United 1 Middlesbrough 2 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

Sorry for the late report again...work plays havoc with having to write something up but finally a day late, my boring ramblings are below!

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In an extremely entertaining contest, and a very good advert for the Championship, the now league leaders Middlesbrough went home with the victory. It was the first defeat for the Blades at Bramall Lane since early November when Derby County took the spoils. United gave a decent account of themselves but ultimately Boro deserved the victory after a slick first half performance saw goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree give them a cushion at the break. Patrick Bamford reduced the arrears for the home side and it looked like they might take something from the game but a moment of madness from debutant Joe Rothwell saw them reduced to ten men and effectively sealed the win for the visitors.



Wilder made changes with Bamford back in the starting line-up, despite talk in the week that he would be out for a longer period. Tom Cannon dropped to the bench. Both Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell were on the bench. Boro had an opportunity to go top of the league after results at the weekend and arrived in S2 backed by a packed, and expectant away throng massed behind the Bramall Lane end.



The game started with both teams zipping the ball around and there were opportunities and spaces created at either end. Boro nearly got in down the right-hand side with Whittaker moving away from Burrows before United found an opening through Brooks but he was blocked. The first significant chances came when Hamer hit a curling effort when Bryn saved and then Peck made a hash of an effort not long after. United were looking impressive in attack with Bamford holding the ball up and Hamer/Brooks supplanting his forward play with some enterprising moments. However, Boro were looking very dangerous themselves with quick and incisive football leading to Conway smashing a shot wide. United came again with Brooks working space and finding Peck but his effort was blocked before the breathless action transferred to the other end and Malanda’s header was saved by Cooper. Seriki then beat his man but again Brooks could not find the target with another last-ditch block.



United had shaded the opening 15 minutes but Boro started to move up the field with menace with Hackney, McGree and Morris moving the ball on at pace on several incisive breaks. There were men over leading to a Whittaker header that was only able to be directed straight at Cooper. Whittaker than fired wide with an even better chance as United were not struggling to hold up the visitors. The opening goal came from another smart move where the away side moved through the United defence rapidly with a touch round the corner from Whittaker leading to McGree to find CONWAY. The striker steadied himself and despite Seriki’s challenge, arrowed a fine finish into the corner, to break the deadlock.



Hackney had an effort off the outside of the post and then Morris nearly found Conway as Boro scented blood but United managed to find an opening of their own soon after. Hamer’s ball through found Bamford but he shot wide with the goal at his mercy. It was a great chance to level. Hamer then was played in by Peck but his finish was turned round the post by the full stretch Bryn. Boro had been the better side and looked the crisper and more incisive but United had created enough chances of their own and easily could have been level.



However, Boro finished the half strong and Peck had to block Conway before Cooper turned round the post from Whittaker, who once again was given too much space. United did not heed the warning and just before half time, disaster struck. Cooper’s kick lacked distance and Boro seized on the ball. They moved it around and Hackney was freed up to take a pot shot. It hit Arblaster and deflected off the post but as it bounced out, just as with the goal v Oxford last week, the defence stood static and MCGREE nodded home. This gave Boro the two-goal margin and their fans were singing about their new league position, as the teams departed at half time. United had not faced a team like Boro all season, certainly since Wilder had returned and improved the side, and the away side looked every inch a promotion contender.



Rothwell replaced the ineffective Arblaster immediately after half time. United nearly found an opening early through Brooks before the same player found O’Hare whose cross shot narrowly evaded Bamford at the far post. United were now looking the more likely to net the next goal but Boro were standing firm. More changes came when Phillips and Campbell came on for Peck and O’Hare, whilst Gilbert replaced scorer McGree. Brooks stopped a Boro break with a crude foul whilst Brittain was equally cynical in upending Hamer. United were trying to find space and Brooks was the main outlet but the goal came from a piece of brilliance from Hamer. The midfielder got onto a clever quick free kick by new man Phillips and threaded a delightful ball into the path of BAMFORD. The striker took a touch and fired home clinically and the contest was back alive.



Brooks then weaved past a number of challenges and as the ball dropped Campbell hit it but a combination of the keeper and the defender kept it out. The Kop roared the home side on as a series of corners resulted but United could not find another clear chance. Fry and Strelec came on for Whittaker and Conway, as Boro now were trying to hold what they had as they removed two attacking players. Phillips and Hackney both rightly picked up yellow cards for stopping breaks from either side but as United were now ramping up the pressure, a moment of idiocy stopped any further momentum building. The ball was cleared and Browne carried it out before Rothwell completely cleaned him out. It was with force and late – the red card was not a surprise and a debut for the ex-Rangers man barely lasted a half.



United tried to keep going forward and Hjelde replaced Burrows as the game moved into the final 5 minutes. There was a good run from Seriki, who appeared to get baulked but soon after a Boro player hit the deck and a free kick was given drawing the ire from the home fans, as the referee continued to show inconsistency. The game moved into 5 minutes of stoppage time and the Blades did win a late corner but Tanganga could only head wide, with Cooper joining the attack. A final long throw from Hjelde was cleared and that was it as the Boro players rightly celebrated with gusto. A vital three points for the away side in their quest for promotion and a disappointing result for the Blades, whose slim hopes of the playoffs are all but over now.

 

[Deadbat]

United – I really enjoyed last night despite the defeat. It reminded me of the Leeds loss last year where two good teams went toe to toe and there were lots of attacks/chances and some full bloodied challenges. It was a proper game – to sound like Wilder and a real rip roarer. I think Wilder’s interview summed it up and he spoke very well. We were not quite where we needed to be but credit to the opposition. I do not think we played bad. We were decent for large spells but Boro were just better – not by lots but had the better individuals and looked the more skilled side in terms of how they progressed the ball. They were better than I thought they would be and much better than Ipswich. I think I was shocked how good they were in terms of the football and how they attacked us. We started the game well and had half chances and maybe with more clinical finishing we take the lead but it never happened and they started to grow into it and from 15 minutes in, they were excellent and ran through our midfield time after time. They had several opportunities and Cooper made a few saves but they shot wide or missed when well placed. They got through us too easy as we did not have a clear plan to stop them playing through the midfield. Peck and Blaster just got ran past by quicker and more athletic players.



