Deadbat
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The Blades hit the summit of the Championship again as they saw off struggling Burton at the Pirelli Stadium on Friday evening. The win was a deserved one and even though United were not as scintillating as they have been in recent weeks; they still were far superior to a really poor Brewers outfit. Two goals from Billy Sharp were sandwiched by the goal of the night from Matty Palmer from the home side before Paul Coutts suffered a horrendous looking injury that has now been confirmed as season ending. United missed further chances to seal the win before finally Leon Clarke continued his rich vein of form by nodding home a clincher. United fans trooped out of the stadium rather disconsolately which was bizarre considering their side had gone top of the league with another resounding victory. The Coutts injury was a sickener and put a huge dampener on the evening.
Manager Wilder sprang what may have been considered a surprise change to some of the 1,800 Blades in attendance by bringing back Jamal Blackman in goal after his recent injury. However, Simon Moore’s part in the goal against Hull and Blackman’s impressive form prior to his own error at QPR; meant the big Chelsea loanee was brought straight back. The rest of the side was unchanged from the win against Hull. Burton had a number of Blades connections with of course the former management team of Clough and Garner on the side-lines and ex Blades academy product Kyle McFadzean also starting. There was no place for another ex-Blade, John Braford, who was injured once again.
The game began in scrappy fashion at the compact stadium with United playing in a resplendent all white strip under the lights. Fleck and Coutts tried to link and the away side as expected saw most of the early ball and forced an early corner that came to nothing. Burton tried to get in but Carter Vickers was alert to clear from Sordell.
On 10 minutes United went in front. Fleck nipped in and played a lovely through ball to Sharp who was in on goal albeit at a slight angle. McFadzean clumsily brought him down and it was as clear a penalty as could see. The double jeopardy rule maybe meant he would not see a red as Sharp was at a slight angle but it did seem he was the last man and to see no card whatsoever was incredible. SHARP dusted himself down and took the kick and unusually for him, went high up but it was smashed home convincingly beating Bywater comfortably.
Settled by this goal, United started to move it around well with both O’Connell and Carter Vickers both finding themselves advanced wide and then Stevens and Basham also getting into the last third. United won a corner and from Coutts’ delivery O’Connell headed home but the referee had spotted a push and the whistle had gone a fair bit before the ball hit the net to be fair. Soon after lovely football saw Stevens play Sharp in who in turn found Clarke who went past Turner but his shot hit the side netting. Dyer was struggling and had picked up a knock and was replaced by Akins before Warnock scythed down the rampaging Clarke with both players needing treatment. The Burton man came off worse but when he eventually got up was rightly given a yellow card!
Carter Vickers had an effort and then Clarke hit a low shot that was routine for Bywater as the Blades now seemed in complete control but out of the blue an equaliser came. Burton had not really had any efforts on goal but a superb strike drew them level. PALMER advanced forward and with no challenge coming opted to try his luck. His shot arrowed into the top corner giving Blackman no chance. Maybe he could have been closed down but sometimes you have to just give credit to the opposition player and it was some strike.
United’s character and resolve under Wilder is clear and it was in abundance straight after this leveller, as United went straight up the other end and scored again! Carter Vickers put the ball through and Duffy may have edged the ball on; SHARP was somehow completely unmarked and clearly onside and he ran unopposed before calmly stroking it past Bywater to restore United’s lead.
With 10 minutes to go of the half, United looked to press home the initiative further and a lovely team move saw the ball eventually played to Clarke who curled an effort that looked all the world as if it was destined for the net but hit the inside of the post and bounced back into the arms of the grateful Bywater.
It was all United now and Duffy fired a shot over the bar as four minutes of stoppage time started; before another good move saw the ball played across and Coutts hit a shot that was cleared by a defender right in front of Bywater. As Coutts hit the shot he seemed to get caught by Sordell as he hit the shot. It was clear it was a nasty one as he beat the turf and players from both teams called out for immediate attention from medical staff. The stretcher was called and with oxygen being used; you knew it was a really bad one. Pictures emerging on mobile phones soon after confirmed the gravitas of the situation. Lundstram came on to replace Coutts just before the half time whistle a few minutes later.
The second half saw United seem a bit scrappy and maybe were affected by the bad injury and the game became fragmented. Burton did not have any real chances but were having more of the ball as United became sloppy. Still one move saw Duffy in towards goal and his shot seemed goal bound but was blocked by a defender with some crying out for use of the hand.
Burton had their best spell around the hour mark with Carter Vickers blocking Lund and then Akins shooting over when well placed. Blackman took two high balls showing his command of his area and then Wright made a timely block also. Burton won a couple of corners and were now well in a game, that United had controlled for long periods.
