Deadbat
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A dreadful week for Sheffield United Football Club on and off the field was ended with one of the most embarrassing defeats and indeed heaviest loss in their history. Newcastle absolutely routed the Blades and the 8-0 demolition that leaves United rock bottom will have been a huge dent in confidence to the manager and players after previously being competitive in defeats so far.
United had started the game ok and Luke Thomas has two opportunities but after poor defending saw Longstaff score with appeals in vain for the ball going out, two headed goals saw the game decided by half time. After this United completely fell apart and in the end it could have been even more than 8 as Newcastle ran through time after time to score goals with barely a challenge or tackle. The complete lack of effort and fight from the home side was really concerning as United got overrun all over the field in a chastening afternoon.
The afternoon started with tributes to Maddy Cusack with both applause and then a minute’s silence for the popular player in an emotional beginning to the game.
The visitors began moving the ball forward quickly and United were slow to react with Souza picking up a foul and then Wilson nearly getting in. The Blades then created the first meaningful chance as Bogle got down the right side and his cross fell to Thomas but his shot was blocked. Newcastle responded and Wilson had an effort saved by Foderingham. Barnes picked up a knock and could not continue and Gordon came on to replace him. The incoming substitute got on the ball quickly and ran at Bogle but the cross was cleared.
United did create another chance with McAtee, who had looked to get on the ball, feeding Thomas but he made a mess of the finish and sliced it wide. Souza had a curling effort saved and it was a relatively even contest and quite open. However, it was the visitors who took the lead. There were appeals for handball and the ball going out off Gordon but he cut inside and played in LONGSTAFF who converted easily from the penalty spot. United’s appeals were in vain and the goal was given.
Newcastle’s confidence seemed to increase after this goal and Gordon again was the main threat. Ahmedhodzic’s poor late lunge earned him a yellow card. Almiron shot wide after a corner dropped to him and then Wilson was close to converting as United were struggling to build on a decent start. Foderingham tipped over another effort. The ball came over from the corner from Tripper and Ahmedhodzic was completely outmuscled by BURN who headed home too easily at the far post. Suddenly, the Blades were in a 0-2 hole. Wilson then nearly made it three as Newcastle looked to turn the screw and Foderingham made the save.
Robinson went in too aggressively in the eyes of the referee, despite winning the ball and a free kick was given with the defender given a yellow card for excessive force. This was to prove costly as the ball came in from Trippier and BOTMAN headed down and in. It was 0-3 and was turning into a disastrous afternoon for Heckingbottom’s Blades.
Guimaraes then fed Wilson and Foderingham has to block the shot and the same duo were in action a few minutes later as Newcastle were seizing on every loose ball and totally outmuscling the Blades. Appeals for free kicks were in vain as the visitors were just swarming round the home side. McAtee was the only bright spot trying to find gaps but the rest of the side were so careless in possession. Newcastle picked them off and were on the run the other way.
Gordon had an effort narrowly wide as his cross nearly went in and then Anderson’s effort was flicked over by Foderingham just before the half time whistle. Almiron had another shot on goal and United were glad for the half time whistle.
The second half saw Traore come on for Bogle and Ahmedhodzic went to right back but the tide was not stemmed and the away side continued to run through too easily. The protection for the back line was non existent as Souza and Norwood’s lack of mobility was woefully shown up with quick runners bursting through at will. The fourth goal came as Tripper ran down the right and Thomas could not close enough to stop the cross and WILSON was inexplicably unmarked and headed in easily. It was laughably bad defending all round and like a training ground goal.
Gordon had an effort saved after getting away from Ahmedhodzic too easily and Almiron had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. United could not get near the Newcastle players and it was in evidence on the 5th goal as GORDON came inside and stepped past a pitiful challenge from Ahmedhodzic and curled a beauty into the far corner. This was the sign for a number of Blades fans to start leaving the ground.
Davies came on for Norwood and then Slimane for Hamer but by this stage it was a case of damage limitation. Sadly, the home team were not able to stem the tide and the 6th goal as ALMIRON was played through to score with ease and the record books were in real jeopardy now.
Newcastle made a triple change with Isak, Livramento and Tonali on for Wilson, Trippier and Almiron. Ahmedhodzic had a rare break but blazed badly over after finally United got into the Newcastle third for maybe the first time since the game was 0-0!
Longstaff had an effort blocked but the 7th goal came on 73 minutes as GUIMARAES was slid in as the defence capitulated again and he finished easily. Basham came on for McAtee and Slimane was booked for a late tackle but the real concern was how many Newcastle could get. Anderson’s flicked header was saved and Burn and Schar had chances but the 8th goal arrived with ISAK making it the eight different scorer for the away side! Davies somehow headed towards his own goal and set up the Swedish striker and it was another cool finish. The home stands were rapidly emptying in a really humiliating day. Davies had a shot blocked and Egan was booked but mercifully the 6 minutes of stoppage time did not lead to any more goals and the Blades heaviest defeat in history at least ended at 0-8.
