In over 60 years I have never seen a Blades team capitulate after 55 minutes, their fourth goal, as I did today. No one minds losing but the lack of fight, desire, leadership were all missing for that last 35 minutes. It was embarrassing and I'm disappointed the manager didn't apologise post match although he looked equally as numb as I still feel now many hours after the game.
75% of goals conceded in the air at the back yet a £5 million centre back 6 foot 3 in Trusty kicks his heels on the bench again. Surely he was worth bringing on at half time keeping the back 5 and trying to address our lack of aerial ability. What happens second half they score their fourth in the air unchallenged and the team to a man clock off early.
No leaders on the pitch and none off it. Going to a back four was suicidal and so it proved. Egan and JLT our 2 slowest defenders were left in the barcode forwards slip streams. We have no cohesion in midfield, that went with Berge and Ndiaye. We seem incapable of getting behind the opposition and the only player that looked a threat young Mcatee was too often isolated.
Without the fight of Mcb and Baldock we look rudderless and are being outmuscled across the whole of the pitch. Questions have to be raised about the teams lack of stamina and conditioning. Most were treading treacle after an hour. We can't keep coming up with the excuse its a lack of pre season, other teams have the same problems and cope better.
I agree this defeat can not be passed off as just 3 points lost. Its manner and the unwanted record is likely to be a millstone around the managers neck for some considerable time. What hurt the most to-day was a visible lack of pride in the shirt as heads went down too early. Thats not acceptable and any repeat performance and they will cost the manager his job.