Brooks came on for Sharp with 20 minutes to go and immediately showed his quick feet in a move down the right. United started to get more control of the ball and Stevens nearly got in twice down the left. Fleck was now getting on the ball more and starting to wrestle back control of midfield. Duffy moved the ball to Fleck and his cross was prefect for CLARKE to stoop and conquer. His low header was perfectly placed into the corner past the despairing dive of Bywater. Clarke ran off to celebrate in front of the jubilant Blades fans packed behind the goal and to the side in the seats as the victory was now surely sealed.
United were now in complete control of the game and Burton looked a beaten side. Brooks showed delightful skill to knock the ball past the defender one way and go around him the other way and was in on goal but pulled his shot wide when many behind the goal expected the newly capped youngster to bury it.
Duffy came off with applause from all four sides of the ground; as Carruthers took his place. Three minutes of stoppage time were played but United saw this out easily and returned to the summit of the table. It had clearly been a mixed night with the Coutts injury taking a big shine off the victory.
United – Odd night. Another good win and another fairly assured performance but the Coutts injury almost made it feel like a defeat and it was a real sickener and to lose him for the season is a massive blow and could have a huge impact on what potentially could have been another glorious season and perhaps an unthinkable back to back promotion (more on that later).
We were not as good as we have been but still in patches played some great stuff. I would say we were better at Forest and against Norwich; games we lost and were not near the level of some recent performances. However, we scored 3 goals and could have had 2 or 3 more. Blackman barely had a save to make and their goal was a wonder strike. Even a poor spell second half, Burton did not trouble us that much. Indeed, if we had been a bit surer as we attacked and the final ball a bit better, it could have been a hammering for an abysmal Burton side. At times the passing was good and we cut through a poor side but at other times we got a bit sloppy. I thought the defence played well and after a few dodgy mistakes early, all 3 were very good and I felt that was Carter Vickers best game I have seen him have. Blackman was very assured also and showed it was the right decision to bring him back.
Sharp and Clarke continue to defy those that said they were too old/not good enough for the Championship. The latter was tireless again and the former showed his finishing prowess. The rest of the team were ok, they were decent to good but not as outstanding as they have been. I though Duffy had a quieter game and Fleck made the third but he was a bit up and down. Coutts going off disrupted us for a spell second half but we got back control. We were clearly as Clough admitted, the much better side and at times still bossed proceedings. You can tell how confident the players are and they all went to be on the ball. Love the fact for the most part we don’t just boot it clear and try and pass it even out of tight corners at the back. All the defence did this. Even Blackman!
Hopefully we can get Baldock back soon and allow Basham to go in the centre but we will really miss Coutts. For me he is and has been our best player over the last season or so and most influential player. Sharp and Fleck got all the plaudits last year but Coutts makes us tick. Him being out for the season and question marks over injuries with him before; is a major blow. No player is irreplaceable but he is the one in the side we do not have anyone like him really. He will be missed and I am not sure in the current squad anyone is even close to his level or can do his job so we need to get through next month or so and hope in 6 weeks the board really back Wilder. I think we may just put Basham into the midfield and maybe Fleck will drop back a bit in his role. He has the ability to be able to pick it up and pass it on even though he is not same sort of player. I think him, Basham and Duffy will be the three although maybe in some home games Lundstram or Carruthers may get opportunities. Neither have convinced for me. Carruthers showed flashes but is not consistent and most importantly both are too careless with the ball. They also do not move around the pitch as well as Coutts. Both physically get shoved off ball more too, which is odd considering Lundstram’s size. The drop off was clear last night as Lundstram just punted it quite a few times and looked almost winded/tired long before the end. He needs to seize his chance but other than an ok showing v Ipswich, not been that impressed I have to say. He is quite slow and as I say gives the ball away too much. Hope he can prove me wrong and take his chance but as I say I would bring Bash into the midfield when Baldock is hopefully fit.
Moving forward there has already been talk of who may come in to replace Coutts if we sign someone which I think we need to do. The form of Clarke means striking area is not as much a concern but we still need someone up there with pace but we may now have to throw all our eggs into one basket in terms of funds and make that fulcrum in midfield a priority. I would love Ryan Woods from Brentford but he has a long contract and thus his situation is different to the others that Birmingham snared from Griffin Park as they all only had a year left on their contract and Brentford sell them normally if that is the case. We may go back in for the lad Quina at West Ham maybe but his agent may make that hard and also heard Mourinho was sniffing around him! A left field suggestion could be former Blade Kevin McDonald (but not sure Fulham would sell). He is a Coutts type (not as good) who can pick the ball up from defence and carry it forward. The lad Swift at Reading is a good player but a more attacking midfielder. There is also Ben Pearson at Preston. I have a feeling Wilder will go back for Leonard though at Southend as fee would be nominal. I would be surprised if we really splashed the cash but I think we may need to now and go for a top, proven player.