United – An absolutely humiliating afternoon where United were completely taken apart. Yes, we did ok for 20 minutes and Thomas had a few chances but as soon as we conceded (granted a few of the goals we could look to the officials again) we just disintegrated. 0-1 became 0-2 and then 0-3 as we could not even defend simple crosses yet again. We were outmuscled all over the field as bigger, stronger and more mobile player swarmed all over us. United’s lack of physical fitness allied to us being inferior ability wise, means we struggled to be competitive. They just took the game away from us and at half time the game was up. I hoped second half we would compete, get stuck in and show some fight but the complete oppositive happened. We not only did not win any tackles, loose balls and got overrun, but we simply gave up. The players looked a sorry mess and one of the heaviest defeats at this level and the heaviest for the club as confirmed. Heckingbottom and his coaching staff looked shellshocked.
It's bizarre as we have competed and been in games even if we have been second best in every game (even Everton I felt) and deserved to lose most games, we have been able top stay close. I did not really see that coming but maybe the defeat last week (and perhaps even the tough events of the week) has hit them hard. Newcastle had been to Milan in the week, yet looked fresher, fitter and stronger. I worry that every team has athletes with more upper body strength. We get shoved off it (legitimately) to most opponents and look so weak. If we cannot out work and compete, we have no chance. After losing all the physical stuff/aerial balls/crosses, then we know the other stuff, teams have better players but it was so frightening how much better they were. Technically it was like a team 2 or 3 divisions below no two teams in the same league.
So individually and collectively, we were just destroyed but we also tactically were hopeless. We were so open. We played 4 in midfield with 2 sitters but Hamer did nothing, McAtee tried but had no hope and Archer was isolated but does not work hard enough for me. Norwood and Souza are meant to be protectors, defensive shields but both were awful and positionally did not cover space or players. They way they ran through us was frightening. It actually could have been double figures easily and 0-8 flattered us! As I say the tactics were hopeless (even with the talent differential) but I was more concerned the players downed tools and quit. There was no leadership and senior players like Wes, Norwood, Egan and Robinson were not rallying. The team were not even arguing or saying ‘come on!’ We just totally fell apart. There is no more really to be said. It is only one defeat but despite Heckingbottom saying this – it is more than that and the confidence (that I felt was still oddly there) has just been completely shot in a matter of two games and different ways of losing.
There will be a lot of talk about Heckingbottom and he does deserve examination but the side and squad he has been given it simply not up to the standard of this level. Not sure that is his fault. The club should have kept Ndiaye and Berge and added to them. We have punted on mostly development players and I am not convinced by many of the new signings yet, Hamer apart – although he disappears for long spells in games too despite his goals. I keep hearing the eleven we have is fine and should be ok but today showed it probably is not and a team full of Championship players. Not sure any has proven they can play at this level really and so far simply seem outmatched. There is no squad depth (not having another senior striker is appalling from the club) but today you can argue apart from Baldock/McBurnie we had our strongest eleven and we were woeful. The players and manager should be totally embarrassed by the lack of effort and how we folded today. We are a laughing stock tonight (like the other teams who have got beat by such margins have been) and the players have to react but sadly I am not sure they are good enough. The lack of talent compared to the others combined with us not being physically strong enough or fit enough (a major issues – teams just run quicker than us and last longer) is a worrying combination. We now have two away games in London where you cannot see us getting much and then Man Utd and Arsenal. The reality is we very well could be on a point by November. Burnley and Luton play some of the weaker teams now (including each other) but there is no point even looking at others – I do not see any way we stay up as defeatist as that is. I just want us to be competitive and I suppose we had been before today but you see a repeat of that season a few years ago which each defeat knocks them and suddenly you are in a rut and you cannot see where the next point is coming from.
We are not at the talent level but we look too slow, weak and unfit. That is a dangerous combination. Teams are full of athletes and physical specimens. Even our big lads are not winning battles (Anel, Souza, Egan). The only lad who had physically competed and matched up is McBurnie.
The Premier League is a depressing place for us and has been the last two seasons we have been up there. Throw in the officiating, VAR, stoppage time, extra subs and all the financial lopsidedness of it – makes it so hard to be enthusiastic. We are in September and you sadly feel the only thing we might have to play for is breaking Derby’s record – that is a negative outlook but sadly the probable reality.
