Swansea 0 United 0 - thoughts/ratings

[Keen Blade]

I felt a bit sorry for O'Hare, he ran his heart out today but his touch was mostly terrible and because he had no support he spent most of the game chasing shadows. 10/10 for willingness, not much for anything else.

Both the wife and me thought Sydie looked like his mind was elsewhere. He didn't have anything like the aggression and energy of last season and it looked to us like the events of this last week had him wondering why he's still here. Purely speculation of course.

Blaster looks like he's made out of tissue paper and every time he falls down, which is quite a lot, you fear he won't get up again. He disappeared for long spells today and when you did notice him he didn't add very much at all.

UTBFTP

CoH (my hero for effort) needs to play in space but our flat midfield never created any for him.
All too often he was receiving the ball with his back to goal and a big defender up his backside - that will never work.

Peck seems to be on his way , which is no surprise and forgiveable in the circs.

Blaster is still protecting his big injury area , which makes him half the player he was. At this stage , that's worrying.
He should be over it by now. What a shame - a key player who was on an upward trajectory "lost" to an injury.

 

[metalblade]

I'd sum the game up in one word ......... forgettable.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Might have to give a rating to Phil Jones as he has improved the defence into a formidable unit. Granted only 3 games, but still...best defence in the country!!!

Hold that thought! Reckon you could be on to something there...

For all the bed wetting when Knill was dumped, I can't help but think we look a lot more drilled defensively than than the past two season.

I wonder whether Jones has an opinion on Anel? Maybe that's why we didn't push more for him?

 

[SirNibletsO'Korne]

Hold that thought! Reckon you could be on to something there...

For all the bed wetting when Knill was dumped, I can't help but think we look a lot more drilled defensively than than the past two season.

I wonder whether Jones has an opinion on Anel? Maybe that's why we didn't push more for him?

Absolutely agree. I was worried our defence was going to be our weakest area, but actually seems to be- and I know its only early days- quite solid.

 

[ersblade]

TBH I’m struggling with the negativity on here. We all know the circumstances wilder is working to and seem to have forgotten what a spineless team we had last year collapsing to defeat even when in winning positions. Yesterday at Swansea the team was solid and most years we would be calling out a good point away from home. Yes the gap Brooke’s and harmer have left is obvious. Yes it’s baffling the board didn’t snap Anel up but that’s deffo not wilder or the teams fault. Even players we know arnt good enough gave 100% yesterday which is all we can ask for from them. The only way we come through this is by backing the manager and players from the stand and on line. UTB

 

[BazWainwright]

Sorry I am finding your negativity a little boring. You need to get real and understand where we are. We got a point away from home and could have won. At the moment this is a good result and should be judged as such.

Except Deadbat's reports aren't solely about 'the result' which is the point you are missing.

Had the players been more coherent, front-footed and attack-minded, we'd have had more attempts and in the numbers game, possibly a win.

It isn't a good result as wasn't last week's because we played teams that both showed poor technique and tactics and a better set up and motivated United would have won easily. Compare the flamboyant, fearless, free-scoring Blades of eight years ago where we turned play over and went on the attack and found Sharp, Clarke or any of the approaching midfielders easily and got back in numbers to defend with the insipid, possession-means-we-win-let's pass-it-sideways timidity shown in the past two games and you have an example as to what Deadbat is calling for.

 

[Deadbat]

TBH I’m struggling with the negativity on here. We all know the circumstances wilder is working to and seem to have forgotten what a spineless team we had last year collapsing to defeat even when in winning positions. Yesterday at Swansea the team was solid and most years we would be calling out a good point away from home. Yes the gap Brooke’s and harmer have left is obvious. Yes it’s baffling the board didn’t snap Anel up but that’s deffo not wilder or the teams fault. Even players we know arnt good enough gave 100% yesterday which is all we can ask for from them. The only way we come through this is by backing the manager and players from the stand and on line. UTB

Its not baffling to me as Anel left for bigger wages. We now cant come close to offering the wages he commands (why Burnley coukd sign him) hence all the chatter about it was totally unrealistic. Wilder might have liked him back but would have been financial suicide. Danny Halm whipped up a complete non story. The club were never seriously in for him.

 

[Cheeky Blade]

Peck seems to be on his way , which is no surprise and forgiveable in the circs.

Thought same thing.
Seems to hiding a bit…

 

[coolasanidiot]

Except Deadbat's reports aren't solely about 'the result' which is the point you are missing.