As Paul Merson said post-game, they always looked to play forward and it was refreshing to see a team like that. They could and should have been ahead as despite our decent start – they had a number of even better chances before they did score. It was a lovely, crafted goal. After this they could have had a few more and cut us open with Burrows struggling down the left and the midfield giving the defence no protection. O’Hare was not able to press or keep the ball and I felt sorry for Bamford, Hamer and Brooks – who all looked dangerous when given the ball. It took us too many touches/passes to get it to these and we looked a bit ponderous compared to them who would move it forward and through us in 2 or 3 touches/passes.



We sadly lack this way of playing and rely on going wide which means players can get back and get behind the ball. Despite them being much better – we then had 2 very good chances (Bamford and Hamer) before they then ended the half well and Whittaker could have had a couple also. It could easily have been 3-5 at the half! The second goal was a killer. Cooper’s kicking had been an issue long before this moment but we do not react and fail to close down the shot. Blaster and Peck struggled and did not even put many challenges in. They looked slow and leggy compared to sharper and quicker players. 0-2 and it looked done.



We did make a comeback and had some chances even before we scored. We looked better in midfield – Rothwell was not great, even before his red card but Phillips was combative and got on the ball. His quick thinking led to the goal with Hamer superb in his vision and Bamford with the finish. I thought we might get something after this and we had the momentum and seemed to be turning the screw. Campbell nearly scored and whilst we did not create loads, the right side were starting to find overloads and Bamford was looking a real threat. I do think we would have had chances and might have got a point as they had shut up shop by this stage. The red card killed it. It was a stupid challenge and totally unnecessary. Not one player or coach complained – that tells you all you need to know. After this we tried to find a moment but it did not quite happen. They deserved the win and it was about right in terms of the game (maybe could have been 2-3 or 3-4 for chances). We did have good chances and had moments/spells but never had real control and they went through us rather easily I thought. The midfield issue has been discussed but we had two players who were not able to dovetail and one sit/one go – they ended up in bad positions and left big gaps. I wanted more form O’Hare too but it meant the defence as under pressure. Cooper was poor with his feet and still uncertain in other aspects but a home side should not have teams running through and taking shot after shot, which happened for a good duration of the first half. We did have a go and got back into it but it felt it was more down to individual play (Hamer or Brooks) rather than a clear plan how to get up the field or create things. Defensively the same issues we have seen in the last few years came to the fore. I think a fit-ter Phillips and/or Davies/Riedewald and maybe they do not have free run of the midfield. It was a chastening night for Sydie and Blaster who were shown the levels they need to get to. The positives were the attacking play of Brooks, Hamer and Bamford. We will and can score goals/create plenty with them in the side. Phillips did ok and there were pockets of good attacking play throughout. It did just feel a bit open and we did not have any real sense of when to press and when to keep a solid shape. It meant it was exciting but a bit kamikaze and they are clearly a better side and exploited our lack of shape in the middle of the field.



Overall, I came away and was ok. We are not getting the playoffs or going to be that close, despite all these projections of what may and may not happen. We are a long way off in terms of points and teams above us. We are still closer to the bottom 3 than the top 6 and my priority is still to ensure we do not get sucked back in – we are inconsistent at the moment since Xmas and keep throwing in bad performances and results (not last night where we did ok). We don’t traditionally get much at Pompey – when did we last win there – seems a long time ago (under Warnock?) so that will be tough, as they are decent at home but if we can take something and then beat ‘that lot’ and send them down, then we have a fair bit of comfort. I do not think for a minute we will go down or be close to it – we have too many good players but we need to ensure we don’t get drawn into a group of teams (as WBA/Leicester have -admittedly due to the deduction). I think realistically we finish mid table at best and that is ok, from where we were. We have given ourselves way too much to do and almost have to be perfect to get near the top 6 – but sadly we are still too inconsistent and have these odd let downs meaning we will lose too many games. It is mad that only Wednesday and WBA have lost more games than us this season – of course the first 5 were a big factor but we still have lost 11 under Wilder (won 12 to be fair). Regardless of what does happen and as I expect, it to somewhat peter out and then plan for next season – I hope we will see more games like that one last night (we have some of the teams at the top Coventry, Hull, Wrexham – last two painful to type) to come so maybe there will be more exciting games like the one v Boro. Despite the loss, it was a thoroughly entertaining watch and sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opponent, as much as it is natural to examine areas to improve.





Ratings:



Cooper 4/10 – Made a few decent but expected saves early on. He had little chance with the first goal but thought he was slow down to the shot, despite it taking a deflection. However, despite him having little to do in terms of other saves – most shots whizzed past the post – thought he looked uncertain. Mostly down to his horrific distribution. He threw one out early putting us under pressure and then kicked 2 or 3 barely to half way. The 2nd goal he does not clear it properly and it comes back. 2nd half he put Peck and Bindon under pressure with two awful passes. I worried everything he had it with his feet as he became a liability and could barely make half way or made stupid decisions. It got to the stage where I just did not want us to give the ball to him anymore.



Seriki 5.5/10 - Began well and a few runs and link up with Brooks. Got some decent balls in and looked lively. Ended up defending for a spell and could not quite get across on the goal. 2nd half I was disappointed in him. Had a fair bit of the ball but rarely beat his man or advanced down that side. We still attacked more down this side though and felt he continued to look for the ball.



Burrows 3.5/10 – Thought it was a real struggle for long periods, particularly first half defensively. He started ok and was advanced in forward positions and part of some decent football but no end product. Gave Whittaker way too much time and the first goal he ironically then gets too tight and is out of position. Looked slow and often at full stretch. 2nd half he improved in terms of reacting quicker but did he put many balls in or got ahead of Hamer much? Wonder if new lad may be given a start ahead of him.



Bindon 5.5/10 – Felt sorry for the centre backs as they were given no protection with runners coming at them. He got some ok tackles in but then even he was caught ball watching. They had a number of decent chances as we did not mark or get tight on balls into our area. The first he does not sit back or attack and both him and Tanganga are in no man’s land but helped by no challenge from the midfield of course. The 2nd goal, much like the Oxford one last week, he does not react and is on his heels. Had a better 2nd half and moved it quicker too. He was the better of the two but just thought their movement caused us issues but the problem was in front of them.



