Deadbat
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Podcast below and Report underneath
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After the recent run of defeats and the season threatening to peter out to the inevitable early relegation, today United showed huge fight and resolve to stun high flying Aston Villa. The 1-0 victory does not tell the full story as Wilder’s men had to play over half an hour with ten men after Jagielka was harshly sent off. The VAR team ruled he was the last man but the distance from goal and the fact another player could get across, meant just as with the John Egan sending off at Villa Park, United had been on the wrong end of a decision with Villa once again benefitting.
Still, the Blades fought terrifically hard making blocks, tackles and denying Villa too many clear-cut chances. In the end they held on and David McGoldrick’s first half goal was enough to take all three points and ensure at the very least United will not be known as the worst Premier League team in history, as they went past Derby’s 11 points.
Wilder only made one change with Rhian Brewster in for Oli McBurnie up front who dropped to the bench alongside fellow strikers Burke, Sharp and the returning Mousset. John Lundstram and Enda Stevens retained their places despite recent poor performances.
Villa were without star man Jack Grealish and opted not to bring back Ross Barkley too but the much-improved side were flying high with a solid defence and scoring threats throughout the side as they challenged for the European places the Blades had toyed with for so long last season.
It was a scrappy opening with little happening early on although El Ghazi got the better of Baldock twice down the left but United found some space down the left-hand side themselves. Poor balls from Bryan and Stevens killed any hope of building any momentum. United did have an opportunity when Lundstram found himself in a good position but chose not to shoot and his ball was rather telegraphed to Baldock and he was tackled. Villa actually broke from this and El Ghazi again caused problems as he skipped away from Jagielka but his cross was away from any of his teammates.
Villa started to have a better spell and more possession and had the best chance of the game on 10 minutes as good football saw the ball come across and Traore came inside getting away from Stevens too easy. Norwood blocked his shot but as the ball looped up, Watkins beat Jagielka to the header and it fell to McGinn with no United players reacting. The midfielder shot wide when he only had Ramsdale to beat.
Brewster was struggling to get involved in the game and his give away saw Villa break and won a corner but this was cleared. Villa won another corner but once again it came to nothing. United then attacked and McGoldrick played a delightful through ball but Baldock’s poor cross was blocked. United did win a corner and as it was recycled Stevens put a decent ball in and as Brewster jumped with Martinez, the ball dropped for McGoldrick but it was blocked out for another corner.
Villa were playing some decent stuff now and moving through the thirds and Watkins got down the left and hit a shot across the goal but Ramsdale gathered at the second attempt. Soon after the striker was in down the right and as he came into the box, Jagielka and Bryan seemed to sandwich him with the latter a little clumsy to say the least. VAR had a look after the non award on the pitch and felt that it was more a coming together and nothing was given. It was a risky challenge by the United defender although replays showed that it may have been outside the box.
El Ghazi then came away from Jagielka but his cross was taken away from Ramsdale by Bryan who kicked away when the keeper could have caught it easily. The moment of uncertainty was not punished. Jagielka gave away a free kick for a high boot but again the delivery did not cause too many issues.
On the half hour mark, the Blades who had maybe been second best so far, took the lead. McGoldrick sent a lovely diagonal ball out to Baldock who for once drove forward and tried a shot cum cross. The ball fell perfectly for the onrushing MCGOLDRICK who had carried on his run and beat the offside trap to turn in off the underside of the bar. VAR confirmed he was easily onside and the goal stood and United had their first goal for nearly 4 games!
Villa nearly hit straight back as Traore who had been dangerous coming in from the left weaved his way past several defenders on a mazy run. He left 3 or 4 in his wake and with no challenges incoming he pulled the trigger. The only thing he lacked was the finish as he shot wide. Ramsdale had given it up for good.
At the other end McGoldrick pulled his shot wide from the angle before Brewster who had been quiet won a header and then played a lovely ball before getting on Fleck’s return to try a powerful shot but Martinez fielded it. It was better from the Blades striker.
Villa looked for an opening but it became mired in midfield to end the half although McGoldrick’s poor foul and a booking that ensued, was a black mark on his otherwise excellent performance.
The second half saw Villa win a free kick as Bryan chopped down Traore and Villa moved it around and more good work from Watkins saw the ball drop and a shot seemingly goal bound from Traore saw Jagielka make an excellent block.
United had a let off when a good cross came in and Watkins met it, beating United defenders to the ball but his clipped header hit the post and came away. Ramsdale was well beaten. United scrambled the rebound clear. This let off was followed by a really controversial decision on 54 minutes as United were reduced to ten men for the second time in a season against Villa with another extremely harsh decision.
