to play at the moment as any reputation they had/have is slowly disappearing week after week. The lack of team spirit, leadership and pride is utterly disgusting. To go from a side that seemed quite together in a promotion winning campaign to this absolute shower of shite is incredible. I expected us to have a go at this level even if we did go down but this is far worse than even that dreadful season when we last went down. We have conceded more goals at this stage than any other team apart from Barnsley in the 90’s. We have lost 43/55 games. The commentators today and Clinton Morrison (one of the better ones) and the god damn awful crew on Soccer Saturday were laughing at us. They described us as pitiful.



Ultimately as I said last week, the mess has been created by the lack of planning and leadership at the top. Our owner seemingly does not give a damn and wants out but cannot find an owner or is not willing to sell. So, he selfishly sits there and watches as Rome burns. In a few months as we become a club in big debt again, he will not be able to give us away. However, despite all this, the focus will be on the manager and the players. The players lack of effort, passion and fight has been startling. They are not good enough to a man. We do not have one Premier League standard player in the entire squad. Even our better players Baldock and McBurnie are not at the level needed despite some effort and both are never fit or lack discipline. Ultimately the buck stops with the owner but also the manager and he simply has to be sacked. He, like the players, is massively out of his depth. Burnley and Bournemouth have better players but not be the level of scoreline (should have been more last week) and performances we have seen. The manager is coaxing and coaching absolutely nothing out of the team. The recruitment team with him sanctioning have made dreadful signings that have not improved us but you could argue with little funds we could not get Premier League players but I would argue we could get a type that would help us battle and be in games. We have signed small, weak players that are not fit and cannot run. We need to move away from just picking on or singling out individuals because make no mistake every single player is utterly abject at the moment in everything. Only Osula comes out with any credit today. The rest were atrocious to a man – save one volley and run from Hamer.





He is a nice guy but it is turning sour now and he has to be moved on. Please do not put McCall, Lester and Hudson in charge either – even temporarily. They are part of this complete lack of a plan combined with the players seemingly not even putting effort in (the garbage he said about our running stats being good v Bournemouth was an insult to the fans and angered people even more and rightly so). We need to move fast. I hope it is not Wilder and we have had a plan for a few weeks now as it has been coming so good and well run clubs have a man or a plan in mind when sacking the manager. Sadly, doubt that will be us. We are as good as down but fans deserve to come to the games and see us at least be competitive. It’s like a bush league team against a Major League side in baseball at the moment. We are waving the white flag at kick off now as well. The fans who went today must be furious – paying a lot of money and travelling over there on a freezing day to watch that complete and utter lack of anything.



The club is a mess. Roy made a superb point on Bladespod about us having 3 years out of 5 years in the Premier League with all the financial incomes that yields and we have absolutely nothing to show for it. No good players, no assets, no structure to the club, we have a guy with no experience of football running things (Bettis) and Heckingbottom has to do everything playing wise. No changes in the improvements to the training ground or a move to another site. The academy has not been improved. The ground has not been really improved. We have achieved nothing but lose football games (taking away that first half a season). The owner has to get out. He has to take a loss and move on as if he stays, he will end up losing more money and won’t ever be able to get rid.



Short term we need some pride back. The players need to actually show they give a damn. If the manager survives this I would be astounded but equally with the lack of leadership above, then maybe it does not happen? They are not here like McCabe and Brealey were to see the toxic fall out. Liverpool could score ten on Wednesday night and the next four games are against the good teams! To go from where we were last May to this is a complete and utter failure and those who back the Prince and the board (have we got one) are really baffling me. Heckingbottom has shown he is out of depth and needs to go but ultimately as he is the leader of the players, the owner is the leader of the club. Tonight, the owner, manager and players all should be ashamed of their efforts since we got promoted. We look like a club who just does not even want to be in the highest league. We may as well have took the money and refused the place because that is effectively what we are doing.



We need to move away from just picking on or singling out individuals because make no mistake every single player is utterly abject at the moment in everything. Only Osula comes out with any credit today. The rest were atrocious to a man – save one volley and run from Hamer.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Foderingham 1.5/10 – He made a few saves but a lot went in. The first he has no chance, the second maybe he comes out a bit quicker but the defence and Thomas surely more to blame? The third no real chance. The fourth does go in near past. I am struggling to remember the other – so many bastard goals going in – I just cannot remember which was which? Was that a long ranger. Not sure he was at fault but he was a shot stopper who was crap at crosses and kicking it/using his feet. Now he’s more like a door stopper. He just stands there as shot after shot and goal after goal goes in. Of course having eleven cones in front of you cannot be helpful but he is another that does not command or breed confidence. You’d drop him but the lad behind him is even worse. You can say this about most players/positions starting. That sums it up.



Baldock NA – What a surprise? Another hamstring injury from a player, another who is increasingly injury prone and becoming a liability too. We love McBurnie and George for their passion but these two do not play enough games at all and that is the argument for not retaining them. However, he is one of few who seems to care. Even he looks disinterested by it all and probable be secretly glad to be out till after Xmas if a hamstring injury as at least his reputation does not get further damaged.



Thomas 0.5/10 – Well, I thought he was bad last week but he got even worse today. An absolutely horror show and continues to look one of the worst players I have seen in an SUFC shirt in recent years. Cannot tackle, does not get tight, does not stop crosses, awful on the ball and his intelligence is on another level (a bad one). He was half asleep all game (well first half) and they had chances from him being nowhere near his man. He then just kicked one ball into the air under no pressure when we had one half decent attack. The second goal is hilarious. He just stands there, loses his man, does not read what is happening and then sort of ambles back. His point of desperation to Wes is embarrassing. He basically lets his man run a whole half to score unopposed. Then lucky to get away with a shirt pull on a corner. Gets skinned twice more and on the second gets booked. Hooked at half time. Woefully out of his depth and you can tell he knows it. Should be nowhere near the team. At least January we can send him back can’t we? Larouci or Lowe cannot be any worse than this chump. Gave him 0.5 for putting his kit on the right area. Surprised he did not put his shorts on his head. Can’t have looked any sillier if he did. Another game and he might be my first ever 0/10. Jordan Stewart has perked up at that last line!



