Stoke 0 United 2 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The Blades’ final league away game of the season ended with a victory as goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks gave United the points over a wretched Stoke City side at the 365 Stadium. United did what they had to in terms of getting back to winning ways on the road and were also able to rotate a number of players. Certainly, it seemed Wilder had one eye on the playoffs and did make changes but was clear he wanted United to finish strongly and try and achieve 90 points – even though this will be long forgotten if the Blades fail to go up of course!



In came McCallum, Brewster, O’Hare, Campbell and Seriki from the defeat at Turf Moore. On the bench was youngsters One and Peruvian deadline day signing Jefferson Caceres, for his first involvement in the first team squad. There was no place in the squad for Hamer, Brereton Diaz or Rak Sakyi.



Stoke brought in Gooch and Gallacher. Reported Blades target Million Manhoef started for the Potters as did experienced midfielder Ben Pearson.



United started with 4-4-2 for the second consecutive game with Brewster down the right and O’Hare on the left and Campbell and Moore up top. The first 5 minutes passed with little action in either goalmouth but Stoke did have a break that led to a corner and a Bae shot was blocked after the ball was only half cleared.



The Blades created the first chance of the game as O’Hare got on Moore’s hold up and fed Campbell who was one on one but Johansson was out quickly to smother the ball. Campell had another chance as Moore did well to breast the ball down and his shot was deflected wide. The corner was either a mis hit or a rehearsed one, as Brewster took it and O’Hare flicked on but no one could on the end of it.



Stoke’s first proper chance came after a United attack broke down and Choudhury made a mistake leading to Baker feeding Manhoef. The ball across saw Bae move onto the ball but his shot was straight at Cooper. United won another corner at the other end and Robinson headed down but Johansson pushed away.



The Blades had a very good appeal for a penalty as Seriki went past Gooch and whilst the body contact was probably deemed shoulder to shoulder, the contact with the foot was not seen by Gillett. Seriki was astounded nothing was given. At the other end Brewster then brought down Baker outside the box and nothing was given with another poor decision by the referee. He did spot Souza get absolutely took out by a crude tackle from Pearson. The yellow card came out but it was the Potters man who came off worse and had to go off not long after – replaced by Lawal.



United had another appeal for a penalty but Campbell was looking for his as the keeper came out and the striker was booked for simulation. Cooper than had to punch away as the game started to become fairly open after a tight start and both teams putting men forward.



The Blades had the better of the game and took the lead from an unlikely source - a corner. Brewster’s near post delivery was flicked on at the near post and sub Lawal could not readjust as it hit him square in the face and went back across goal. MCCALLUM reacted and headed powerfully towards goal and Johansson could only help it over the line. The goal was met with an eerie silence from most in the 365 Stadium – as Stoke fans know defeat tonight and they will be looking over their shoulders.



They tried to respond and Baker tried an exquisite curling effort that was almost perfect as Cooper was beaten but it went the wrong side of the post, as far as the home side were concerned. Phillips went in strongly on Cooper after the keeper had pouched the cross – drawing an angry reaction from the United defenders – who perhaps were foolish to get involved after recent shenanigans involving them.



Gallagher nearly got in after a clever ball from Baker saw Holding beaten but the forward could not quite get on it – the half time whistle went soon after this.



The second half began with United fashioning a half chance as Seriki got down the right and managed to get his cross in but Moore could not get a proper connection and it went out for a goal kick. McCallum was booked for dithering on a throw in and Stoke won a corner soon after. As the ball dropped Bae blazed a long way over before the game threatened to boil over after a series of challenges by the home side. Wilmot caught Brewster with a late tackle and was rightly booked as it was high and wild. VAR in the Premier League may have wanted a second look at this one but they certainly would have gone and looked at the one soon after. Berger clearly stamped on Brewster after the ball had gone and the United player was lucky not to be seriously injured. Incredibly no foul or card was awarded. The home fans were incessant that the game was stopped (was not a head injury so could perhaps understand this) but if they had seen replays of the challenge their anger may have calmed somewhat towards the referee.



Brewster hobbled to his feet and gamely carried on but just after the hour, United did make three changes. Peck, Cannon and Burrows replaced Seriki, Campbell and McCallum. Choudhury went into the right back position.



The next period of the game was incredibly scrappy. United had been sloppy in possession and were not pressing as much but Stoke’s passing was equally poor and they struggled to create much in way of a response to being behind. They did make a change with Al Hamadi on for Bae with 20 minutes to go. He had a headed effort saved by Cooper in the first real chance for either side in the second half. Robinson’s error, after a decent performance prior to this, nearly let Gallagher in before Stoke finally had a chance as Stoke took a free kick (from the wrong spot!) and El Hamadi was in on the angle but Cooper made the save.