A silly foul from Brewster saw Villa knock the ball forward and eventually a ball over the top sent El Ghazi away and as he took it past Jagielka who clumsily and quite cynically brought him down. The yellow card was fairly routine. Before the free kick was taken despite no real appeals for a red card, it appeared the VAR officials had other ideas and Graham Scott (who incidentally sent off John Egan at Villa Park) instructed Robert Jones to have another look. This is a tell-tale sign that the VAR has decided he needs to overturn his decision and send off the United defender. The replays shown on the monitor were oddly not shown in full and just a freeze frame was shown. This meant it would not show referee Jones whether Bryan may have had a chance to get across or see the full incident. He overturned his decision as once again referees now seem not able to make their own decision with their own eyes and we have someone else almost dictating what they do. The foul was a full 40-45 yards from goal. It seemed an incredibly harsh overrule and did not seem a clear and obvious error but VAR once again felt the need to get involved. The experienced Blades defender trooped off, being the 2nd oldest player to ever get a red card in Premier League history.
Villa now were moving the ball about and trying to take advantage of the numerical advantage and Wilder opted to take off Brewster and bring on Burke to give another outlet up top.
Villa had a chance when the ball dropped at the far post and McGinn took a shot and it deflected off Ampadu and span over the bar in a moment similar to the 2nd goal for Liverpool on Sunday, but this time it went the right side of the goal frame from United’s point of view.
Villa made two changes with Ramsey and Nakamba being replaced by Sanson and Barkley but the Blades had a rare break when sub-Burke used his pace to get away but just ran into his man. McGoldrick committed another foul and Wilder opted not to risk losing another man and replaced him with Osborn as the Blades went with just Burke up top.
United were anxiously worrying about VAR again on 76 minutes when the ball over saw Watkins tower in the air again to head down and as it bounced, Traore had a great chance but made a mess of it and could not get enough contact on the ball and it hit Ampadu and went behind. There were some concerns over a handball but rightly this time VAR did not see anything that would justify another overturn.
McGinn had a shot blocked bravely by Norwood and then Fleck made two superb tackles. Since the red card, the spine had been brave, hard working and organised. Ampadu made a header clear and Bryan twice got into good areas to make a block and a clearance.
The final 10 minutes saw Burke again break out but with Lundstram over, the sub made a mess of it again and the chance went. Davis replaced Traore and Villa were now dominating the ball but a shocking free kick from El Ghazi saw United clear.
Ampadu and then Bryan again made clearances and Villa whilst pushing United back were running out of ideas. The game ticked on and good work from Norwood broke up another attack before with 2 minutes to go, Burke was taken off with the sub, subbed as United put on McBurnie as much for his aerial presence defensively as anything else.
The ball came across and Fleck made a timely tackle as Villa looked to turn it in and Villa won two successive corners. Ramsdale got a punch on one but another dropped and Konsa controlled superbly and smashed it towards goal. The keeper saved but could not hold and Norwood was there to help Ramsdale out to clear as Villa once again threatened to get the late leveller.
There was 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played but United continued to throw men in front of the ball and made block after block in a courageous effort. Ramsdale could not get on one late corner with Martinez up but United cleared and Norwood seemed caught between going for goal from his own half and just cleared it but did get good distance at least. Ampadu made another good block and the final whistle came and United had against the odds got all three points. It had not been a classic game or performance but United showed some real fighting qualities and organisation/spirit that at times may have been lacking this season to preserve an impressive three points and clean sheet.
United – It feels odd to win and feels nice! It just has not happened much and after the mini renaissance we had fell into the slumber we had seen most off the season but tonight I saw a really committed and heart-warming performance both individually and collectively. I do not think we were great with the ball and did not create much all game. Villa no doubt had many more chances and more of the ball and of course would when we had 10 men but I saw a lot to like about us in terms of the basics, effort, determination and just giving it everything. I was quite proud of them tonight. The spine ended the game fantastically with blocks, tackles and covering all over with the lads at the back Bryan and Amadu and Norwood and Fleck real stand outs but Ramsdale good again and McGoldrick also putting in a good performance.
