United 1 Sunderland 2 - report/ratings (sorry)

[Deadbat]

Not doing a full match report as sure everyone has seen it and struggling to spend a long time on below but will offer a summation and discussion on United below along with ratings:



Summary - It was more playoff agony for United as they made it ten campaigns without success – as this time the defeat was to Sunderland – meaning it is the Black Cats who take up their place in the top flight. It was yet another desperately disappointing day for the red and white half of Sheffield, as they failed to deliver the big performance over 90 minutes, that was needed to end the long hoodoo at the national stadium. For United fans, who have been to each of the games at the ground, it is now 7 out of 7 defeats all told, in FA Cup semi finals and play off finals. For a long time, it looked like the jinx would end as Tyrese Campbell’s lovely finish provided by Gus Hamer put the Blades in the lead in a largely controlled first half performance. A second looked to have come through Harrison Burrows but was chalked off after a VAR decision – the only game in the whole season it is used at this level. After Hamer went off injured and Brooks missed a good chance to seal it, United lost their way and sat back. Mayenda scored an emphatic equaliser. After this, United looked shot and further injuries to Brereton Diaz and then Ahmedhodzic occurred. The Blades had ten on the pitch as the defender was off receiving treatment when in the 95th minute, Watson was gifted the ball from Kieffer Moore and strode forward to curl home. That was it. The tie had turned around unbelievably and after a season that brought 90 points (92 in reality) and one that saw us top for long periods, we ended up with nothing. It will be a long hard summer for Chris Wilder and his players, who have to face up the reality of another long, gruelling season in the Championship – knowing that it will be hard to get as close as they have this season – both in the regular season and now the playoffs.





United – Absolutely gutted to say the least. It was incredible how we contrived to throw another one away. This time we led, had a second (ok, it got disallowed) but at HT and even at 70 mins- the game is won almost. We played well first half and did what we had to. We scored and looked more dangerous than them. We looked like we could create chances and they had offered little really despite having a fair bit of the ball. he second goes in and is allowed and I have no doubt we go on and win- probably comfortably. This moment rocked us and gave them new life but even though we were not great 2nd half they created little. We needed to just move up the field, look after the ball and find gaps but got desperate, went long and made some baffling subs (granted fitness of Hamer and Campbell was a factor) and seemed to play to hang on. We did have that Brooks chance of course and another big moment we fail to take.



They did not really look like scoring but then they did and after this, I felt there was only one winner. We just sat back and it seemed more like we were settling for extra time which was odd as they at this point had all the dangerous, quick forwards on. We just sort of looked out of gas as more players went off injured- showing our lack of ability to keep players fit – granted they were impact/collision injuries. I was not convinced at all we would win in ET or on pens and felt they would win – as soon as they levelled and so it proved. A well taken goal but more awful defending. It felt a bit smash and grab in terms of us leading for so long and looking in control first half but we never really turned up after the break. The tactics or lack of them, were baffling and leadership we needed on and off the pitch, to keep the ball and see it out and try and finish them off, was non-existent. We have seen this so many times this season with late goals and throwaways a fairly regular feature (even at lowly Plymouth) as we sit on the edge of our own box and just hoof it. Today, it came back to hurt us and ultimately consign us to another year at this level. Playing in the Championship is not the worst thing but the opportunity to solidify us financially will hit is huge- especially if we fail to go up next year and then we don’t have the parachute payments coming in. We will lose some of our better players but some need to move on (Brewster, Robinson – he will bring him back of course, Anel etc) and we need to freshen things up. For me though the defeat was more than just the future and financials and all that brings- it was simply about them giving us a day where we took the glory/won the playoffs and won at Wembley. Once again this club failed to deliver. Whether it be the manager/players or whoever else, it seems we are really a side that does not know how to deliver on the big occasion and ultimately we choked yet again.



I felt so sorry for the fans as they streamed out yet again having lost again here. Today felt even more annoying than most as we were the better side for a long time but never finished the game and a poor Sunderland side turned up for 20 minutes, took two chances and that is all they needed to do against a weak minded group that was more experienced than our opposition, but sadly carry the can of losers for the second season running (granted some new players amongst them). Hard to even think about next season for now. I am quite numb by the whole way it conspired and just feel very low. I know it is just a game and you have a new season but the way things unravelled yesterday will take a lot of fans and those at the club a long time to recover for me.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings (will seem low and balance it out that Sunderland’s player be similar I feel – was a poor game and not sure anyone played that well for either side -just scrappy/average performances but they had the big moments)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – one basic save first half but his kicking was not great. The goals they scored were pretty much the only shots they had on target second half. The first is hit high and early and not sure he has any chance. I may get criticised for this but I think he should have done better for the winner. It is in the corner but it is very slow and even though he has men in between him and Watson, I just feel he dives too early and could take another few steps? He has had a great season but he joins Simon Tracey in that his final touch of the season is picking the ball out of the Wembley net after an opponent’s late winner.



Choudhury 7/10 – Our best player and played well. Nothing too flashy but defended well, used the ball sensibly and showed good energy. One of few who can come out and say he did his job throughout (not just in flashes). I would like us to sign him but fear now we will not be able to afford his wages.



Burrows 5.5/10 – First half he got forward well, used it, and nearly got that vital second goal. Second half sat back more and had little protection but then ironically, he is too far forward on the goal and Robinson is left one on one – even if he could do better. I thought we did not really get into their half and he had to just defend second half – was the opposite first half.



Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Was ok really in terms of general defending. Not sure they had many chances at all and he did what he had to. Him going off does not help as leaves a big gap which they exploit. Has a year left and expect we will cash in now. Not that bothered as he has not lived up to the standards of that first season and proven he cannot do it at a higher level. This season he has been ok but struggled since Souttar got injured. Expect and hope we have two new centre backs next season.



Robinson 4.5/10 – Like Anel, he kind of did his job as they were limited to very little but then a big moment when it counted he showed his limitations and why we really need to move on from him. Granted Burrows maybe should have been back but it was a routine run and he needed to either get tight and make a challenge or at least get close and out him off. He backed off (recall him doing this v Man City when Mahrez ran riot) and backed off and the lad thought ok, I will shoot. It was really poor defending and too easy. We hang on for another 5 minutes or so and they get desperate but this gave them life. Just one long ball and we/he could not deal with it.