Had the players been more coherent, front-footed and attack-minded, we'd have had more attempts and in the numbers game, possibly a win.

It isn't a good result as wasn't last week's because we played teams that both showed poor technique and tactics and a better set up and motivated United would have won easily. Compare the flamboyant, fearless, free-scoring Blades of eight years ago where we turned play over and went on the attack and found Sharp, Clarke or any of the approaching midfielders easily and got back in numbers to defend with the insipid, possession-means-we-win-let's pass-it-sideways timidity shown in the past two games and you have an example as to what Deadbat is calling for.

If Wilder had the exact team from 8 years ago - he would have attacked with gay abandon and yes we'd be sat on 6 points. The point you are missing is that the squad right now is nothing like as complete as that team. Given Chris firmly said he knew what 'was needed' but as been given the square root of fuck all $'s wise, he's managing a lob sided , depleted team.

Last week and yesterday I feared the worse but he had this 'half team' pretty solid and that is extremely commendable - with tools at his dispense both results mean Wilder was 8/10.

Also which was glorious to see after 60 minutes the whole lot of them were well and truly 'at it' for once we ended a game looking the fittest.

Literally no manager could come into our unstructured club right now and do better, you can tell the whole thing is sticky taped together and he is holding the whole thing himself. There was a thread that said he looked very emotional at end , is there any wonder, the pressure and expectation is off the scale and he's there on his own, with 2 dodgy yanks not helping whatsoever.

 

[FriethBlade]

Three points. Firstly deadbat the defence ratings are harsh, they didnt really have one clear cut chance and we looked solid all game in a match versus a mid table side away from home. I would add 1 point to both McGuiness and Tangangas scores.

Second point, to all those talking about the circumstances we are operating in...at the minute there's uncertainty but no points deduction. We sold our 2 most creative players but we've brought 3 in....none of whom were deemed good enough to start yesterday so thats not really on the board is it? Its down to who we have chosen to bring in.

Finally we seem to be very heavy in midfield with me too players, none of Rothwell, Blaster, Peck, Jairo or Phillips are creative or run with the ball and go past a man. That again is down to recruitment. Bow much are qe paying the three 30yr olds to patrol the centre of the park ?

 

[Proper Blade]

Given that we have sold arguably our best two attacking players and failed to replace them, why is anyone surprised we look blunt in attack?

2 or 3 signings desperately needed before the deadline, but everyone knows that. At least we look solid this season and that's something to build on.

 

[Cheeky Blade]

Well they’ve stopped us getting rolled over so easily, next part is turning the draws into wins.

UTB.

 

[Rodley]

Little point hammering the club and players in the predicament we’re in. We’re a mid table team with our two creative players sold and not replaced.

 

[Rodley]

Given that we have sold arguably our best two attacking players and failed to replace them, why is anyone surprised we look blunt in attack?

2 or 3 signings desperately needed before the deadline, but everyone knows that. At least we look solid this season and that's something to

Agreed, basically got to battle and scrap for points and be tough to beat.

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

If Wilder had the exact team from 8 years ago - he would have attacked with gay abandon and yes we'd be sat on 6 points. The point you are missing is that the squad right now is nothing like as complete as that team. Given Chris firmly said he knew what 'was needed' but as been given the square root of fuck all $'s wise, he's managing a lob sided , depleted team.

Last week and yesterday I feared the worse but he had this 'half team' pretty solid and that is extremely commendable - with tools at his dispense both results mean Wilder was 8/10.

Also which was glorious to see after 60 minutes the whole lot of them were well and truly 'at it' for once we ended a game looking the fittest.

Literally no manager could come into our unstructured club right now and do better, you can tell the whole thing is sticky taped together and he is holding the whole thing himself. There was a thread that said he looked very emotional at end , is there any wonder, the pressure and expectation is off the scale and he's there on his own, with 2 dodgy yanks not helping whatsoever.

If there are any religious people reading this, start praying we don't have a bunch of injuries. Surviving this division requires a mainly injury free season. I mean long term injuries not one or two game types.