Both teams made changes with just 5 minutes to play. Manhoef and Tchamadeu were replaced by Koumas and Wilson-Esbrand for the Potters – with Brooks on for Brewster.



The Blades substitute made an immediate impact as United sealed the deal on 87 minutes. O’Hare played a lovely ball over the top and Peck got down the right and sent over an inviting cross that saw BROOKS with his first touch side foot home. This saw many of the home natives heading for the exits despite Stoke winning two late corners. The stoppage time saw the game played out with relatively little other incident and United played keep ball before the final whistle was blown. United got back to winning ways on the road, whilst the home side are still not safe from relegation and will look on nervously at the scores coming in tomorrow.



United – It was a deserved win. We had control of the game for long spells but were against a really poor side. I am not sure we were fantastic but we did enough to win and had most of the good play I felt – particularly first half. We had chances though Campbell twice and looked the more likely before they had a chance that Cooper saved. The goal was scrappy but felt we did enough to lead. After the break I was disappointed we dropped off and it became incredibly scrappy. The ref did not help as did not have much control and they started to become extremely cynical (not sure how they finished the game with eleven to be honest – 2 or 3 could have walked – Gooch, Wilmot and Berger – for horrific tackles). However, they never really tested us until the El Hamadi chance but it was not like we were hanging on. We then score a lovely team goal and seal the three points.



We made some changes but kept a few in I thought he may have also rested (Souza/Campbell who are key men) but kept two up front which I was pleased about also. I am not sure we were totally fluent but we had a better shape tonight than previous games but not sure if that was more down to the opponent being so bad? We managed to rest a few at least, got no silly bookings/red cards that would affect things and no injuries of note seemingly (Brewster could have had a bad one or two!). We managed to get some positive minutes into O’Hare and Brooks got the boost of a goal too. Holding also did well but I remain convinced he will still start Anel and Robinson sadly – although the latter was ok tonight.



Not sure we learn too much from tonight – nor will we next Saturday. I do not know if momentum/confidence will matter as we have gone into playoffs in good/bad form before and it all boils down to who turns up on the day (remember the two-legged Forest game where we were awful at the Lane and lucky to only lose 2-1 but then got played really well at the City Ground). The other teams in the playoffs are not exactly blowing teams away and a few are very up and down (like us). My main priority is for the first leg we have a good, solid shape, can compete and do not concede stupid goals. We have the players in Hamer/Campbell etc who can get us goals the other way.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Not much to do. Made one easy save first half and then made a slightly better one second half as El Hamadi got in. Punched a few away – one I thought he could have caught but largely a quiet night.



Seriki 6/10 - Did ok and tried to get forward and felt he should have had a penalty. At times he got into good positions but did not always drive on. Defensively nothing too much to worry about but does give his man too much room at times.



McCallum 6/10 – An odd night as he scored a brave header but thought he was poor outside of that! A wild cross, a back heel out, some telegraphed passes and odd decisions but did get the breakthrough so gets an extra mark or so for that.



Holding 7/10 – Really steady. Not rushed. Kept the ball well and read the game when there was danger. Just looked composed. I really want him to start in the playoffs but not sure he will. My joint man of the match with Choudhury.



Robinson 6.5/10 – Did ok tonight with a few tackles and interceptions. Loses a mark for stupidly getting involved after Cooper was hit after the ball and then he had one error when he miskicked and they nearly got in via Gallagher.



Brewster 6.5/10 –Worked hard tonight. On corners which was a surprise -one he sort of fluffed but then the other one set up the goal. Got some real hammer but worked hard and did a job for the team as not sure he is a winger at all.



Choudhury 7/10 – Thought the fact he played centre midfield and then right back, he adapted and showed his versatility. Won his tackles and kept it simple. One mistake first half led to the chance for them – he seemed to slip – but outside of that, he swept up and covered well. He did well at right back too and feel he may start there in the playoffs with Souza/Peck in CM.



Souza 5/10 – I thought he was poor tonight and seemed off the pace – he gave the ball away a lot and seemed sluggish. Does not seem to have that power and drive he had before his injuries and worry he is not fully fit. Did get better as the game went on but surprised he played and would rather him rest up but maybe Wilder feels the opposite and he needs more minutes in his legs after so long out.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – He flitted in and around and did some nice things but also held the ball too long and dithered on occasions. Lovely ball to Campell for the chance first half and also helped set up Peck for the cross for the winner. Does work hard and press/harry but just need him to be a bit quicker and less touches when he does have the ball.