Tanganga 5/10 – Did not impose himself and their movement caught him out. The first he gets rolled too easily and a few other times, he sort of gambled and then they have men behind. I’m still not totally convinced by him. He is not dominant as a centre back and him and Bindon are both guilty if not picking their men up, too often. He was not helped at all by what was happening in midfield. Both were too slow to play the ball out though.



Peck 3/10 – Way off it. Morris and Hackney ran the game for an hour. Got passed around, run past and he also lost out physically. Snatched at one early shot but positionally, him and Arblaster had no idea where their opponents were. Did play in Hamer for once chance and had a few other attacking moments where he at least got in good areas but faced midfielders who always looked to go forward. Our two often think, or go back or sideways in comparison. Does not work, him and Blaster but Peck still has to do more regardless. Bit of a rude awakening, seeing their two lads run rings round him and Blaster. Taken off, that was how little he impacted the game.



Arblaster 2.5/10 – 45 minutes of a real struggle before he was finally put out of his misery. If he is ill, then do not play him? I know Soumare is poor or the others are not fully but all three surely would have offered more than him? I know he is getting a lot of stick but you have to look at it objectively and rate on what you see – discounting he is a Blade and has had a bad injury. You have to assess the performance and once again it was simply not good enough I am afraid. Gave it away twice early on, got outmuscled in another challenge and they just out sprinted him. Both goals come from him losing his man. He does not see the danger and when he does, he just gets run past. Barely saw the ball and when he did, he tossed it away or did not go forward. The main issue is physically he cannot keep up with opponents. I keep hearing he needs time but has been back 3 months now playing. He is regressing rather than improving but physically he is nowhere near the level required. Maybe he comes again after a preseason but I worry that he won’t ever get back to his level we saw before. He looked out of his depth tonight v a very good Boro side. Hooked at HT and surely needs to be in the u21’s now for a period and hope after a pre-season he can regain some of the running power/basics of physicality you need at this level.



O’Hare 4/10 – Tried to get in the game but ball did not stick, he wasn’t able to link with others and everything he did was loose/not crisp. He worked hard and tried to press bit he was completely ineffectual for the most part – one cross to Bamford just after half time was only time he influenced things attacking wise. Dropped off last 2 or 3 games after being very good v Ipswich. He was just not a factor and we need much more from him.



Hamer 7/10 – Set up the goal with a sublime pass. Had a few other quality moments and the one player looking to pass it forward from us. Always trying to make things happen. Started game well. Had a few curling efforts and then a big chance at 0-1, where it was a decent save but rather telegraphed it. However, when he got on it, I always thought we might create something. Flitted in and out a bit much though but those around him in midfield give little service; he had to go hunting for it.



Brooks 7/10 – Thought like with Hamer, he showed flashes of real quality. Some good runs and dribbles. Had a few efforts blocked but was always trying to get men turned. He maybe did not get involved as much but then would come to life again. His run nearly led to a leveller for Campbell. He had some lovely touches and dribbles and continued his excellent form.



Bamford 7/10 – I thought overall he gave a very good centre forward’s performance. Did miss a good chance 1st half and just missed the O’Hare chance but his overall play was very good. Held it up, ran the channels, used his body and won free kicks. He looked a clever footballer whom they struggled to hold up. Tidy finish on the goal. Been an excellent signing and glad he was not out as long as Wilder said.



Subs -



Rothwell 1.5/10 – Came on and hacked at a clearance and then gave it away on the next possession. We did have more control in here when we changed the midfield bit but was he much to do with it – maybe just a presence but he gave it away a fair bit too. We get back to 1-2 and then he makes a ridiculous and unnecessary tackle. It us late and with excessive force. It’s a red all day long. Stupid and cost us any chance of coming back. Should be fined maximum he can. Now won’t see him till after Coventry. Totally moronic to do that on debut. Their lad was not going anywhere either.



Campbell 4/10 – Tried to put himself and probably offered more than O’Hare but missed a decent snapshot. Ran the sides well and helped us retain it, in their final third. Still looks knackered even just after he came on!



Phillips 5.5/10 – Did OK. Few giveaways but overall gave us some bite and presence in the middle. His quick thinking made the chance with Hamer put away. He did commit a foul to get rightly booked but certainly the better cameo of our two new players and at least got around and impacted the game.



Hjedje – Did ok, albeit in limited minutes again but a big lad, who gives us some presence. Also got a long throw, which I did not know. Wondered if he may get a chance with Burrows form continuing to be an issue.

 

[Deadbat]

Manager: Wilder 5/10 – We played ok but they were better individually and collectively on the night. Playing Blaster was a gamble and did not work – whether he was ill or not, he was poor and I would have changed it on 30-35 mins. It may have meant we did not concede another and stayed in the game. The midfield pairing of those two did not work v Oxford, so wont’ work v better players in Boro. They cannot work together and we have no defensive protection. It is too slow, lightweight and safe in there. The rest of the team was about as strong as we would pick. He did make changes and this helped us get some control of midfield, I would have taken O’Hare off even earlier – he has dropped off but then we are limited in forward options too. Overall, we saw some of the best of Wilder’s teams- high intensity and up and at them but we also saw the issues. We are not particularly well coached in my opinion. Might seem harsh but I look at how they were coached and able to move through us and envied that. We rely still on overloads down the sides or bits of quality from Hamer but as a team I am not sure still, we have a clear way of playing? His post-match interview was very good and summed up how I felt though. He said we were not quite as good as them but then we have seen this a fair bit in the last 12 months (Leeds/Burnley both games and a number of others – Ipswich recently more an outlier) that when we play teams with a clear plan and with pace/movement -we struggle. That must be addressed and sadly I think it is more than just personnel.







Middlesbrough – I never anticipated them being even close to automatic promotion and felt edge of the playoffs was about the best they could for. Had a superb start under Edwards and even though he left which their fans were rightly made about – they have managed to overcome a few wobbles and been remarkably consistent. The new manager has come in and done well and took them to an even better level maybe in how they play? I have not seen enough of them but they score a fair amount of goals – they do concede goals and we saw last night, that they can be got at but their approach is admirable. They just play it a bit like a basketball game, knowing they can score more or have more quality.