Regardless of this, it is only a game (easy to say when you are losing and rock bottom) but the events of this week means we have step back and still support our club and the players. They deserve us to be there and chanting and shouting again in a month (no home game for another 4 weeks) but they do need to show some pride in the shirt. I was concerned that the group today did not seem to care. That has to change.
United had started the game ok and Luke Thomas has two opportunities but after poor defending saw Longstaff score with appeals in vain for the ball going out, two headed goals saw the game decided by half time. After this United completely fell apart and in the end it could have been even more than 8 as Newcastle ran through time after time to score goals with barely a challenge or tackle. The complete lack of effort and fight from the home side was really concerning as United got overrun all over the field in a chastening afternoon.
The afternoon started with tributes to Maddy Cusack with both applause and then a minute’s silence for the popular player in an emotional beginning to the game.
The visitors began moving the ball forward quickly and United were slow to react with Souza picking up a foul and then Wilson nearly getting in. The Blades then created the first meaningful chance as Bogle got down the right side and his cross fell to Thomas but his shot was blocked. Newcastle responded and Wilson had an effort saved by Foderingham. Barnes picked up a knock and could not continue and Gordon came on to replace him. The incoming substitute got on the ball quickly and ran at Bogle but the cross was cleared.
United did create another chance with McAtee, who had looked to get on the ball, feeding Thomas but he made a mess of the finish and sliced it wide. Souza had a curling effort saved and it was a relatively even contest and quite open. However, it was the visitors who took the lead. There were appeals for handball and the ball going out off Gordon but he cut inside and played in LONGSTAFF who converted easily from the penalty spot. United’s appeals were in vain and the goal was given.
Newcastle’s confidence seemed to increase after this goal and Gordon again was the main threat. Ahmedhodzic’s poor late lunge earned him a yellow card. Almiron shot wide after a corner dropped to him and then Wilson was close to converting as United were struggling to build on a decent start. Foderingham tipped over another effort. The ball came over from the corner from Tripper and Ahmedhodzic was completely outmuscled by BURN who headed home too easily at the far post. Suddenly, the Blades were in a 0-2 hole. Wilson then nearly made it three as Newcastle looked to turn the screw and Foderingham made the save.
Robinson went in too aggressively in the eyes of the referee, despite winning the ball and a free kick was given with the defender given a yellow card for excessive force. This was to prove costly as the ball came in from Trippier and BOTMAN headed down and in. It was 0-3 and was turning into a disastrous afternoon for Heckingbottom’s Blades.
Guimaraes then fed Wilson and Foderingham has to block the shot and the same duo were in action a few minutes later as Newcastle were seizing on every loose ball and totally outmuscling the Blades. Appeals for free kicks were in vain as the visitors were just swarming round the home side. McAtee was the only bright spot trying to find gaps but the rest of the side were so careless in possession. Newcastle picked them off and were on the run the other way.
Gordon had an effort narrowly wide as his cross nearly went in and then Anderson’s effort was flicked over by Foderingham just before the half time whistle. Almiron had another shot on goal and United were glad for the half time whistle.
The second half saw Traore come on for Bogle and Ahmedhodzic went to right back but the tide was not stemmed and the away side continued to run through too easily. The protection for the back line was non existent as Souza and Norwood’s lack of mobility was woefully shown up with quick runners bursting through at will. The fourth goal came as Tripper ran down the right and Thomas could not close enough to stop the cross and WILSON was inexplicably unmarked and headed in easily. It was laughably bad defending all round and like a training ground goal.
Gordon had an effort saved after getting away from Ahmedhodzic too easily and Almiron had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. United could not get near the Newcastle players and it was in evidence on the 5th goal as GORDON came inside and stepped past a pitiful challenge from Ahmedhodzic and curled a beauty into the far corner. This was the sign for a number of Blades fans to start leaving the ground.
Davies came on for Norwood and then Slimane for Hamer but by this stage it was a case of damage limitation. Sadly, the home team were not able to stem the tide and the 6th goal as ALMIRON was played through to score with ease and the record books were in real jeopardy now.
Newcastle made a triple change with Isak, Livramento and Tonali on for Wilson, Trippier and Almiron. Ahmedhodzic had a rare break but blazed badly over after finally United got into the Newcastle third for maybe the first time since the game was 0-0!
Longstaff had an effort blocked but the 7th goal came on 73 minutes as GUIMARAES was slid in as the defence capitulated again and he finished easily. Basham came on for McAtee and Slimane was booked for a late tackle but the real concern was how many Newcastle could get. Anderson’s flicked header was saved and Burn and Schar had chances but the 8th goal arrived with ISAK making it the eight different scorer for the away side! Davies somehow headed towards his own goal and set up the Swedish striker and it was another cool finish. The home stands were rapidly emptying in a really humiliating day. Davies had a shot blocked and Egan was booked but mercifully the 6 minutes of stoppage time did not lead to any more goals and the Blades heaviest defeat in history at least ended at 0-8.