Moore 5/10 – I have seen some say he played well but I was not convinced. He did hold it up well early on with some good link play and led to a few chances we created. He also gave away and committed too many daft fouls. Second half thought he was largely anonymous and we had no out ball at all. Despite this, I would still start him and Campbell together in the playoffs. It may well be O’Hare and Hamer wide I feel?



Campbell 5/10 – He looked lively to begin with but missed that big chance and had another deflected wide. He then took a bit of a dive for the penalty and thought faded after this as he had a yellow and the crowd got on his back.



Subs -



Cannon 4/10 – Not sure he had many touches at all. He made a few runs to be fair but was not found. We need more than we got out of strikers tonight.



Burrows 5/10 – Ok but did not have that much of the ball really.



Peck 6/10 – Busy as always. Gave away a foul that nearly led to them scoring (free kick was from the wrong spot mind). Kept looking for the ball and then of course his run and ball made the clincher.



Brooks – Great impact as scored as soon as he came on with his first touch. Had another break out but took too long and his pass, intended for Cannon I think, was poor.



Ahmedhodzic – Only played final few minutes. Had one run right into their last third but then got held up.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A win, a clean sheet and at least gets the confidence back amongst the group. He looked pleased at the end but this obsession with 90+ points is s worry. Does it really matter – so what if we get the record for points by us at this level – matters little really. Priority must be a week on Thursday now. I worry if his ego gets in the way at times – yes we want to win every game and pleased we won tonight but the 90 points is less important than getting rest to valuable players. I thought Souza and Campbell may have been rested? However, we at least showed we were more organised and had a better shape to our play (as much off the ball) and beat a poor Stoke side fairly easily in the end.

Stoke – They seem to be always near the bottom in recent years and I saw a stat they said they have not finished in the top half since they came down in 2018 which is 6 seasons now. They have been much closer to going out of the league the other way. Seem to have fluctuated with young managers to experienced managers but none have lasted very long and their long-term plan seems muddled. They never seem clear whether they are building a young squad or one with veterans and don’t seem to get the mix right. They had a big wage bill for a few years and had to clear that out and maybe the owners – the Coates, as rich as they are, do not want to invest? I will not pretend to know the intricacies of their situation but seem miles off being a side ready to return to the Premier League. I like Robins but I cannot see how he can have them much higher when there will be at least 5 stronger sides coming down and up – Wrexham and Birmingham assuming it is those two will spend again. The likes of Stoke and Wednesday may have been big clubs once but without investment or a clear plan – you sense it will continue to be a struggle.



Tonight, I thought they might have a real go and try and respond from the hammering at Leeds but it never really happened. They showed very little and it is not like United were going at it full pelt and made a number of changes. As I say, they lost 6-0 last week and you could see why. They seemed to only show fight in the wrong way and lacked creativity or urgency. They will probably stay up but only due to others below being even worse. In the two games we have seen this season – there might not be a worse side I have seen though – they were awful in both games.





Opponent Man of the Match – Baker was neat and tidy – played a few clever balls though and had that decent shot not far wide. Bae had a few efforts but mostly off target.



Opponent Weak link – Gallagher up front make Moore look like Ronaldo but they have a few slow and clumsy players. The lad Gooch was dreadful and committed so many fouls.



Referee/Officials – Jarred Gillett. He is the Australian ref who is a Premier League official. We seem to have missed him being appointed to our games over the years. He did Man City at home (1-2) last year but have to go back to the Fylde Cup win for any other game. Seems to have been done well and moved up the leagues quite quickly. Tonight, I thought he was dreadful. He missed so many things both ways – a clear penalty, then a foul by Brewster, penalised little things but missed big things. He failed to spot two serious fouls on Brewster and often guessed decisions too. Never had control of the game and players seemed baffled at times. Let Stoke take the free kick from the wrong spot which nearly led to a goal but despite the bad tackle, can see Stoke fans being annoyed he stopped the game when Brewster did not have a head injury. Not impressed overall.

 

[dc_blade]

Have to disagree about Moore. Won absolutely everything in the air first half and looked dangerous. Linked well with Campbell and O'Hare and should probably have scored. I think it shows we have another option although we still don't really have enough width to really make the most of him.

 

[bruce]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Not much to do. Made one easy save first half and then made a slightly better one second half as El Hamadi got in. Punched a few away – one I thought he could have caught but largely a quiet night.