They are clearly well coached and the way they play means they get into good areas at speed, often before defences are properly set. I can see why they have done so well. Individually, do they have many ‘Premier League’ quality ready players outside of Hackney (and maybe Morris)? What they have , is a clear system and way of playing that gets them chances and makes them exciting to watch. To be fair Leeds have carried this on and done quite well this year so if they do go up, who knows? They were good last night but another night we take out chances and their keeper does not make the big saves and it could have been a different outcome. They scored a great first goal and then had other chances too. They were good value for the lead. After the break they got bodies in the way and hung on in there and were not as much of a threat but they did what they had to and won the game deservedly.



Opponent Man of the Match – Hackney. Their midfield was superb. Morris was good too and they had too much running power and were too quick footed for our lads- we did improve when we changed it. I thought Conway was sharp and worked hard- scored two similar goals versus us and Whittaker – a player I am still unconvinced about him but last night he was a real threat. The centre half Malanda was excellent too and not someone I have heard of. They have some experience old heads in Ayling, Brittain, Browne and Targett too.



Opponent Weak link – I still think Ayling is a player with mistakes in him and let Bamford go twice for a chance and the goal. He would be dumped as soon as they go up (if they do) in the same way Sunderland were able to move out such players.



Referee / Officials – Gavin Ward. We have had him in seasons past and he has irritated me then. Another ref that seems to want to take the limelight. This year did the two cup losses – Brum (could have sent Robinson off to be fair) and Mansfield (was poor in this – even though not the reason we lost). He did Sunderland with the two red cards in our win last year but I am sure he has been in games before with us where we have not had the decisions. I thought to say we were at home, we got little all night. The red is correct and a stupid tackle – that was with force and late. No problems here. He booked a fair few for both for cynical fouls as teams broke but my main issue was his inconsistency. He gave some fouls for little contact and then other times he let things flow. We seemed to get tripped (Brooks and Seriki in full flight) and he waved play on but a few times they went to floor and he gave the free kicks. I thought a fair few of the 50-50’s seemed to go to them. He did not clamp down on timewasting (should have been more than 5 minutes) and there were a few fouls that should have been yellow – Hackney was excellent but should have had a yellow long before he did and committed two poor fouls – maybe he does not do the second if he is already on a yellow – when Hamer broke. Bad sign when you notice the ref so much and he seemed very officious to the point of wanting to show who was boss – not really doing that.





Crowd – Decent atmosphere always helped when it’s a team flying high backed by a sold out away end. They made a fair bit of noise and of course had two goals but then the Kop willed us back into it and it was lively on and off the field. The United fans were appreciative of the efforts of the side. Not sure anyone was coming out and thinking they did not see a decent game and even in defeat, you can be ok, if you are entertained I feel.

 

[Carlton Blade]

I thought Peck did better than that, especially in possession. But was 1 v 2 for the most part. He was up to it physically but thete were too many opportunities for them to bypass him because O'Hare was having to press on his own and Arbladter wasn't up to it physically.

I thought the obvious switch was to drop O'Hare 20 yards deeper and make Boro play through more bodies. But we left him trying to nick it back.

 

[Deadbat]

I thought Peck did better than that, especially in possession. But was 1 v 2 for the most part. He was up to it physically but thete were too many opportunities for them to bypass him because O'Hare was having to press on his own and Arbladter wasn't up to it physically.

I thought the obvious switch was to drop O'Hare 20 yards deeper and make Boro play through more bodies. But we left him trying to nick it back.

I felt as a pair they were not great on the ball but the main issue was not pressing, tackling or getting close to their men. They did not track back and lost runners. They routinely were too far off their man/men. They absolutely domainted midfield. As you say, drop O'Hare back and give us an extra body. He was not pressing but not really helping back. I think the coaching last night was really poor and should have seen the issues. We are too rigid. The Boro players were popping up all over. That is why I like Brooks and Seriki - as they can move around and cause issues.

Wilder and Knill sadly are too formulaic and set in a certain pattern. This means we can be easy to play against. Heard opposition managers talk about the threat down the right and how we press with numbers down here and the left sides comes across in the middle more. Teams will work this out. We need other ways to play (down the middle or through a different style). Wilder has done a good job since he came back but the same issues over his lack of coaching/plan B remains. Boro have some good players but weirdly I look at the two sides last night and if we had say Riedewald in for Blaster - not sure there is much in the two teams man for man, but they are clearly set up better in how to get the best out of players they have.

 

[Carlton Blade]

I felt as a pair they were not great on the ball but the main issue was not pressing, tackling or getting close to their men. They did not track back and lost runners. They routinely were too far off their man/men. They absolutely domainted midfield. As you say, drop O'Hare back and give us an extra body. He was not pressing but not really helping back. I think the coaching last night was really poor and should have seen the issues. We are too rigid. The Boro players were popping up all over. That is why I like Brooks and Seriki - as they can move around and cause issues.

Wilder and Knill sadly are too formulaic and set in a certain pattern. This means we can be easy to play against. Heard opposition managers talk about the threat down the right and how we press with numbers down here and the left sides comes across in the middle more. Teams will work this out. We need other ways to play (down the middle or through a different style). Wilder has done a good job since he came back but the same issues over his lack of coaching/plan B remains. Boro have some good players but weirdly I look at the two sides last night and if we had say Riedewald in for Blaster - not sure there is much in the two teams man for man, but they are clearly set up better in how to get the best out of players they have.

They were pretty formulaic as well. Ball into feet, one touch to a player who always had to be there, recycle and start again if the player laid off to isn't in space. I thought the difference was, they did it quickly and absolutely spammed ot because it worked. I thought we should have gone to Brooks over and over and over as well. But we were so ponderous in possession, they forced us back to Cooper.

My point on Peck was, he wasn't being muscled off the ball, ran past by ball carriers and unable to keep it as OA was. As a pair it was awful but I think the majority of that was Arblaster being unable to physically cope. Peck was a 5 for me

 

[Deadbat]

They were pretty formulaic as well. Ball into feet, one touch to a player who always had to be there, recycle and start again if the player laid off to isn't in space. I thought the difference was, they did it quickly and absolutely spammed ot because it worked. I thought we should have gone to Brooks over and over and over as well. But we were so ponderous in possession, they forced us back to Cooper.