Ahmedhodzic 1/10 – A player who had not really been discussed with scapegoats elsewhere but we forget he played the early games and was shocking and for the second half last week and today, he was abject. He does not go forward anymore and defensively he is dire, slow to react, does not pick up and his body language is of someone who thinks he is better than this. Well Anel you are as bad as the rest, if not worse so wake up or you will be heading back to some minor European league. To think we saw this lad as the next big asset (sale!). At the moment we would struggle to make our money back on him. Looks completely disinterested and his lack of effort is an insult to the fans. I would say until you start running and competing, you are not playing – would rather a young lad play.



Robinson 2/10 – He at least won a few tackles and tried but he too is another where the pace and athleticism is too much and his levels have dropped also. The strikers routinely dictate the game and win the first and second balls. We have no midfielders to help out and I have some sympathy for him and Trusty as out of the whole team – yes they were bad too – at least they may an occasional tackle or get a foot in sometimes. However, these two are mid table Champ players at best and both are probably two of our better (less bad players).



Trusty 2/10 – He started ok when he got in the team but another who is seeing that it is all too quick and skilful for him. He was so slow on the first to get across and this continued all game. He tries hard but not sure what his strengths are he is not that mobile and also not as powerful as I thought. We keep blaming the midfield and the lack of protection but teams have so many shots or unopposed efforts so the defence cannot be without blame. We got outmuscled/lose duels. Had one decent run in the chance for Archer. 2nd half, he and others just fell apart as they never got close to them.



Norwood 1.5/10 – Had one decent shot that was saved but the rest of the game he was so slow and just let them run off him. He passed back most of the time and does not want to go forward anymore. He is not a Premier League player and is too slow/weak/immobile. Never noticed him second half at all and the whole team just fell apart. Senior players like him need to show some leadership. He and those did not rally. Saw no talking or anything. Just an acceptance.



Fleck 1/10 – Not sure he did much at all other than kick a few players. Think he tried to kick one of their when he got kicked but then did boot one. Not sure I noticed him outside of this at all. Why he is close to a starting place I have no idea – he is not even Championship level anymore but sums up how abject the summer signings, Souza and Slimane have been/must be. Even Osborn would be preferential to him. He is another that contract renewal was bewildering. It was sad to see three years ago the likes of Fleck and Norwood looking out of their depth and here we are again with these two in midfield. Incredible lack of planning and the recruitment team should be embarrassed.



Hamer 2.5/10 – Awful start to the game as he let his man run past him easily. He did have a volley wide which was decent but then the rest of the first half his touch was loose and he was getting run past as he is woefully out of condition. He did have one good run second half (where has that been) but his pass was overhit and wasted a really good surge. At least he showed a few moments but in the general game, his defensive work, his play on the ball and his ability to help us get the ball and up the field was sadly lacking. Think everyone went too soon on he is much better than Berge. Both seem players who drift in games but Berge offered more than his lad and Sander looks like a middle-distance super athlete compared to Hamer who will never amount to much at this level until he loses several pounds and shows he can run up and down the pitch. Maybe he does more in a better system with another manager but think all this position is wrong is a bit of a red herring. Good players stand out no matter what. Hecky has been dreadful but these players have to do more. They cost a lot of money and seem to be going through the motions – him, Archer, Souza etc.



Archer 1.5/10 – Not given much service at all really. He did have one effort but blazed badly over. He looks completely disinterested to me and surely the sensible option is to send him back to Villa in January – he is not going to be our player. I personally would terminate all three loans if we could in January and try and build for next season with players who might be here. He was lauded by some as the difference but is another who looks out of his depth and not strong/good enough for this level.



McBurnie 1/10 – Stupid yet again. Not in the game at all early on and seemed off the pace as the whole team was and then resorted to elbowing people. He did it once and was lucky to get away with it. The second was stupid and both could have been red cards. He has done this too many times. I know everyone says give him another contract but that is more due to the crap around him surely? He continues to make moronic decisions and is never fit. Another I would move on as he rarely puts 2 games together ever due to stupidity or poor fitness.



Subs –



Bogle 1.5/10 – Not sure he did many good things and another where the Burnley players just ran at him and had cross/shots all second half. He is another has no football brain and does not know where to stand. Now he has to play as Baldock is out again.



McAtee 1.5/10 – He must want to go back to City. He has struggled when he has played as never has the ball and when he does, he has to run down blind alleys. Did not even know he was on till the end when he ran one out.



Osula 5/10 – Showed some life and our best outfield player. Looks more of a threat than Archer and that’s why I’d play him as at least he will be here next season. He puts himself about more than the loan man too. One effort when he was on the stretch from Hamer’s pass and another header he might have done better with. Another shot later on. He at least looked lively and showed some running/physicality but he got a daft booking too.



Traore 1.5/10 – Was he even on? Hang on he did put one good cross in so gets a mark for that. Surely the logical change would have been another midfielder to give us some legs. I think Hecky had just given up at this stage and it was like u10’s – ‘let’s get some of you young lads on as you are cold and can have a run out as you have come along on the bus!’ Another signing that seems a woeful drain of limited funds.







Manager: Heckingbottom 0/10 – An absolute mess from start to finish. Started the game horrible. The tactics were non existent again. He did not change the shape or personnel till too late again but feels like shuffling the chairs on the titanic. His changes at half time just seemed desperate – just chucking anyone on. He looked a beaten man long before full time. His post-match interview was stoic but he must know he is done? Woefully out of his depth at his level. I plead with whoever is in charge to let him go as fans will really turn on him at games now and the problems are of course much bigger. Just put him out of his misery please.









