Some observations 4 games in...

[Bladepicker]

Probably could have gone on the match thread but some general observations after the four games we've played, not just today:

Like our Colin, I love the Championship me. Blood and thunder, end to end, proper football. Shite ref decisions still but no standing around twiddling your thumbs while you know some cunt 70 odd miles away on an industrial estate is trying his best to ruin everyone's fun. Proper football.

Our desire is back. The heart we have shown, especially today, is so refreshing and this team has got more about them already then last season's dismal efforts. Clearing out some deadwood has helped but noticeably Anel today was like a different animal. Chasing, running, putting his boot in. It might be the fact we are winning and competitive but it's great to see the team playing with fire in their bellies.

Finally we have a back four that can defend. I feel bad saying this because it brought me some of my best memories of being a Blade, but thank christ we have a back four that works and no more 3-5 fucking 2. Soutter looks immense and, whisper it, we look a lot stronger the last two games without JLT and his two mistakes a game costing us dearly. That was a big show of intent and belief today too, especially after QPR, to exorcise the ghost of that and numerous 2 goal leads we surrendered last season, to actually hold on quite comfortably in a close game. Akin to the one nil win against Boro after the Villa collapse, me tally a big hurdle taken today.

Squad depth - really wish we'd got another in up front but really happy with midfield and at the back. Sydie Peck is a kid playing a man's game and will be huge for us this season. Shackleton was brilliant when he came on and covered so much ground - he can play a variety of positions in that fluid midfield formation we seem to be playing. McCullum had energy but was out of position a couple of times and got lucky today, I'll reserve judgement on him for now but with RND too we have numbers that side. We are just so much more athletic, even than in our promotion season.

Cooper is a star. Calmness personified. His long kicking might be questionable but his short pass distribution is amazing. Not just playing it short under pressure but his ability to ping into midfield first time, never seen that from our 'keeper, couple of his passes to Souza when under pressure had me purring like Jonathan Agnew describing a Joe Root cover drive. Just beautiful

All in all, great to have our Blades back and enjoy football again.

 

[loyalblade95]

The Premier League is the goal that everyone wants to achieve, but the championship will always be the superior league to me.

• At the start of every season, all 24 teams (some more than others) have a chance of going up if they have a good enough season (Ipswich last season), Sunderland finishing in the playoffs the season after they got promoted from league 1.
• Most teams are on a level playing field with finances, compared to the vastly different transfer budgets in the EPL
• I know they say anyone can beat anyone, but shock results happen more often in the championship than they do in the premier league.
• What I've noticed some EPL fans forgetting, is how some of the really good EPL players, all had somewhat lengthy spells in the championship, Watkins, Toney, Kyle Walker just to name a few.
• The fans themselves are better, some poor away fans from quite a few of the premier league teams who came to lane last season.

Edit: The EPL is so dominated by money and buying your way to success, that it's very rare to see an Underdog (Blackburn, Leicester) actually win the league.

 

[Need4speed]

Probably could have gone on the match thread but some general observations after the four games we've played, not just today:

Like our Colin, I love the Championship me. Blood and thunder, end to end, proper football. Shite ref decisions still but no standing around twiddling your thumbs while you know some cunt 70 odd miles away on an industrial estate is trying his best to ruin everyone's fun. Proper football.

Our desire is back. The heart we have shown, especially today, is so refreshing and this team has got more about them already then last season's dismal efforts. Clearing out some deadwood has helped but noticeably Anel today was like a different animal. Chasing, running, putting his boot in. It might be the fact we are winning and competitive but it's great to see the team playing with fire in their bellies.

Finally we have a back four that can defend. I feel bad saying this because it brought me some of my best memories of being a Blade, but thank christ we have a back four that works and no more 3-5 fucking 2. Soutter looks immense and, whisper it, we look a lot stronger the last two games without JLT and his two mistakes a game costing us dearly. That was a big show of intent and belief today too, especially after QPR, to exorcise the ghost of that and numerous 2 goal leads we surrendered last season, to actually hold on quite comfortably in a close game. Akin to the one nil win against Boro after the Villa collapse, me tally a big hurdle taken today.

Squad depth - really wish we'd got another in up front but really happy with midfield and at the back. Sydie Peck is a kid playing a man's game and will be huge for us this season. Shackleton was brilliant when he came on and covered so much ground - he can play a variety of positions in that fluid midfield formation we seem to be playing. McCullum had energy but was out of position a couple of times and got lucky today, I'll reserve judgement on him for now but with RND too we have numbers that side. We are just so much more athletic, even than in our promotion season.