Weirdly, not with the ball, but in terms of how we competed and what we did, I was prouder of us after the red card and felt everyone upped their game and we really showed loads of qualities after this. First half it was even for spells but Villa had more of the ball and more chances in the first half hour with McGinn having a great chance and a few other half moments as a few of our defenders switched off or were beaten too easily. We had a few decent bits but nothing clear and then there was the penalty appeal (I think Villa had a stronger appeal on this than the red card but it maybe was outside the box though). We then scored a good goal with McGoldrick at the heart of it. A great ball and carried on. Baldock’s may have been a shot but he at least put it in a good area which he has not been doing (earlier in the game fluffed a cross and another time just came back). McGoldrick finished it off as no one picked him up.
We had a let off as the lad Traore went on a great run although the defending was not great – almost statuesque but would have been a great goal. We got in at half time which maybe was a bit unjust as they had the best two chances outside of our goal. We were up and down with the ball and made some defensive errors but we led I suppose.
After the break we had another close scare when they hit the post. Watkins caused all sorts of problems up to the red card (did less after it!). Then the red card came. I have discussed in length below my angry thoughts so won’t go into it here. Suffice to say I did not agree! However, oddly that seemed to galvanise us. I was actually as an armchair fan not that interested in the game even when we were winning. I was watching and glad we scored (did not celebrate this as thought that will be offside as you just are trained to think like that now) but did not quite get into it. After the red card I started becoming angry and really started kicking and clearing every ball and was chuffed to bits we won. Often red cards create that kind of siege like mentality in players and fans.
The players were brilliant the final half hour with particular mentions to Ramsdale, Ampadu, Bryan, Norwood, Fleck were superb, making tackles, blocks and denying clear chances. I thought this spine was brilliant. I was saying where has this been? Where has the effort from Norwood/Fleck here been all season? So, I was in mixed minds about it all. I never thought I would be saying how well Bryan and Ampadu were playing as a partnership and we finished with a 4 at the back too! Others did their part too and the team were so gutsy to see it out. Villa actually in the end did not create that much and we had chances on the break but Burke, well less said about him (see below).
Really good to win and after watching Rotherham wallop in that late winner (how lucky were they again with the red card- awful decision – Borner seemed to kick Smith more than the other way around and the own goal!) it made it a rare good night for us in a dreadful season. A Sheffield double is always good no matter the circumstances. For us it is still too late and we are down (need to win like 8/11 games to stay up!) but at least it is a win and we have a good feeling for one night even if it is one night only! We saw the players are still behind Wilder and playing for him and each other and that is a good sign for next season.
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After the recent run of defeats and the season threatening to peter out to the inevitable early relegation, today United showed huge fight and resolve to stun high flying Aston Villa. The 1-0 victory does not tell the full story as Wilder’s men had to play over half an hour with ten men after Jagielka was harshly sent off. The VAR team ruled he was the last man but the distance from goal and the fact another player could get across, meant just as with the John Egan sending off at Villa Park, United had been on the wrong end of a decision with Villa once again benefitting.
Still, the Blades fought terrifically hard making blocks, tackles and denying Villa too many clear-cut chances. In the end they held on and David McGoldrick’s first half goal was enough to take all three points and ensure at the very least United will not be known as the worst Premier League team in history, as they went past Derby’s 11 points.
Wilder only made one change with Rhian Brewster in for Oli McBurnie up front who dropped to the bench alongside fellow strikers Burke, Sharp and the returning Mousset. John Lundstram and Enda Stevens retained their places despite recent poor performances.
Villa were without star man Jack Grealish and opted not to bring back Ross Barkley too but the much-improved side were flying high with a solid defence and scoring threats throughout the side as they challenged for the European places the Blades had toyed with for so long last season.
It was a scrappy opening with little happening early on although El Ghazi got the better of Baldock twice down the left but United found some space down the left-hand side themselves. Poor balls from Bryan and Stevens killed any hope of building any momentum. United did have an opportunity when Lundstram found himself in a good position but chose not to shoot and his ball was rather telegraphed to Baldock and he was tackled. Villa actually broke from this and El Ghazi again caused problems as he skipped away from Jagielka but his cross was away from any of his teammates.
Villa started to have a better spell and more possession and had the best chance of the game on 10 minutes as good football saw the ball come across and Traore came inside getting away from Stevens too easy. Norwood blocked his shot but as the ball looped up, Watkins beat Jagielka to the header and it fell to McGinn with no United players reacting. The midfielder shot wide when he only had Ramsdale to beat.
Brewster was struggling to get involved in the game and his give away saw Villa break and won a corner but this was cleared. Villa won another corner but once again it came to nothing. United then attacked and McGoldrick played a delightful through ball but Baldock’s poor cross was blocked. United did win a corner and as it was recycled Stevens put a decent ball in and as Brewster jumped with Martinez, the ball dropped for McGoldrick but it was blocked out for another corner.
