Deadbat
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- Aug 6, 2009
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Bit delayed as been in London all weekend a sore head after yesterday also! Apologies if a few spelling/typos – done on my phone on the train on the way back from London but even with spell check may be a few words that are mistyped! Sorry!
Tufty Club Pod to come but maybe tomorrow or Tuesday as I’ve only just got back and Webding has childcare commitments mixed with my work stuff. Will try and get something to you before the WBA game. Poor I know!
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The Blades FA Cup adventure ended one step from the final as a classy Manchester City side dispatched them thanks to a Riyad Mahrez hat trick. United had stayed in the game until almost half time and indeed had created the best chance. However, Iliman Ndiaye's effort was saved and a naive piece of defending by his strike partner, Daniel Jebbison, gave City a penalty. Mahrez converted and more poor defending after the break saw City take the game away. The Blades battled hard but the Premier League Champions were too good in the end.
The Blades brought back stalwarts Fleck and Norwood for the ineligible McAtee and Doyle. They also opted to go with Jebbison up front in preference to Oli McBurnie. As expected Foderingham came in for Davies, after his suspension. City did not start with Ederson or De Bruyne but did field Haaland and a number of other established internationals including former Blade Kyle Walker.
The game began with the Blades fans in good voice in less seasonable weather than many from S2 have normally come to expect at Wembley this time of year!
It was almost a dream start for Heckingbottom’s men as United won an early corner in the first minute. Norwood’s delivery was met by Egan and fell perfectly for Ndiaye but his close-range finish was too close to Ortega who saved. United won their early tackles and were covering impressively picking up the loose balls. Jebbison flicked in for Ndiaye but his shot on the angle was well off target.
City started to dominate the ball with Silva, Gundogan, Mahrez and Grealish all so comfortable in possession. Alvarez and Haaland dovetailed up front and it was hard for United to know who to pick up. The Blades continued to work hard to deny ant clear chances but had a let off when the referee blew for an offence just before Haaland’s unerring finish from range. Baldock was doing well to limit Grealish down the City left side and United were keeping a solid and disciplined shape.
A Berge driving run saw a chance for United but Robinson’s effort lacked power and Ortega saved. City were moving United about but again solid defending from Egan and the Ahmedhodzic prevented them advancing dep into United territory.
Finally, the treble chasers had effort if note though as Mahrez curled wide and then Alvarez’s effort saw Foderingham push the ball away, getting enough on the ball to prevent any City man converting the rebound.
The minutes kept ticking away but disaster struck when a poor piece of defending cost the Blades a chance to go in level. The ball was miskicked by Silva and then Jebbison failed to clear. As the ball dropped, the striker clattered the City man from behind. He won the ball but took the man and the award seemed an easy one and VAR saw nothing to suggest an overrule could even be considered. MAHREZ took the penalty and sent Foderingham the wrong way. It was tough on United who had played well and limited a talented team to very few chances.
The half time whistle came but only after City had moved the ball about confidently and looked to try and create another.
The second half started and it seemed that goal had galvanised City and dented United confidence. Haaland fired over when well placed at the back stick after Gomez’s shot diverted off Robinson.
McBurnie came on for Jebbison but the game was effectively up for United on the hour mark though. Lowe was robbed in the middle of the park and MAHREZ took the ball on. No challenge came as both Egan and Robinson were twisting and turning but neither able to get to the Algerian. He slid the ball coolly past Foderingham for his, and City’s second goal.
It was not long after when he completed his hat trick. This was a well-made with less blame attached to any United players. Grealish transferred the ball inside and MAHREZ swept it home despite Foderingham getting a hand to the ball.
Sharp came on for Fleck and Foden and Palmer for Grealish and Haaland before the game restarted. City continued to look imperious as the Blades had barely had a kick, let alone get in the City half or threaten with any chances, since the break. Berge with one driving run was the only moment of excitement as City came close again with Mahrez once again threatening.
The changes continued with Phillips on for Gundogan and then United officially throwing up the white flag as key men and three of United’s better performers on the day, Berge, Baldock and Ahmedhodzic departed for Coulibaly, Bogle and Basham. The latter got a rousing reception as the Blades fans saluted their long serving cult icon.