Seriki 6/10 - Did ok and tried to get forward and felt he should have had a penalty. At times he got into good positions but did not always drive on. Defensively nothing too much to worry about but does give his man too much room at times.



McCallum 6/10 – An odd night as he scored a brave header but thought he was poor outside of that! A wild cross, a back heel out, some telegraphed passes and odd decisions but did get the breakthrough so gets an extra mark or so for that.



Holding 7/10 – Really steady. Not rushed. Kept the ball well and read the game when there was danger. Just looked composed. I really want him to start in the playoffs but not sure he will. My joint man of the match with Choudhury.



Robinson 6.5/10 – Did ok tonight with a few tackles and interceptions. Loses a mark for stupidly getting involved after Cooper was hit after the ball and then he had one error when he miskicked and they nearly got in via Gallagher.



Brewster 6.5/10 –Worked hard tonight. On corners which was a surprise -one he sort of fluffed but then the other one set up the goal. Got some real hammer but worked hard and did a job for the team as not sure he is a winger at all.



Choudhury 7/10 – Thought the fact he played centre midfield and then right back, he adapted and showed his versatility. Won his tackles and kept it simple. One mistake first half led to the chance for them – he seemed to slip – but outside of that, he swept up and covered well. He did well at right back too and feel he may start there in the playoffs with Souza/Peck in CM.



Souza 5/10 – I thought he was poor tonight and seemed off the pace – he gave the ball away a lot and seemed sluggish. Does not seem to have that power and drive he had before his injuries and worry he is not fully fit. Did get better as the game went on but surprised he played and would rather him rest up but maybe Wilder feels the opposite and he needs more minutes in his legs after so long out.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – He flitted in and around and did some nice things but also held the ball too long and dithered on occasions. Lovely ball to Campell for the chance first half and also helped set up Peck for the cross for the winner. Does work hard and press/harry but just need him to be a bit quicker and less touches when he does have the ball.



Moore 5/10 – I have seen some say he played well but I was not convinced. He did hold it up well early on with some good link play and led to a few chances we created. He also gave away and committed too many daft fouls. Second half thought he was largely anonymous and we had no out ball at all. Despite this, I would still start him and Campbell together in the playoffs. It may well be O’Hare and Hamer wide I feel?



Campbell 5/10 – He looked lively to begin with but missed that big chance and had another deflected wide. He then took a bit of a dive for the penalty and thought faded after this as he had a yellow and the crowd got on his back.



Subs -



Cannon 4/10 – Not sure he had many touches at all. He made a few runs to be fair but was not found. We need more than we got out of strikers tonight.



Burrows 5/10 – Ok but did not have that much of the ball really.



Peck 6/10 – Busy as always. Gave away a foul that nearly led to them scoring (free kick was from the wrong spot mind). Kept looking for the ball and then of course his run and ball made the clincher.



Brooks – Great impact as scored as soon as he came on with his first touch. Had another break out but took too long and his pass, intended for Cannon I think, was poor.



Ahmedhodzic – Only played final few minutes. Had one run right into their last third but then got held up.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A win, a clean sheet and at least gets the confidence back amongst the group. He looked pleased at the end but this obsession with 90+ points is s worry. Does it really matter – so what if we get the record for points by us at this level – matters little really. Priority must be a week on Thursday now. I worry if his ego gets in the way at times – yes we want to win every game and pleased we won tonight but the 90 points is less important than getting rest to valuable players. I thought Souza and Campbell may have been rested? However, we at least showed we were more organised and had a better shape to our play (as much off the ball) and beat a poor Stoke side fairly easily in the end.

Stoke – They seem to be always near the bottom in recent years and I saw a stat they said they have not finished in the top half since they came down in 2018 which is 6 seasons now. They have been much closer to going out of the league the other way. Seem to have fluctuated with young managers to experienced managers but none have lasted very long and their long-term plan seems muddled. They never seem clear whether they are building a young squad or one with veterans and don’t seem to get the mix right. They had a big wage bill for a few years and had to clear that out and maybe the owners – the Coates, as rich as they are, do not want to invest? I will not pretend to know the intricacies of their situation but seem miles off being a side ready to return to the Premier League. I like Robins but I cannot see how he can have them much higher when there will be at least 5 stronger sides coming down and up – Wrexham and Birmingham assuming it is those two will spend again. The likes of Stoke and Wednesday may have been big clubs once but without investment or a clear plan – you sense it will continue to be a struggle.