Cooper is a star. Calmness personified. His long kicking might be questionable but his short pass distribution is amazing. Not just playing it short under pressure but his ability to ping into midfield first time, never seen that from our 'keeper, couple of his passes to Souza when under pressure had me purring like Jonathan Agnew describing a Joe Root cover drive. Just beautiful

All in all, great to have our Blades back and enjoy football again.

On Coopers kicking, I disagree as the game went on he kicked more to the side lines, yes some/most went straight out but that to me is sensible, don't kick down the middle which gives the opposition the chance to build it back. It is a bit like a throw down the line it gives the opposition the least opportunity for a counter attack. Our main frailty came today when defenders clearing the ball hit it infield, if in doubt keep it out wide!!!!

 

[Foxy]

On Coopers kicking, I disagree as the game went on he kicked more to the side lines, yes some/most went straight out but that to me is sensible, don't kick down the middle which gives the opposition the chance to build it back. It is a bit like a throw down the line it gives the opposition the least opportunity for a counter attack. Our main frailty came today when defenders clearing the ball hit it infield, if in doubt keep it out wide!!!!

His long kick to JRS in the lead up to the first wasn’t too bad.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Probably could have gone on the match thread but some general observations after the four games we've played, not just today:

Like our Colin, I love the Championship me. Blood and thunder, end to end, proper football. Shite ref decisions still but no standing around twiddling your thumbs while you know some cunt 70 odd miles away on an industrial estate is trying his best to ruin everyone's fun. Proper football.

Our desire is back. The heart we have shown, especially today, is so refreshing and this team has got more about them already then last season's dismal efforts. Clearing out some deadwood has helped but noticeably Anel today was like a different animal. Chasing, running, putting his boot in. It might be the fact we are winning and competitive but it's great to see the team playing with fire in their bellies.

Finally we have a back four that can defend. I feel bad saying this because it brought me some of my best memories of being a Blade, but thank christ we have a back four that works and no more 3-5 fucking 2. Soutter looks immense and, whisper it, we look a lot stronger the last two games without JLT and his two mistakes a game costing us dearly. That was a big show of intent and belief today too, especially after QPR, to exorcise the ghost of that and numerous 2 goal leads we surrendered last season, to actually hold on quite comfortably in a close game. Akin to the one nil win against Boro after the Villa collapse, me tally a big hurdle taken today.

Squad depth - really wish we'd got another in up front but really happy with midfield and at the back. Sydie Peck is a kid playing a man's game and will be huge for us this season. Shackleton was brilliant when he came on and covered so much ground - he can play a variety of positions in that fluid midfield formation we seem to be playing. McCullum had energy but was out of position a couple of times and got lucky today, I'll reserve judgement on him for now but with RND too we have numbers that side. We are just so much more athletic, even than in our promotion season.

Cooper is a star. Calmness personified. His long kicking might be questionable but his short pass distribution is amazing. Not just playing it short under pressure but his ability to ping into midfield first time, never seen that from our 'keeper, couple of his passes to Souza when under pressure had me purring like Jonathan Agnew describing a Joe Root cover drive. Just beautiful

All in all, great to have our Blades back and enjoy football again.

Great post mate, and i agree wholeheartedly!

The big difference for me is watching football where a foul is just a foul. No histrionics, no bookings, no Fannying around. Foul = free kick and the game continues... Used to drive me potty in the PL when a trip, mistimed tackle turned into a major event every 2 minutes....

 

[wavy-blade]

To get rid of all the old guard ( All good things come to end ) and then replace them with a team that wants to fight and play for the club in such a short time take some doing . Were only 4 in and won nowt yet , but Chris and has staff have done an awesome job so far !!!

 

[Berkshire Blade]

Great post mate, and i agree wholeheartedly!

The big difference for me is watching football where a foul is just a foul. No histrionics, no bookings, no Fannying around. Foul = free kick and the game continues... Used to drive me potty in the PL when a trip, mistimed tackle turned into a major event every 2 minutes....

Must have missed how we cleverly brought the penalty and Arblaster acted like he was taken out rather than left his leg to make sure there was contact

 

[Ned the Donkey]

His long kick to JRS in the lead up to the first wasn’t too bad.

Really noticeable that as soon as the goal went in Soutter and Souza both turned and applauded Cooper. Vini jogged all the way back from half way to congratulate him.

 

[bakeblade]

Must have missed how we cleverly brought the penalty and Arblaster acted like he was taken out rather than left his leg to make sure there was contact

VAR would have spent 5 minutes looking at it and then disallowed it

 

[bakeblade]

The Premier League is the goal that everyone wants to achieve, but the championship will always be the superior league to me.

