United 1 Swansea 2 - report

[Deadbat]

Sorry for the delay in the report…..went out to Peddlers at Kelham Island after the game to drown my sorrows…..


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United’s new season got off to a disappointing start as they went down to a 2-1 defeat to newly relegated Swansea at Bramall Lane. It was a poor game with little quality on show and neither side really got going but the game sparked into life when George Baldock gave United the lead with a neat finish after a well worked move. Swansea responded and pinned the home side back after this and goals from Oliver McBurnie and Yan Dhanda gave the Swans the victory. The Blades struggled to cope with the pace and creativity of the visitors in the final stages and were cut open at times. United huffed and puffed but in the end, it was a deserved victory for the away side. United looked a long way off the side that started last season so well and sadly looked more akin to the tired group that ended the season.


The opening game began, as it often does, in glorious sunshine but it was the visitors who started slightly better winning two free kicks that came to nothing in the end. United won an early corner and soon after this Evans cross evaded O’Connell at the back post. McGoldrick had looked lively early for the hosts with McKay causing problems with his running for the visiting team. There had been few opportunities of note as the game was being played at quite a slow pace. Stevens accidentally caught Fernandez leading to treatment for the Swansea man and some hysteria on both benches. The game was struggling to have any momentum although decent play from the Swans led to a half chance blocked. McGoldrick had a shot deflected wide and then O’Connell headed over. The best chance of the half came to the visitors when Henderson had to make a smart reaction save with his feet after the ball had fell in the box but the referee pulled play up; seemingly for a handball. Soon after the half time whistle came in a largely forgettable first half.


The second half saw Swansea make an early attack as McKay fed Asoro but O’Connell bravely blocked the ball. Egan then gave it away but United were able to stem the threat soon after with Baldock stepping in. At the other end United had a decent chance but McGoldrick pulled his shot wide with others screaming for the pass. Lundstram then had the Blades best opportunity but sliced it badly wide. He was able to make a good tackle moments later. Carroll then fired over as the game started to open up more.


The opening goal came with some neat play down the left and Stevens fed Lundstram who sent over a lovely pulled back cross and BALDOCK met it to side foot it home past Nordfeldt to send the Kop into raptures.


Swansea came out after this goal and had a real go. Henderson did well to flick over Fulton’s looping header and then McKay nearly fed McBurnie. United started to sit back and it was no surprise when the leveller came. More good work from the enterprising Celina fed McKay who ran through and found McBurnie. His flick round the corner back to McKay was intercepted by a defender but Henderson had to dive full length to prevent an own goal. The ball fell perfectly for McBURNIE who smashed home from close range.


Swansea came again soon after and McKay’s whipped effort smacked the bar with Henderson beaten. Sub Montero was causing all sorts of problems and he beat Baldock twice for pace leading to further half chances. Woodburn was one for McGoldrick and then Lundstram departed for Sharp as Wilder sought to stem the tide but at this stage United were defending more than attacking.


The comeback was complete five minutes from time. Montero was again the provider, as he skipped past Egan this time and crosses. McKay seemed set to shoot when Stevens took his legs away from him but DHANDA, who had only entered the pitch moments ago, rammed home the rebound as the referee played a good advantage.


Duffy was brought on and United had a half chance as the keeper pushed away a deflected header from his own man but as the game ticked into four minutes additional time other than a weak Egan effort; Swansea held out and picked up the opening day win.



United – We were poor today and never really got going in a very average performance in a poor game against a side that were there for the taking. Wilder got the team selection wrong. He tried to match up and keep it solid in midfield but Evans and Lundstram together does not work. Both lack mobility and pace and means we get overrun in this area. Duffy is not a defensive player but he gets hold of the ball and thus reduces pressure on your defence/rest of midfield. I felt that Wilder played the two aforementioned to give us some solidity but in truth it never worked and the best two players on the pitch (save for the sub who came on and gave us a torrid time) were Celina and Carroll who were up against these two. For a home side we never had control of the game or midfield all afternoon and we never really put them under any pressure. It felt a bit friendly/practice match at times as we sat off. They were not great but came to life after we scored, stepped up a gear and in the end went through us a like a knife through butter. They scored 2 but could have easily scored 4 or 5 in the last 20 minutes alone. We had a few decent chances at 0-0 with shots missing from Lundstram and also McGoldrick but we never really got beyond them. The front two were isolated and we had no creativity or pace. We took an age to move the ball on and when we did they had men behind the ball and dealt with us quite easily.


