Ratings:
Ramsdale 8/10 – Made a few good saves first half from long rangers you would expect and then no chance on the goal before he made a superb save from Harrison. He was constantly busy and left exposed again. The own goal came at him quick and he had little time to react. Then made a few more saves including a superb stop from Bamford. He is ridiculously busy every week. Close range, long range, set plays – he has to bail us out time after time. Gone from being one of the weak links early season to our best player since Xmas and now one of the few who comes out of this car crash of a season with any credit. He is given no protection at all and if it was not for him, we would have lost 4 or 5 again today and would most weeks.
Bogle 5/10 – Seems more interested attacking wise than when he is defending. Going forward he won a corner first half and then second half had another attack and shot blocked but defensively he is quite suspect. He does not react quick enough and players get in front of him or react to crosses. He is not actually that physical for a big bloke and gets overpowered quite a bit although weirdly did try and ‘ride’ a Leeds player in the first half to the hilarity of McCoist. Went off with concussion when he took an errant elbow. Another that did well when he came in but has dropped off a bit in recent weeks.
Osborn 7/10 – Along with McGoldrick, Ampadu and Ramsdale the only ones who can take much credit really. He worked hard and although his touch is poor at times (he seems to knock it one way and his body runs the other!) and physically he gets outmatched, he does keep running and puts more effort in than most. Pleased he got his goal and took his chance well. Defensively struggled at times as they had overloads but this was maybe more about those in front of him or around him than his poor play.
Baldock 3.5/10 – Not the best day. Started with a bad foul and then sat off quite a bit when they had shots. He was beaten easily on the build up for the goal and then lucky for me not to be sent off (at least booked). He got concussed (his own fault for the clumsy foul) and then struggled onwards but then had to go off. Not sure he is ever going to be a centre back – he lacks the physicality and not sure he is switched on enough for movement.
Stevens 4/10 – Another wretched error that led to a goal. Sums up his last 12 months really. He just will not use his right foot and his hesitancy to do this saw him lose it and they were away. He did some ok things 30-45 with a few decent link ups and runs forward and involved in a few of the rare attacks we had. Second half again he made poor touches or decisions which led to them getting the ball or creating overloads down that side. He is not really a centre back but form wise not sure what he is. One that had a huge question mark over him and you would think Norrington Davies had a big opportunity to get that shirt come August time. A big summer for him fitness and mentality wise.
Jagielka 5/10 – Did ok first half but we were always at full stretch and at times Bamford’s movement caused us problems as he came short. The whole defence was just pulled apart and gaps were opening up everywhere really. He tried to keep going but it was hard with them running at us and having so many men extra. Then scored an own goal (we seem to have scored a lot this season and that is three straight!). They said he had little choice but surely you always have a choice? You have an option not to kick it into your own net. Surely you can sort your feet and body out quicker. Maybe I am being harsh but it does annoy me when a player scores an own goal and they trot that lazy phrase out about them not having an option! A player that is doing his best but sadly quite out of his depth against quicker and more agile players.
Norwood 2.5/10 – Another non-descript performance. Loads will go in on Lundstram and I will to but at least he got involved (not in a good way I hasten to add!). Norwood’s sole contribution today seemed to be chipped balls to no one in particular (did a few of these) and awful set plays, one overhit, one to the keeper and one to the near post. He was subbed after this and shook his head. Not sure why as our midfield had been overrun as they are every week, out muscled and out skilled. We never had the ball in this area. Maybe his only frustration is that Lundstram did not go first! It could have been anyone of 7 or 8 to come off though.
Lundstram 1/10 – I give him 1 for a few runs forward and a couple of surges second half where he got a few free kicks. That is it. The rest of his game was a masterclass in adjectivity. He got booked early for a clumsy foul where he lost his man and could not be bothered to run back. He then continued to lose his runners and amble around as they overrun us. Several times they broke and he did not even bother trying to get back. Second half he had a highlight reel that will take some topping. He gave it away three times in about three minutes leading to clear chances for them. He hit several awful set plays that did not even beat the first man (barely got to his knee let alone head of the defender). He wafted his leg at several high balls and then tried a stupid back heel. His reaction to all of these errors was to either stand there or just amble back as several Leeds player haired past him. He could not have looked more disinterested. Weirdly he had one or two sprints forward amongst this – maybe to get his stats up as we said on the pod! What we are gaining by playing him I do not know. If fans were there he would not be playing as the reaction would be horrific. I still fail to see what the point of him being involved is. Play Ndiaye. Play Ampadu (and he won’t be here either so that is probably as bad!). Anything but him. At times today I thought he was doing things badly on purpose – I thought surely he cannot be that bad? One of the worst displays from a Blade this season and there has been some shockers.