• At the start of every season, all 24 teams (some more than others) have a chance of going up if they have a good enough season (Ipswich last season), Sunderland finishing in the playoffs the season after they got promoted from league 1.
• Most teams are on a level playing field with finances, compared to the vastly different transfer budgets in the EPL
• I know they say anyone can beat anyone, but shock results happen more often in the championship than they do in the premier league.
• What I've noticed some EPL fans forgetting, is how some of the really good EPL players, all had somewhat lengthy spells in the championship, Watkins, Toney, Kyle Walker just to name a few.
• The fans themselves are better, some poor away fans from quite a few of the premier league teams who came to lane last season.

Edit: The EPL is so dominated by money and buying your way to success, that it's very rare to see an Underdog (Blackburn, Leicester) actually win the league.

I just love watching football without VAR

 

[knowsnowt]

Watched the match on my phone in a bird hide on the East coast. Had some right mardy bastards around me. So when a kingfisher showed up i booted it into the sea.
Been told i can't go back.

 

[loyalblade95]

I just love watching football without VAR

I forgot about that, should have included that as well.

Tbh, I don't mind VAR as part of football, I just don't have any confidence or faith in the people operating it as there is no consistency between different VAR referees in regards to certain situations.

 

[jono_t2000]

Probably could have gone on the match thread but some general observations after the four games we've played, not just today:

Like our Colin, I love the Championship me. Blood and thunder, end to end, proper football. Shite ref decisions still but no standing around twiddling your thumbs while you know some cunt 70 odd miles away on an industrial estate is trying his best to ruin everyone's fun. Proper football.

Our desire is back. The heart we have shown, especially today, is so refreshing and this team has got more about them already then last season's dismal efforts. Clearing out some deadwood has helped but noticeably Anel today was like a different animal. Chasing, running, putting his boot in. It might be the fact we are winning and competitive but it's great to see the team playing with fire in their bellies.

Finally we have a back four that can defend. I feel bad saying this because it brought me some of my best memories of being a Blade, but thank christ we have a back four that works and no more 3-5 fucking 2. Soutter looks immense and, whisper it, we look a lot stronger the last two games without JLT and his two mistakes a game costing us dearly. That was a big show of intent and belief today too, especially after QPR, to exorcise the ghost of that and numerous 2 goal leads we surrendered last season, to actually hold on quite comfortably in a close game. Akin to the one nil win against Boro after the Villa collapse, me tally a big hurdle taken today.

Squad depth - really wish we'd got another in up front but really happy with midfield and at the back. Sydie Peck is a kid playing a man's game and will be huge for us this season. Shackleton was brilliant when he came on and covered so much ground - he can play a variety of positions in that fluid midfield formation we seem to be playing. McCullum had energy but was out of position a couple of times and got lucky today, I'll reserve judgement on him for now but with RND too we have numbers that side. We are just so much more athletic, even than in our promotion season.

Cooper is a star. Calmness personified. His long kicking might be questionable but his short pass distribution is amazing. Not just playing it short under pressure but his ability to ping into midfield first time, never seen that from our 'keeper, couple of his passes to Souza when under pressure had me purring like Jonathan Agnew describing a Joe Root cover drive. Just beautiful

All in all, great to have our Blades back and enjoy football again.

All I can say for not having won at home for so long, that was exactly the type of blood and thunder performance to turn Bramall Lane back into a fortress.

COYRAWW!!!!

 

[loyalblade95]

All I can say for not having won at home for so long, that was exactly the type of blood and thunder performance to turn Bramall Lane back into a fortress.

COYRAWW!!!!

10 months in the league, stretching all the way back to Brentford last season.

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

VAR would have overturned the first penalty decision, given O'HARE's . Had Hamer sent off, maybe one of theirs too. Would have lasted about 15 minutes more than the ninety. Don't miss it at all.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

The most satisfying thing for me about our present situation is not only the points we have accumulated , but the way in which we have done so , given the background of all that has happened in recent times .

This has been by way of building a whole new team largely brought in from other clubs , who not only have more talent and ability than most of their predecessors but also show a level of determination , togetherness and commitment to the cause than would normally be expected from such a scenario .

Add to this the new formation (which I have been championing for a number of years) and you have a Blades side which is reminiscent of some of those from the past of which our fans have been justifiably proud .

Massive credit is due to all those involved in this dramatic improvement in the quality of our squad and performances in such a short time and in such difficult circumstances .

 

[Davalon]

Really enjoying our play and MO.

Yeah it's early days and can see structural issues but there has to be patience.

I just think it's a shame we couldn't find the funds to at least bring another striker in.

For all our creativity I can't help but think this will cost us points as we don't have the tools to finish off the good work.

 

[The Hobott]

All games should end in a mass brawl - seems to round it off nicely. A few were out on their feet on 70 mins. Souza, Moore, etc. I think when fitness improves a bit we'll feel less vulnerable late on.