I do not think they were great shakes and were equally poor for long spells but simply upped it after we scored. Wilder got the team selection wrong but had chances to redeem himself but did not change it and when he did make the wrong changes for me. Duffy should have been on a lot earlier or even Leonard in midfield to get amongst them, pressure them an stop the ease with which they ran through with the ball. Woodburn came on and was left isolated – he should have replaced a midfielder for me – in the same way the other strikers were. Sharp rarely changes games when he is a sub as lacks the pace to get up with the game. Duffy came on late on but this was a waste of time for me.


I felt we did not really press, harry or get in their faces and it was all a bit easy. They gave the ball away a lot without being under any pressure but we failed to take advantage. I felt we sat off and gave them time. They wasted so many good chances to cross or create and it was only at the end when they started to run at us and commit men forward they made us pay. I felt despite us being poor we had given as good as we got up to the point we scored and then got in front. We failed to build on this and they sensed gaps opening up. They seemed to have quicker, nimble and more skilled players in the last 20 minutes – which had not always been the case in the early stages of the game. It was if they realised how slow and immobile our defence and midfield were. It was worrying how easily a team got through us in those last stages – especially as it had our new big money signing and highly rated keeper in. Neither looked totally convincing and indeed none of the debutants had a particularly good game.


The issues pinpointed last year in terms of defensive errors – poor goals and lack of creativity and pace (outside of Duffy) were right to the fore and if Clarke is not on his game or not effective you worry where the goals may come from. The keeper did not have one save to make and other than a couple of shots wide from McGoldrick and Lundstram we did not create anything outside the goal.


I was not going to get too up if we had won – said when we led that the performance had been average at best- so cannot get too down about losing. It is one game. Still, it is a concern to some degree as there are a lot of questions around the side still. I am still to be convinced by either Lundstram or Evans. There are fans of both of them I know but unsure either offer much that affects games enough in a positive way. Both are very much ‘meh’ players in that they are just very average. Egan had to do a lot better than that but should be given time of course. It is hard to be too critical of the strikers as both had little service but Clarke did have one of those not that bothered games I felt. McGoldrick seemed to put himself about more than him. Fleck was wasted having to drift out to the left and ended up more left wing than central but him, O’Connell and Clarke – our three big players down the spine did not have great games at all.


We clearly need another striker but if Coutts is not back for a few months; the midfield is still an issue. We will get overrun a lot more if we play like that but I am sure Wilder will change things for the game in the week. I expect a reaction to a very poor start and hope we can go there and be positive. We then go to QPR; so two away games in a week. It is important we get off the mark sooner rather than later. I said today a point would have been a good result and even said that at 1-0 and then at 1-1; would have been delighted to take a draw. We lost rather meekly in the end and it was disappointing how easily they scored the goals. We looked a bit of a soft touch in the final stages and that needs to change fast.


Swansea – Thought for the first hour or so off the match they looked as poor as us. They gave it away and were sloppy with the ball even at the back. They did not have much of an attacking threat although had more of the midfield. They looked like they were feeling their way into the season the same as we were; but the goal woke them up. They made a change and got some pace into the game and the two lads in midfield started to support the already impressive McKay. Celina and Carroll started to run at our tired midfielders and they supported McBurnie and to be honest a chance looked like coming every time they attacked after this. They hit the bar and had a few other efforts in between the goals. They just ran at us and got men up to support and the weight of numbers told. They were queuing up to score the goals they did.


Tactically Potter got it right in the end as he ensured they had 2 wingers which pinned back the wing backs and nullified out main threat – due to the pace even our centre backs could not go forward. We then relied on the midfield to run with the ball or carry it but they did not and they found out probably a bit too late but enough in the end; how to play against us. Several teams did the same post Xmas but we do not seem to be able to change it.


Swansea are a much changed team and a new manager with several key men leaving; they may have some Premier League quality but I do think with a proper United up and at em performance today; they were there for the taking. Sadly we served up a really poor showing and in the end they did just about enough to nick the game. People will say that it was even for 70 minutes but the final 20 minutes are when games are effectively won and lost and they battered us in this all-important stage of the game in ball retention and chances. Hard to know where Swansea will finish up. Been linked with more players; including Ryan Woods at Brentford but they look the weakest out of the three relegated teams on paper. Course it never works that way but I would be surprised if they did go straight back up. I felt playoffs at best would be what they would achieve.


