My take on yesterday

[Eric Cartman]

Fantastic 3 points and a really hard fought win, desperately needed

See what happens when you play Duffy behind the strikers? We actually link up and don’t leave them isolated and our play becomes 1000% better as a result as we have someone we know we can trust to a) look after the ball and b) find a defence splitting pass - as he did for the first goal.

Henderson was outstanding. Some of the saves he made you just didn’t expect him to make - and he shouldn’t have had to. Some of the saves he makes Blackman just couldn’t - but it’s swings and roundabouts as I did feel more solid at set pieces with the giant 6’6 frame he had. But that’s not to say Henderson is bad at claiming. The defence let him down on occasion despite being generally solid, certainly more solid than previous games. Egan stepped us his game but I can’t see him being a long term RCB in our system, he’s not quite got the technical ability for it so I think he’ll be CB but rightfully so Stearman was picked there today and didn’t let us down.

Billy starts = Billy scores. It’s not a coincidence.

Basham was outstanding in central midfield. Which I didn’t see coming. Take the calibre of opposition into account fair enough but credit where credits due he played well.

Leonard looked really smart when he came on. Looks hungry and looks like he wants it. Forced their keeper into a really good save.

Clarke - the unsubbable. Needs dropping or at very least subbing for the last 20 when we bring this new forward in so he can watch the game for a bit and see the big picture. He’s getting beat in his personal duels far too often. Made a chance for himself that he should’ve scored but it was a good save.

All I’ll say about Stevens is I hope one of next weeks signings is a LWB.

We should bid whatever it takes for Luke Freeman if we’re serious about him. He’d take us to another level. Eze isn’t bad either.

As for our Freeman, back in the thick of it and an assist straight away. I’ll not shy to say again I prefer Baldock, but credit where it’s due Freeman’s end product is normally better. If you combined the two we’d have the next coming of Cafu on our hands

Overall much better. Dug in when we needed to, did what we needed to do. If it wasn’t for Henderson we wouldn’t have won that game though so that’s something to bare in mind.

 

[Stretch]

Agree on almost all of those.

Would just add re Clarke that I don't think he is unsubbable but I can only assume that he must just be the one who continues to tear it up in training. It is clear that Chris has a lot of time for him though, and he is one of the few that was always name dropped as demanding the highest standards from their team mates [Coutts and Billy being the others].
It's a shame he didn't bang that chance in yesterday because that was typical Clarke, in so much as he showed sublime skill in creating the chance in the first place and still had everything to do. Most of his goals last season were similar and he has repeatedly shown himself to be a terrific finisher. That goes in and he scores 2 or 3 in the next couple of games. He is that type of player.
In any case I would be amazed if Billy doesn't start the next league match.

Stevens was better yesterday but we still need an upgrade. It's a shame that Freeman or Baldcock aren't two footed but I wonder whether this Bryan lad or RND might be worth a punt? Unless of course we are bringing one in.

 

[Large Mendonca]

Bit harsh on Enda who had a decent game other than final delivery, which unfortunately is a major thing for a wing back ! Freeman showed him how to do it in his first game back.........

 

[super_pig]

i'm starting to think that Clarke needs to get a few games under his belt to get into his stride. just as the moaning reaches a crescendo is about the same time that he usually clicks into gear (and when he's got rid of a couple of kg)

 

[super_pig]

Bit harsh on Enda who had a decent game other than final delivery, which unfortunately is a major thing for a wing back ! Freeman showed him how to do it in his first game back.........

it's come to the stage where you have to wonder if he is now under a bit too much pressure and taking him out for a couple of games might be a good thing. i reckon he's a performance away from getting his confidence back. we know he can do it at this level he was superb for the first 10 games last season. perhaps it is a confidence thing.

 

[Large Mendonca]

it's come to the stage where you have to wonder if he is now under a bit too much pressure and taking him out for a couple of games might be a good thing. i reckon he's a performance away from getting his confidence back. we know he can do it at this level he was superb for the first 10 games last season. perhaps it is a confidence thing.

Was discussing this at the match - it is difficult finding a team mate in a crowded box because our slow build up play has allowed the opposition to get all men behind the ball. For Billy's goal we seemed to move it a bit quicker ?

 

[Geordie Blade]

Henderson was outstanding. Some of the saves he made you just didn’t expect him to make - and he shouldn’t have had to. Some of the saves he makes Blackman just couldn’t - but it’s swings and roundabouts as I did feel more solid at set pieces with the giant 6’6 frame he had. But that’s not to say Henderson is bad at claiming. The defence let him down on occasion despite being generally solid, certainly more solid than previous games.