Souza 5.5/10 – First half he was good as he buzzed around, won the ball and was able to control midfield. He was keeping the ball and shielding the back line too. However, he had a part in the VAR goal being offside and then he was another who was anonymous second half. We needed players to get on the ball and control the midfield – but we became scrappy and were just knocking it on and he looked very leggy by the end. Disappointing that when it mattered, so many reverted to type of the losers that got stuffed every week last season. Thought we needed leaders and character to see it over the line and for all the talk on tactics, not sure we got that when it mattered. He may move on this summer – at this level he is very good and had a pretty good season but I think games like this really matter when evaluating a player. You need people to stand up and show it – not just against a mid-table side at the Lane. Not sure he did that today and like others – hard to shake off that loser tag after last two season.



Peck 4.5/10 – He has had an excellent season but was not great in the two Bristol City games and today he looked very tired and was anonymous for much of the game. Did not see the snapping into tackles, running and energy we have had from him. He just looked weary and his passing was poor. He gave it away a fair bit and when he did keep it, was quite negative going back. Think he could make a really good player and has really had a breakthrough with so many positive moments but I am not sure I see him ready to move on (seen rumours he may go) yet. He does not score/assist and his passing is quite safe on the whole. I do think he can get those things into his game by the way as has the ability but if he moves now, say a Premier Lague team gives us 6-7 million now – then he just gets loaned out to a Champ team doesn’t he? Overall a lot to be proud of but another we did not get the big performance (not sure their midfield was great either by the way) today we hoped.



Hamer 6.5/10 – Thought he showed flashes of his great play and was our main threat in terms of offering ability to find a forward pass and get us in behind. The goal was all about this type of play. He flitted in and out but when he had it, we looked like things might happen. Thought he faded though and did not do enough off the ball – he then felt his hamstring again and failed to finish a game again. He is no doubt our best player and if he moves on, we really miss him as does so many good things but he is frustrating and not sure Prem teams will be falling over themselves to sign him – can see him moving abroad if we decide to cash in. He is nowhere near fit, overweight and I felt overall despite him offering moments, he did not put in a match winning type performance we needed. If one of our big players turns up 2nd half, we go on and win. They did not.



Brewster 5/10 – Bit of a non-descript game. Did his defensive stuff and helped out going back the other way and when he went off they had more space down here but on the ball not sure he offered much of got involved really. He’s became a serviceable wide player and looks better here than up front and has had an ‘ok’ season with some moments – the goal at Wednesday won’t be forgotten. However, his time is up for me and needs moving on. He will be on huge wages and one we now have to get off our books. I will be annoyed if we bring him back as is another part of the losing mentality and simply not done enough over his contract to justify us spending any more limited funds on us.



Campbell 6/10 – 6 may seem low as he scored an excellent chipped finish and was lively early on. The goal was excellent and he took it so calmly. As the game went on, his impact lessened and we barely got him into the game as there were big gaps between our three departments and we went long too much. Struggles to play full games and must sort his fitness out but I would have kept him on longer unless he really could not carry on- as soon as him and Hamer went off -we had nothing to offer going forward.



Moore 4/10 – He did well first half and his physicality caused problems as he won headers and held it up ok but his game unravelled with ours as the contest went on. Second half he gave it away and took an age to do things as he cannot use his weaker foot. He had opportunities to play people in but made poor decisions and then gifted them a pass to score the winning goal – he did this a few times this season I recall. I have no idea who he was passing to and summed up his poor technical ability really – as he is so clumsy at times. Had the chance early he missed and then selfishly took a shot when Campbell was well placed. We are stuck with him for another 2 years. I am not sure I see him as the sort of player I want as a regular really as it means we play direct. He should be a sub/option player for certain games but not a starter. Another if he went to another Champ team not sure I would be that fussed.



Subs –



Brooks 6/10 – May seem high as he missed the big chance but one of few who gave us an outlet second half and at least tried to carry the ball. The chance he missed he should score but a few inches the other way and it goes in. He maybe needed to be a it cuter and lift it like Campbell. Hope that is not his big United moment (like Webber v Wigan) that will always be remembered. Was not a sitter but he will be disappointed not to score.



O’Hare 3/10 – Came on and was played almost up front which did not work. Hamer had gone off this stage and we were just lumping it. Could not in the game. Three visits to Wembley and three defeats in three years. He fits perfectly with us!



Brereton Diaz 2/10 – Came on, got injured and then went off – after being booked. Rak Sakyi was surely a better option as a sub. Never been fit since he came and looks like he cannot run anymore? Thought it was a good signing to bring him back but other than a few goals – he has made little impact and thankfully any clause to buy was surely on promotion so will head back to Southampton reserves and then probably back out on loan to a middling Champ side you would think. I would not even entertain signing him. Given an opportunity to get a permanent deal here and did not take it and showed why he was nowhere near one of the worst teams in Premier League history.



Davies – Barely on the field to make any impact. Should have come on a lot earlier for Peck who looked done to me.



Cannon – What an impact. Comes on, nuts his own player leading to him going off and they go down and score as we have 10 men. No sugar coating it – been a dreadful signing and seen absolutely nothing to suggest this lad will be a success here or anywhere of an equivalent level. If we could move him on this summer I would but we would then essentially probably lose 2/3rd of the fee as not sure we would get more than 3-4 million and even that is a stretch.



Seriki – Only came on at the end when we had conceded so hard to assess him. Want him to be our starting right back next season – expect Choudhury, Davies, Arblaster and Peck to be the midfield four competing for players although accept we may not be able to afford Choudhury now.



Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Sadly when it came to him, he reverted to type of the second half of the season and we sat back and defended and played not to lose. In the end, the inability to hold on (by not trying to go forward or even try and attack/keep the ball) cost us. We have played the three promoted teams 7 times and lost 6. That is a telling stat really. Ultimately the season he did well. He rebuilt the side, brought young players in and made us tougher to beat after last season’s disaster. We stayed near the top and were so close to going up. We did the Sheffield Derby double. There were so many positives in the season. We won a lot of games too. However, the overriding feeling will be one of us blowing it – the week in April and then the playoffs again. His bitter/mardy outbursts have made him hard to like to the neutral football fan. We seem quite disliked generally and that is because of Wilder. However, you can live with the bitter rants, the dancing on the tables and the lack of overall class – if we finished the job. We did not and he ultimately is rightly looking like a bit of a tool now. Away from that and more importantly on the pitch, I felt we ended the season with a more positive way of playing and tactics and seemed like we were playing more front foot football but today after doing well first half and being in control – whatever was said at half time, ensure we serve dup the same negative rubbish where we sat back, went long and did not try and score another goal (the Brooks chance came from their error) and not sure we kept the ball at all. The only reason we still led was they were rubbish but then they scored of course and after that I felt there was only one winner. He shot his bolt with his subs (him and his fitness team have to take some responsibility for Hamer/Campbell not ever being able to play 90 mins) and we had nothing. The late winner was laughable but he should have made a sub at such a critical point too so again rank bad management,



Disappointed the way he went down the tunnel at the end (as a fan we can do that but even though he is one too, he needs to show some class and humility and also lead his side). I heard he said he had spoken to the team when he was interviewed 90 minutes after the final whistle. I thought that was poor. He may have been hurting but has to lead and talk to his group surely? As it stands, despite so many great things he has done, I do not see us progressing ultimately into a Premier League side who can stay there under him. He has so many qualities but sadly the things that made him so good, the fearlessness and the positive attacking football has now gone. He now seems a passive manager that plays not to lose and the number of comebacks/late goals even poor sides have scored against us (we never seem to do the same) is down to how we set up. He has made some baffling selections/subs (did work v Bristol City to counter this) too.



Ultimately he had a chance to really lay down a marker to be an absolute hero who was the first Blade manager for 100 years to win at Wembley and win the playoffs and he failed. I worry that will be his final legacy moment as a manager here. I do not think he will go/be sacked and probably should not be – after the season we had and taking away the emotion – he deserves another shot but has to change his approach and start acting more professionally also. I am not sure he can and that is why I think he may not be here by Xmas next season – just a hunch. If he went this summer, would I be devastated? Probably not. He will be a United legend what he did first time here but it’s not really worked second time around – you are judged by success and that may seem harsh considering how many games/points we accrued. We went down with an incredibly low amount of points and got hammered weekly and now have blown promotion twice when we had it in our fingertips. That is the facts sadly. I do think he will remain but I get the sense yesterday may be the start of the end for him as a Blades manager and if he does not leave soon, he will not be here for the long term. Just my feeling. I might be wrong.





Sunderland – They had looked a good side and one of the better teams (maybe after Leeds – the next best) in terms of how they played and entertained and had been playing free flowing football for the first few months of the season. It dropped off after Xmas and they became a bit more pragmatic. After they got into the playoffs, whether it was due to resting players or letting up, they went on a really bad run and did not go into the playoffs in great form. Even in the two-legged semi-final, Coventry were definitely the better side over two games and the late goal kind of saw this glossed over I felt. They have a relatively young manager and side and was hoping that nerves may get to them on the big occasion and the energy output of the semi final may have sapped them perhaps? For a long period that was the case and they were second best. We score another and not sure they come back and the VAR definitely helped them – not just with the goal being disallowed but the mood change in the whole stadium.



They scored two good goals and credit to them for fighting back and never giving up. Gradually they came into it and after they scored (which kind of came out of nothing) I felt they would go on and win with their legs/energy and pace they had. So it proved but even the winner sort of came out of nowhere but was beautifully finished. In simple terms, they took their chances, we did not. However, they were for the taking in the first half/hour and we let them off the hook. They were a poor side and on the day probably we shaded it over the game, but counts for nothing – as Wilder says stats mean nothing. They showed resilience and their fans really carried them over the line too – as ours seemed very nervous scarred by past defeats understandably. The team showed real bottle to hang in and ours played to not lose. They went for it after they scored. Credit to the manager and their players, they were out of the semi final seemingly and out of the final but somehow go up. They will struggle next season – as any team will but will use the funds and experience to develop further with a promising young squad. The Premier League fans will probably be glad of a new team – as we have stank it up the last two occasions – they may well too.





Opponent Man of the Match/Weak Link – Not sure anyone was outstanding or that bad on either side but Mayenda’s strike was the turning point – a fantastic finish. Watson also took his goal well. In overall play I think both teams sort of cancelled each other out really individually.

 

[Deadbat]

Referee / Officials – Chirs Kavanagh. A Premier League and European competition referee. He did us 3 times last time out in the top flight and sent off McBurnie deservedly away at Burnley and Ahmedhodzic against Forest in the 1-3 home defeat. He also did the game, which we won, at Luton. Going back, he was the one that got in the way of John Fleck in the goal Aguero scored in the 2-0 defeat at Man City, a point we were well in the game. The VAR is out of his control really but interesting none of the officials saw anything wrong at the time? If that is given – no one really says much I do not think. I do not even see any real appeals. It is bizarre that they use VAR just for one game – it is strange because it is ok saying well it is an important game but then there are others that can decide promotion or relegation in the same league throughout the season. Still, we do not lose because of this even if it was a big moment -we had plenty of time to respond. The rest of the game there were four bookings – a few soft ones (Brewster and Mundle) and three late on deserved but I would say that the worst tackle of the game on BBD seemed not to be penalised? The rest of the game not sure there was that much controversy really – the ref was largely fine.







Crowd/Day Out – Part of me did not want to go back but weirdly I have tended to enjoy the days/weekends in London for the Wembley games – until the inevitable loss. Normally a time to meet family/friends and have a good drink and laugh so my memories are not all bad -even if the inevitable trudge down Wembley Way has always ended in disappointment. I went through the other losses here and we were not favourites against them lot in 1993 or against Man City or Hull in the other semis- even though they still hurt. The other playoff finals – not sure you could really say before the games, that there was a clear favourite in the Palace, Burnley or Huddersfield games. Circumstances withy injuries/suspensions/imprisonments meant we went into every one of these games with gaps to fill and options limited -particularly up front. So, this game at least we had a relatively full deck to shuffle. However, we found a new way to contrive to lose – winning, VAR denied a 2nd and then throw it away and lose in stoppage time – even later than the Hopkin one.