Opposition Man of the Match: The lad McKay was the best player in the first half and looked a threat and of course the sub Montero caused us all sorts of problems but to me the best two players were Carroll and Celina. The latter was at Ipswich last year and did ok but not someone clubs were clamouring to sign (from Man City). Today he bossed the midfield and I felt for the final part of the game his play, running and passing was crucial in the comeback.



Opposition Weak link: Other than above; no one stood out really or were particularly bad. Just a lot of average performers (for both teams). Felt the lad Olsson at left back struggled a bit and lost his way a few times and the centre backs although good in the air did give it away as much our players did.

 

[Deadbat]

United -


Henderson 7/10 – He started the game ok taking a cross and fielding a few routine shots and then made a good save when the lad was penalised for handball just before the break. He did kick one ball out and his overall kicking was quite poor – sent a few more out of play after this. He then made another really smart save when he flicked over; when it was 1-0. After this he got badly exposed as they attacked at will and he made a good stop in the build up the goal at close range but could not do anything with the rebound. He had no chance with the winner. A number of other efforts reigned in and he was not given any protection.


Baldock 6/10 – Up to the last 20 minutes you could see why he was a contender for our man of the match; if there was one. He had linked fairly well and then got forward more second half which culminated in him being on the left wing in the build up to him eventually scoring – a well taken finish. After this he had a bit of a mare. The lad Montero skinned him several times and he was given no protection from Basham or any of the midfielders as the lad was too quick and skilled for him. Numerous attacks came down this side and we did nothing to stem the tide.


Stevens 6/10 – Seen him criticised on a few reports but not sure he was close to our being one of our worst players. Sure, his crossing remains frustrating and at times he loses his concentration at the back; but overall thought he was ok today. Most of the problems near the end came down the other side. He was slow to pick up men when the ball came over near the end though. I think there are much bigger priorities in the team than this position for me.


Basham 5.5/10 – He had a really ragged game. He got nutmegged badly first half, he then committed an awful dive trying to win a penalty and was erratic in most things he did with the ball. He got better either side of half time but then as they attacked us near the end did not get out quick enough to support Baldock and left him badly exposed. He too got beat for pace and skill from the same lad also near the end.


O’Connell 6/10 – Best of the central defence but not by much. He will be counted on as one of our key men but today he was a bit careless with the ball and at times seemed at full stretch. Did make a few good runs n the first half when he ran down the left and was our furthest attacker. Still a lot of work to be done in terms of meshing with the players at the back


Egan 5/10 – Have to say it was a poor debut. His distribution all day was not very good at all. He either lumped it to no one or gave it to them. Brentford fans said he is not that great with the ball at his feet and sadly you could see that. He headed it and kicked it away well enough and in actual defending up to that last stage he seemed ok. He gave a horrible ball away that nearly led to them scoring second half and then as they attacked he struggled and was one of a number who got beat too easily. I think in the build up to the second goal he failed to stop the man running through.


Fleck 5.5/10 – Not sure it was his best game at all but the formation did not seem to suit him. When he plays in a three he normally plays in the middle or slightly to the left but he was almost exclusively left side and nearly as a left winger; particularly second half. He had a few runs and passes but the game seemed to pass him by and he did not have anywhere near the impact that you would want him to have. The outstanding players on the field were the two Swansea midfielders and none of our middle three really shined. Fleck has to do more really in those sort of games as it our key man in midfield but he rarely got on the ball or even put a tackle in.


Evans 5.5/10 – Probably get hammered for this mark but stand by it. He put two excellent whipped crosses in that evaded the strikers when someone maybe should have got on the end of it. Outside of this not sure he did much really. He took way too many touches when he had it and often went sideways or backwards. He did not carry the ball or play many decisive forward passes (outside of two crosses stated above). I felt defensively he sat off the opponents and we gave them way too much time. His set plays were poor also; floated in. He is a bit marmite. Some fans like him where as others (can include me in that) struggle to see what he does – to me he lacks pace, mobility and does not affect games enough. I have not worked out what he is. He is not a passer/schemer nor he is a tackler or enforcer. Maybe he is meant to do a bit of everything but not sure he is that great at any one thing. Just looks very average to me. Crying out for some energy or someone who can unlock other defences in that area.