Fleck 4/10 – Not sure he was much better than the other two as the theme of our horrific midfield displays both individually and collectively continued. How unfit and unathletic they are is incredible? It’s like they are doing nothing in the week. Other teams just run away from them and are stronger too. That is before you get onto the skill levels where others can actually dribble, pass, shoot and get forward as well as protecting the defence. Our three do nothing most games but stand there. Fleck to be fair did set up the goal (assist to an assist to an assist!) in some way and had a few other ok runs but most of the time it was hot potato stuff. His set plays were crap too expect one decent one headed away. He is the one of the three I hold some hope can come good but the body of work over the last 12 months is not a good sign with around half a dozen decent to good games and maybe 30 poor to average ones. He needs to get fit and come back with a better attitude. He is another that just looks not arsed at all. I used to love him as a player but now he does not run with the ball, does not get away from people (just gets brushed off) and defensively he is a liability who just fouls when they run past him. He is another where there is a big question mark over his Blades career sadly as there is with Norwood, Stevens and a few others. Many thinking automatically he will come good as we drop a level, I am not so sure. The trajectory of these players is showing downward the same way it pointed so upward for a few years. All are 30ish too so not sure they will have the potential to hugely improve. He has a big summer too if he wants to be a regular in hopefully a side pushing top 6 or go the same way as the likes of Duffy and Coutts with the former mostly a sub at Fleetwood and the latter now at mid table League 2 Salford. Those two showed (albeit the latter with an injury) how quickly you can drop off. Hope he can find a new resurgence but has a huge few months in terms of fitness. Does he want to get serious about his career again? We will see.
McGoldrick 6.5/10 – Once again a contender for our best outfield player. He got on it early and had a shot wide and the only player looking to create and come off to make things happen. Linked with Stevens for the McBurnie half chance and then involved in the goal. Had another shot second half and was trying to find space. As the game went on his threat and contribution somewhat disappeared as the game became scrappy and stretched and we threw other strikers up top and he had to drop more and the game did not really operate much in midfield. Although a comment on him just picking the ball up when he fell over? What was he doing?!
McBurnie 2/10 – Strong contender with Lundstram for our worst player. I am sure we will hear the usual guff of he had no service or we do not play to his strengths. I think those same people need to actually state what he does offer? He is so slow it is untrue. He has no mobility at all and his touch is quite poor (comes off him a lot and after some promise in this regard he has got far worse). The ball never sticks and his passing is poor. He cannot run and does not get behind. He actually not that great in the air and never wins the important one or get on anything in the oppositions box. He fouls a lot and is clumsy and dirty to the point of being cynical. He tried to kick two players in the lead up to the goal but was not quick enough to even get near the Leeds players. He had made a few unnecessary and pathetic fouls before this too. He did have a hand in the goal with a shot I suppose but failed to get on the end of a good McGoldrick cross and then tried a ridiculous chip 2nd half. Came off finally and we then started to have a few efforts at least. He has not improved since we signed him at all and despite 6 goals last season; I do not see a player in there at all. Those thinking he will come good are basing it on form 3 seasons ago for a different team. He is a player that if spent as much time in the gym or training ground as he did on twitter or watching MMA maybe might improve. Was a bit of a cult figure around Xmas time. Now you replace a letter in that word maybe! Harsh but he really is not contributing anything. We spent 17 million pounds on him. That is eye popping. If someone offered me a million now, I’d snatch their hands off. We need pace, movements, skill, goal threat, link play, work ethic. It is honestly like playing with a man less when he starts. That again may be seem like I am going in on him but another like Fleck, Stevens, Norwood that has played maybe 2 or 3 good games from 30 off this season. That is not good enough. If we performed like these did with the lack of application and lack of contribution we would be sacked in our jobs.