We have two very winnable home games in a week. Fulham and Birmingham both have some talent and are a lot lower down than they should be but if we play like we can; even with Coutts out (remember Ipswich) we can still win both games of course. We need to start well as we often do and impose ourselves. They are two opponents who have some flair players but I think if you get stuck in, pressure them and do what we do best, we can overpower them both. It is a great chance to really cement our top two position but the team need the crowd with the loss of a key player to really drive them on.
Manager Wilder sprang what may have been considered a surprise change to some of the 1,800 Blades in attendance by bringing back Jamal Blackman in goal after his recent injury. However, Simon Moore’s part in the goal against Hull and Blackman’s impressive form prior to his own error at QPR; meant the big Chelsea loanee was brought straight back. The rest of the side was unchanged from the win against Hull. Burton had a number of Blades connections with of course the former management team of Clough and Garner on the side-lines and ex Blades academy product Kyle McFadzean also starting. There was no place for another ex-Blade, John Braford, who was injured once again.
The game began in scrappy fashion at the compact stadium with United playing in a resplendent all white strip under the lights. Fleck and Coutts tried to link and the away side as expected saw most of the early ball and forced an early corner that came to nothing. Burton tried to get in but Carter Vickers was alert to clear from Sordell.
On 10 minutes United went in front. Fleck nipped in and played a lovely through ball to Sharp who was in on goal albeit at a slight angle. McFadzean clumsily brought him down and it was as clear a penalty as could see. The double jeopardy rule maybe meant he would not see a red as Sharp was at a slight angle but it did seem he was the last man and to see no card whatsoever was incredible. SHARP dusted himself down and took the kick and unusually for him, went high up but it was smashed home convincingly beating Bywater comfortably.
Settled by this goal, United started to move it around well with both O’Connell and Carter Vickers both finding themselves advanced wide and then Stevens and Basham also getting into the last third. United won a corner and from Coutts’ delivery O’Connell headed home but the referee had spotted a push and the whistle had gone a fair bit before the ball hit the net to be fair. Soon after lovely football saw Stevens play Sharp in who in turn found Clarke who went past Turner but his shot hit the side netting. Dyer was struggling and had picked up a knock and was replaced by Akins before Warnock scythed down the rampaging Clarke with both players needing treatment. The Burton man came off worse but when he eventually got up was rightly given a yellow card!
Carter Vickers had an effort and then Clarke hit a low shot that was routine for Bywater as the Blades now seemed in complete control but out of the blue an equaliser came. Burton had not really had any efforts on goal but a superb strike drew them level. PALMER advanced forward and with no challenge coming opted to try his luck. His shot arrowed into the top corner giving Blackman no chance. Maybe he could have been closed down but sometimes you have to just give credit to the opposition player and it was some strike.
United’s character and resolve under Wilder is clear and it was in abundance straight after this leveller, as United went straight up the other end and scored again! Carter Vickers put the ball through and Duffy may have edged the ball on; SHARP was somehow completely unmarked and clearly onside and he ran unopposed before calmly stroking it past Bywater to restore United’s lead.
With 10 minutes to go of the half, United looked to press home the initiative further and a lovely team move saw the ball eventually played to Clarke who curled an effort that looked all the world as if it was destined for the net but hit the inside of the post and bounced back into the arms of the grateful Bywater.
It was all United now and Duffy fired a shot over the bar as four minutes of stoppage time started; before another good move saw the ball played across and Coutts hit a shot that was cleared by a defender right in front of Bywater. As Coutts hit the shot he seemed to get caught by Sordell as he hit the shot. It was clear it was a nasty one as he beat the turf and players from both teams called out for immediate attention from medical staff. The stretcher was called and with oxygen being used; you knew it was a really bad one. Pictures emerging on mobile phones soon after confirmed the gravitas of the situation. Lundstram came on to replace Coutts just before the half time whistle a few minutes later.
The second half saw United seem a bit scrappy and maybe were affected by the bad injury and the game became fragmented. Burton did not have any real chances but were having more of the ball as United became sloppy. Still one move saw Duffy in towards goal and his shot seemed goal bound but was blocked by a defender with some crying out for use of the hand.
Burton had their best spell around the hour mark with Carter Vickers blocking Lund and then Akins shooting over when well placed. Blackman took two high balls showing his command of his area and then Wright made a timely block also. Burton won a couple of corners and were now well in a game, that United had controlled for long periods.
Brooks came on for Sharp with 20 minutes to go and immediately showed his quick feet in a move down the right. United started to get more control of the ball and Stevens nearly got in twice down the left. Fleck was now getting on the ball more and starting to wrestle back control of midfield. Duffy moved the ball to Fleck and his cross was prefect for CLARKE to stoop and conquer. His low header was perfectly placed into the corner past the despairing dive of Bywater. Clarke ran off to celebrate in front of the jubilant Blades fans packed behind the goal and to the side in the seats as the victory was now surely sealed.