I only watched the highlights, but it was good to see Henderson shouting at the defence (I think Freeman?) after they let Eze work into space way too easily. Some on here had said that a young keeper might not have good enough communication, but that showed he’s definitely not frightened to let them know.

 

[Maidenhead]

Was discussing this at the match - it is difficult finding a team mate in a crowded box because our slow build up play has allowed the opposition to get all men behind the ball. For Billy's goal we seemed to move it a bit quicker ?

Benefit of having Freeman who gets in behind and can put a good ball into the danger areas.

 

[Dnblade]

Fantastic 3 points and a really hard fought win, desperately needed

See what happens when you play Duffy behind the strikers? We actually link up and don’t leave them isolated and our play becomes 1000% better as a result as we have someone we know we can trust to a) look after the ball and b) find a defence splitting pass - as he did for the first goal.

Henderson was outstanding. Some of the saves he made you just didn’t expect him to make - and he shouldn’t have had to. Some of the saves he makes Blackman just couldn’t - but it’s swings and roundabouts as I did feel more solid at set pieces with the giant 6’6 frame he had. But that’s not to say Henderson is bad at claiming. The defence let him down on occasion despite being generally solid, certainly more solid than previous games. Egan stepped us his game but I can’t see him being a long term RCB in our system, he’s not quite got the technical ability for it so I think he’ll be CB but rightfully so Stearman was picked there today and didn’t let us down.

Billy starts = Billy scores. It’s not a coincidence.

Basham was outstanding in central midfield. Which I didn’t see coming. Take the calibre of opposition into account fair enough but credit where credits due he played well.

Leonard looked really smart when he came on. Looks hungry and looks like he wants it. Forced their keeper into a really good save.

Clarke - the unsubbable. Needs dropping or at very least subbing for the last 20 when we bring this new forward in so he can watch the game for a bit and see the big picture. He’s getting beat in his personal duels far too often. Made a chance for himself that he should’ve scored but it was a good save.

All I’ll say about Stevens is I hope one of next weeks signings is a LWB.

We should bid whatever it takes for Luke Freeman if we’re serious about him. He’d take us to another level. Eze isn’t bad either.

As for our Freeman, back in the thick of it and an assist straight away. I’ll not shy to say again I prefer Baldock, but credit where it’s due Freeman’s end product is normally better. If you combined the two we’d have the next coming of Cafu on our hands

Overall much better. Dug in when we needed to, did what we needed to do. If it wasn’t for Henderson we wouldn’t have won that game though so that’s something to bare in mind.

On Clarke,i think it's more a case of he's bigger and better at leading the line,more presence and strength than Bill who is a better poacher/finisher plus Leon gives us more of a platforml...if we played with one up on his own for instance,you'd play Leon ahead of Billy...We haven't really got that type of striker to challenge him...Billy and McGoldrick play more as twin strikers or off another striker...that's my take on it anyway,and he didn't look that bad 2nd half,put himself about and drew a good save from their keeper.

 

[Eric Cartman]

I only watched the highlights, but it was good to see Henderson shouting at the defence (I think Freeman?) after they let Eze work into space way too easily. Some on here had said that a young keeper might not have good enough communication, but that showed he’s definitely not frightened to let them know.

You don’t get an improved deal at Man United at that age when threatening to leave them for first team football if you’re not a good player.

If they didn’t think much to him they’d have let him go out the door. He’ll play for England and Man United I’ve no doubt in my mind.

 

[mancunianblade]

On Clarke,i think it's more a case of he's bigger and better at leading the line,more presence and strength than Bill who is a better poacher/finisher plus Leon gives us more of a platforml...if we played with one up on his own for instance,you'd play Leon ahead of Billy...We haven't really got that type of striker to challenge him...Billy and McGoldrick play more as twin strikers or off another striker...that's my take on it anyway,and he didn't look that bad 2nd half,put himself about and drew a good save from their keeper.

This is what it comes down to. I fully expect the Striker we are chasing to be a line leader. Wilder said pre season DM isn't that player. for some reason people just see Striker as a blanket position that can be filled by any type of player who identifies as a Striker

 

[Eric Cartman]

On Clarke,i think it's more a case of he's bigger and better at leading the line,more presence and strength than Bill who is a better poacher/finisher plus Leon gives us more of a platforml...if we played with one up on his own for instance,you'd play Leon ahead of Billy...We haven't really got that type of striker to challenge him...Billy and McGoldrick play more as twin strikers or off another striker...that's my take on it anyway,and he didn't look that bad 2nd half,put himself about and drew a good save from their keeper.