Lundstram 6/10 – As above really. He had a decent spell second half when he ran forward and linked and then shot badly wide – he the chased back and won a great tackle. He also then made the goal with a neat pass after a run out wide. Outside of this a few pinged cross field balls but the game seemed to pass him by. He looked absolutely knackered early in the second half and players were running away from him. As I have said with Evans, we needed someone to press or harry and close the two scheming midfielders Swansea had. We failed to do that and they constantly second half; especially in the crucial part of the game; failed to stop the runners or close down the ball. They had way too much time to do what they wanted. Maybe for the first 70 minutes they did not hurt us but still had too much of the ball in the middle. To be fair to him he was off when they scored the winner. When it mattered; at the end of the game they looked faster, stronger and fitter and our midfield’s legs looked shot which is a worry first game.


McGoldrick 6/10 – Think he was slightly better than Clarke but not by much. He too had little service but tried to run the channels, win flicks on and hold it up when he could. He started the game ok and looked like he was desperate to impress. Second half he had a decent chance which he pulled wide but outside of this cannot recall many openings coming his way at all. He tired and was eventually taken off.


Clarke 6/10 – Not really in the game but had little service. He started the game involved and was busy but then the big lad, van der Hoorn started to impose himself on Clarke and win a lot of the aerial stuff. He kind of fed on scraps and seemed to then get a bit frustrated. Not sure he had a shot or effort all game and as our main striker you do expect more even if he was starved of the ball in the key areas. Wanted a bit more effort 2nd half as the two centre halves coped with us a bit too easily.


Subs:


Woodburn – Not the best of starts albeit a limited sample size. You could say it is hard to adapt to the hurly burly pace of a game as a sub; especially the fast-paced Championship – would argue it is quicker than the Premier League. However, today the game was played at a snail’s pace at times. He never really got on the ball as it squirted away from him a few times. Not sure he did much of anything when he came on- maybe a few sideways lay offs or passes but saw nothing from him as an attacking threat. Not sure he is a striker from speaking to Liverpool supporting friends who say he is a winger – which makes it hard as we do not play with wingers.


Sharp – Came on but he seems to struggle when he comes on as sub to get to the pace of the game. Held it up a few times but cannot recall anything he did that led to a chance or having a chance.


Duffy – Came on at the death. He got on it a few times but it was all too little, too late and he got crowded out when he had it.


Manager: Wilder 4/10 – See above. Just got it horribly wrong. Team selection, tactics and subs. Rare I criticise him so much. It is thin margins as he says in terms of goals but they could have scored countless times on the break. I felt we never had control of the game even at 0-0. Us scoring might have been the worst thing to happen as rather than it peter out to a 0-0 draw it woke them up and they had a proper go and we looked really bad then. However, for us to not control key areas of the park and not really move the ball quick enough could have been rectified. I would have had not issues with a double change at half time (Leonard and Duffy for Lundstram and Evans) but he kept with the same team but things carried on much the same but we then scored. After they got level he changed it but made the wrong changes. I think he will realise he got a few things wrong today. Not saying he was directly at fault for the loss as players did make mistakes and we did give away sloppy goals but never really took the initiative from the start or at any point in the game. The high pressing, attacking and passing style we never really sore and it was a really slow and laborious performance. The only thing that made it look better is they were not much better but then had the ability to change it up and we had no answer. He persisted with the same formation too and this at times is becoming a bit predictable. At times in games he needs to change this and give teams things to think about. We lack pace so teams will just sit deep and then pick us off as we try and go through them.


Will need a response from his team in the week as that was not good enough individually or collectively. People may say this is harsh but how many players or departments actually functioned well in the game?


Officials – Referee was Steve Martin. No not the actor. He was ok. He did give them quite a bit of the 50-50 stuff early on but settled down and cannot recall too many really big calls he got wrong. I felt McBurnie should have been booked for persistent fouling and moaning. He did really well to play on in the winning goal – as it was a certain penalty and a reckless challenge but waited and they scored which was of course an excellent advantage. He was not helped by two useless assistant referees, particularly him on the South Stand side who seemed to be still on his holiday. He simply did not want to make a decision at all. Interesting to see Wilder and Knill angry with the Swansea bench claiming they waved imaginary yellow cards after a foul and wanted action (new rule where managers/coaches can get yellow and red cards for various offences includes the brandishing of an imaginary yellow in an attempt to get someone booked).