Alvarez had an effort saved before Palmer shot was also close. Gomez then had an effort deflected wide. Bashan had a surging run but his theatrical fall drew more laughs than appeals from the Blades fans. There was 3 minutes additional time but it ended as most of the half had been played with City moving the ball around with total confidence.
On full time, former teammates and boyhood Blades fans, Sharp and Walker embraced and chatted whilst Norwegians Haaland and Berge did likewise. The United players saluted the near 30k who had supported their teams well even in a lost cause for the finals takes if the game and the fans reciprocated the applause. As the players departed, they did so to the sound of ‘The Blades are going up, the Blades are going up and now you’re going to believe us!’ Thoughts turn quickly to the league game against West Brom at the Lane on Wednesday night with a chance for promotion glory.
United –
It was always going to be difficult when the draw paired us with City. Either of the other two and I do believe we’d have secretly fancied our chances of an upset (players and fans) but City are on a different level. They can rotate and change but still field outstanding talents and the system of playing and winning mentality is so ingrained.
I thought it would be a difficult afternoon and one where any team as fellow Championship side Burnley can attest to, can get a hammering. When City have easily seen off Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern recently, you realise what you up against. Even with the players rotated somewhat, they are still asthenia Americans might say, ‘absolutely stacked.’
I had no issues with the line-up we picked. I’ve not seen anything that noteworthy to think Coulibaly would do any better than the experienced, if regressing, Fleck. Also, I felt McBurnie may be ineffective the way he played and the ball over the top, allied to Jebbison’s pace could be something that may give us some joy.
The first half an hour we were excellent, particularly off the ball. Of course, we got a superb chance and Ndiaye probably should score. I said at the time, we might not get a better chance (or indeed another chance!) and so it proved sadly. However, we were superb in terms of shape, organisation and knowing when to press and not press. The team moved across and denied them space in the final third. We rotated across and they helped each other, doubling up when they had to. We played it when we could although the front two maybe would have liked to keep it better, albeit with limited touches/service.
City slowly started to dominate and a few half chances arrived but other than the disallowed goal (how good was that finish from Haaland by the way?!), Wes only had that one saves to make. It was so annoying when Jebbisons reckless tackle effectively gifted them a goal. If we score that goal early and/or we get to HT without conceding, you think it’s going to be a real contest and suppose it was for 37 minutes but the goal is a real killer blow.
After the break, it’s the game probably most of us expected as City dominated and we barely get in their half. Our players tired and spaces start to open up. However, the second is another mistake, albeit ruthlessly exploited. Lowe loses the ball and they break and not sure why neither Robinson or Egan don’t go to the ball and Mahrez finished with class and composure.
McBurnie had come on for Jebbo at this point but we had no chance to try and get him into the game before the second goes in. The third is a better goal in terms of not necessarily being a mistake but was still a bit too easy.
After this we all scoreboard watched and kind of hoped time would just elapse without further damage. Fortunately, City slowed up and both teams’ kind of accepted the score as it was with changes aplenty. Both teams took off key men and it was great to see United legends Sharp and Basham get onto the Wembley pitch for the first time in their career before they call it a day.
The second half was just keep ball and we could not even get it for a small period of time. City moved it around with skill and accuracy and we just could not plug the gaps like we had. The likes of Baldock, Egan and Berge showed up well in their individual performances, which augers well for next season hopefully.
Most of the rest of the team worked hard but did not have the impact, we might have hoped albeit starved of the ball. It was disappointing to concede when we did and how – we did make silly mistakes – but we were probably always going to lose. Sounds defeatist but would most United fans have taken 3-0 before the game? Probably. Would have loved us to score and/or lead but that might have woken them up even more?! In the end it was a routine win at a canter but we can be proud of a superb cup run and our efforts, approach and game plan for most of the first half.
In the end, it was the one time we went to Wembley and probably knew we had very little to no chance so took the pressure off a bit. Now we turn our attention to Wednesday. The players will be tired chasing City around but West Brom played a day later and lost also. The crowd were great yesterday but we need the whole crowd to be up for it and surely, they will be with promotion at stake? Any side will seem so much easier after City but West Brom can hurt teams in their day and have threats like Swift and Wallace. We have had some scrappy wins and not been convincing despite doing what we have needed. Hope Wednesday we come out and everyone is ‘at it.’ Could be a glorious night in one of the most eventful weeks in the Blades history and that’s saying something as it is rarely dull being a Blade!