Does Leon really give us a platform? He’s out of form, he’s not winning his duels, he’s got a 10 bob head at the minute. His link up play is nothing in comparison to McGoldricks either.

To be honest I think it’s Duffy that gives us the platform. Keep him up and round the top end of the pitch and that ball will stick.

 

[Ricky]

You don’t get an improved deal at Man United at that age when threatening to leave them for first team football if you’re not a good player.

If they didn’t think much to him they’d have let him go out the door. He’ll play for England and Man United I’ve no doubt in my mind.

They wouldn't have sold Sam Johnstone if they didn't think Henderson would eventually be better.

 

[dazzlingblade]

i'm starting to think that Clarke needs to get a few games under his belt to get into his stride. just as the moaning reaches a crescendo is about the same time that he usually clicks into gear (and when he's got rid of a couple of kg)

Agree, what we have seen with Clarke is his goals tend to come in patches, be poor for several games and then score 5 in 5 or something similar, I believe he should be taken out, but then I said that before he got 9 in 4 games last season

 

[Topplayersleave]

We picked a better team and formation and got a win

But QPR are going to struggle big time this season so we shouldn't assume we've turned a corner just yet

 

[Dnblade]

Does Leon really give us a platform? He’s out of form, he’s not winning his duels, he’s got a 10 bob head at the minute. His link up play is nothing in comparison to McGoldricks either.

To be honest I think it’s Duffy that gives us the platform. Keep him up and round the top end of the pitch and that ball will stick.

I just think he's got more physical presence,he may not be on form but 2nd half he was chasing around,closing defenders down,and if his chance had gone in he'd not be getting as many pelters,i thought he did ok 2nd half...i don't see McG and Bill leading the line aswell,and just think that's why he doesn't get subbed off.

 

[Champagneblade]

I thought Stevens was terrible.

Seeing a lot of the ball is not the same as having a good game.

He was part of the attacking play that pegged them back but his decision making was dreadful and his execution the same.

One occasion stood out where he got to the byline then just blindly pulled it back to a spot where there wasn't a single United player within 5 yards. At least 2 other moves broke down where either he miscontrolled the ball or turned over possession easily - all unenforced errors.

Agree on Duffy. What he gives is ball retention further up the pitch. He is always helping us keep possession and probing in the final third. Something Evans never could do because he was always deeper.

As for Leon, it's a difficult one. He still adds what Sharp can't in terms of physicality but he's so clearly off form. Such a pity he didn't score but we have nobody of his type to play a lone role if required. I'm sure if Billy had to do this he'd be anonymous. But what to do with such a confidence player? Persevere and hope his luck turns or drop him and damage his confidence further, especially when options are so few right now.

 

[Eric Cartman]

I thought Stevens was terrible.

Seeing a lot of the ball is not the same as having a good game.

He was part of the attacking play that pegged them back but his decision making was dreadful and his execution the same..

Agree 100%

 

[Ernest]

I only watched the highlights, but it was good to see Henderson shouting at the defence (I think Freeman?) after they let Eze work into space way too easily. Some on here had said that a young keeper might not have good enough communication, but that showed he’s definitely not frightened to let them know.

Henderson was excellent yesterday. He claimed almost everything, made a string of superb saves and his communication skills are first class.

He was the first player to come over to the Blades fans, patting the badge and all that. He’s a cracking ‘keeper and like CW said, a great player to have in the squad.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Might be wrong, but I thought Clarke made at least one header away from a QPR corner in the last 15 mins (he certainly did at least once in the first half). We know how poor we’ve been of late when defending set-pieces, so perhaps that’s why he tends to stay on even when up front he appears to be not playing well.

On another point for set-pieces, it was interesting to see Sharp heavily involved in organising our defence at set-pieces before heading out of the box – very clearly directing individuals on their roles. This might be something he’s always done, but tbh I haven’t noticed him doing it previously (and it’s not something I’ve noticed Clarke do when captain either).

 

[Bergen Blade]

Wilder would also agree that Duffy makes us better going forward. The question mark regarding playing him behind two strikers is always going to be about whether we can cope defensively.

