Scouseblades report on tonight

[scouseblade]

Hello all, as I was on hand to watch tonights proceedings I thought i would give a quick summary of the affair.

Seat - I couldnt get a ticket in the United end but managed to get one in the top balcony opposite where the united fans were situated. Its bloody steep! Sat with an colleague at work, good banter, although kept myself quiet!

I thought all in all we played well tonight. I was impressed with the way we tried to keep the ball on the deck even when trying to clear from defence. This on occassion did lead to us conceding possession however this is very promising. Defensively, Maguire had a ropey start again Anichebe and Felliani, lucky at one point not to be called for a penalty. However, he settled in and did very well, had an excellent shot near the end. My major concern was Jean-Francois. Yes, we were playing a good team in Everton, however, he looked slow, dodgy on the ball and his positioning confused me. He allowed Hibbert far too much space to provide crosses. Offensively, Quinn played very well, and his cross produced the goal for Cresswell, might have done better a decent run in the 2nd half but his short was tame. We played very neat football and just in places lacked the clinical pass that could have unlocked their defence.

Opposition - Everton played a very strong side in my opinion, taking out the goalkeeper and the striker for Cahill. The fans around me werent too happy with some of the play especially there inability to pass the ball 10 yards without giving it away. Arteta and Felliani could have gone for their tackles. The natives are not conviced and I dont think this performance will help matters.

My last point - for the first time I tried Chang Beer. It will be the last time too. Its bloody awful. I hope they had the alcohol ban in the Blades section!

 

[beechblade]

Cheers for the report scouse.

 

[sitwell]

I think Collins deserves a mention ,I've been away and this was my first game this season but I've heard he has been decent and along with Quinn and Simmonsen was our best player tonight. Doyle was Ok too , disappointments for me were the stadium ,the ref ,a lack of anything down our left in the second half and Bogdanovichs bottle.

 

[LA Blade]

Cheers Scouse.

 

[MunXy]

so in retrospect a few positives to be taken from this game.
i wasnt at the game but i was happy to see young harriot given a run out nd hopefully playing against decent quality will help his and the other youngsters.
personally not too disappointed tho i would have liked a second goal, other than that pretty satisfied.
thanks scouse

MunXy

 

[FleaPitBlade]

Tim_Cahill's complimentary tweet. "Thought sheff united played some good football tonite. Quinns a good player."

 

[judge]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was

Agree with all scouses points thought both full backs were disappointing tbh

 

[stannyblade]

what reception did Jags get?

 

[judge]

what reception did Jags get?

Very good
All we got back was a sly wave and totally ignored at the end but that's footballers for you

 

[ListerBlade]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was

He left his shin pads at home

 

[MunXy]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was

his mum sent him a packed lunch and a fruit shoot for half time

MunXy

 

[cooperblade]

Thought there were a few positives to take from last night.

The centre back partnership is blossoming nicely and Collins looks a completely different player to last season's version. I'd wondered if it was just the drop in class but he looked just as good last night as he has in the league games. Credit to him and credit to Wilson - long may it continue. Simmo also looked more assured (although that's not difficult than he did v Walsall)

Quinn didn't look out of place at all amongst some very good midfielders. Heard two Evertonians on the way out saying they should put a bid in for him (they spoilt it a bit when they said £50k would get him). Just can't see anyway he's still with us on September 1st but I think we've a big chance of promotion if he is.

The big positive was the passing. Yes we lost possession in some dangerous areas occasionally and it did cost us but on the whole the passing was excellent and a real joy to watch. I heard some Blades moaning that we lacked penetration but it was difficult as if we hadn't gone with 5 across the midfield we'd have been absolutely destroyed by Everton's 5. Maybe if we had a quicker option up front it would've been a bit easier to get in behind them but it's not like they're lacking pace with Jagielka in there.

Just a couple of negatives. We didn't protect the full backs enough, Williamson in particular left Lowton exposed against the excellent pairing of Arteta and Baines. Flynn was completely anonymous and although Harriot looks a very tidy player he could maybe have got involved a bit more although he was up against very good opponents.