United were now in complete control of the game and Burton looked a beaten side. Brooks showed delightful skill to knock the ball past the defender one way and go around him the other way and was in on goal but pulled his shot wide when many behind the goal expected the newly capped youngster to bury it.
Duffy came off with applause from all four sides of the ground; as Carruthers took his place. Three minutes of stoppage time were played but United saw this out easily and returned to the summit of the table. It had clearly been a mixed night with the Coutts injury taking a big shine off the victory.
United – Odd night. Another good win and another fairly assured performance but the Coutts injury almost made it feel like a defeat and it was a real sickener and to lose him for the season is a massive blow and could have a huge impact on what potentially could have been another glorious season and perhaps an unthinkable back to back promotion (more on that later).
We were not as good as we have been but still in patches played some great stuff. I would say we were better at Forest and against Norwich; games we lost and were not near the level of some recent performances. However, we scored 3 goals and could have had 2 or 3 more. Blackman barely had a save to make and their goal was a wonder strike. Even a poor spell second half, Burton did not trouble us that much. Indeed, if we had been a bit surer as we attacked and the final ball a bit better, it could have been a hammering for an abysmal Burton side. At times the passing was good and we cut through a poor side but at other times we got a bit sloppy. I thought the defence played well and after a few dodgy mistakes early, all 3 were very good and I felt that was Carter Vickers best game I have seen him have. Blackman was very assured also and showed it was the right decision to bring him back.
Sharp and Clarke continue to defy those that said they were too old/not good enough for the Championship. The latter was tireless again and the former showed his finishing prowess. The rest of the team were ok, they were decent to good but not as outstanding as they have been. I though Duffy had a quieter game and Fleck made the third but he was a bit up and down. Coutts going off disrupted us for a spell second half but we got back control. We were clearly as Clough admitted, the much better side and at times still bossed proceedings. You can tell how confident the players are and they all went to be on the ball. Love the fact for the most part we don’t just boot it clear and try and pass it even out of tight corners at the back. All the defence did this. Even Blackman!
Hopefully we can get Baldock back soon and allow Basham to go in the centre but we will really miss Coutts. For me he is and has been our best player over the last season or so and most influential player. Sharp and Fleck got all the plaudits last year but Coutts makes us tick. Him being out for the season and question marks over injuries with him before; is a major blow. No player is irreplaceable but he is the one in the side we do not have anyone like him really. He will be missed and I am not sure in the current squad anyone is even close to his level or can do his job so we need to get through next month or so and hope in 6 weeks the board really back Wilder. I think we may just put Basham into the midfield and maybe Fleck will drop back a bit in his role. He has the ability to be able to pick it up and pass it on even though he is not same sort of player. I think him, Basham and Duffy will be the three although maybe in some home games Lundstram or Carruthers may get opportunities. Neither have convinced for me. Carruthers showed flashes but is not consistent and most importantly both are too careless with the ball. They also do not move around the pitch as well as Coutts. Both physically get shoved off ball more too, which is odd considering Lundstram’s size. The drop off was clear last night as Lundstram just punted it quite a few times and looked almost winded/tired long before the end. He needs to seize his chance but other than an ok showing v Ipswich, not been that impressed I have to say. He is quite slow and as I say gives the ball away too much. Hope he can prove me wrong and take his chance but as I say I would bring Bash into the midfield when Baldock is hopefully fit.
Moving forward there has already been talk of who may come in to replace Coutts if we sign someone which I think we need to do. The form of Clarke means striking area is not as much a concern but we still need someone up there with pace but we may now have to throw all our eggs into one basket in terms of funds and make that fulcrum in midfield a priority. I would love Ryan Woods from Brentford but he has a long contract and thus his situation is different to the others that Birmingham snared from Griffin Park as they all only had a year left on their contract and Brentford sell them normally if that is the case. We may go back in for the lad Quina at West Ham maybe but his agent may make that hard and also heard Mourinho was sniffing around him! A left field suggestion could be former Blade Kevin McDonald (but not sure Fulham would sell). He is a Coutts type (not as good) who can pick the ball up from defence and carry it forward. The lad Swift at Reading is a good player but a more attacking midfielder. There is also Ben Pearson at Preston. I have a feeling Wilder will go back for Leonard though at Southend as fee would be nominal. I would be surprised if we really splashed the cash but I think we may need to now and go for a top, proven player.
We have two very winnable home games in a week. Fulham and Birmingham both have some talent and are a lot lower down than they should be but if we play like we can; even with Coutts out (remember Ipswich) we can still win both games of course. We need to start well as we often do and impose ourselves. They are two opponents who have some flair players but I think if you get stuck in, pressure them and do what we do best, we can overpower them both. It is a great chance to really cement our top two position but the team need the crowd with the loss of a key player to really drive them on.