Tufty Club Pod to come but maybe tomorrow or Tuesday as I’ve only just got back and Webding has childcare commitments mixed with my work stuff. Will try and get something to you before the WBA game. Poor I know!
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The Blades FA Cup adventure ended one step from the final as a classy Manchester City side dispatched them thanks to a Riyad Mahrez hat trick. United had stayed in the game until almost half time and indeed had created the best chance. However, Iliman Ndiaye's effort was saved and a naive piece of defending by his strike partner, Daniel Jebbison, gave City a penalty. Mahrez converted and more poor defending after the break saw City take the game away. The Blades battled hard but the Premier League Champions were too good in the end.
The Blades brought back stalwarts Fleck and Norwood for the ineligible McAtee and Doyle. They also opted to go with Jebbison up front in preference to Oli McBurnie. As expected Foderingham came in for Davies, after his suspension. City did not start with Ederson or De Bruyne but did field Haaland and a number of other established internationals including former Blade Kyle Walker.
The game began with the Blades fans in good voice in less seasonable weather than many from S2 have normally come to expect at Wembley this time of year!
It was almost a dream start for Heckingbottom’s men as United won an early corner in the first minute. Norwood’s delivery was met by Egan and fell perfectly for Ndiaye but his close-range finish was too close to Ortega who saved. United won their early tackles and were covering impressively picking up the loose balls. Jebbison flicked in for Ndiaye but his shot on the angle was well off target.
City started to dominate the ball with Silva, Gundogan, Mahrez and Grealish all so comfortable in possession. Alvarez and Haaland dovetailed up front and it was hard for United to know who to pick up. The Blades continued to work hard to deny ant clear chances but had a let off when the referee blew for an offence just before Haaland’s unerring finish from range. Baldock was doing well to limit Grealish down the City left side and United were keeping a solid and disciplined shape.
A Berge driving run saw a chance for United but Robinson’s effort lacked power and Ortega saved. City were moving United about but again solid defending from Egan and the Ahmedhodzic prevented them advancing dep into United territory.
Finally, the treble chasers had effort if note though as Mahrez curled wide and then Alvarez’s effort saw Foderingham push the ball away, getting enough on the ball to prevent any City man converting the rebound.
The minutes kept ticking away but disaster struck when a poor piece of defending cost the Blades a chance to go in level. The ball was miskicked by Silva and then Jebbison failed to clear. As the ball dropped, the striker clattered the City man from behind. He won the ball but took the man and the award seemed an easy one and VAR saw nothing to suggest an overrule could even be considered. MAHREZ took the penalty and sent Foderingham the wrong way. It was tough on United who had played well and limited a talented team to very few chances.
The half time whistle came but only after City had moved the ball about confidently and looked to try and create another.
The second half started and it seemed that goal had galvanised City and dented United confidence. Haaland fired over when well placed at the back stick after Gomez’s shot diverted off Robinson.
McBurnie came on for Jebbison but the game was effectively up for United on the hour mark though. Lowe was robbed in the middle of the park and MAHREZ took the ball on. No challenge came as both Egan and Robinson were twisting and turning but neither able to get to the Algerian. He slid the ball coolly past Foderingham for his, and City’s second goal.
It was not long after when he completed his hat trick. This was a well-made with less blame attached to any United players. Grealish transferred the ball inside and MAHREZ swept it home despite Foderingham getting a hand to the ball.
Sharp came on for Fleck and Foden and Palmer for Grealish and Haaland before the game restarted. City continued to look imperious as the Blades had barely had a kick, let alone get in the City half or threaten with any chances, since the break. Berge with one driving run was the only moment of excitement as City came close again with Mahrez once again threatening.
The changes continued with Phillips on for Gundogan and then United officially throwing up the white flag as key men and three of United’s better performers on the day, Berge, Baldock and Ahmedhodzic departed for Coulibaly, Bogle and Basham. The latter got a rousing reception as the Blades fans saluted their long serving cult icon.
Alvarez had an effort saved before Palmer shot was also close. Gomez then had an effort deflected wide. Bashan had a surging run but his theatrical fall drew more laughs than appeals from the Blades fans. There was 3 minutes additional time but it ended as most of the half had been played with City moving the ball around with total confidence.