To help us yesterday we made the following tweaks:

• Put the experience of Stearman back in at the heart of the defence
• Used a defensively minded right centre back
• Didn't push our wide centre halves forward like we normally do
• Used our defensively strongest possible option (Basham) as Fleck's partner
• Pulled back Duffy to form a three man midfield at times

QPR are predicted to be one of the struggling sides this, YET they did have the chances to score at least a couple of goals in the first half, especially as they found space between our defence and midfield. If they'd got two goals first, who knows if we'd been able to fight back.

An example, showing Duffy pulled back to help us out. He's got a danger man who he's in a good position to stop, but just lets him run away from him. Luckily Henderson makes a good save from this player's shot:



Our brilliant goal showed what Duffy can give us, but he does tend to be a little sloppy defensively. In some games we can afford this, in others we probably can't.

Fans need to realise that Wilder's responsible for us coping offensively and defensively. Personally I don't think he got it right in the first two games, but there were valid reasons behind his choices.

 

[Stretch]

I only watched the highlights, but it was good to see Henderson shouting at the defence (I think Freeman?) after they let Eze work into space way too easily. Some on here had said that a young keeper might not have good enough communication, but that showed he’s definitely not frightened to let them know.

Yeah I loved that as well. Punched the floor then got up and gave it out with both barrels. It needs to be done sometimes.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Wilder would also agree that Duffy makes us better going forward. The question mark regarding playing him behind two strikers is always going to be about whether we can cope defensively.

To help us yesterday we made the following tweaks:

• Put the experience of Stearman back in at the heart of the defence
• Used a defensively minded right centre back
• Didn't push our wide centre halves forward like we normally do
• Used our defensively strongest possible option (Basham) as Fleck's partner
• Pulled back Duffy to form a three man midfield at times

QPR are predicted to be one of the struggling sides this, YET they did have the chances to score at least a couple of goals in the first half, especially as they found space between our defence and midfield. If they'd got two goals first, who knows if we'd been able to fight back.

An example, showing Duffy pulled back to help us out. He's got a danger man who he's in a good position to stop, but just lets him run away from him. Luckily Henderson makes a good save from this player's shot:



Our brilliant goal showed what Duffy can give us, but he does tend to be a little sloppy defensively. In some games we can afford this, in others we probably can't.

Fans need to realise that Wilder's responsible for us coping offensively and defensively. Personally I don't think he got it right in the first two games, but there were valid reasons behind his choices.

You could say that it’s Duffy’s responsibility, but you could equally argue that one of the defenders needs to break earlier to pick the QPR man up. There were a couple of instances where we followed the ball rather than look at the danger – this was an example of that in my opinion. So yes, the danger could have been snuffed out had Duffy gone with the man, but equally it could be dealt with by us just defending better.

 

[Bladeaway]

he’s got a 10 bob head at the minute.

I had to look this up!

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Ten Bob Head

 

[8lade]

LoughboroBlade I'd go with that being Duffy's responsibility, whether by fault or design the lad with the ball is so tricky he needed 2 players on him, thankfully his decision making was poor.

 

[8lade]

Benefit of having Freeman who gets in behind and can put a good ball into the danger areas.

Yes let him and Stevens just knock it into those areas, don't think so much about it do it quickly, Sharp has a tendency to read it well and get on it whether it's the 3 yard knock in or a 20 yard volley

 

[Grizzly blade]

That’s a lot of words.

Most of it common sense. Though I would add that most if not all of the saves Hendo made were standard and would probably have been expected to be saved. What he DID do better than Moore for certain is push th save wide away from the goal.

Blackman would have made those saves too IMHO.

 

[Iceybabey]

Reckon that Eze will get a bug money move if he carries on and steps up.

 

[Eric Cartman]

That’s a lot of words.

Most of it common sense. Though I would add that most if not all of the saves Hendo made were standard and would probably have been expected to be saved. What he DID do better than Moore for certain is push th save wide away from the goal.

Blackman would have made those saves too IMHO.

The first shot Eze had low to Henderson’s right was hit very hard and a less agile keeper wouldn’t have saved that.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

LoughboroBlade I'd go with that being Duffy's responsibility, whether by fault or design the lad with the ball is so tricky he needed 2 players on him, thankfully his decision making was poor.

It presumably depends on what role Duffy has been asked to play. The fact that at no point, even when it’s clear there is the runner, does he make any attempt to track back might suggest he’s been asked to remain high up so that we have a possible option to counter? If there had been an alarmed Duffy scampering back after the play I might have agreed that it was his responsibility. He doesn’t even come back into the frame!