Villa were playing some decent stuff now and moving through the thirds and Watkins got down the left and hit a shot across the goal but Ramsdale gathered at the second attempt. Soon after the striker was in down the right and as he came into the box, Jagielka and Bryan seemed to sandwich him with the latter a little clumsy to say the least. VAR had a look after the non award on the pitch and felt that it was more a coming together and nothing was given. It was a risky challenge by the United defender although replays showed that it may have been outside the box.
El Ghazi then came away from Jagielka but his cross was taken away from Ramsdale by Bryan who kicked away when the keeper could have caught it easily. The moment of uncertainty was not punished. Jagielka gave away a free kick for a high boot but again the delivery did not cause too many issues.
On the half hour mark, the Blades who had maybe been second best so far, took the lead. McGoldrick sent a lovely diagonal ball out to Baldock who for once drove forward and tried a shot cum cross. The ball fell perfectly for the onrushing MCGOLDRICK who had carried on his run and beat the offside trap to turn in off the underside of the bar. VAR confirmed he was easily onside and the goal stood and United had their first goal for nearly 4 games!
Villa nearly hit straight back as Traore who had been dangerous coming in from the left weaved his way past several defenders on a mazy run. He left 3 or 4 in his wake and with no challenges incoming he pulled the trigger. The only thing he lacked was the finish as he shot wide. Ramsdale had given it up for good.
At the other end McGoldrick pulled his shot wide from the angle before Brewster who had been quiet won a header and then played a lovely ball before getting on Fleck’s return to try a powerful shot but Martinez fielded it. It was better from the Blades striker.
Villa looked for an opening but it became mired in midfield to end the half although McGoldrick’s poor foul and a booking that ensued, was a black mark on his otherwise excellent performance.
The second half saw Villa win a free kick as Bryan chopped down Traore and Villa moved it around and more good work from Watkins saw the ball drop and a shot seemingly goal bound from Traore saw Jagielka make an excellent block.
United had a let off when a good cross came in and Watkins met it, beating United defenders to the ball but his clipped header hit the post and came away. Ramsdale was well beaten. United scrambled the rebound clear. This let off was followed by a really controversial decision on 54 minutes as United were reduced to ten men for the second time in a season against Villa with another extremely harsh decision.
A silly foul from Brewster saw Villa knock the ball forward and eventually a ball over the top sent El Ghazi away and as he took it past Jagielka who clumsily and quite cynically brought him down. The yellow card was fairly routine. Before the free kick was taken despite no real appeals for a red card, it appeared the VAR officials had other ideas and Graham Scott (who incidentally sent off John Egan at Villa Park) instructed Robert Jones to have another look. This is a tell-tale sign that the VAR has decided he needs to overturn his decision and send off the United defender. The replays shown on the monitor were oddly not shown in full and just a freeze frame was shown. This meant it would not show referee Jones whether Bryan may have had a chance to get across or see the full incident. He overturned his decision as once again referees now seem not able to make their own decision with their own eyes and we have someone else almost dictating what they do. The foul was a full 40-45 yards from goal. It seemed an incredibly harsh overrule and did not seem a clear and obvious error but VAR once again felt the need to get involved. The experienced Blades defender trooped off, being the 2nd oldest player to ever get a red card in Premier League history.
Villa now were moving the ball about and trying to take advantage of the numerical advantage and Wilder opted to take off Brewster and bring on Burke to give another outlet up top.
Villa had a chance when the ball dropped at the far post and McGinn took a shot and it deflected off Ampadu and span over the bar in a moment similar to the 2nd goal for Liverpool on Sunday, but this time it went the right side of the goal frame from United’s point of view.
Villa made two changes with Ramsey and Nakamba being replaced by Sanson and Barkley but the Blades had a rare break when sub-Burke used his pace to get away but just ran into his man. McGoldrick committed another foul and Wilder opted not to risk losing another man and replaced him with Osborn as the Blades went with just Burke up top.
United were anxiously worrying about VAR again on 76 minutes when the ball over saw Watkins tower in the air again to head down and as it bounced, Traore had a great chance but made a mess of it and could not get enough contact on the ball and it hit Ampadu and went behind. There were some concerns over a handball but rightly this time VAR did not see anything that would justify another overturn.
McGinn had a shot blocked bravely by Norwood and then Fleck made two superb tackles. Since the red card, the spine had been brave, hard working and organised. Ampadu made a header clear and Bryan twice got into good areas to make a block and a clearance.