Tonight, I thought they might have a real go and try and respond from the hammering at Leeds but it never really happened. They showed very little and it is not like United were going at it full pelt and made a number of changes. As I say, they lost 6-0 last week and you could see why. They seemed to only show fight in the wrong way and lacked creativity or urgency. They will probably stay up but only due to others below being even worse. In the two games we have seen this season – there might not be a worse side I have seen though – they were awful in both games.





Opponent Man of the Match – Baker was neat and tidy – played a few clever balls though and had that decent shot not far wide. Bae had a few efforts but mostly off target.



Opponent Weak link – Gallagher up front make Moore look like Ronaldo but they have a few slow and clumsy players. The lad Gooch was dreadful and committed so many fouls.



Referee/Officials – Jarred Gillett. He is the Australian ref who is a Premier League official. We seem to have missed him being appointed to our games over the years. He did Man City at home (1-2) last year but have to go back to the Fylde Cup win for any other game. Seems to have been done well and moved up the leagues quite quickly. Tonight, I thought he was dreadful. He missed so many things both ways – a clear penalty, then a foul by Brewster, penalised little things but missed big things. He failed to spot two serious fouls on Brewster and often guessed decisions too. Never had control of the game and players seemed baffled at times. Let Stoke take the free kick from the wrong spot which nearly led to a goal but despite the bad tackle, can see Stoke fans being annoyed he stopped the game when Brewster did not have a head injury. Not impressed overall.

Seems to me that whether Holding plays alongside Robinson or Anel the effect is similar. Holding's presence results in a better performance from whom ever he is alongside.

 

[T-Blade]

I personally thought Choudhury was awful in midfield and our worst player he was ok when he went to right back

 

[blades_95]

Noticed quite a few people say they’re glad we’ve gone with 2 up top, but to me this 4-4-2 just doesn’t work. Just feel it leaves a massive gap in the midfield where we don’t pick up any second balls and play through the thirds.

Before we got the second it became quite aimless lumps forward to the isolated front two, which Stoke were mopping up and coming back at us. Personally wouldn’t want us to risk that formation in the play offs against better sides, think we just give up too much control of the middle of the pitch and we’ll get too easily overrun.

 

[jono_t2000]

Noticed quite a few people say they’re glad we’ve gone with 2 up top, but to me this 4-4-2 just doesn’t work. Just feel it leaves a massive gap in the midfield where we don’t pick up any second balls and play through the thirds.

Before we got the second it became quite aimless lumps forward to the isolated front two, which Stoke were mopping up and coming back at us. Personally wouldn’t want us to risk that formation in the play offs against better sides, think we just give up too much control of the middle of the pitch and we’ll get too easily overrun.

I still think 4-3-1-2 is our best option.

Ditch the wingers and pack our midfield.. we barely cross the ball anyway.

 

[BerksBlade]

I personally thought Choudhury was awful in midfield and our worst player he was ok when he went to right back

He's still playing far too deep IMO. Neshed a challenge which should have cost us a goal, but got away with it. He was much better at RB.

 

[robbiez666]

I normally roughly agree with your ratings Deadbat but rating McCallum, who had a horror show outside of the goal, as a 6 and higher than Moore is preposterous!

 

[Houston_Blade]

Have to disagree about Moore. Won absolutely everything in the air first half and looked dangerous. Linked well with Campbell and O'Hare and should probably have scored. I think it shows we have another option although we still don't really have enough width to really make the most of him.

He’s a player who cannot look good in our system. I’m not even sure he can look good in modern football at all, even 5 years ago teams were allowed to play to his strengths but we absolutely don’t and many clubs above league 1 won’t either. It’s a shame because 2 up front with a big man, little combo was great to see.

 

[metalblade]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Not much to do. Made one easy save first half and then made a slightly better one second half as El Hamadi got in. Punched a few away – one I thought he could have caught but largely a quiet night.



Seriki 6/10 - Did ok and tried to get forward and felt he should have had a penalty. At times he got into good positions but did not always drive on. Defensively nothing too much to worry about but does give his man too much room at times.



McCallum 6/10 – An odd night as he scored a brave header but thought he was poor outside of that! A wild cross, a back heel out, some telegraphed passes and odd decisions but did get the breakthrough so gets an extra mark or so for that.



Holding 7/10 – Really steady. Not rushed. Kept the ball well and read the game when there was danger. Just looked composed. I really want him to start in the playoffs but not sure he will. My joint man of the match with Choudhury.



Robinson 6.5/10 – Did ok tonight with a few tackles and interceptions. Loses a mark for stupidly getting involved after Cooper was hit after the ball and then he had one error when he miskicked and they nearly got in via Gallagher.