Crowd – 24 and half thousand. I expected a lot more than that I have to be honest. It was nearly 2,000 down on the opener last season. Of course, it was on Sky and there are people on holiday and Swansea did not quite bring as many as Brentford (poor following from the Swans – maybe less than a 1,000). However, it does show that season tickets sales are probably down a bit. I felt the crowd were supportive at first and noisy when the game began but it was a poor match and in the heat; it all became very subdued. It picked up second half a bit and we scored of course but this positivity did not last and soon as we struggled, groans and sighs began. The new lad Woodburn miscontrolled one pass and got a significant groan from the crowd which seemed a bit harsh. I think many had been pleased with the incoming players and felt quite positive so to see such a poor performance was disappointing. It is the usual stuff as you wait all summer for the season to come back and you get excited the night before and on the day of the match; meet your mates and have a few pints and then within 90 minutes all the hopes and excitement seems to have disappeared.

 

[bromtom]

Agree on the whole. Just poor. I would give McGoldrick a better score than Clarke but when they're working with not a lot it seems harsh.

I would say I thought Sharp had a decent impact when he came on. He was making runs (I think one of the big groans from the crowd was a pass to him that went out for a GK).

In a way I'm optimistic because Wilder usually sees it the way it is (even if he doesn't say it was shit on Radio Sheffield) so surely we can't be that bad on Tuesday.

Thought the crowd was great, the attendance was quite low, reminded me of Barnsley at home where about 3 people made the enormous trip from Barnsley so we only got 25K. We were loud though, but as you say, had a moan towards the end, but it was a poor performance and it was chuffing hot so I'm sure the players understand. Still got clapped off.

 

[Harry's Game]

Henderson 6

Baldock 7
Basham 4
Eagan 5
JOC 4
Stevens 4

Fleck 5
Evans 4
Lundstrum 4

Clarke 4
Mcgoldrick 5

 

[Bert]

Henderson 6

Baldock 7
Basham 4
Eagan 5
JOC 4
Stevens 4

Fleck 5
Evans 4
Lundstrum 4

Clarke 4
Mcgoldrick 5

Baldock was ripped to shreds in the last half an hour. 4/10

 

[Harry's Game]

Baldock was ripped to shreds in the last half an hour. 4/10

Tell me who wasn’t?

and at least he looked a threat going forward.

Maybe a 6 but I gave him an extra point for the goal.

 

[Large Mendonca]

I just don't think we look fit enough, and neither did we second half of last season. It seems we can only play for 65-70 mins and then we look knackered. How many goals do we score in the last 15 to how many we concede ? Lundstram looks fat and Stevens goes missing in the second half of every game.

 

[Dkc]

Good to see you back Deadbat, excellent report as always. In general I wouldn't be as critical, I felt we had them at 1-0 but the subs seemed to make us less effective.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Henderson - 5
made one decent save that you'd expect him to save. Distribution was poor, looks uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. On early viewing, we should have stuck with Blackman.

Baldock - 7
The only player, in my opinion, that had a good game. He made mistakes but tried to make things happen, was our only threat, and took his goal well.

Basham - 3
A bad game for him. Too slow for their attackers and was exposed as the weak link in the back line.

Egan - 5
Solid at the basics, needs someone always available to give the ball to, so he doesn't have to try ambitious passes. He will probably look like a good signing once Coutts is back.

JOC - 5
I like JOC but that was the worst game I've seen him play for us.

Stevens - 5
Did nothing particularly bad (aside from his crossing), or particularly good.

Fleck - 5
Wasn't at the races but he was carrying 2 passengers in midfield.

Evans - 4
Passenger number 1. Doesn't drive the game forward or break up possession.

Lundstram - 3
Passenger number 2. Gives possession away in stupid areas, always tries the Hollywood pass that rarely comes off. When we don't have the ball he looks lost and gives the impression that he doesn't know what to do/who to mark.

McGoldrick - 6
Nice link up player, I like him, but he needs a player with pace next to him.

Clark - 4
Ineffective.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Excellent summarisation Deadbat. I’d debate some of your marks (too generous to Stevens, Evans and Lundstram) but you’ve called the game exactly as I saw it.