We drove down and parked at High Wycombe and it was a good run in really – no bad traffic and train only 25 mins in. Went for breakfast at the Blue Check Café and then onto the Torch. Lively atmosphere in here before leaving to get in around 2.30pm. Usual queues to get in and then the long escalator up to the top tier. We were front of the top tier and the view was excellent – think anywhere you sit is decent even if our experiences there are awful. It was interesting that despite being reported we had sold out or close to- that was clearly not the case. It may be that big section behind the goal is Club Wembley but Sunderland filled the equivalent section the other side. There seemed to not be an empty seat in there end and we had swathes of sections empty. There also felt a lot of day trippers there – loads were not even watching the game near me and more bothered about chatting or going down to the concourse. I do not think it was more than 30k Blades there out of the 35k allocation and it will be a lot less next time we get there. People will say pathetic support and show pictures of the empty seats but I think so many are really done with the place. The fact we were so quiet summed it up – even when we were winning I thought. Next time we get there, we will struggle to take more than 20K I feel. It might not be for a long time of course – you never know.



I felt that the atmosphere was subdued in the United end – Sunderland fans seemed much louder in comparison but nerves clearly played a part. It was loud on both goals (I went mad on the 2nd but then it was disallowed of course) but I saw the look in people faces around this time and you sensed there was a genuine thought of ‘We have done it!’ Of course, this club never fails to find new ways to let you down. 10 playoffs and 7 defeats at Wembley is really something almost laughable. Wilder said he does not believe in the hoodoo and that was nonsense but at this stage, we have to think it is a thing and psychologically there seems a real feeling we simply cannot win at Wembley or win the playoffs. I do not think any fan will believe we will win the playoffs or at Wembley if we get there again. The facts back this up, regardless of whom the manager/players are. We seems to have a really weak mentality as a club (it’s not the fans fault -they should be incidental to it – even though some may say it seeps through). Wilder talked about mentality monsters but we are anything but as shown today. We have a reputation as a real choker club and it is deserved sadly. Yesterday was totally crushing. As the late winner went in, I looked round and people were stunned. It seemed unbelievable it was happening again. There was a mixture of pain and anger as the manager/players had it in control but once again blew it.



We trooped away down the stairwell after stairwell at the end (seemed to take an eternity and felt like a walk to hell as the wife said) and then emerged as we heard the fireworks going off (had this noise so many times of other teams celebrating as we leave) and barely a word was said on the way home. It felt like an absolute nightmare and as much as people say ‘get over it/wouldn’t want some of our fans in the trenches’ it is hard not to feel as we do. After a night’s sleep- I thought I may be more reflective today but it felt even worse. I keep going through every moment of where it went wrong but need to just bury it but will take a long time to get over this and my motivation for football and next season will take a long time to get back. At times this football club makes me so happy but I genuinely uttered the words in my head, ‘Just f**k off United. F**k off.’ That is how it got me. Why cannot they just win one game at Wembley and give us one day of joy – a night where we could go to the pubs and celebrate? It just keeps happening and to me rather than getting easier, it gets more painful each time. I know there is a lot of talk about manager/players etc but I am struggling to even think about that or even next season. I feel like I am grieving – which sounds ridiculous – it is just a game and when you think of things that have happened (Baldock, Maddy, Johnny from Shoreham View and so many more) you do get some perspective but it bloody hurts this morning.



I was unsure whether to a report and maybe should have skulked off like I did yesterday but thought I would – bit of therapy maybe. I also have wrote an end of season review which I will send out from early next week (probably start around Tuesday and that is an in-depth analysis of the season) but I know some will not want to read it – I understand that after the way things finished – but it’s mostly wrote so I will put it out there.



I am off to Paul Heaton in a bit and to be honest, the last place on earth I probably want to be (after Wembley) is Bramall Lane. I will go along but not sure I will be in the mood to sing, ‘Happy Hour!’ after yesterday!



Anyway, ….I will of course be back with more tedious reports and hopefully feel better when August rolls along but that feels a long time away!

 

[Blade56]

First

 

[Pollingtonblade]

You are right about the mentality and the fans even at 1 nil.was quiet as people knew what was coming.

We've said it all before and next season will probably finish top 6 again and bow out in the play offs again, the whole culture needs to change.

Wilders 2019 team beats that Sunderland 2 or 3 nowt

 

[Deaneandagana]

“Why cannot they just win one game at Wembley and give us one day of joy – a night where we could go to the pubs and celebrate? It just keeps happening”

Nailed it mate.

 

[Blade56]

I do not think he will go/be sacked and probably should not be – after the season we had and taking away the emotion – he deserves another shot but has to change his approach and start acting more professionally also.

Love your reports but got to say I cannot disagree with you more on this point. It will be a wasted season if we let him build his team then have to get rid of him before Christmas. That leaves us looking for a manager to take on his players to try and make them play a new way.

Get rid now, the whole lot, leadership is non existent, fitness non existent, moral will stay rock bottom cause it will all be about Wilder and he’s the man that failed to pull it off by reverting to his disastrous tactics in the final 45mins of the season.

When It’s getting more about fixing Wilder than fixing the team it time to change.

 

[Benitachel]

Well done Deadbat. You summed it up correctly. We all felt just the same. I got up this morning thinking will we ever win at Wembley in my lifetime. A sad thought.

 

[robbiez666]

Cannon – What an impact. Comes on, nuts his own player leading to him going off and they go down and score as we have 10 men. No sugar coating it – been a dreadful signing and seen absolutely nothing to suggest this lad will be a success here or anywhere of an equivalent level. If we could move him on this summer I would but we would then essentially probably lose 2/3rd of the fee as not sure we would get more than 3-4 million and even that is a stretch.

Thanks for all your reports. Well worth a read although I don't always agree with everything.

If Wilder stays, do you really see us selling Cannon or Wilder doing A Wilder and stubbornly playing him? A Brewster replacement!