My point on Peck was, he wasn't being muscled off the ball, ran past by ball carriers and unable to keep it as OA was. As a pair it was awful but I think the majority of that was Arblaster being unable to physically cope. Peck was a 5 for me

They had players that weren't fixed in being in one area though is what I meant. This meant that when they broke, our players didn't know whether to press or sit. They explored gaps and got into pockets of space. They had 2 or 3 Duffy type players. It was all one touch stuff but not just play it into front lads and off them. Don't see many teams at this level dribble, pass,move do fluidly through the centre. In that sense it was quite a unique style that we don't see.

Peck did get run past by ball carriers a few times. There was at least two occasions both midfielders for them, just out paced Blaster and Peck. He was better in possession but rarely turned to go forward. He does not carry it forward and it is lateral movement with his passes or runs. I do like Peck but to be a top player he has to hang his hat on something, ratter, tackler, forward passer, carrier to a high level. He is a decent all round player but lacks that stand out. Yet.

Blaster looked like he just couldn't not cope physically as you say. He cannot run. I hope pre season gives him a chance to get some of this running power back but I worry that the injury has affected him and might not he something he can overcome. Not many players are out for over a year and come back to be the same.

 

[Carlton Blade]

They had players that weren't fixed in being in one area though is what I meant. This meant that when they broke, our players didn't know whether to press or sit. They explored gaps and got into pockets of space. They had 2 or 3 Duffy type players. It was all one touch stuff but not just play it into front lads and off them. Don't see many teams at this level dribble, pass,move do fluidly through the centre. In that sense it was quite a unique style that we don't see.

Peck did get run past by ball carriers a few times. There was at least two occasions both midfielders for them, just out paced Blaster and Peck. He was better in possession but rarely turned to go forward. He does not carry it forward and it is lateral movement with his passes or runs. I do like Peck but to be a top player he has to hang his hat on something, ratter, tackler, forward passer, carrier to a high level. He is a decent all round player but lacks that stand out. Yet.

Blaster looked like he just couldn't not cope physically as you say. He cannot run. I hope pre season gives him a chance to get some of this running power back but I worry that the injury has affected him and might not he something he can overcome. Not many players are out for over a year and come back to be the same.

I think they played round him and Arblaster easily. I don't remember Peck being shrugged off by players carrying the ball at him.

But I agree that he appears to be being coached into minimizing risk in possession. He was never that player at youth levels, or when he first came into the team

 

[BobbyDavison'sDebut]

They were pretty formulaic as well. Ball into feet, one touch to a player who always had to be there, recycle and start again if the player laid off to isn't in space. I thought the difference was, they did it quickly and absolutely spammed ot because it worked. I thought we should have gone to Brooks over and over and over as well. But we were so ponderous in possession, they forced us back to Cooper.

My point on Peck was, he wasn't being muscled off the ball, ran past by ball carriers and unable to keep it as OA was. As a pair it was awful but I think the majority of that was Arblaster being unable to physically cope. Peck was a 5 for me

If you look at the first goal if Cooper saves it and pushes it out their player gets a tap in because Peck was jogging back and let him go past him with ease. We seem to be conceding a few like that (Oxford last week) and their second was again an open goal with limited challenge

 

[coolasanidiot]

Normally I think you mark low but these ratings for me are spot on.

I thought teams were fairly even but one thing that stood out for me their reaction to the press was much better than ours. They frequently wriggled out and within seconds were attacking. We looked panicked by comparison and ended up with ugly clearances.

 

[Carlton Blade]

If you look at the first goal if Cooper saves it and pushes it out their player gets a tap in because Peck was jogging back and let him go past him with ease. We seem to be conceding a few like that (Oxford last week) and their second was again an open goal with limited challenge

That's fair, but that goes for goals across football. Defenders almost always seem to react more slowly to those situations.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Normally I think you mark low but these ratings for me are spot on.

I thought teams were fairly even but one thing that stood out for me their reaction to the press was much better than ours. They frequently wriggled out and within seconds were attacking. We looked panicked by comparison and ended up with ugly clearances.

They trusted that they could almost play a pass blind and know that a teammate woukd be whete they should be. Really well drilled, loads of trust in each other, brave on the ball and technically able to play one touch stuff.

United are almost lazy in possession at times, taking 2 or 3 unnecessary touches before making a decision. Boro's decisions seem to have been drilled into them already. I thought on the ball, they were extremely well coached

 

[Addison]

There was no one in the middle of the park capable of disrupting Boros midfield. They had oceans of space and couldnt believe how much room they had. The decision to play Peck and Arblaster together and then peservere until half time cost us the game. CW criticised the team for not seeing the first half out but everyone could see we were all at sea after 30 minutes. A change then would have made all the difference. The problem was the midfield options on the bench hadnt kicked a ball in anger for weeks which makes the decision to leave Soumare out of the match day squad mystifying. He at least was 100% fit and capable of coming on to disrupt and pass the ball forward.

CW said it was the two wide players and two full backs that were at fault for not squeezing Boros midfield. That would have required two fit deep lying midfielders to support them. We only had one. Arblaster was a passenger. CW is repeating the same mistakes of last season in wanting to parachute his favourites into the team as he did with Brewster. Two of our best three players on the night were Hamer and Brooks so dont agree with his criticism.

CW and his coaching team are too staid in their ways. Once again a top team has come to BDTBL out fought, out thought, out passed and out run us. Credit to Boros coaching team they concentrated on our weakness down the left. Bindon and Burrows were given a run around by Whittaker. The decision to sub him did us a favour.

Despite having one hand tied behind our backs with team selection and tactics our quality players produced moments of quality with the goal and chances created. Lets not fool ourselves though Boro on the night were streets ahead in terms of speed of forward ball progression, fitness, our achilles heel, and movement off the ball.

We have done well to get to a position where we can give the top teams a game from where we were. Just disappointing that with the right team selection and change in tactics earlier we could have given a better account of ourselves.