On full time, former teammates and boyhood Blades fans, Sharp and Walker embraced and chatted whilst Norwegians Haaland and Berge did likewise. The United players saluted the near 30k who had supported their teams well even in a lost cause for the finals takes if the game and the fans reciprocated the applause. As the players departed, they did so to the sound of ‘The Blades are going up, the Blades are going up and now you’re going to believe us!’ Thoughts turn quickly to the league game against West Brom at the Lane on Wednesday night with a chance for promotion glory.
United –
It was always going to be difficult when the draw paired us with City. Either of the other two and I do believe we’d have secretly fancied our chances of an upset (players and fans) but City are on a different level. They can rotate and change but still field outstanding talents and the system of playing and winning mentality is so ingrained.
I thought it would be a difficult afternoon and one where any team as fellow Championship side Burnley can attest to, can get a hammering. When City have easily seen off Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern recently, you realise what you up against. Even with the players rotated somewhat, they are still asthenia Americans might say, ‘absolutely stacked.’
I had no issues with the line-up we picked. I’ve not seen anything that noteworthy to think Coulibaly would do any better than the experienced, if regressing, Fleck. Also, I felt McBurnie may be ineffective the way he played and the ball over the top, allied to Jebbison’s pace could be something that may give us some joy.
The first half an hour we were excellent, particularly off the ball. Of course, we got a superb chance and Ndiaye probably should score. I said at the time, we might not get a better chance (or indeed another chance!) and so it proved sadly. However, we were superb in terms of shape, organisation and knowing when to press and not press. The team moved across and denied them space in the final third. We rotated across and they helped each other, doubling up when they had to. We played it when we could although the front two maybe would have liked to keep it better, albeit with limited touches/service.
City slowly started to dominate and a few half chances arrived but other than the disallowed goal (how good was that finish from Haaland by the way?!), Wes only had that one saves to make. It was so annoying when Jebbisons reckless tackle effectively gifted them a goal. If we score that goal early and/or we get to HT without conceding, you think it’s going to be a real contest and suppose it was for 37 minutes but the goal is a real killer blow.
After the break, it’s the game probably most of us expected as City dominated and we barely get in their half. Our players tired and spaces start to open up. However, the second is another mistake, albeit ruthlessly exploited. Lowe loses the ball and they break and not sure why neither Robinson or Egan don’t go to the ball and Mahrez finished with class and composure.
McBurnie had come on for Jebbo at this point but we had no chance to try and get him into the game before the second goes in. The third is a better goal in terms of not necessarily being a mistake but was still a bit too easy.
After this we all scoreboard watched and kind of hoped time would just elapse without further damage. Fortunately, City slowed up and both teams’ kind of accepted the score as it was with changes aplenty. Both teams took off key men and it was great to see United legends Sharp and Basham get onto the Wembley pitch for the first time in their career before they call it a day.
The second half was just keep ball and we could not even get it for a small period of time. City moved it around with skill and accuracy and we just could not plug the gaps like we had. The likes of Baldock, Egan and Berge showed up well in their individual performances, which augers well for next season hopefully.
Most of the rest of the team worked hard but did not have the impact, we might have hoped albeit starved of the ball. It was disappointing to concede when we did and how – we did make silly mistakes – but we were probably always going to lose. Sounds defeatist but would most United fans have taken 3-0 before the game? Probably. Would have loved us to score and/or lead but that might have woken them up even more?! In the end it was a routine win at a canter but we can be proud of a superb cup run and our efforts, approach and game plan for most of the first half.
In the end, it was the one time we went to Wembley and probably knew we had very little to no chance so took the pressure off a bit. Now we turn our attention to Wednesday. The players will be tired chasing City around but West Brom played a day later and lost also. The crowd were great yesterday but we need the whole crowd to be up for it and surely, they will be with promotion at stake? Any side will seem so much easier after City but West Brom can hurt teams in their day and have threats like Swift and Wallace. We have had some scrappy wins and not been convincing despite doing what we have needed. Hope Wednesday we come out and everyone is ‘at it.’ Could be a glorious night in one of the most eventful weeks in the Blades history and that’s saying something as it is rarely dull being a Blade!
Busy man he is