Burnley – Apparently they have been unlucky in some games and today they just put us to the sword. Weird a side below us looked so much hungrier and more confident. Got the early goal and never looked back. Like with others before them, cannot have believe how much time and space they had as they just walked through us. Quicker and stronger players and technically far superior but again won the battle and 50/50 stuff as shown on the first goal. They wanted it more as every team does. Then the better ability takes over. Won 5-0 but second half they missed a hatful and could have had a lot more. Won at a canter. They also lost players in the summer and have started really badly but expect them to improve and have a shot at being competitive. We don’t. Still think they may go down and most weeks they will play teams who actually know what they are doing. Today they looked a decent side but clearly the table shows they are not. They just played an absolutely pathetic side who don’t give a toss. Not even sure Kompany is all that but knew he just needed them to come out with some intensity and we would fold so brittle and leaderless are we currently, on and off the field.





Opponent Man of the Match – Like last week, take your pick? Koleosho and Amdouni maybe the stand outs. Tricky, quick and physical. Everything our forwards/midfielders are not. The lad Larsen a real threat too. Keeper had two saves to make but dealt with them. They were better in every position, winning most duels, races and far superior technically. These were below us too before today. They won’t be below us again. Berge was good but easy against Norwood and Fleck really. He strolled it. Everyone slated him but he would be our best player if he was with us now as he was in that awful second season before he got injured. Why fans booed him I do not know? Nice lad who flattered to deceive but still I always thought he did contribute to some good moments. He clearly has moved to the much better side as showed today with a manager with an idea. O’Shea completely suckered McBurnie into his second elbow and was probably laughing his head off at half time.



Opponent Weak link – No-one again.



Referee/Officials – Chris Kavanagh. Fine. The red card was right – he might have gone for the first. We were slow, clumsy and cynical and deserved all the bookings we got. The VAR check for the one on Fleck, thought Fleck went in too so no complaints there. Reckon they could have had at least one penalty too. Our players are not even good at fouling, we commit stupid fouls and lose out discipline rather than clever, stop the attack type fouls. It’s all lunges and desperation stuff. We are too slow we just end up hacking or grabbing. It is desperate and pathetic. We completely lost our cool today at times but then towards the end just meekly gave up. Noone was even tackling the last 20 minutes or so (actually can say that the whole game).

 

[Feo]

Ratings:



Foderingham 1.5/10 – He made a few saves but a lot went in. The first he has no chance, the second maybe he comes out a bit quicker but the defence and Thomas surely more to blame? The third no real chance. The fourth does go in near past. I am struggling to remember the other – so many bastard goals going in – I just cannot remember which was which? Was that a long ranger. Not sure he was at fault but he was a shot stopper who was crap at crosses and kicking it/using his feet. Now he’s more like a door stopper. He just stands there as shot after shot and goal after goal goes in. Of course having eleven cones in front of you cannot be helpful but he is another that does not command or breed confidence. You’d drop him but the lad behind him is even worse. You can say this about most players/positions starting. That sums it up.



Baldock NA – What a surprise? Another hamstring injury from a player, another who is increasingly injury prone and becoming a liability too. We love McBurnie and George for their passion but these two do not play enough games at all and that is the argument for not retaining them. However, he is one of few who seems to care. Even he looks disinterested by it all and probable be secretly glad to be out till after Xmas if a hamstring injury as at least his reputation does not get further damaged.



Thomas 0.5/10 – Well, I thought he was bad last week but he got even worse today. An absolutely horror show and continues to look one of the worst players I have seen in an SUFC shirt in recent years. Cannot tackle, does not get tight, does not stop crosses, awful on the ball and his intelligence is on another level (a bad one). He was half asleep all game (well first half) and they had chances from him being nowhere near his man. He then just kicked one ball into the air under no pressure when we had one half decent attack. The second goal is hilarious. He just stands there, loses his man, does not read what is happening and then sort of ambles back. His point of desperation to Wes is embarrassing. He basically lets his man run a whole half to score unopposed. Then lucky to get away with a shirt pull on a corner. Gets skinned twice more and on the second gets booked. Hooked at half time. Woefully out of his depth and you can tell he knows it. Should be nowhere near the team. At least January we can send him back can’t we? Larouci or Lowe cannot be any worse than this chump. Gave him 0.5 for putting his kit on the right area. Surprised he did not put his shorts on his head. Can’t have looked any sillier if he did. Another game and he might be my first ever 0/10. Jordan Stewart has perked up at that last line!



Ahmedhodzic 1/10 – A player who had not really been discussed with scapegoats elsewhere but we forget he played the early games and was shocking and for the second half last week and today, he was abject. He does not go forward anymore and defensively he is dire, slow to react, does not pick up and his body language is of someone who thinks he is better than this. Well Anel you are as bad as the rest, if not worse so wake up or you will be heading back to some minor European league. To think we saw this lad as the next big asset (sale!). At the moment we would struggle to make our money back on him. Looks completely disinterested and his lack of effort is an insult to the fans. I would say until you start running and competing, you are not playing – would rather a young lad play.



Robinson 2/10 – He at least won a few tackles and tried but he too is another where the pace and athleticism is too much and his levels have dropped also. The strikers routinely dictate the game and win the first and second balls. We have no midfielders to help out and I have some sympathy for him and Trusty as out of the whole team – yes they were bad too – at least they may an occasional tackle or get a foot in sometimes. However, these two are mid table Champ players at best and both are probably two of our better (less bad players).



Trusty 2/10 – He started ok when he got in the team but another who is seeing that it is all too quick and skilful for him. He was so slow on the first to get across and this continued all game. He tries hard but not sure what his strengths are he is not that mobile and also not as powerful as I thought. We keep blaming the midfield and the lack of protection but teams have so many shots or unopposed efforts so the defence cannot be without blame. We got outmuscled/lose duels. Had one decent run in the chance for Archer. 2nd half, he and others just fell apart as they never got close to them.



Norwood 1.5/10 – Had one decent shot that was saved but the rest of the game he was so slow and just let them run off him. He passed back most of the time and does not want to go forward anymore. He is not a Premier League player and is too slow/weak/immobile. Never noticed him second half at all and the whole team just fell apart. Senior players like him need to show some leadership. He and those did not rally. Saw no talking or anything. Just an acceptance.