 

[andy m]

I think if we were to meet them in the play off final with both having fully fit squads we would beat them.

 

[ancientblade]

the most noticeable difference for me last night was the pace and movement of the boro players were way too slow and static im afraid especially in midfield peck and arblaster should be competing for one spot their too alike how wilder can keep playing them together is baffling everybody can see it doesnt work having said all that boro played some fantastic football last night best team in championship by far imo

 

[bladesince64]

Their midfield runners outpassed and outpaced our static and toothless central midfieldand we never laid a glove on them.

Everything went through the middle and down Burrows side and as good as they were we made it far too easy as we didnt stand up to them with any physicality.

Much as we all love Peck and Blaster its just not the right fit.

We need more steel in there.

 

[richblade]

Great write up bang on

 

[The Vicar]

Said it before, we lack the ability to change tactics, this is about coaching. Great manager, but a poor coach and tactician.

 

[Tarqs]

The lad who does the statsbomb post games highlighted our main problem

They played it through the centre the whole first half, yet Arblasters stats...

Zero duals won
Zero tackles
Zero interceptions

 

[Ecco1889]

Wilder should have been ruthless and hooked Blaster around 25 minutes,he was clearly struggling and rarely touched the ball.
Needs a break from the first team imo,hopefully can get back to his best in the near future

 

[BazWainwright]

Deadbat's writeup:

Fair shout on all DB. It was a pretty hi-octane game with two of what is now the best sides in the division, one at the top and one who should be not far behind, save for COH being idiots preseason. I hope they are now seeing what Championship football is and what we need next season when we should be where Boro are. Thought the back four were always vulnerable to the goal that Conway got, which basically came at the end of a really encouraging ten or fifteen minutes from us. Second goal was just Bindon sleeping. You're right, Blaster and Peck in MF are not the answer and hopefully we have an embarrassment of riches in Philips who looked pretty good even though he is match-shy. We've all said what we need to say about Rothwell, but shout out to Bamford for that finish.

We should, by rights, have three each off Pompey and Wednesday which keeps the blood pressure up but I still feel we are not equipped for the playoffs and are a few billion light years away from anything near Premier League standard. Anyone who does go up has to invest and I don't thing this lot who own us have that in them. And I'd rather we enjoyed ourselves with games last night that get walloped every week upstairs, to be honest.

 

[bakeblade]

I think if we were to meet them in the play off final with both having fully fit squads we would beat them.

Highly unlikely - they'll be top 2 and we aren't making the playoffs

 

[Balham]

I think they played round him and Arblaster easily. I don't remember Peck being shrugged off by players carrying the ball at him.

But I agree that he appears to be being coached into minimizing risk in possession. He was never that player at youth levels, or when he first came into the team

I’ve said it repeatedly, Wilder is possibly the most tactially rigid coach in the top two tiers. That’s a good thing because the players know exactly where they stand but it’s a bad thing because they are a combination of frightened of making a mistake and frightened of going against the plan. We don’t have much movement off the ball because there’s little individuality allowed and we have a team which will almost always take the safe option, as Peck does.

 

[bruce]

United – I really enjoyed last night despite the defeat. It reminded me of the Leeds loss last year where two good teams went toe to toe and there were lots of attacks/chances and some full bloodied challenges. It was a proper game – to sound like Wilder and a real rip roarer. I think Wilder’s interview summed it up and he spoke very well. We were not quite where we needed to be but credit to the opposition. I do not think we played bad. We were decent for large spells but Boro were just better – not by lots but had the better individuals and looked the more skilled side in terms of how they progressed the ball. They were better than I thought they would be and much better than Ipswich. I think I was shocked how good they were in terms of the football and how they attacked us. We started the game well and had half chances and maybe with more clinical finishing we take the lead but it never happened and they started to grow into it and from 15 minutes in, they were excellent and ran through our midfield time after time. They had several opportunities and Cooper made a few saves but they shot wide or missed when well placed. They got through us too easy as we did not have a clear plan to stop them playing through the midfield. Peck and Blaster just got ran past by quicker and more athletic players.



As Paul Merson said post-game, they always looked to play forward and it was refreshing to see a team like that. They could and should have been ahead as despite our decent start – they had a number of even better chances before they did score. It was a lovely, crafted goal. After this they could have had a few more and cut us open with Burrows struggling down the left and the midfield giving the defence no protection. O’Hare was not able to press or keep the ball and I felt sorry for Bamford, Hamer and Brooks – who all looked dangerous when given the ball. It took us too many touches/passes to get it to these and we looked a bit ponderous compared to them who would move it forward and through us in 2 or 3 touches/passes.



We sadly lack this way of playing and rely on going wide which means players can get back and get behind the ball. Despite them being much better – we then had 2 very good chances (Bamford and Hamer) before they then ended the half well and Whittaker could have had a couple also. It could easily have been 3-5 at the half! The second goal was a killer. Cooper’s kicking had been an issue long before this moment but we do not react and fail to close down the shot. Blaster and Peck struggled and did not even put many challenges in. They looked slow and leggy compared to sharper and quicker players. 0-2 and it looked done.



We did make a comeback and had some chances even before we scored. We looked better in midfield – Rothwell was not great, even before his red card but Phillips was combative and got on the ball. His quick thinking led to the goal with Hamer superb in his vision and Bamford with the finish. I thought we might get something after this and we had the momentum and seemed to be turning the screw. Campbell nearly scored and whilst we did not create loads, the right side were starting to find overloads and Bamford was looking a real threat. I do think we would have had chances and might have got a point as they had shut up shop by this stage. The red card killed it. It was a stupid challenge and totally unnecessary. Not one player or coach complained – that tells you all you need to know. After this we tried to find a moment but it did not quite happen. They deserved the win and it was about right in terms of the game (maybe could have been 2-3 or 3-4 for chances). We did have good chances and had moments/spells but never had real control and they went through us rather easily I thought. The midfield issue has been discussed but we had two players who were not able to dovetail and one sit/one go – they ended up in bad positions and left big gaps. I wanted more form O’Hare too but it meant the defence as under pressure. Cooper was poor with his feet and still uncertain in other aspects but a home side should not have teams running through and taking shot after shot, which happened for a good duration of the first half. We did have a go and got back into it but it felt it was more down to individual play (Hamer or Brooks) rather than a clear plan how to get up the field or create things. Defensively the same issues we have seen in the last few years came to the fore. I think a fit-ter Phillips and/or Davies/Riedewald and maybe they do not have free run of the midfield. It was a chastening night for Sydie and Blaster who were shown the levels they need to get to. The positives were the attacking play of Brooks, Hamer and Bamford. We will and can score goals/create plenty with them in the side. Phillips did ok and there were pockets of good attacking play throughout. It did just feel a bit open and we did not have any real sense of when to press and when to keep a solid shape. It meant it was exciting but a bit kamikaze and they are clearly a better side and exploited our lack of shape in the middle of the field.