United – An absolutely humiliating afternoon where United were completely taken apart. Yes, we did ok for 20 minutes and Thomas had a few chances but as soon as we conceded (granted a few of the goals we could look to the officials again) we just disintegrated. 0-1 became 0-2 and then 0-3 as we could not even defend simple crosses yet again. We were outmuscled all over the field as bigger, stronger and more mobile player swarmed all over us. United’s lack of physical fitness allied to us being inferior ability wise, means we struggled to be competitive. They just took the game away from us and at half time the game was up. I hoped second half we would compete, get stuck in and show some fight but the complete oppositive happened. We not only did not win any tackles, loose balls and got overrun, but we simply gave up. The players looked a sorry mess and one of the heaviest defeats at this level and the heaviest for the club as confirmed. Heckingbottom and his coaching staff looked shellshocked.
It's bizarre as we have competed and been in games even if we have been second best in every game (even Everton I felt) and deserved to lose most games, we have been able top stay close. I did not really see that coming but maybe the defeat last week (and perhaps even the tough events of the week) has hit them hard. Newcastle had been to Milan in the week, yet looked fresher, fitter and stronger. I worry that every team has athletes with more upper body strength. We get shoved off it (legitimately) to most opponents and look so weak. If we cannot out work and compete, we have no chance. After losing all the physical stuff/aerial balls/crosses, then we know the other stuff, teams have better players but it was so frightening how much better they were. Technically it was like a team 2 or 3 divisions below no two teams in the same league.
So individually and collectively, we were just destroyed but we also tactically were hopeless. We were so open. We played 4 in midfield with 2 sitters but Hamer did nothing, McAtee tried but had no hope and Archer was isolated but does not work hard enough for me. Norwood and Souza are meant to be protectors, defensive shields but both were awful and positionally did not cover space or players. They way they ran through us was frightening. It actually could have been double figures easily and 0-8 flattered us! As I say the tactics were hopeless (even with the talent differential) but I was more concerned the players downed tools and quit. There was no leadership and senior players like Wes, Norwood, Egan and Robinson were not rallying. The team were not even arguing or saying ‘come on!’ We just totally fell apart. There is no more really to be said. It is only one defeat but despite Heckingbottom saying this – it is more than that and the confidence (that I felt was still oddly there) has just been completely shot in a matter of two games and different ways of losing.
There will be a lot of talk about Heckingbottom and he does deserve examination but the side and squad he has been given it simply not up to the standard of this level. Not sure that is his fault. The club should have kept Ndiaye and Berge and added to them. We have punted on mostly development players and I am not convinced by many of the new signings yet, Hamer apart – although he disappears for long spells in games too despite his goals. I keep hearing the eleven we have is fine and should be ok but today showed it probably is not and a team full of Championship players. Not sure any has proven they can play at this level really and so far simply seem outmatched. There is no squad depth (not having another senior striker is appalling from the club) but today you can argue apart from Baldock/McBurnie we had our strongest eleven and we were woeful. The players and manager should be totally embarrassed by the lack of effort and how we folded today. We are a laughing stock tonight (like the other teams who have got beat by such margins have been) and the players have to react but sadly I am not sure they are good enough. The lack of talent compared to the others combined with us not being physically strong enough or fit enough (a major issues – teams just run quicker than us and last longer) is a worrying combination. We now have two away games in London where you cannot see us getting much and then Man Utd and Arsenal. The reality is we very well could be on a point by November. Burnley and Luton play some of the weaker teams now (including each other) but there is no point even looking at others – I do not see any way we stay up as defeatist as that is. I just want us to be competitive and I suppose we had been before today but you see a repeat of that season a few years ago which each defeat knocks them and suddenly you are in a rut and you cannot see where the next point is coming from.
We are not at the talent level but we look too slow, weak and unfit. That is a dangerous combination. Teams are full of athletes and physical specimens. Even our big lads are not winning battles (Anel, Souza, Egan). The only lad who had physically competed and matched up is McBurnie.
The Premier League is a depressing place for us and has been the last two seasons we have been up there. Throw in the officiating, VAR, stoppage time, extra subs and all the financial lopsidedness of it – makes it so hard to be enthusiastic. We are in September and you sadly feel the only thing we might have to play for is breaking Derby’s record – that is a negative outlook but sadly the probable reality.
Regardless of this, it is only a game (easy to say when you are losing and rock bottom) but the events of this week means we have step back and still support our club and the players. They deserve us to be there and chanting and shouting again in a month (no home game for another 4 weeks) but they do need to show some pride in the shirt. I was concerned that the group today did not seem to care. That has to change.