Overall there was enough to come away feeling confident about the season ahead particularly in terms of the way we passed the ball about but the squad is paper thin, we're short of pace up front and losing Quinny would leave a massive hole. Roll on the window closing.

 

[MunXy]

in regard to losing possession and passing, didnt Wilson say he wants all players to not be scared to try stuff ie passing out of trouble etc.
he wanted players to be happier moving the ball around than just lumping it up and out.
the more the players do this, the more comfy on the ball they will become and the more proficient they will become, and with wilson condoning it even if it loses possession it can only bode well for the future.

MunXy

 

[judge]

The brightspot of the evening was definetly uniteds persistence in playing from the back
Thought Quinn looked quality

 

[Cheshire Cat]

As it's still the cricket season I've not even seen highlights of a game yet - what role is Quinny playing?

In the event that he did go, is that something that Williamson could pick up?

 

[cooperblade]

As it's still the cricket season I've not even seen highlights of a game yet - what role is Quinny playing?

In the event that he did go, is that something that Williamson could pick up?

Wide left generally although coming inside a lot looking for the ball - probably too much to be honest but I think that's a consequence of the other players not getting the ball out to him enough. He played quite close to Cresswell at times last night and got forward more than any of the other 5 in midfield.

 

[Pinchy]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was.

It was a bottle of Kelham Island Pale Rider. Brother Danny has banned lager and got all the lads drinking ale.

 

[Houso]

................

 

[Ollessendro]

Would have loved to have gone last night, but with the in-laws visiting and me living in London it was out of the question. I managed to stick Radio Shef on for ten minutes in the second half and Keith Edwards was very complimentary. He said Maguire and Collins were excellent and also praised Quinn and Harriot. Sounded like a good atmosphere: I could heard the United fans making a lot of noise, so well done to those who went.

That was a very strong Everton side. The locals might not be pleased and they might not have started well, but they have some real creativity in Arteta, Fellaini and Rodwell. That is not to mention solidity in the likes of Baines and Jagielka. The others are no slouches. I do not think that we should be too upset that we could not carve open a defence made up of 3 internationals or got slightly over run by a midfield full players with international caps and buckets of ability (I think 7 of their starting 11 have represented their country at international level).

Was pleased to see Wilson try to mix things up and give others a chance. Can completely understand the 4-5-1, as (as Coops says) they would have completely over ran us otherwise. The reports I heave read and feedaback fom mates who have been suggest positive signs. We got the ball on the deck, built from the back and looked comfortable playing a passing game. If we play like this against third division teams, then we will do well and I'm sure we'll create more chances. The slight lack of creativity and pace is a but of a worry, because these factors can unlock defences and win games (often out of nothing). Another concern of mine is the defence. Collins and Maguire are playing brilliantly and are really forming a partnership. However they have played every minute of every game and we have no cover. If one gets knackered, suspended or injured then we are screwed. We'll have played 7 matches by the end of August and I am guessing Collins and Maguire will have played every minute of every game. I am concerned about the risk of injury or suspension. I can see what Wilson is thinking in that he could potentially switch Lescinel (or even Parrino or Lowton) inside and then play Kozzy or Parrino at full back if needs be and wait for Morgs/Ertl to return. However it is risky and we've been caught out before (when Killa got injured under KB and we switched Walker inside and he really struggled).

Overall I think we can take pride from last night. The lads can keep their heads held high and take some confidence into the Yeovil match. 3 points in the deep South West and we'll soon have forgot this cup exit.

 

[DazBlade88]

I was impressed last night, we performed quite well.

A few people round me thought we were rubbish, but I think people seem to forget that we are now a League One side who are playing against a more or less full strength Premiership side. They were always going to dominate for the majority of the game which is what they did. We took our biggest chance of the game, which is full credit to us, and we were very unlucky with the first goal we conceded, although (on the balance of play) we were lucky to take the lead in the first place!