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

I cannot disagree with any of that,spot on with everything. The passage I totally agree with and that was”reverted back to type “ ,it sums him up with retreating 10 metres and inviting the opposition on. I still maintain we should have reset after Hecky,this football is going nowhere,the “style “ is way behind the premiership and quite boring to watch. Sunderland were not very good at all and I can see attendances dropping. It showed against Bristol and yesterday. I’m picking my matches next season,been a season ticket holder for years but my interest is waning and I’ve lost the excitement with this poor standard of predictable football.Your reports are a credit to you,god knows how you find any kind of enthusiasm sometimes.

 

[bakeblade]

Referee / Officials – Chirs Kavanagh. A Premier League and European competition referee. He did us 3 times last time out in the top flight and sent off McBurnie deservedly away at Burnley and Ahmedhodzic against Forest in the 1-3 home defeat. He also did the game, which we won, at Luton. Going back, he was the one that got in the way of John Fleck in the goal Aguero scored in the 2-0 defeat at Man City, a point we were well in the game. The VAR is out of his control really but interesting none of the officials saw anything wrong at the time? If that is given – no one really says much I do not think. I do not even see any real appeals. It is bizarre that they use VAR just for one game – it is strange because it is ok saying well it is an important game but then there are others that can decide promotion or relegation in the same league throughout the season. Still, we do not lose because of this even if it was a big moment -we had plenty of time to respond. The rest of the game there were four bookings – a few soft ones (Brewster and Mundle) and three late on deserved but I would say that the worst tackle of the game on BBD seemed not to be penalised? The rest of the game not sure there was that much controversy really – the ref was largely fine.







Crowd/Day Out – Part of me did not want to go back but weirdly I have tended to enjoy the days/weekends in London for the Wembley games – until the inevitable loss. Normally a time to meet family/friends and have a good drink and laugh so my memories are not all bad -even if the inevitable trudge down Wembley Way has always ended in disappointment. I went through the other losses here and we were not favourites against them lot in 1993 or against Man City or Hull in the other semis- even though they still hurt. The other playoff finals – not sure you could really say before the games, that there was a clear favourite in the Palace, Burnley or Huddersfield games. Circumstances withy injuries/suspensions/imprisonments meant we went into every one of these games with gaps to fill and options limited -particularly up front. So, this game at least we had a relatively full deck to shuffle. However, we found a new way to contrive to lose – winning, VAR denied a 2nd and then throw it away and lose in stoppage time – even later than the Hopkin one.



We drove down and parked at High Wycombe and it was a good run in really – no bad traffic and train only 25 mins in. Went for breakfast at the Blue Check Café and then onto the Torch. Lively atmosphere in here before leaving to get in around 2.30pm. Usual queues to get in and then the long escalator up to the top tier. We were front of the top tier and the view was excellent – think anywhere you sit is decent even if our experiences there are awful. It was interesting that despite being reported we had sold out or close to- that was clearly not the case. It may be that big section behind the goal is Club Wembley but Sunderland filled the equivalent section the other side. There seemed to not be an empty seat in there end and we had swathes of sections empty. There also felt a lot of day trippers there – loads were not even watching the game near me and more bothered about chatting or going down to the concourse. I do not think it was more than 30k Blades there out of the 35k allocation and it will be a lot less next time we get there. People will say pathetic support and show pictures of the empty seats but I think so many are really done with the place. The fact we were so quiet summed it up – even when we were winning I thought. Next time we get there, we will struggle to take more than 20K I feel. It might not be for a long time of course – you never know.



I felt that the atmosphere was subdued in the United end – Sunderland fans seemed much louder in comparison but nerves clearly played a part. It was loud on both goals (I went mad on the 2nd but then it was disallowed of course) but I saw the look in people faces around this time and you sensed there was a genuine thought of ‘We have done it!’ Of course, this club never fails to find new ways to let you down. 10 playoffs and 7 defeats at Wembley is really something almost laughable. Wilder said he does not believe in the hoodoo and that was nonsense but at this stage, we have to think it is a thing and psychologically there seems a real feeling we simply cannot win at Wembley or win the playoffs. I do not think any fan will believe we will win the playoffs or at Wembley if we get there again. The facts back this up, regardless of whom the manager/players are. We seems to have a really weak mentality as a club (it’s not the fans fault -they should be incidental to it – even though some may say it seeps through). Wilder talked about mentality monsters but we are anything but as shown today. We have a reputation as a real choker club and it is deserved sadly. Yesterday was totally crushing. As the late winner went in, I looked round and people were stunned. It seemed unbelievable it was happening again. There was a mixture of pain and anger as the manager/players had it in control but once again blew it.



We trooped away down the stairwell after stairwell at the end (seemed to take an eternity and felt like a walk to hell as the wife said) and then emerged as we heard the fireworks going off (had this noise so many times of other teams celebrating as we leave) and barely a word was said on the way home. It felt like an absolute nightmare and as much as people say ‘get over it/wouldn’t want some of our fans in the trenches’ it is hard not to feel as we do. After a night’s sleep- I thought I may be more reflective today but it felt even worse. I keep going through every moment of where it went wrong but need to just bury it but will take a long time to get over this and my motivation for football and next season will take a long time to get back. At times this football club makes me so happy but I genuinely uttered the words in my head, ‘Just f**k off United. F**k off.’ That is how it got me. Why cannot they just win one game at Wembley and give us one day of joy – a night where we could go to the pubs and celebrate? It just keeps happening and to me rather than getting easier, it gets more painful each time. I know there is a lot of talk about manager/players etc but I am struggling to even think about that or even next season. I feel like I am grieving – which sounds ridiculous – it is just a game and when you think of things that have happened (Baldock, Maddy, Johnny from Shoreham View and so many more) you do get some perspective but it bloody hurts this morning.



I was unsure whether to a report and maybe should have skulked off like I did yesterday but thought I would – bit of therapy maybe. I also have wrote an end of season review which I will send out from early next week (probably start around Tuesday and that is an in-depth analysis of the season) but I know some will not want to read it – I understand that after the way things finished – but it’s mostly wrote so I will put it out there.



I am off to Paul Heaton in a bit and to be honest, the last place on earth I probably want to be (after Wembley) is Bramall Lane. I will go along but not sure I will be in the mood to sing, ‘Happy Hour!’ after yesterday!