Fleck 1/10 – Not sure he did much at all other than kick a few players. Think he tried to kick one of their when he got kicked but then did boot one. Not sure I noticed him outside of this at all. Why he is close to a starting place I have no idea – he is not even Championship level anymore but sums up how abject the summer signings, Souza and Slimane have been/must be. Even Osborn would be preferential to him. He is another that contract renewal was bewildering. It was sad to see three years ago the likes of Fleck and Norwood looking out of their depth and here we are again with these two in midfield. Incredible lack of planning and the recruitment team should be embarrassed.



Hamer 2.5/10 – Awful start to the game as he let his man run past him easily. He did have a volley wide which was decent but then the rest of the first half his touch was loose and he was getting run past as he is woefully out of condition. He did have one good run second half (where has that been) but his pass was overhit and wasted a really good surge. At least he showed a few moments but in the general game, his defensive work, his play on the ball and his ability to help us get the ball and up the field was sadly lacking. Think everyone went too soon on he is much better than Berge. Both seem players who drift in games but Berge offered more than his lad and Sander looks like a middle-distance super athlete compared to Hamer who will never amount to much at this level until he loses several pounds and shows he can run up and down the pitch. Maybe he does more in a better system with another manager but think all this position is wrong is a bit of a red herring. Good players stand out no matter what. Hecky has been dreadful but these players have to do more. They cost a lot of money and seem to be going through the motions – him, Archer, Souza etc.



Archer 1.5/10 – Not given much service at all really. He did have one effort but blazed badly over. He looks completely disinterested to me and surely the sensible option is to send him back to Villa in January – he is not going to be our player. I personally would terminate all three loans if we could in January and try and build for next season with players who might be here. He was lauded by some as the difference but is another who looks out of his depth and not strong/good enough for this level.



McBurnie 1/10 – Stupid yet again. Not in the game at all early on and seemed off the pace as the whole team was and then resorted to elbowing people. He did it once and was lucky to get away with it. The second was stupid and both could have been red cards. He has done this too many times. I know everyone says give him another contract but that is more due to the crap around him surely? He continues to make moronic decisions and is never fit. Another I would move on as he rarely puts 2 games together ever due to stupidity or poor fitness.



Subs –



Bogle 1.5/10 – Not sure he did many good things and another where the Burnley players just ran at him and had cross/shots all second half. He is another has no football brain and does not know where to stand. Now he has to play as Baldock is out again.



McAtee 1.5/10 – He must want to go back to City. He has struggled when he has played as never has the ball and when he does, he has to run down blind alleys. Did not even know he was on till the end when he ran one out.



Osula 5/10 – Showed some life and our best outfield player. Looks more of a threat than Archer and that’s why I’d play him as at least he will be here next season. He puts himself about more than the loan man too. One effort when he was on the stretch from Hamer’s pass and another header he might have done better with. Another shot later on. He at least looked lively and showed some running/physicality but he got a daft booking too.



Traore 1.5/10 – Was he even on? Hang on he did put one good cross in so gets a mark for that. Surely the logical change would have been another midfielder to give us some legs. I think Hecky had just given up at this stage and it was like u10’s – ‘let’s get some of you young lads on as you are cold and can have a run out as you have come along on the bus!’ Another signing that seems a woeful drain of limited funds.







Manager: Heckingbottom 0/10 – An absolute mess from start to finish. Started the game horrible. The tactics were non existent again. He did not change the shape or personnel till too late again but feels like shuffling the chairs on the titanic. His changes at half time just seemed desperate – just chucking anyone on. He looked a beaten man long before full time. His post-match interview was stoic but he must know he is done? Woefully out of his depth at his level. I plead with whoever is in charge to let him go as fans will really turn on him at games now and the problems are of course much bigger. Just put him out of his misery please.









Burnley – Apparently they have been unlucky in some games and today they just put us to the sword. Weird a side below us looked so much hungrier and more confident. Got the early goal and never looked back. Like with others before them, cannot have believe how much time and space they had as they just walked through us. Quicker and stronger players and technically far superior but again won the battle and 50/50 stuff as shown on the first goal. They wanted it more as every team does. Then the better ability takes over. Won 5-0 but second half they missed a hatful and could have had a lot more. Won at a canter. They also lost players in the summer and have started really badly but expect them to improve and have a shot at being competitive. We don’t. Still think they may go down and most weeks they will play teams who actually know what they are doing. Today they looked a decent side but clearly the table shows they are not. They just played an absolutely pathetic side who don’t give a toss. Not even sure Kompany is all that but knew he just needed them to come out with some intensity and we would fold so brittle and leaderless are we currently, on and off the field.





Opponent Man of the Match – Like last week, take your pick? Koleosho and Amdouni maybe the stand outs. Tricky, quick and physical. Everything our forwards/midfielders are not. The lad Larsen a real threat too. Keeper had two saves to make but dealt with them. They were better in every position, winning most duels, races and far superior technically. These were below us too before today. They won’t be below us again. Berge was good but easy against Norwood and Fleck really. He strolled it. Everyone slated him but he would be our best player if he was with us now as he was in that awful second season before he got injured. Why fans booed him I do not know? Nice lad who flattered to deceive but still I always thought he did contribute to some good moments. He clearly has moved to the much better side as showed today with a manager with an idea. O’Shea completely suckered McBurnie into his second elbow and was probably laughing his head off at half time.



Opponent Weak link – No-one again.



Referee/Officials – Chris Kavanagh. Fine. The red card was right – he might have gone for the first. We were slow, clumsy and cynical and deserved all the bookings we got. The VAR check for the one on Fleck, thought Fleck went in too so no complaints there. Reckon they could have had at least one penalty too. Our players are not even good at fouling, we commit stupid fouls and lose out discipline rather than clever, stop the attack type fouls. It’s all lunges and desperation stuff. We are too slow we just end up hacking or grabbing. It is desperate and pathetic. We completely lost our cool today at times but then towards the end just meekly gave up. Noone was even tackling the last 20 minutes or so (actually can say that the whole game).

Can’t argue with that. …….
Well I could if I’d had been in the ground for the 2nd half.

 

[BigBed]

This is where I am currently.....

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I am beginning to hate the fucking meth...