We did lack a bit of penetration at times but we were up against a very solid back four and we had little pace up front with Creswell to get in behind against the likes of Heitinga and Jags.

Overall, plenty of positives and courage to take from last night. I sincerely hope there was nobody scouting Quinn last night though, he's been absolutely brilliant so far this season!

My main negative in the team is Daniel Bogdanovic at the moment, I'm wondering if he's actually going to put some effort in at some point this season? He can't moan about not starting when he's performing like he has from the bench so far.

My negative about the whole night - The view from the lower tier. I was on row O, and when the ball went in the air I couldn't even see it! I'm glad it was cheaper tickets, wouldn't have been happy in normal circumstances.

Very good
All we got back was a sly wave and totally ignored at the end but that's footballers for you

He clapped us at the end and before the start of the second half to be fair.

 

[Jon Bon]

He clapped us at the end and before the start of the second half to be fair.

Indeed he did, unlike that waste of space Porter who tried to slope off at the end without acknowledging the fans and nearly managed it too before being grabbed by Cresswell and made to turn around and go back to applaud the Blades. I can't tell you how much that narked me seeing that, especially as he was piss poor after he was brought on.

I though Harriott didn't look overawed amd McAllister looked lively when he came on. Other than that, I can only echo other people's sentiments.

Previous to the game, an enjoyable day was had viewing Liverpool's wonderful architecture - both old and new - and some of its many galleries and museums at the inaugural meeting of the BBCC (Blades Beer and Culture Corporation) for those that aren't offended by clubs, cliques and semi-secret societies...

 

[georgethecat]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was

Was sat beside him at Tranmere and seemed a genuinely decent bloke. He is very impressed by the blades support!

 

[Pinchy]

Indeed he did, unlike that waste of space Porter who tried to slope off at the end without acknowledging the fans and nearly managed it too before being grabbed by Cresswell and made to turn around and go back to applaud the Blades. I can't tell you how much that narked me seeing that, especially as he was piss poor after he was brought on.

I though Harriott didn't look overawed amd McAllister looked lively when he came on. Other than that, I can only echo other people's sentiments.

Previous to the game, an enjoyable day was had viewing Liverpool's wonderful architecture - both old and new - and some of its many galleries and museums at the inaugural meeting of the BBCC (Blades Beer and Culture Corporation) for those that aren't offended by clubs, cliques and semi-secret societies...

RAPFA sends fraternal greetings to the BBCC, though would seek clarification on your organisation's definition of 'beer'. Perhaps we could have bi-partite discussions at the Natural History Museum?

 

[Bergen Blade]

Indeed he did, unlike that waste of space Porter who tried to slope off at the end without acknowledging the fans and nearly managed it too before being grabbed by Cresswell and made to turn around and go back to applaud the Blades. I can't tell you how much that narked me seeing that, especially as he was piss poor after he was brought on.

Thought it was strange to put him on alongside Cresswell when we didn't seem to be getting the ball into the box much. What did those of you who went think when you saw the substitution, did it make sense?

 

[Foxy]

Saw matty harriotts dad chuck him something in a carrier bag before kick off
Wonder what it was

Was a pair of boots.

 

[judge]

Was a pair of boots.

,makes sense ,how did you know that foxy ?

 

[sitwell]

Thought it was strange to put him on alongside Cresswell when we didn't seem to be getting the ball into the box much. What did those of you who went think when you saw the substitution, did it make sense?

He brought Porter and boggy on close together to try and chase the game in the last 10 minutes. We had nothing down the left whatsoever though and it got very congested on the right and down the middle.

 

[Jon Bon]

RAPFA sends fraternal greetings to the BBCC, though would seek clarification on your organisation's definition of 'beer'. Perhaps we could have bi-partite discussions at the Natural History Museum?

Oh Pinchy, you are a one. You'll get us both into bother. We will arrange that bipartite get together but not through these channels. You know how irascible the 'I :heart: Bottom Fermenting Yeast' set become. Keep your eye on The Times classifieds, you'll know it when you see it.