Subs –
Ampadu 7/10 – Thought he did ok actually and maybe our best defender and only played 45 minutes or so. Looked a cut above much of the rest. He made a few good blocks (one he made the initial error but recovered) and then he also got up the field well too and was able to go on some runs. He like Ramsdale has improved since Xmas (still made tons of mistakes that have directly led to goals) but has been alright I suppose and one of the better outfield players recent games – not saying much. Least he has some pace and can run which most of the other dead weights can’t. Probably counting down the days till he can get back to a proper training ground and be with better player – of course he will sent on loan to another club – maybe the Championship next season but not sure I have seen enough to want him back. He would probably do ok at the lower level but think he has had his chance here and even with his improvements not sure he has done enough to warrant a return.
Burke – Came on up top and then went to right wing back and then back up front. Did more than McBurnie in the time he was on in that at least he won a few headers, flicks and had one shot not far wide. Not sure he is the answer and those who defended Robinson will point to the two goals he scored today (don’t have an issue with the trade off as not sure Robinson will ever be more than a mid table Champ player) will argue we came off worse. I am not sure about that. I just don’t think either are good enough. I expect Burke to be a sub next season and come on when we are seeing games out or playing on the break or to try and get behind but not sure he will be involved that much. Another I would be glad if another club would take him. The fact he seemingly has a new club every season sums up how bad he is.
Brewster – Gave it away down the left and they nearly broke but then some neat touches and had the great shot that was just wide. Really not sure why he is not playing. I have seen McBurnie for nigh on two years and I know he is not good enough at this level. This lad may not be either but give him a run of games and try and get his confidence up for next season at least. I see no reason whatsoever why he is not playing. I thought Heckingbottom would come in and play him and drop likes of Lundstram but is doing exactly the same as Wilder. Odd.
Egan – Good to see him back. Instantly at full stretch as they nearly broke and got in. Had a few clearances and headers but only played limited minutes. Hopefully will start and we may be a bit more solid defensively. Mind you we were no better when he did play but he does improve us! Next game we may have him, Basham and Berge all back possibly?
Manager Heckingbottom 4/10 – He has spoken well in press conferences and there has been no bluster. He has been quite forthright and honest with questions asked. Today we set up the same and he will not try and change the tactics which is odd. Why he keeps starting out of form players like Stevens, Lundstram and McBurnie I am not sure? Brewster and Lowe at least surely deserve a chance? Lundstram I have no idea why he is playing. None whatsoever. It makes no sense. Rather the young lad have a go. We have nothing to lose surely? We are down and getting mullered most weeks (if not score line) so give him/them a chance. Today we started slowly (after 2 weeks off) and they swarmed all over us. They should have been 3 or 4 up at half time and we were lucky to be level. Second half they scored again and could have had a lot more. We had a few late chances but overall, we were well beaten and out run and out skilled all game. They were better than us tactically and simply picked us off and ran through. They knew they could overpower us and so it proved. Only a poor final ball, finishing and Ramsdale stopped this being like Leicester really but at least we did have a few late efforts in this one. A draw would have been daylight robbery though. He has played three and lost three and save for a decent 2nd half at Chelsea, we have looked exactly the same side lacking confidence, ability, goals and cohesion. We don’t look a team in any shape, way or form. If they were not listening to Wilder then they are equally not listening to this guy but then that is too simplistic and probably wrong. These players are simply not good enough and not formation change, tweaks to personnel would make any difference really. Sure, the likes of Lundstram and McBurnie are rubbish but would incoming players change things in terms of results. I am not sure they would – just be nice to see something different and build for next season. I am not sure he is making a strong case for the job though!
Of course, it would be remiss of me not to praise Prestridge, Ward and Allen, the outgoing three for the work they did. It seems a matter of time before Knill departs to me reading between the lines and it is just a case of sorting out the severance really. I do not envisage any situation where a new manager would not bring in his own staff so it maybe that Heckingbottom goes back to the u23’s at the end of the season. Maybe Tindall stays for a period though – I am not sure?
He will have seen the speculation surrounding Blessin this week and it may be the club will try and get someone in to give the new manager some games to see the team and players in action before the summer and next season.