 

[Revolution]

I cannot decide who I hate more. The owner, the manager, or the players.

A plague on all their houses.

Two good things today:

• I missed the first 20 mins
• I won 70 quid betting on that bunch of stiffs to lose. Easy money.

There will be better days, but this club is rotten at the moment.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Not very often I’m this scathing .. but those wearing the shirt are Clueless , bottle-less , spineless .. no leaders , captains or pride .. accept defeat on conceding the first goal .
The manager & back room staff … completely out of his depth yes had meagre funds to invest but what he has pissed the funds we have on absolute tripe nowhere near PL level .
The owner who I lay the most blame to this shit show & conspicuous by if absence .. counting his investments & his big pay day on a yacht somewhere warm while us mugs still turn up week in week out .. but there still plenty on here who say he’s looked after us …

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Anel Ahmedhodzic is an arrogant over rated cunt.

 

[DSB-91]

We may as well just have forfeited this season. There was clearly never any intention to make a real go of it.

 

[mickhep]

We need Bettis out of the club as much as anyone else imho

 

[coolasanidiot]

Average score of 1/10 it’s enough to make you laugh if it wasn’t so upsetting. Agree with 95% of that but my score on Trusty was 5 and Thomas 0 worst player on the pitch by a country mile.

All Ndiayes hard work undone so quickly - heartbreaking.

 

[Wards]

I missed the first and last goals. The rest in-between was fucking dire. End of story.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

There may well be angry scenes at the Liverpool game.
Can't say I am looking forward to it.

 

[fifty shades of blade]

Thomas the first ever player to 'achieve' a minus score?

 

[John Street West Terrace]

This is where I am currently.....View attachment 175536

100% pal

 

[DannyHudds]

I guess I'll be seeing you guys back in the Championship next season.

 

[bakeblade]

Ratings:



Foderingham 1.5/10 – He made a few saves but a lot went in. The first he has no chance, the second maybe he comes out a bit quicker but the defence and Thomas surely more to blame? The third no real chance. The fourth does go in near past. I am struggling to remember the other – so many bastard goals going in – I just cannot remember which was which? Was that a long ranger. Not sure he was at fault but he was a shot stopper who was crap at crosses and kicking it/using his feet. Now he’s more like a door stopper. He just stands there as shot after shot and goal after goal goes in. Of course having eleven cones in front of you cannot be helpful but he is another that does not command or breed confidence. You’d drop him but the lad behind him is even worse. You can say this about most players/positions starting. That sums it up.



Baldock NA – What a surprise? Another hamstring injury from a player, another who is increasingly injury prone and becoming a liability too. We love McBurnie and George for their passion but these two do not play enough games at all and that is the argument for not retaining them. However, he is one of few who seems to care. Even he looks disinterested by it all and probable be secretly glad to be out till after Xmas if a hamstring injury as at least his reputation does not get further damaged.



Thomas 0.5/10 – Well, I thought he was bad last week but he got even worse today. An absolutely horror show and continues to look one of the worst players I have seen in an SUFC shirt in recent years. Cannot tackle, does not get tight, does not stop crosses, awful on the ball and his intelligence is on another level (a bad one). He was half asleep all game (well first half) and they had chances from him being nowhere near his man. He then just kicked one ball into the air under no pressure when we had one half decent attack. The second goal is hilarious. He just stands there, loses his man, does not read what is happening and then sort of ambles back. His point of desperation to Wes is embarrassing. He basically lets his man run a whole half to score unopposed. Then lucky to get away with a shirt pull on a corner. Gets skinned twice more and on the second gets booked. Hooked at half time. Woefully out of his depth and you can tell he knows it. Should be nowhere near the team. At least January we can send him back can’t we? Larouci or Lowe cannot be any worse than this chump. Gave him 0.5 for putting his kit on the right area. Surprised he did not put his shorts on his head. Can’t have looked any sillier if he did. Another game and he might be my first ever 0/10. Jordan Stewart has perked up at that last line!



Ahmedhodzic 1/10 – A player who had not really been discussed with scapegoats elsewhere but we forget he played the early games and was shocking and for the second half last week and today, he was abject. He does not go forward anymore and defensively he is dire, slow to react, does not pick up and his body language is of someone who thinks he is better than this. Well Anel you are as bad as the rest, if not worse so wake up or you will be heading back to some minor European league. To think we saw this lad as the next big asset (sale!). At the moment we would struggle to make our money back on him. Looks completely disinterested and his lack of effort is an insult to the fans. I would say until you start running and competing, you are not playing – would rather a young lad play.



Robinson 2/10 – He at least won a few tackles and tried but he too is another where the pace and athleticism is too much and his levels have dropped also. The strikers routinely dictate the game and win the first and second balls. We have no midfielders to help out and I have some sympathy for him and Trusty as out of the whole team – yes they were bad too – at least they may an occasional tackle or get a foot in sometimes. However, these two are mid table Champ players at best and both are probably two of our better (less bad players).



Trusty 2/10 – He started ok when he got in the team but another who is seeing that it is all too quick and skilful for him. He was so slow on the first to get across and this continued all game. He tries hard but not sure what his strengths are he is not that mobile and also not as powerful as I thought. We keep blaming the midfield and the lack of protection but teams have so many shots or unopposed efforts so the defence cannot be without blame. We got outmuscled/lose duels. Had one decent run in the chance for Archer. 2nd half, he and others just fell apart as they never got close to them.



Norwood 1.5/10 – Had one decent shot that was saved but the rest of the game he was so slow and just let them run off him. He passed back most of the time and does not want to go forward anymore. He is not a Premier League player and is too slow/weak/immobile. Never noticed him second half at all and the whole team just fell apart. Senior players like him need to show some leadership. He and those did not rally. Saw no talking or anything. Just an acceptance.



Fleck 1/10 – Not sure he did much at all other than kick a few players. Think he tried to kick one of their when he got kicked but then did boot one. Not sure I noticed him outside of this at all. Why he is close to a starting place I have no idea – he is not even Championship level anymore but sums up how abject the summer signings, Souza and Slimane have been/must be. Even Osborn would be preferential to him. He is another that contract renewal was bewildering. It was sad to see three years ago the likes of Fleck and Norwood looking out of their depth and here we are again with these two in midfield. Incredible lack of planning and the recruitment team should be embarrassed.