Brewster 6.5/10 –Worked hard tonight. On corners which was a surprise -one he sort of fluffed but then the other one set up the goal. Got some real hammer but worked hard and did a job for the team as not sure he is a winger at all.



Choudhury 7/10 – Thought the fact he played centre midfield and then right back, he adapted and showed his versatility. Won his tackles and kept it simple. One mistake first half led to the chance for them – he seemed to slip – but outside of that, he swept up and covered well. He did well at right back too and feel he may start there in the playoffs with Souza/Peck in CM.



Souza 5/10 – I thought he was poor tonight and seemed off the pace – he gave the ball away a lot and seemed sluggish. Does not seem to have that power and drive he had before his injuries and worry he is not fully fit. Did get better as the game went on but surprised he played and would rather him rest up but maybe Wilder feels the opposite and he needs more minutes in his legs after so long out.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – He flitted in and around and did some nice things but also held the ball too long and dithered on occasions. Lovely ball to Campell for the chance first half and also helped set up Peck for the cross for the winner. Does work hard and press/harry but just need him to be a bit quicker and less touches when he does have the ball.



Moore 5/10 – I have seen some say he played well but I was not convinced. He did hold it up well early on with some good link play and led to a few chances we created. He also gave away and committed too many daft fouls. Second half thought he was largely anonymous and we had no out ball at all. Despite this, I would still start him and Campbell together in the playoffs. It may well be O’Hare and Hamer wide I feel?



Campbell 5/10 – He looked lively to begin with but missed that big chance and had another deflected wide. He then took a bit of a dive for the penalty and thought faded after this as he had a yellow and the crowd got on his back.



Subs -



Cannon 4/10 – Not sure he had many touches at all. He made a few runs to be fair but was not found. We need more than we got out of strikers tonight.



Burrows 5/10 – Ok but did not have that much of the ball really.



Peck 6/10 – Busy as always. Gave away a foul that nearly led to them scoring (free kick was from the wrong spot mind). Kept looking for the ball and then of course his run and ball made the clincher.



Brooks – Great impact as scored as soon as he came on with his first touch. Had another break out but took too long and his pass, intended for Cannon I think, was poor.



Ahmedhodzic – Only played final few minutes. Had one run right into their last third but then got held up.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – A win, a clean sheet and at least gets the confidence back amongst the group. He looked pleased at the end but this obsession with 90+ points is s worry. Does it really matter – so what if we get the record for points by us at this level – matters little really. Priority must be a week on Thursday now. I worry if his ego gets in the way at times – yes we want to win every game and pleased we won tonight but the 90 points is less important than getting rest to valuable players. I thought Souza and Campbell may have been rested? However, we at least showed we were more organised and had a better shape to our play (as much off the ball) and beat a poor Stoke side fairly easily in the end.

Stoke – They seem to be always near the bottom in recent years and I saw a stat they said they have not finished in the top half since they came down in 2018 which is 6 seasons now. They have been much closer to going out of the league the other way. Seem to have fluctuated with young managers to experienced managers but none have lasted very long and their long-term plan seems muddled. They never seem clear whether they are building a young squad or one with veterans and don’t seem to get the mix right. They had a big wage bill for a few years and had to clear that out and maybe the owners – the Coates, as rich as they are, do not want to invest? I will not pretend to know the intricacies of their situation but seem miles off being a side ready to return to the Premier League. I like Robins but I cannot see how he can have them much higher when there will be at least 5 stronger sides coming down and up – Wrexham and Birmingham assuming it is those two will spend again. The likes of Stoke and Wednesday may have been big clubs once but without investment or a clear plan – you sense it will continue to be a struggle.



Tonight, I thought they might have a real go and try and respond from the hammering at Leeds but it never really happened. They showed very little and it is not like United were going at it full pelt and made a number of changes. As I say, they lost 6-0 last week and you could see why. They seemed to only show fight in the wrong way and lacked creativity or urgency. They will probably stay up but only due to others below being even worse. In the two games we have seen this season – there might not be a worse side I have seen though – they were awful in both games.





Opponent Man of the Match – Baker was neat and tidy – played a few clever balls though and had that decent shot not far wide. Bae had a few efforts but mostly off target.



Opponent Weak link – Gallagher up front make Moore look like Ronaldo but they have a few slow and clumsy players. The lad Gooch was dreadful and committed so many fouls.