Overall, I came away and was ok. We are not getting the playoffs or going to be that close, despite all these projections of what may and may not happen. We are a long way off in terms of points and teams above us. We are still closer to the bottom 3 than the top 6 and my priority is still to ensure we do not get sucked back in – we are inconsistent at the moment since Xmas and keep throwing in bad performances and results (not last night where we did ok). We don’t traditionally get much at Pompey – when did we last win there – seems a long time ago (under Warnock?) so that will be tough, as they are decent at home but if we can take something and then beat ‘that lot’ and send them down, then we have a fair bit of comfort. I do not think for a minute we will go down or be close to it – we have too many good players but we need to ensure we don’t get drawn into a group of teams (as WBA/Leicester have -admittedly due to the deduction). I think realistically we finish mid table at best and that is ok, from where we were. We have given ourselves way too much to do and almost have to be perfect to get near the top 6 – but sadly we are still too inconsistent and have these odd let downs meaning we will lose too many games. It is mad that only Wednesday and WBA have lost more games than us this season – of course the first 5 were a big factor but we still have lost 11 under Wilder (won 12 to be fair). Regardless of what does happen and as I expect, it to somewhat peter out and then plan for next season – I hope we will see more games like that one last night (we have some of the teams at the top Coventry, Hull, Wrexham – last two painful to type) to come so maybe there will be more exciting games like the one v Boro. Despite the loss, it was a thoroughly entertaining watch and sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opponent, as much as it is natural to examine areas to improve.





Ratings:



Cooper 4/10 – Made a few decent but expected saves early on. He had little chance with the first goal but thought he was slow down to the shot, despite it taking a deflection. However, despite him having little to do in terms of other saves – most shots whizzed past the post – thought he looked uncertain. Mostly down to his horrific distribution. He threw one out early putting us under pressure and then kicked 2 or 3 barely to half way. The 2nd goal he does not clear it properly and it comes back. 2nd half he put Peck and Bindon under pressure with two awful passes. I worried everything he had it with his feet as he became a liability and could barely make half way or made stupid decisions. It got to the stage where I just did not want us to give the ball to him anymore.



Seriki 5.5/10 - Began well and a few runs and link up with Brooks. Got some decent balls in and looked lively. Ended up defending for a spell and could not quite get across on the goal. 2nd half I was disappointed in him. Had a fair bit of the ball but rarely beat his man or advanced down that side. We still attacked more down this side though and felt he continued to look for the ball.



Burrows 3.5/10 – Thought it was a real struggle for long periods, particularly first half defensively. He started ok and was advanced in forward positions and part of some decent football but no end product. Gave Whittaker way too much time and the first goal he ironically then gets too tight and is out of position. Looked slow and often at full stretch. 2nd half he improved in terms of reacting quicker but did he put many balls in or got ahead of Hamer much? Wonder if new lad may be given a start ahead of him.



Bindon 5.5/10 – Felt sorry for the centre backs as they were given no protection with runners coming at them. He got some ok tackles in but then even he was caught ball watching. They had a number of decent chances as we did not mark or get tight on balls into our area. The first he does not sit back or attack and both him and Tanganga are in no man’s land but helped by no challenge from the midfield of course. The 2nd goal, much like the Oxford one last week, he does not react and is on his heels. Had a better 2nd half and moved it quicker too. He was the better of the two but just thought their movement caused us issues but the problem was in front of them.



Tanganga 5/10 – Did not impose himself and their movement caught him out. The first he gets rolled too easily and a few other times, he sort of gambled and then they have men behind. I’m still not totally convinced by him. He is not dominant as a centre back and him and Bindon are both guilty if not picking their men up, too often. He was not helped at all by what was happening in midfield. Both were too slow to play the ball out though.



Peck 3/10 – Way off it. Morris and Hackney ran the game for an hour. Got passed around, run past and he also lost out physically. Snatched at one early shot but positionally, him and Arblaster had no idea where their opponents were. Did play in Hamer for once chance and had a few other attacking moments where he at least got in good areas but faced midfielders who always looked to go forward. Our two often think, or go back or sideways in comparison. Does not work, him and Blaster but Peck still has to do more regardless. Bit of a rude awakening, seeing their two lads run rings round him and Blaster. Taken off, that was how little he impacted the game.



Arblaster 2.5/10 – 45 minutes of a real struggle before he was finally put out of his misery. If he is ill, then do not play him? I know Soumare is poor or the others are not fully but all three surely would have offered more than him? I know he is getting a lot of stick but you have to look at it objectively and rate on what you see – discounting he is a Blade and has had a bad injury. You have to assess the performance and once again it was simply not good enough I am afraid. Gave it away twice early on, got outmuscled in another challenge and they just out sprinted him. Both goals come from him losing his man. He does not see the danger and when he does, he just gets run past. Barely saw the ball and when he did, he tossed it away or did not go forward. The main issue is physically he cannot keep up with opponents. I keep hearing he needs time but has been back 3 months now playing. He is regressing rather than improving but physically he is nowhere near the level required. Maybe he comes again after a preseason but I worry that he won’t ever get back to his level we saw before. He looked out of his depth tonight v a very good Boro side. Hooked at HT and surely needs to be in the u21’s now for a period and hope after a pre-season he can regain some of the running power/basics of physicality you need at this level.



O’Hare 4/10 – Tried to get in the game but ball did not stick, he wasn’t able to link with others and everything he did was loose/not crisp. He worked hard and tried to press bit he was completely ineffectual for the most part – one cross to Bamford just after half time was only time he influenced things attacking wise. Dropped off last 2 or 3 games after being very good v Ipswich. He was just not a factor and we need much more from him.