Hamer 2.5/10 – Awful start to the game as he let his man run past him easily. He did have a volley wide which was decent but then the rest of the first half his touch was loose and he was getting run past as he is woefully out of condition. He did have one good run second half (where has that been) but his pass was overhit and wasted a really good surge. At least he showed a few moments but in the general game, his defensive work, his play on the ball and his ability to help us get the ball and up the field was sadly lacking. Think everyone went too soon on he is much better than Berge. Both seem players who drift in games but Berge offered more than his lad and Sander looks like a middle-distance super athlete compared to Hamer who will never amount to much at this level until he loses several pounds and shows he can run up and down the pitch. Maybe he does more in a better system with another manager but think all this position is wrong is a bit of a red herring. Good players stand out no matter what. Hecky has been dreadful but these players have to do more. They cost a lot of money and seem to be going through the motions – him, Archer, Souza etc.



Archer 1.5/10 – Not given much service at all really. He did have one effort but blazed badly over. He looks completely disinterested to me and surely the sensible option is to send him back to Villa in January – he is not going to be our player. I personally would terminate all three loans if we could in January and try and build for next season with players who might be here. He was lauded by some as the difference but is another who looks out of his depth and not strong/good enough for this level.



McBurnie 1/10 – Stupid yet again. Not in the game at all early on and seemed off the pace as the whole team was and then resorted to elbowing people. He did it once and was lucky to get away with it. The second was stupid and both could have been red cards. He has done this too many times. I know everyone says give him another contract but that is more due to the crap around him surely? He continues to make moronic decisions and is never fit. Another I would move on as he rarely puts 2 games together ever due to stupidity or poor fitness.



Subs –



Bogle 1.5/10 – Not sure he did many good things and another where the Burnley players just ran at him and had cross/shots all second half. He is another has no football brain and does not know where to stand. Now he has to play as Baldock is out again.



McAtee 1.5/10 – He must want to go back to City. He has struggled when he has played as never has the ball and when he does, he has to run down blind alleys. Did not even know he was on till the end when he ran one out.



Osula 5/10 – Showed some life and our best outfield player. Looks more of a threat than Archer and that’s why I’d play him as at least he will be here next season. He puts himself about more than the loan man too. One effort when he was on the stretch from Hamer’s pass and another header he might have done better with. Another shot later on. He at least looked lively and showed some running/physicality but he got a daft booking too.



Traore 1.5/10 – Was he even on? Hang on he did put one good cross in so gets a mark for that. Surely the logical change would have been another midfielder to give us some legs. I think Hecky had just given up at this stage and it was like u10’s – ‘let’s get some of you young lads on as you are cold and can have a run out as you have come along on the bus!’ Another signing that seems a woeful drain of limited funds.







Manager: Heckingbottom 0/10 – An absolute mess from start to finish. Started the game horrible. The tactics were non existent again. He did not change the shape or personnel till too late again but feels like shuffling the chairs on the titanic. His changes at half time just seemed desperate – just chucking anyone on. He looked a beaten man long before full time. His post-match interview was stoic but he must know he is done? Woefully out of his depth at his level. I plead with whoever is in charge to let him go as fans will really turn on him at games now and the problems are of course much bigger. Just put him out of his misery please.









Burnley – Apparently they have been unlucky in some games and today they just put us to the sword. Weird a side below us looked so much hungrier and more confident. Got the early goal and never looked back. Like with others before them, cannot have believe how much time and space they had as they just walked through us. Quicker and stronger players and technically far superior but again won the battle and 50/50 stuff as shown on the first goal. They wanted it more as every team does. Then the better ability takes over. Won 5-0 but second half they missed a hatful and could have had a lot more. Won at a canter. They also lost players in the summer and have started really badly but expect them to improve and have a shot at being competitive. We don’t. Still think they may go down and most weeks they will play teams who actually know what they are doing. Today they looked a decent side but clearly the table shows they are not. They just played an absolutely pathetic side who don’t give a toss. Not even sure Kompany is all that but knew he just needed them to come out with some intensity and we would fold so brittle and leaderless are we currently, on and off the field.





Opponent Man of the Match – Like last week, take your pick? Koleosho and Amdouni maybe the stand outs. Tricky, quick and physical. Everything our forwards/midfielders are not. The lad Larsen a real threat too. Keeper had two saves to make but dealt with them. They were better in every position, winning most duels, races and far superior technically. These were below us too before today. They won’t be below us again. Berge was good but easy against Norwood and Fleck really. He strolled it. Everyone slated him but he would be our best player if he was with us now as he was in that awful second season before he got injured. Why fans booed him I do not know? Nice lad who flattered to deceive but still I always thought he did contribute to some good moments. He clearly has moved to the much better side as showed today with a manager with an idea. O’Shea completely suckered McBurnie into his second elbow and was probably laughing his head off at half time.



Opponent Weak link – No-one again.



Referee/Officials – Chris Kavanagh. Fine. The red card was right – he might have gone for the first. We were slow, clumsy and cynical and deserved all the bookings we got. The VAR check for the one on Fleck, thought Fleck went in too so no complaints there. Reckon they could have had at least one penalty too. Our players are not even good at fouling, we commit stupid fouls and lose out discipline rather than clever, stop the attack type fouls. It’s all lunges and desperation stuff. We are too slow we just end up hacking or grabbing. It is desperate and pathetic. We completely lost our cool today at times but then towards the end just meekly gave up. Noone was even tackling the last 20 minutes or so (actually can say that the whole game).

Larsen a foreign loan and Koleosho a £3m signing. Both look miles better than our signings.

 

[bakeblade]

We need Bettis out of the club as much as anyone else imho

Betti's is the least of our problems

 

[mickhep]

"Betti's is the least of our problems" we'll see.........