Anyway, ….I will of course be back with more tedious reports and hopefully feel better when August rolls along but that feels a long time away!

Cheers DB for your seasons mega contributions, I'm now looking forward to the end of school reports

 

[bakeblade]

Thanks for all your reports. Well worth a read although I don't always agree with everything.

If Wilder stays, do you really see us selling Cannon or Wilder doing A Wilder and stubbornly playing him? A Brewster replacement!

Cannon is going nowhere as long as CW is in charge

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

Great report there but I dare say you've been generous to Brewster there. 4/10 at best.

Selecting him to start whilst omitting JRS from the squad has to be one of the most moronic things Wilder has ever done. Brewsters contribution this season has been poor (less poor than other seasons but still poor) and he's just dining out on a tap in vs the pigs really. Both Brooks and JRS are far superior to him and should start ahead of him.

In a game that can go to extra time and pens starting both Moore and Campbell together was ridiculous. It's vital to have a quality striker on the bench in these games. We had Cannon. 4-2-3-1 with O'hare starting as ACM, Campbell up top, then replace him with a fresh Moore when needed.

You've also been quite kind to our fans who were an utter disgrace in their complete apathy to the concept of backing their team vocally. Though I understand that may be you being diplomatic so fair enough.

Other than that though you're pretty much spot on and thank you for all your hard work this season (and past seasons) with these reports.

I look forward to seeing the player report points tallies now the season has ended.

 

[Antonb]

A fantastic report. And was kind of therapy for me to read. Still a bit shell shocked . Especially after the first half performance where there seemed only one winner. Despite the so called rules of the game. I still feel united were shit on with that 2nd goal disallowed. They weren't coming back from that. Keeper wasn't saving that if they was no one near him. It knocked us and gave them a lift.

 

[Bell4]

Thanks DB - great job

Re Wilder

The goodwill is ebbing away rapidly - I honestly feel he is on a hiding to nothing now and the already part toxic attitude towards him will increase at warp speed at the first setback . He has legendary status and rightly so but it’s the end imo and so it should be .

 

[SouthStandGBlock]

A full and honest report/appraisal DB.

Football really knows how to kick you in the balls doesn't it!!

I'm off to Paul Heaton too in a bit, and I think if I wasn't going with family and friends I wouldn't bother. A day spent at home gardening seems like a lot better therapy to me.

Hope you have a good Summer, and thanks for all the reports this season

 

[Willglynning]

Cheers DB. Titanic effort over the course of the season and I agree with most of this.

Any chance of some more pods over the summer? Don’t even have to be particularly football related; just miss it really

 

[Daredevil]

I was in block 122 on the half way line first half Sunderland fans were really quiet.

 

[Bladesince59]

Great report. Fully agree about Cooper and the second. Was smack in line with my brother who had keeper trials with the Baggies years ago. He made the exact same comment. Hamza mom for me. Moore and Cannon matching bookends

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Souza was alone in midfield 2nd half. Peck was a disaster zone yesterday.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

With respect Hamer wasn't the main threat. As ever, he was the only threat. And he played a poor game too .

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Uncle Chris will ensure we endure 46 matches of Brewster do not f.cking doubt it.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Deadbat Thank you for all the effort & time spent this season writing your match reports. Your presence on this forum is greatly appreciated in Casa Copernicus.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Thanks Deaders, I've disagreed with a few of your reports this season which is odd as we usually see the game the same. I thought Brewster was maybe worthy of a higher mark yesterday but to be honest, who fucking cares right now. It's exhausting following this football club, it eats into you and days like this one sap all the energy from you and crush your soul. I live 5,000 miles away and all I can do is mope around, cursing the disallowed goal, poor defending for the equaliser and wanting to hit Kieffer Moore with a shovel.

I'm glad the season's done now, 46 games down the shitter as they meant nothing in the scheme of things. Thank God we did the double over the filth but other than that, it was all a bit pointless.

UTBFTP

 

[Sandygate Blade]

Great report in the circumstances. So many of us will be at the Paul Heaton gig tonight and I do wonder if the atmosphere will be muted. Hope not.

 

[Rudders]

Good report. Thanks for all the hard work writing match reports up.

 

[Blade59]

Excellent summary. Somehow this seems far worse than the others. In previous finals we have not really turned up and there was nothing to look back after and think if only this (perhaps the Brown missed penalty versus Wolves). Yesterday was different. There were so many opportunities if we had made a better decision, took opportunities etc the result would have been so different and we would have finally won at Wembley. We were the better side for the large part, looked more dangerous, created better opportunities and chances. Even when we set back I never felt that we looked like conceding and as you say both goals came out of nothing.

Felt totally numb coming out. Just total silence in the car until we got half way up the M1. Will reflect over the next couple of days but then will probably just try and switch off totally from anything football / Blades related until August. Hopefully will feel different then but at the moment it feels as if is there any point in continuing to keep putting ourselves through this.

 

[CornwallBlade]

Ratings (will seem low and balance it out that Sunderland’s player be similar I feel – was a poor game and not sure anyone played that well for either side -just scrappy/average performances but they had the big moments)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – one basic save first half but his kicking was not great. The goals they scored were pretty much the only shots they had on target second half. The first is hit high and early and not sure he has any chance. I may get criticised for this but I think he should have done better for the winner. It is in the corner but it is very slow and even though he has men in between him and Watson, I just feel he dives too early and could take another few steps? He has had a great season but he joins Simon Tracey in that his final touch of the season is picking the ball out of the Wembley net after an opponent’s late winner.



Choudhury 7/10 – Our best player and played well. Nothing too flashy but defended well, used the ball sensibly and showed good energy. One of few who can come out and say he did his job throughout (not just in flashes). I would like us to sign him but fear now we will not be able to afford his wages.



Burrows 5.5/10 – First half he got forward well, used it, and nearly got that vital second goal. Second half sat back more and had little protection but then ironically, he is too far forward on the goal and Robinson is left one on one – even if he could do better. I thought we did not really get into their half and he had to just defend second half – was the opposite first half.



Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Was ok really in terms of general defending. Not sure they had many chances at all and he did what he had to. Him going off does not help as leaves a big gap which they exploit. Has a year left and expect we will cash in now. Not that bothered as he has not lived up to the standards of that first season and proven he cannot do it at a higher level. This season he has been ok but struggled since Souttar got injured. Expect and hope we have two new centre backs next season.



Robinson 4.5/10 – Like Anel, he kind of did his job as they were limited to very little but then a big moment when it counted he showed his limitations and why we really need to move on from him. Granted Burrows maybe should have been back but it was a routine run and he needed to either get tight and make a challenge or at least get close and out him off. He backed off (recall him doing this v Man City when Mahrez ran riot) and backed off and the lad thought ok, I will shoot. It was really poor defending and too easy. We hang on for another 5 minutes or so and they get desperate but this gave them life. Just one long ball and we/he could not deal with it.



Souza 5.5/10 – First half he was good as he buzzed around, won the ball and was able to control midfield. He was keeping the ball and shielding the back line too. However, he had a part in the VAR goal being offside and then he was another who was anonymous second half. We needed players to get on the ball and control the midfield – but we became scrappy and were just knocking it on and he looked very leggy by the end. Disappointing that when it mattered, so many reverted to type of the losers that got stuffed every week last season. Thought we needed leaders and character to see it over the line and for all the talk on tactics, not sure we got that when it mattered. He may move on this summer – at this level he is very good and had a pretty good season but I think games like this really matter when evaluating a player. You need people to stand up and show it – not just against a mid-table side at the Lane. Not sure he did that today and like others – hard to shake off that loser tag after last two season.



Peck 4.5/10 – He has had an excellent season but was not great in the two Bristol City games and today he looked very tired and was anonymous for much of the game. Did not see the snapping into tackles, running and energy we have had from him. He just looked weary and his passing was poor. He gave it away a fair bit and when he did keep it, was quite negative going back. Think he could make a really good player and has really had a breakthrough with so many positive moments but I am not sure I see him ready to move on (seen rumours he may go) yet. He does not score/assist and his passing is quite safe on the whole. I do think he can get those things into his game by the way as has the ability but if he moves now, say a Premier Lague team gives us 6-7 million now – then he just gets loaned out to a Champ team doesn’t he? Overall a lot to be proud of but another we did not get the big performance (not sure their midfield was great either by the way) today we hoped.



Hamer 6.5/10 – Thought he showed flashes of his great play and was our main threat in terms of offering ability to find a forward pass and get us in behind. The goal was all about this type of play. He flitted in and out but when he had it, we looked like things might happen. Thought he faded though and did not do enough off the ball – he then felt his hamstring again and failed to finish a game again. He is no doubt our best player and if he moves on, we really miss him as does so many good things but he is frustrating and not sure Prem teams will be falling over themselves to sign him – can see him moving abroad if we decide to cash in. He is nowhere near fit, overweight and I felt overall despite him offering moments, he did not put in a match winning type performance we needed. If one of our big players turns up 2nd half, we go on and win. They did not.



Brewster 5/10 – Bit of a non-descript game. Did his defensive stuff and helped out going back the other way and when he went off they had more space down here but on the ball not sure he offered much of got involved really. He’s became a serviceable wide player and looks better here than up front and has had an ‘ok’ season with some moments – the goal at Wednesday won’t be forgotten. However, his time is up for me and needs moving on. He will be on huge wages and one we now have to get off our books. I will be annoyed if we bring him back as is another part of the losing mentality and simply not done enough over his contract to justify us spending any more limited funds on us.



Campbell 6/10 – 6 may seem low as he scored an excellent chipped finish and was lively early on. The goal was excellent and he took it so calmly. As the game went on, his impact lessened and we barely got him into the game as there were big gaps between our three departments and we went long too much. Struggles to play full games and must sort his fitness out but I would have kept him on longer unless he really could not carry on- as soon as him and Hamer went off -we had nothing to offer going forward.



Moore 4/10 – He did well first half and his physicality caused problems as he won headers and held it up ok but his game unravelled with ours as the contest went on. Second half he gave it away and took an age to do things as he cannot use his weaker foot. He had opportunities to play people in but made poor decisions and then gifted them a pass to score the winning goal – he did this a few times this season I recall. I have no idea who he was passing to and summed up his poor technical ability really – as he is so clumsy at times. Had the chance early he missed and then selfishly took a shot when Campbell was well placed. We are stuck with him for another 2 years. I am not sure I see him as the sort of player I want as a regular really as it means we play direct. He should be a sub/option player for certain games but not a starter. Another if he went to another Champ team not sure I would be that fussed.



Subs –



Brooks 6/10 – May seem high as he missed the big chance but one of few who gave us an outlet second half and at least tried to carry the ball. The chance he missed he should score but a few inches the other way and it goes in. He maybe needed to be a it cuter and lift it like Campbell. Hope that is not his big United moment (like Webber v Wigan) that will always be remembered. Was not a sitter but he will be disappointed not to score.



O’Hare 3/10 – Came on and was played almost up front which did not work. Hamer had gone off this stage and we were just lumping it. Could not in the game. Three visits to Wembley and three defeats in three years. He fits perfectly with us!



Brereton Diaz 2/10 – Came on, got injured and then went off – after being booked. Rak Sakyi was surely a better option as a sub. Never been fit since he came and looks like he cannot run anymore? Thought it was a good signing to bring him back but other than a few goals – he has made little impact and thankfully any clause to buy was surely on promotion so will head back to Southampton reserves and then probably back out on loan to a middling Champ side you would think. I would not even entertain signing him. Given an opportunity to get a permanent deal here and did not take it and showed why he was nowhere near one of the worst teams in Premier League history.



Davies – Barely on the field to make any impact. Should have come on a lot earlier for Peck who looked done to me.



Cannon – What an impact. Comes on, nuts his own player leading to him going off and they go down and score as we have 10 men. No sugar coating it – been a dreadful signing and seen absolutely nothing to suggest this lad will be a success here or anywhere of an equivalent level. If we could move him on this summer I would but we would then essentially probably lose 2/3rd of the fee as not sure we would get more than 3-4 million and even that is a stretch.