Hamer 7/10 – Set up the goal with a sublime pass. Had a few other quality moments and the one player looking to pass it forward from us. Always trying to make things happen. Started game well. Had a few curling efforts and then a big chance at 0-1, where it was a decent save but rather telegraphed it. However, when he got on it, I always thought we might create something. Flitted in and out a bit much though but those around him in midfield give little service; he had to go hunting for it.



Brooks 7/10 – Thought like with Hamer, he showed flashes of real quality. Some good runs and dribbles. Had a few efforts blocked but was always trying to get men turned. He maybe did not get involved as much but then would come to life again. His run nearly led to a leveller for Campbell. He had some lovely touches and dribbles and continued his excellent form.



Bamford 7/10 – I thought overall he gave a very good centre forward’s performance. Did miss a good chance 1st half and just missed the O’Hare chance but his overall play was very good. Held it up, ran the channels, used his body and won free kicks. He looked a clever footballer whom they struggled to hold up. Tidy finish on the goal. Been an excellent signing and glad he was not out as long as Wilder said.



Subs -



Rothwell 1.5/10 – Came on and hacked at a clearance and then gave it away on the next possession. We did have more control in here when we changed the midfield bit but was he much to do with it – maybe just a presence but he gave it away a fair bit too. We get back to 1-2 and then he makes a ridiculous and unnecessary tackle. It us late and with excessive force. It’s a red all day long. Stupid and cost us any chance of coming back. Should be fined maximum he can. Now won’t see him till after Coventry. Totally moronic to do that on debut. Their lad was not going anywhere either.



Campbell 4/10 – Tried to put himself and probably offered more than O’Hare but missed a decent snapshot. Ran the sides well and helped us retain it, in their final third. Still looks knackered even just after he came on!



Phillips 5.5/10 – Did OK. Few giveaways but overall gave us some bite and presence in the middle. His quick thinking made the chance with Hamer put away. He did commit a foul to get rightly booked but certainly the better cameo of our two new players and at least got around and impacted the game.



Hjedje – Did ok, albeit in limited minutes again but a big lad, who gives us some presence. Also got a long throw, which I did not know. Wondered if he may get a chance with Burrows form continuing to be an issue.

Even according to yourself we played well and yet only 3 players get more than 5.5?
And 7 players get 4 or less?

 

[dc_blade]

Great report and ratings, thanks Deadbat.

I was working during the game. Luckily in the US streaming channel Paramount+ has the full game replay available almost immediately after the final whistle. I was able to get home unspoiled (uninstalled WhatsApp because my brother and nephew can’t be trusted) and put my feet up to watch the game.

At 0-2 I asked my wife (who knew the score) if I should keep watching and she umm’d and ah’d and eventually said no. So I only watched the first half.

The part I saw was very entertaining. We went toe to toe with the best footballing side I have seen in the Championship for a long time. The midfield was the weak link and agree with your ratings there. I reckon with Reidewald or Phillips able to start we probably get something from the game.

 

[Pintor75]

Good report Deadbat, spot on. I've said many times we always struggle against teams that come at us with pace and we can't handle it, Boro we're too quick and we'll organised for us, interestingly their manager said after the game that they (utd) had a good first 10 minutes and so we changed our game, something that we never do, Wilder is too late in using subs, Arblaster should have been taken off even in the first half as it wasn't working, anyone could see, but not the manager, even at 2-0 he didn't react till the 65 minute (bar the obvious Blaster). Some people on this forum won't like this ,but we won't progress , especially if we go up with this manager and coaching team, why isn’t someone working with Cooper on his kicking, he's been here 18 months!, Bamford and Phillips are good signings on loan and they show what a difference they make, but can we afford to sign them permanently? if not we have another 2 places to fill and Bamford alone only go to show how limited the likes Campbell and McBurnie let alone Brewster are, yet we are stuck in this mind set with Wilder. I love CW as much as other blades for what he's done and he seems a good guy, but we need to move on now if we are to have a better future, yes I know people will throw Selles at me, but deep down it needs changing utb

 

[Hanauer]

You need to use the Joe Crapp Pig Rating System and add on at least 2 points just to make things look better.

 

[BalticBlade]

How can you downmark Phillips for that foul??? They'd have been away otherwise.

 

[TJ blade]

Good report Deadbat, spot on. I've said many times we always struggle against teams that come at us with pace and we can't handle it, Boro we're too quick and we'll organised for us, interestingly their manager said after the game that they (utd) had a good first 10 minutes and so we changed our game, something that we never do, Wilder is too late in using subs, Arblaster should have been taken off even in the first half as it wasn't working, anyone could see, but not the manager, even at 2-0 he didn't react till the 65 minute (bar the obvious Blaster). Some people on this forum won't like this ,but we won't progress , especially if we go up with this manager and coaching team, why isn’t someone working with Cooper on his kicking, he's been here 18 months!, Bamford and Phillips are good signings on loan and they show what a difference they make, but can we afford to sign them permanently? if not we have another 2 places to fill and Bamford alone only go to show how limited the likes Campbell and McBurnie let alone Brewster are, yet we are stuck in this mind set with Wilder. I love CW as much as other blades for what he's done and he seems a good guy, but we need to move on now if we are to have a better future, yes I know people will throw Selles at me, but deep down it needs changing utb

Your chancing it mate having a swipe at Wilder! I agree with most things you say, but sadly its never going to change regarding management & coaching staff, Wilder & Co are here for the long all. Selles was an absolute disaster! We all knew it, It's therefore left a scar on most blades fans that they can't except anybody else sadly, can't honestly see a way out of this. All down to diabolical decision's by our owners!!

 

[BobbyDavison'sDebut]

I said to my son midway through the 1st half that we were getting overrun in midfield. It was clear that was the issue. I can never get my head around why managers think that a player who hasn't had much game time is better sat on the bench from the start. Surely you would start a player and then hook him once he starts to run out of steam? If you send the player on after 60 minutes and he's blowing out of his arse after 20 minutes then you're carrying a player who can't keep up with play