 

[Medlock]

Yip. I looked at the Teamsheet
Ahmedhodzic
Thomas
Foderingham

All got a goal concession in them. Picked up an easy £50 for united concedeing 3 plus goals.

Trouble is, with Baldock injured, who do we bring in?

Anyway, it cant get any worse. Lets park the bus against Liverpool and nick it with a late goal.

 

[Deadbat]

Ahmedhodzic has been utter garbage this season. Looks like he's believed his own hype. Another who seems unfit, slow and disinterested. His attitude is appalling too. Just a lot of shrugs and very little effort.

 

[Wards]

Ahmedhodzic has been utter garbage this season. Looks like he's believed his own hype. Another who seems unfit, slow and disinterested. His attitude is appalling too. Just a lot of shrugs and very little effort.

By my reckoning he's had one decent performance away at Spurs when he played in the middle of a 3.

 

[originaltrueblade]

Agree with that

 

[Stockholm syndrom]

Ratings:



Foderingham 1.5/10 – He made a few saves but a lot went in. The first he has no chance, the second maybe he comes out a bit quicker but the defence and Thomas surely more to blame? The third no real chance. The fourth does go in near past. I am struggling to remember the other – so many bastard goals going in – I just cannot remember which was which? Was that a long ranger. Not sure he was at fault but he was a shot stopper who was crap at crosses and kicking it/using his feet. Now he’s more like a door stopper. He just stands there as shot after shot and goal after goal goes in. Of course having eleven cones in front of you cannot be helpful but he is another that does not command or breed confidence. You’d drop him but the lad behind him is even worse. You can say this about most players/positions starting. That sums it up.



Baldock NA – What a surprise? Another hamstring injury from a player, another who is increasingly injury prone and becoming a liability too. We love McBurnie and George for their passion but these two do not play enough games at all and that is the argument for not retaining them. However, he is one of few who seems to care. Even he looks disinterested by it all and probable be secretly glad to be out till after Xmas if a hamstring injury as at least his reputation does not get further damaged.



Thomas 0.5/10 – Well, I thought he was bad last week but he got even worse today. An absolutely horror show and continues to look one of the worst players I have seen in an SUFC shirt in recent years. Cannot tackle, does not get tight, does not stop crosses, awful on the ball and his intelligence is on another level (a bad one). He was half asleep all game (well first half) and they had chances from him being nowhere near his man. He then just kicked one ball into the air under no pressure when we had one half decent attack. The second goal is hilarious. He just stands there, loses his man, does not read what is happening and then sort of ambles back. His point of desperation to Wes is embarrassing. He basically lets his man run a whole half to score unopposed. Then lucky to get away with a shirt pull on a corner. Gets skinned twice more and on the second gets booked. Hooked at half time. Woefully out of his depth and you can tell he knows it. Should be nowhere near the team. At least January we can send him back can’t we? Larouci or Lowe cannot be any worse than this chump. Gave him 0.5 for putting his kit on the right area. Surprised he did not put his shorts on his head. Can’t have looked any sillier if he did. Another game and he might be my first ever 0/10. Jordan Stewart has perked up at that last line!



Ahmedhodzic 1/10 – A player who had not really been discussed with scapegoats elsewhere but we forget he played the early games and was shocking and for the second half last week and today, he was abject. He does not go forward anymore and defensively he is dire, slow to react, does not pick up and his body language is of someone who thinks he is better than this. Well Anel you are as bad as the rest, if not worse so wake up or you will be heading back to some minor European league. To think we saw this lad as the next big asset (sale!). At the moment we would struggle to make our money back on him. Looks completely disinterested and his lack of effort is an insult to the fans. I would say until you start running and competing, you are not playing – would rather a young lad play.



Robinson 2/10 – He at least won a few tackles and tried but he too is another where the pace and athleticism is too much and his levels have dropped also. The strikers routinely dictate the game and win the first and second balls. We have no midfielders to help out and I have some sympathy for him and Trusty as out of the whole team – yes they were bad too – at least they may an occasional tackle or get a foot in sometimes. However, these two are mid table Champ players at best and both are probably two of our better (less bad players).



Trusty 2/10 – He started ok when he got in the team but another who is seeing that it is all too quick and skilful for him. He was so slow on the first to get across and this continued all game. He tries hard but not sure what his strengths are he is not that mobile and also not as powerful as I thought. We keep blaming the midfield and the lack of protection but teams have so many shots or unopposed efforts so the defence cannot be without blame. We got outmuscled/lose duels. Had one decent run in the chance for Archer. 2nd half, he and others just fell apart as they never got close to them.



Norwood 1.5/10 – Had one decent shot that was saved but the rest of the game he was so slow and just let them run off him. He passed back most of the time and does not want to go forward anymore. He is not a Premier League player and is too slow/weak/immobile. Never noticed him second half at all and the whole team just fell apart. Senior players like him need to show some leadership. He and those did not rally. Saw no talking or anything. Just an acceptance.



Fleck 1/10 – Not sure he did much at all other than kick a few players. Think he tried to kick one of their when he got kicked but then did boot one. Not sure I noticed him outside of this at all. Why he is close to a starting place I have no idea – he is not even Championship level anymore but sums up how abject the summer signings, Souza and Slimane have been/must be. Even Osborn would be preferential to him. He is another that contract renewal was bewildering. It was sad to see three years ago the likes of Fleck and Norwood looking out of their depth and here we are again with these two in midfield. Incredible lack of planning and the recruitment team should be embarrassed.



Hamer 2.5/10 – Awful start to the game as he let his man run past him easily. He did have a volley wide which was decent but then the rest of the first half his touch was loose and he was getting run past as he is woefully out of condition. He did have one good run second half (where has that been) but his pass was overhit and wasted a really good surge. At least he showed a few moments but in the general game, his defensive work, his play on the ball and his ability to help us get the ball and up the field was sadly lacking. Think everyone went too soon on he is much better than Berge. Both seem players who drift in games but Berge offered more than his lad and Sander looks like a middle-distance super athlete compared to Hamer who will never amount to much at this level until he loses several pounds and shows he can run up and down the pitch. Maybe he does more in a better system with another manager but think all this position is wrong is a bit of a red herring. Good players stand out no matter what. Hecky has been dreadful but these players have to do more. They cost a lot of money and seem to be going through the motions – him, Archer, Souza etc.