Seriki – Only came on at the end when we had conceded so hard to assess him. Want him to be our starting right back next season – expect Choudhury, Davies, Arblaster and Peck to be the midfield four competing for players although accept we may not be able to afford Choudhury now.



Manager: Wilder 2/10 – Sadly when it came to him, he reverted to type of the second half of the season and we sat back and defended and played not to lose. In the end, the inability to hold on (by not trying to go forward or even try and attack/keep the ball) cost us. We have played the three promoted teams 7 times and lost 6. That is a telling stat really. Ultimately the season he did well. He rebuilt the side, brought young players in and made us tougher to beat after last season’s disaster. We stayed near the top and were so close to going up. We did the Sheffield Derby double. There were so many positives in the season. We won a lot of games too. However, the overriding feeling will be one of us blowing it – the week in April and then the playoffs again. His bitter/mardy outbursts have made him hard to like to the neutral football fan. We seem quite disliked generally and that is because of Wilder. However, you can live with the bitter rants, the dancing on the tables and the lack of overall class – if we finished the job. We did not and he ultimately is rightly looking like a bit of a tool now. Away from that and more importantly on the pitch, I felt we ended the season with a more positive way of playing and tactics and seemed like we were playing more front foot football but today after doing well first half and being in control – whatever was said at half time, ensure we serve dup the same negative rubbish where we sat back, went long and did not try and score another goal (the Brooks chance came from their error) and not sure we kept the ball at all. The only reason we still led was they were rubbish but then they scored of course and after that I felt there was only one winner. He shot his bolt with his subs (him and his fitness team have to take some responsibility for Hamer/Campbell not ever being able to play 90 mins) and we had nothing. The late winner was laughable but he should have made a sub at such a critical point too so again rank bad management,



Disappointed the way he went down the tunnel at the end (as a fan we can do that but even though he is one too, he needs to show some class and humility and also lead his side). I heard he said he had spoken to the team when he was interviewed 90 minutes after the final whistle. I thought that was poor. He may have been hurting but has to lead and talk to his group surely? As it stands, despite so many great things he has done, I do not see us progressing ultimately into a Premier League side who can stay there under him. He has so many qualities but sadly the things that made him so good, the fearlessness and the positive attacking football has now gone. He now seems a passive manager that plays not to lose and the number of comebacks/late goals even poor sides have scored against us (we never seem to do the same) is down to how we set up. He has made some baffling selections/subs (did work v Bristol City to counter this) too.



Ultimately he had a chance to really lay down a marker to be an absolute hero who was the first Blade manager for 100 years to win at Wembley and win the playoffs and he failed. I worry that will be his final legacy moment as a manager here. I do not think he will go/be sacked and probably should not be – after the season we had and taking away the emotion – he deserves another shot but has to change his approach and start acting more professionally also. I am not sure he can and that is why I think he may not be here by Xmas next season – just a hunch. If he went this summer, would I be devastated? Probably not. He will be a United legend what he did first time here but it’s not really worked second time around – you are judged by success and that may seem harsh considering how many games/points we accrued. We went down with an incredibly low amount of points and got hammered weekly and now have blown promotion twice when we had it in our fingertips. That is the facts sadly. I do think he will remain but I get the sense yesterday may be the start of the end for him as a Blades manager and if he does not leave soon, he will not be here for the long term. Just my feeling. I might be wrong.





Sunderland – They had looked a good side and one of the better teams (maybe after Leeds – the next best) in terms of how they played and entertained and had been playing free flowing football for the first few months of the season. It dropped off after Xmas and they became a bit more pragmatic. After they got into the playoffs, whether it was due to resting players or letting up, they went on a really bad run and did not go into the playoffs in great form. Even in the two-legged semi-final, Coventry were definitely the better side over two games and the late goal kind of saw this glossed over I felt. They have a relatively young manager and side and was hoping that nerves may get to them on the big occasion and the energy output of the semi final may have sapped them perhaps? For a long period that was the case and they were second best. We score another and not sure they come back and the VAR definitely helped them – not just with the goal being disallowed but the mood change in the whole stadium.



They scored two good goals and credit to them for fighting back and never giving up. Gradually they came into it and after they scored (which kind of came out of nothing) I felt they would go on and win with their legs/energy and pace they had. So it proved but even the winner sort of came out of nowhere but was beautifully finished. In simple terms, they took their chances, we did not. However, they were for the taking in the first half/hour and we let them off the hook. They were a poor side and on the day probably we shaded it over the game, but counts for nothing – as Wilder says stats mean nothing. They showed resilience and their fans really carried them over the line too – as ours seemed very nervous scarred by past defeats understandably. The team showed real bottle to hang in and ours played to not lose. They went for it after they scored. Credit to the manager and their players, they were out of the semi final seemingly and out of the final but somehow go up. They will struggle next season – as any team will but will use the funds and experience to develop further with a promising young squad. The Premier League fans will probably be glad of a new team – as we have stank it up the last two occasions – they may well too.





Opponent Man of the Match/Weak Link – Not sure anyone was outstanding or that bad on either side but Mayenda’s strike was the turning point – a fantastic finish. Watson also took his goal well. In overall play I think both teams sort of cancelled each other out really individually.

Absolutely spot on assessment. I’d give Davies a 6 simply because he harried, tackled and injected energy. As you said, he should have come on for Peck 20 mins earlier. Brewster was a 2 for me. Abject first touch and no composure whatsoever in front of goal. He made some good defensive contributions - but so did McBurnie, and he’s not in the team for that.
Thanks for your efforts as always DB
UTB

 

[bladesince64]

Reading an accurate match analysis even after another devastating defeat definitely does help me to get my head around the whys and wherefores of what wrong.

I do think Wilder will be given the opportunity to at least start in situ as manager next season but the new ownership regime will not be averse to pulling the trigger if we dont get off to a good start.

 

[CornwallBlade]

I was in block 122 on the half way line first half Sunderland fans were really quiet.

Agreed, I think this slating of us is unfair. I was in 520 and it was loud and proud for most of the 1st half. Sunderland went quiet after the goal and would have been silent if the VAR hadn’t gone their way.
2nd half was patchy but we all know why