 

[wadblade]

I thought Blaster played ok and was the one midfielder capable / trying to play a decisive pass

I think that for the most part Seriki was disappointing and as an observation I think he is much better in an attacking duo, last year with Brooks and last week with Donovan and Chong

This season very much depends on what cavalry come over the hill

P. S. where were Chong and One?

 

[Deadbat]

I thought Blaster played ok and was the one midfielder capable / trying to play a decisive pass

I think that for the most part Seriki was disappointing and as an observation I think he is much better in an attacking duo, last year with Brooks and last week with Donovan and Chong

This season very much depends on what cavalry come over the hill

P. S. where were Chong and One?

Both injured. Out for Tuesday and possibly next Saturday too

 

[Birdwell Blade]

Thoughts on the game:

Overall reaction

Another dreadful game. Might have been even worse than last week! Barely an effort on goal all game and neither side seemed capable of even the basics for long stretches. We certainly have not been an entertaining watch this season but have been quite solid. Out of possession lots to like with a decent shape and structure making it hard for teams to go through us. Sadly on the ball we have been dire for the most part, as our passing and possession stats confirm. We play aimless passes or help it round the corner stuff. There is little football and no real intricacy or thought to progressing with the ball. Its been really bad in this regard. Maybe we improve and having a solid base gives us something to build on but usability to play a 5 yard pass is really nlt good enough.

It's a decent point but another opponent who will be middle of the league at best. Compared to last season it has been a decent start and we are not looking a soft touch but we need to see more games before we get too excited about the defensive improvements. Think Swansea and Brum were dire offensively. Credit to us of course but felt Swansea got into loads of decent areas down the side but awful crosses of mishit shots meant they never hurt us. We actually had the better chances in the game and felt we definitely deserved a draw despite the possession stats- they did nothing with the ball despte keeping it more than us. A bit like Brum last week, I thought as an away side, we will be more pleased with the performance. They were even more punchless than us!

Game summary

Played a back 3 (or 5 depending how you look at it) with McCallum centre back. Burrows in and Blaster in a midfield three. O' Hare was just off Bamford.


We started ok without really getting forward much but it was a scrappy opening but then they were better side for 30 mins then and dominated possession. This was odd with us having a 3 in there. Our passing was awful and we just kept turning it over. They had a few crosses but Cooper was not tested. We then ended the half on top but our chance (best of the game) came out of nowhere. A cross dropped and O'Hare found space but hit the bar. Decent effort but having made a yard, he will perhaps be disappointed. We then have a few shots blocked in the scramble. McCallum also headed at the keeper from a clever Rothwell corner.

Second half was perhaps the opposite to the first. We were the better team for 30 mins and had a couple of decent chances. A McGuiness effort over with a volley when well placed and a Peck shot at the keeper. Maybe our best chance in this spell was a Seriki run and cross that evaded everyone when I thought Bamford was well placed to score. We were on thr front foot and our best spell of the season, even yhough I think we did not create sustained pressure but were on top.

We made changes and could not keep pushing and then sat back the final 15. They brought two good strikers on in Viptonik and Stewart (not sure why they did not start?) but despite having a few crosses they did not test Cooper. They hit the post but was ruled offside (it wasn't) in the build up. We defended well but never really pushed for a winner. We brought on Shackleton and RND rather than say Donovan, so settled for a draw- which is an ok result but at some point we will have to try and win games. The game sort of fizzled out to a limp draw. I'd have took a point before kick off but we go to Cardiff next week and you hope we will see more attacking threat.

Overall, with what we have at our disposal its two ok draws but I still do not see how we are going to score many goals but acknowledge the defensive improvements. Our ball retention has been not good enough. We often talk up Blaster and Peck as two talents but they just cough up possession routinely. They have to look after the ball better. O'Hare did better off Bamford but thr latter has had scraps again.

Its been a tough week with everything off thr pitch so well done the manager and players for a battling performance. It badly lacked quality or attacking threat but defensively we did really well.

Excellent that. I don’t usually read these but I will from now on, great read. We go to every game home and away so never see us on TV (except highlights) which is often a better view etc than behind a goal, so it’s interesting reading. I’m not sure if you go or watch on TV but your analysis of yesterday was spot on for me!

 

[Ginger Gnome]

I thought it was fine in the circumstances, not great to watch, obviously lacking creativity but got a point.

The only real criticism you could possibly have for Wilder would be that we could have gone for it with Donovan rather than Shackleton when Arblaster needed to go off but sticking with the same system and settling for a point was probably the right decision.

Individually nobody was outstanding, a few were a bit below par, but Campbell was the only one who was actively bad and making no effort.