Referee/Officials – Jarred Gillett. He is the Australian ref who is a Premier League official. We seem to have missed him being appointed to our games over the years. He did Man City at home (1-2) last year but have to go back to the Fylde Cup win for any other game. Seems to have been done well and moved up the leagues quite quickly. Tonight, I thought he was dreadful. He missed so many things both ways – a clear penalty, then a foul by Brewster, penalised little things but missed big things. He failed to spot two serious fouls on Brewster and often guessed decisions too. Never had control of the game and players seemed baffled at times. Let Stoke take the free kick from the wrong spot which nearly led to a goal but despite the bad tackle, can see Stoke fans being annoyed he stopped the game when Brewster did not have a head injury. Not impressed overall.

On the referees and officials, to say he referee's Premier League games he was truly awful. I wonder if some of them are becoming lazy and are relying on VAR too much, of course the comfort blanket of VAR is not present in the Championship maybe this explains how he missed so much throughout the game. Gooch, Burger and Wilmot could have all seen red cards either straight Reds or through getting two yellows. He also missed the penalty where Serike was pushed/tripped it was never shoulder to shoulder as the defenders arm was away from his body, a clear push and trip.

 

[coaxingstar71]

I think Wilder's comments about wanting 90 points is just a bit of psychology. I think what you said about winning getting confidence back in the group is key. If we lost these last two 'meaningless' games, we'd go into the play offs with one win and six defeats in the last seven games which is not ideal mentally for the players. Better to win the last two and go into the play offs on the back of three wins out of four, ie with some form and confidence.

 

[North Shields Blade]

If Deadbat’s original report is going to mention the failure by Brooks to play in Cannon then fairness dictates that it should also mention his subsequent excellent cross from the left which provided Moore with a golden opportunity in front of goal right at the end which wasn’t converted.

 

[wakefieldblade]

Largely agree with the scoring for players, I do hope we stick with 4-4-2 as we have plenty of options to impose our game on teams, specially with big kieffer up top.

Will be interesting to see the first XI for the playoff first leg

I do disagree with the comment about wilders ego! Like all good managers, he’s just trying to motivate his players to win games of football and not let the last two games fizzle out given the number of changes and lack of jeopardy

 

[Servigliano]

Thanks as ever for your insightful reports.
Fwiw I agree with the ratings save that I thought Moore had a good game - especially considering lack of match fitness
With Moore and especially Holding we've got the spine of the team back (an absolute necessity for 4-2-3-1 although we started 4-4-2 last night) - a big cf (or a fast one who makes runs, Campbell) capable of occupying at least two defenders and of more importance, at last a reader and organiser of the game in central defence.
Holding just has to start and if Anel plays left (as he did with Soutar I recall?) this helps Burrows who is freer to roam forward and play to his strengths.

Just a word on Wilder. I think he's been excellent, had to assemble and stitch together virtually a new team, its strength being a spine of Cooper, Soutar, Arblaster and Moore. He's not had time to organise a clever "box" midfield pleasing on the eye. 4-2-3-1 was the only way to go and were it not for injuries to Soutar/Arblaster we'd have walked this League.
The only criticism (and none of us are privy as to exactly why) is not replacing Soutar asap. In other words why on earth has Holding not played immediately we got him. He adds a much needed air of calmness and authority to a tired and overworked defence.

 

[Wards]

The lad Lawal who they brought on might be one of the worst footballers I've seen at this level.

 

[Pintor75]

Comments are OK, but ratings are off the mark, did you actually watch the game ?. McCallum was absolutely hopeless and you gave 6!, likewise Seriki who ,bar the penalty appeal didn't do much got 6, Moore who did well, first half mainly got 5. Do agree on referee, very poor for championship

 

[Deadbat]

I normally roughly agree with your ratings Deadbat but rating McCallum, who had a horror show outside of the goal, as a 6 and higher than Moore is preposterous!

He still scored a goal. I think he was probably a 4-4.5 outside of this but it was a brave header and a goal is a goal. Agree he didn't do too much else right!

Moore held it up well a few times early and looked key to our play first 20 but faded badly after this. Second half he didn't win much, didn't press and looked miles off the pace. He gives away too many unnecessary fouls.

A lot of people on our group chat thought he was dreadful so suppose his performance has split opinion!

Thought him and Campbell started well but TC missed two chances and then was rightly booked. 2nd half they gave us nothing and stopped even pressing. I felt for the rest of the team 45-75 as we had nothing to hit with no movement or outlet and the Stoke CBs came out unchallenged.

 

[Deadbat]

If Deadbat’s original report is going to mention the failure by Brooks to play in Cannon then fairness dictates that it should also mention his subsequent excellent cross from the left which provided Moore with a golden opportunity in front of goal right at the end which wasn’t converted.