Archer 1.5/10 – Not given much service at all really. He did have one effort but blazed badly over. He looks completely disinterested to me and surely the sensible option is to send him back to Villa in January – he is not going to be our player. I personally would terminate all three loans if we could in January and try and build for next season with players who might be here. He was lauded by some as the difference but is another who looks out of his depth and not strong/good enough for this level.



McBurnie 1/10 – Stupid yet again. Not in the game at all early on and seemed off the pace as the whole team was and then resorted to elbowing people. He did it once and was lucky to get away with it. The second was stupid and both could have been red cards. He has done this too many times. I know everyone says give him another contract but that is more due to the crap around him surely? He continues to make moronic decisions and is never fit. Another I would move on as he rarely puts 2 games together ever due to stupidity or poor fitness.



Subs –



Bogle 1.5/10 – Not sure he did many good things and another where the Burnley players just ran at him and had cross/shots all second half. He is another has no football brain and does not know where to stand. Now he has to play as Baldock is out again.



McAtee 1.5/10 – He must want to go back to City. He has struggled when he has played as never has the ball and when he does, he has to run down blind alleys. Did not even know he was on till the end when he ran one out.



Osula 5/10 – Showed some life and our best outfield player. Looks more of a threat than Archer and that’s why I’d play him as at least he will be here next season. He puts himself about more than the loan man too. One effort when he was on the stretch from Hamer’s pass and another header he might have done better with. Another shot later on. He at least looked lively and showed some running/physicality but he got a daft booking too.



Traore 1.5/10 – Was he even on? Hang on he did put one good cross in so gets a mark for that. Surely the logical change would have been another midfielder to give us some legs. I think Hecky had just given up at this stage and it was like u10’s – ‘let’s get some of you young lads on as you are cold and can have a run out as you have come along on the bus!’ Another signing that seems a woeful drain of limited funds.







Manager: Heckingbottom 0/10 – An absolute mess from start to finish. Started the game horrible. The tactics were non existent again. He did not change the shape or personnel till too late again but feels like shuffling the chairs on the titanic. His changes at half time just seemed desperate – just chucking anyone on. He looked a beaten man long before full time. His post-match interview was stoic but he must know he is done? Woefully out of his depth at his level. I plead with whoever is in charge to let him go as fans will really turn on him at games now and the problems are of course much bigger. Just put him out of his misery please.









Burnley – Apparently they have been unlucky in some games and today they just put us to the sword. Weird a side below us looked so much hungrier and more confident. Got the early goal and never looked back. Like with others before them, cannot have believe how much time and space they had as they just walked through us. Quicker and stronger players and technically far superior but again won the battle and 50/50 stuff as shown on the first goal. They wanted it more as every team does. Then the better ability takes over. Won 5-0 but second half they missed a hatful and could have had a lot more. Won at a canter. They also lost players in the summer and have started really badly but expect them to improve and have a shot at being competitive. We don’t. Still think they may go down and most weeks they will play teams who actually know what they are doing. Today they looked a decent side but clearly the table shows they are not. They just played an absolutely pathetic side who don’t give a toss. Not even sure Kompany is all that but knew he just needed them to come out with some intensity and we would fold so brittle and leaderless are we currently, on and off the field.





Opponent Man of the Match – Like last week, take your pick? Koleosho and Amdouni maybe the stand outs. Tricky, quick and physical. Everything our forwards/midfielders are not. The lad Larsen a real threat too. Keeper had two saves to make but dealt with them. They were better in every position, winning most duels, races and far superior technically. These were below us too before today. They won’t be below us again. Berge was good but easy against Norwood and Fleck really. He strolled it. Everyone slated him but he would be our best player if he was with us now as he was in that awful second season before he got injured. Why fans booed him I do not know? Nice lad who flattered to deceive but still I always thought he did contribute to some good moments. He clearly has moved to the much better side as showed today with a manager with an idea. O’Shea completely suckered McBurnie into his second elbow and was probably laughing his head off at half time.



Opponent Weak link – No-one again.



Referee/Officials – Chris Kavanagh. Fine. The red card was right – he might have gone for the first. We were slow, clumsy and cynical and deserved all the bookings we got. The VAR check for the one on Fleck, thought Fleck went in too so no complaints there. Reckon they could have had at least one penalty too. Our players are not even good at fouling, we commit stupid fouls and lose out discipline rather than clever, stop the attack type fouls. It’s all lunges and desperation stuff. We are too slow we just end up hacking or grabbing. It is desperate and pathetic. We completely lost our cool today at times but then towards the end just meekly gave up. Noone was even tackling the last 20 minutes or so (actually can say that the whole game).

The most damning report from DB where I whole heartedly agree.
Sad state our club is in

 

[Plan B]

Generous marks again DB. Surely a couple of them should be in minus figures as they did more for Burnley than they did for us?

 

[Montymagic]

There may well be angry scenes at the Liverpool game.
Can't say I am looking forward to it.

This it's going to be toxic alright, let's face it we will get fucking spanked again.

Jesus wept I'd take a 3-0 loss right now ! Because I fear it will be far more.

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Spot on with that analysis Deadbat, except giving McBurnie 1/10 ……… that was 2 points too high.

Absolutely brainless, pathetic effort from him. At 2-0 down he goes about elbowing opponents in the head. Fucking mental case of a player.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

A grim read DB but spot on in every aspect.
Although I thought Traore tried to run and make things happen and possibly deserved a higher score.

Impossible to say where the club goes from here, they’re a busted flush right now.
Call in the plumber and rip the entire shitter out is the only solution.

 

[TJ blade]

Spot on with that analysis Deadbat, except giving McBurnie 1/10 ……… that was 2 points too high.

Absolutely brainless, pathetic effort from him. At 2-0 down he goes about elbowing opponents in the head. Fucking mental case of a player.

Drop the contract offer and fuck him off!!