The final 10 minutes saw Burke again break out but with Lundstram over, the sub made a mess of it again and the chance went. Davis replaced Traore and Villa were now dominating the ball but a shocking free kick from El Ghazi saw United clear.
Ampadu and then Bryan again made clearances and Villa whilst pushing United back were running out of ideas. The game ticked on and good work from Norwood broke up another attack before with 2 minutes to go, Burke was taken off with the sub, subbed as United put on McBurnie as much for his aerial presence defensively as anything else.
The ball came across and Fleck made a timely tackle as Villa looked to turn it in and Villa won two successive corners. Ramsdale got a punch on one but another dropped and Konsa controlled superbly and smashed it towards goal. The keeper saved but could not hold and Norwood was there to help Ramsdale out to clear as Villa once again threatened to get the late leveller.
There was 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played but United continued to throw men in front of the ball and made block after block in a courageous effort. Ramsdale could not get on one late corner with Martinez up but United cleared and Norwood seemed caught between going for goal from his own half and just cleared it but did get good distance at least. Ampadu made another good block and the final whistle came and United had against the odds got all three points. It had not been a classic game or performance but United showed some real fighting qualities and organisation/spirit that at times may have been lacking this season to preserve an impressive three points and clean sheet.
United – It feels odd to win and feels nice! It just has not happened much and after the mini renaissance we had fell into the slumber we had seen most off the season but tonight I saw a really committed and heart-warming performance both individually and collectively. I do not think we were great with the ball and did not create much all game. Villa no doubt had many more chances and more of the ball and of course would when we had 10 men but I saw a lot to like about us in terms of the basics, effort, determination and just giving it everything. I was quite proud of them tonight. The spine ended the game fantastically with blocks, tackles and covering all over with the lads at the back Bryan and Amadu and Norwood and Fleck real stand outs but Ramsdale good again and McGoldrick also putting in a good performance.
Weirdly, not with the ball, but in terms of how we competed and what we did, I was prouder of us after the red card and felt everyone upped their game and we really showed loads of qualities after this. First half it was even for spells but Villa had more of the ball and more chances in the first half hour with McGinn having a great chance and a few other half moments as a few of our defenders switched off or were beaten too easily. We had a few decent bits but nothing clear and then there was the penalty appeal (I think Villa had a stronger appeal on this than the red card but it maybe was outside the box though). We then scored a good goal with McGoldrick at the heart of it. A great ball and carried on. Baldock’s may have been a shot but he at least put it in a good area which he has not been doing (earlier in the game fluffed a cross and another time just came back). McGoldrick finished it off as no one picked him up.
We had a let off as the lad Traore went on a great run although the defending was not great – almost statuesque but would have been a great goal. We got in at half time which maybe was a bit unjust as they had the best two chances outside of our goal. We were up and down with the ball and made some defensive errors but we led I suppose.
After the break we had another close scare when they hit the post. Watkins caused all sorts of problems up to the red card (did less after it!). Then the red card came. I have discussed in length below my angry thoughts so won’t go into it here. Suffice to say I did not agree! However, oddly that seemed to galvanise us. I was actually as an armchair fan not that interested in the game even when we were winning. I was watching and glad we scored (did not celebrate this as thought that will be offside as you just are trained to think like that now) but did not quite get into it. After the red card I started becoming angry and really started kicking and clearing every ball and was chuffed to bits we won. Often red cards create that kind of siege like mentality in players and fans.
The players were brilliant the final half hour with particular mentions to Ramsdale, Ampadu, Bryan, Norwood, Fleck were superb, making tackles, blocks and denying clear chances. I thought this spine was brilliant. I was saying where has this been? Where has the effort from Norwood/Fleck here been all season? So, I was in mixed minds about it all. I never thought I would be saying how well Bryan and Ampadu were playing as a partnership and we finished with a 4 at the back too! Others did their part too and the team were so gutsy to see it out. Villa actually in the end did not create that much and we had chances on the break but Burke, well less said about him (see below).
Really good to win and after watching Rotherham wallop in that late winner (how lucky were they again with the red card- awful decision – Borner seemed to kick Smith more than the other way around and the own goal!) it made it a rare good night for us in a dreadful season. A Sheffield double is always good no matter the circumstances. For us it is still too late and we are down (need to win like 8/11 games to stay up!) but at least it is a win and we have a good feeling for one night even if it is one night only! We saw the players are still behind Wilder and playing for him and each other and that is a good sign for next season.