I forgot about that to be honest. You are right!

 

[Pollingtonblade]

If we'd have played Holding from Feb onwards we'd have won league by now.

 

[Addison]

We won to restore confidence but better teams will expose the flaws in our game if we continue with 4-4-2. As with Burnley we started brightly but this time we went 1 up. Yet again the second half fade out appeared and there were huge gaps in the middle when they broke at pace. We resorted to hoof ball second half and it was a depressing watch.

Yet amongst the gloom we scored a second goal of real quality. It was how I want to see the team play. Quick first time passing in the middle, an inventive chip over the top with a right footed player bombing down the right crossing the ball low first time into the path of a left footed player arriving at pace at the far post scoring with his left foot. None of this inverted winger slow build up play. Why we don't do this more often is baffling.

OHare mom for me. He brought link up play, endless running and we retained control of the ball much better. Yes he does hold onto it too long at times but his energy and work rate puts pressure on the opposition something that has been missing in recent weeks. He should have had more game time recently as should Holding.

I've given up on seeing Anel and Holding together again. Whilst JLT remains fit he will be first defender on the team sheet as the managers blind spot puts at risk play off success. Against a poor team the Holding/ JLT partnership was solid but susceptible to pace on the break. Holding at times had to get JLT out of a hole not least when he did a Plymouth and teed up the ball for a Stoke forward to have a free run at goal as you mentioned DB. I don't see a return to an Anel/ JLT partnership. Holding showed yesterday his EPL class. CW will go with yesterdays CB pairing for the play offs I believe if Holdings fitness levels hold up. At the start of the season CW brought in Souttar to play with JLT but Robinsons injury in the QPR match stopped that happening. CW is oblivious to the fact the 12 games Souttar and Anel were together we had the best defence in the league. Mr Pashun has to be shoe horned in at any cost. JLT on Wembleys wide open spaces trying to cope with Sunderlands pacey forwards doesn't bear thinking about. I've yet to see any evidence CW is willing to accept he's wrong and go with Anel and Holding as first choice.

I agree with other views on this thread if we are going with 2 up top we need 3 in the middle so 4-3-1-2 looks to be the best formation moving forward.

 

[Pintor75]

We still play without a proper system, it's as if wilder is hoping it'll suddenly appear and alls well. This has gone on all season and we're on the verge of the play offs still relying on the skill and efforts of the players some playing out of position. It should have been sorted by now, what are they coaching them in the week, it's OK against a team like Stoke, lacking confidence, poor team of players etc, but against play off opponents who will be up for it we need to raise our game.

 

[robbiez666]

He still scored a goal. I think he was probably a 4-4.5 outside of this but it was a brave header and a goal is a goal. Agree he didn't do too much else right!

Moore held it up well a few times early and looked key to our play first 20 but faded badly after this. Second half he didn't win much, didn't press and looked miles off the pace. He gives away too many unnecessary fouls.

A lot of people on our group chat thought he was dreadful so suppose his performance has split opinion!

Thought him and Campbell started well but TC missed two chances and then was rightly booked. 2nd half they gave us nothing and stopped even pressing. I felt for the rest of the team 45-75 as we had nothing to hit with no movement or outlet and the Stoke CBs came out unchallenged.

Agree about the second half performance. He looked tired so I was surprised that One didn't come on for 30 minutes. Seems a daft oversight really given he's out only viable replacement should Moore get injured.

 

[Northyorksblade]

I think Wilder's comments about wanting 90 points is just a bit of psychology. I think what you said about winning getting confidence back in the group is key. If we lost these last two 'meaningless' games, we'd go into the play offs with one win and six defeats in the last seven games which is not ideal mentally for the players. Better to win the last two and go into the play offs on the back of three wins out of four, ie with some form and confidence.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Blade59]

Don't think we learned to much last night. Thought we were good first half but again dropped off in the second but still looked comfortable due to the poor quality of the opposition. Sort of mirrored a lot of our matches this season. Don't think we will see much change in the play offs as this is the type of performances have got us to where we are. Whether that will be enough against better opponents than last night remains to be seen.

It is clear Holding improves the defence but he clearly doesn't feel Robinson (or Anel) deserve to be dropped so suspect we will continue to see this combination. and I fear that will ultimately cost us.

 

[bakeblade]

Seems to me that whether Holding plays alongside Robinson or Anel the effect is similar. Holding's presence results in a better performance from whom ever he is alongside.

And clean sheets