 

[Not_a_Cheat]

The Premier League is the goal that everyone wants to achieve, but the championship will always be the superior league to me.

• At the start of every season, all 24 teams (some more than others) have a chance of going up if they have a good enough season (Ipswich last season), Sunderland finishing in the playoffs the season after they got promoted from league 1.
• Most teams are on a level playing field with finances, compared to the vastly different transfer budgets in the EPL
• I know they say anyone can beat anyone, but shock results happen more often in the championship than they do in the premier league.
• What I've noticed some EPL fans forgetting, is how some of the really good EPL players, all had somewhat lengthy spells in the championship, Watkins, Toney, Kyle Walker just to name a few.
• The fans themselves are better, some poor away fans from quite a few of the premier league teams who came to lane last season.

Edit: The EPL is so dominated by money and buying your way to success, that it's very rare to see an Underdog (Blackburn, Leicester) actually win the league.

Blackburn bought their success

 

[Frank the tank]

Must have missed how we cleverly brought the penalty and Arblaster acted like he was taken out rather than left his leg to make sure there was contact

Well you certainly haven't

 

[Berkshire Blade]

Well you certainly haven't

I like it. As shown by the one that wasn't given other sides are going to use "dark arts" so we are fighting with one hand tied behind our back if we don't

 

[NateDogg]

I dont wish anything bad on anyone that gives their all for this club but I hope this is the start of moving Robinson on. He's OK for the bench but that's it.

 

[Sheffsteel]

So in summary.....no one wants us to be promoted because most hate the PL and love the Championship.
Come on......make your mind up. Why acquire new investors when the fans lack ambition and don't want promotion to the best league in the world?

My 4 observations are
1: I like the playing style.....playing it out from the back and having long spells of possession.
This is so important because Watford were building up confidence with good spells of possession
then when we got the ball instead of playing it back to them......we took the heat out of the game playing it around the defenders.
This is really important regards in game management.

The down side is we can be guilty of overplaying/ over passing.
At times we need to be more direct and quicker. For all our good attacking we don't create loads of clear chances.

2: Defence looks much better -Cooper and Souter give us so much more calmness and authority.
Don't think it's any coincidence that Anel had his best game in ages.....it's because he has calm players around him.
Cooper hasn't been needed to make a save yet but his distribution is so much better than Wes.
Cooper is 2 footed and even when being closed down, doesnt panic and can calmly pass out to defenders, really helps when playing out from the back.

3: Impressed with the effort, passion, team spirit yesterday against Watford.
Lets not forget that with all the new players, we are still a work in progress and should perform much much better after a few weeks.

4: Still have big doubts about our attack, think Moore is good as a target man but we haven't found the attacking formula yet.
Also none of our players are prolific scorers so where are the goals coming from?
Looks like if we want promotion we are going to require a lot of 1-0 wins with the occasional 2-1.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Blackburn bought their success

Was going to say, Blackburn are the time that opened Pandora's Box when it comes to buying your way to trophies ....

 

[bakeblade]

I forgot about that, should have included that as well.

Tbh, I don't mind VAR as part of football, I just don't have any confidence or faith in the people operating it as there is no consistency between different VAR referees in regards to certain situations.

I don't, it stops any spontaneity. You're always thinking VAR is going to get involved.
As far as I'm concerned football and VAR are incompatible.

 

[Ricardo Mantelban]

The team is coming together well and seem to be enthused by what the manager has sold them when bringing them to the club.
My worry is he sounded a bit down when asked about the end of the transfer window.
I hope he’s not going to be told there is little future spend and if you don’t like it you’re out.
I may be just trying to find the cloud for yesterdays silver lining but we’ve been kicked in the knackers before.

 

[Davalon]

Got to hope we plod along nicely until January and then are allowed to bring in a couple key additions to ramp up the second half of the season.

Can't help but feel that if McBurnie was still here, he'd absolutely flourish in this team.

 

[Berkshire Blade]

I dont wish anything bad on anyone that gives their all for this club but I hope this is the start of moving Robinson on. He's OK for the bench but that's it.

It was quite nice not waiting for the absolute air kick or complete fuck up. Felt very comfortable for a change.

 

[MobileBlade]

For all our good attacking we don't create loads of clear chances.

Our Xg was 2.3 yesterday. Would suggest clear chance creation was not the issue.

 

[Working Class Hero]

Our Xg was 2.3 yesterday. Would suggest clear chance creation was not the issue.

It should probably be higher than that as Peck's and Moore's efforts won't take in to account the fact that they could have squared it for a tap in to an open net. Or maybe xG will account for that?