In broad terms, I feel to get promoted you need 4-5 players capable of playing Premier League football, then perhaps another 3-4 elite Championship footballers. These two groups, with their quality, will carry what remains.

Our squad is quite a long way off this. We have two players in Fleck and O’Connell who are probably capable of playing Premier League football. Then, in the next category of ‘elite Championship footballers,’ from the XI that started yesterday (and on the evidence of 2018s performances) - I’m not sure we really had any on show.

Egan (though poor yesterday), Baldock, McGoldrick and Leon Clarke are all solid mid-table Championship footballers. Basham, Evans, Stevens and Lundstram all belong somewhere amongst a relegation battle (or even, Basham aside, back in League 1).

A lot of fans are calling the fans’ reaction to today a knee-jerk. Sadly, I don’t think this is the case. Our form hasn’t been impressive all year. I don’t see Henderson, Egan or McGoldrick as major upgrades on Blackman, Stearman or Sharp. The side and system haven’t really changed. The quality of our play isn’t improving.

If our form of 2018 continues for the remainder of this season (and I see no reason why it won’t) we will be in the lower half this season. This isn’t a huge criticism of Wilder, the club or anything else. Just a reality check of where we are.

 

[AWetFlannel]

Agree with most of that as per DB, I blame Sir Chris more than the players.

Not sure they pinned our fullbacks though, as Wilder said on the radio, if we'd have sat back more we might have contained them. Was similar to Fulham in that they kept their wingers high and wide, and because we are positive we kept the fullbacks pushed up and let the CB's deal with it. (Basham dived in and then Montero was running at Egan for the second goal!)

Thought Sharp played well when he came on, not sure he'll be rewarded with a start on Tuesday though.

 

[Addison]

I don't think anyone can dispute your assessment of the game DB including the marking, worringly accurate. The only crumb of comfort I can get from yesterdays abject performance is I remember the first game last season against Brentford when we looked half a yard slower and if it wasn't for Blackman having an excellent debut we would have probably lost that one as well.

Our next two games were flat even with Coutts in the team as we tried to get up to speed and we lost them both. There was a missing ingredient and we were forced to make changes for the Barnsley game. The missing ingredient was Duffy, man of the match performance followed, the Holy trinity was re born and we kick started the season. We won't have Coutts back after four games but we need to start with Duffy in Home games as a minimum unless we push the boat out in the next few days and get Freeman in. We may have to change our shape and bring in a defensive midfielder away from Home for the time being. I'm hoping CW see this and will make changes for Middlesbrough.

 

[Grappler]

Pretty much as I saw it as well. The goals seemed to come from JOC's side of the goal, which was similar to last year, Preston away, etc. Not sure if that means that Stevens is not tracking back enough or that JOC had switched off for a split second.

I don't think Swansea were miles better than us, but they had more pace all over the park and McBurnie was a proper handful up front.

 

[Grecian2000]

Said it a few times last season, and it was as applicable yesterday as then, we need Duffy on from the start, and for as long as he is able, when we are at home.
We simply are more effective with him in the side and, perhaps even more importantly, Fleck is twice the player with Duffy to work with.
We might have to be tighter away BUT in our own house we should dictate the rules and not let the opposition scare us into negativity.
For all our eventual frailty at the back, it was our lack of ideas in the final third that undid us yesterday (and many times in the second half of last season).

 

[Revolution]

For me it was very similar to the opener 4 years ago against Bristol City.

Like then, I was optimistic going in but bizarre team selection and tactics saw us lose 2-1 to a team that moved a lot better than we did.

It was disheartening to see Duffy and Sharp on the bench and Evans, Lundstram and McGoldrick (who will never match what Sharp achieved last season IMHO) starting. And sadly Nobody has bothered to tell Stevens that he really needs to get the ball over earlier.

I have a hard time Believing we will get anything at Boro.

 

[metalblade]

Henderson 6 a couple of good saves but very poor kicking and distribution looked a bit nervous otherwise it would have been 7

Baldock 6 decent enough until the goal then went to shit, still never tried to go past a defender.
Basham 4 got turned skinned for pace nutmegged a bit like that Dutch bloke at S6
Egan 5 poor hardly won a challenge all game
JOC 5 poor hardly won a challenge all game
Stevens 4.5 Poor all round got into some decent positions but has no confidence to take on his man so we pass back or start pissing about in the corners

Fleck 5 Hardly had a kick but did try on the few occasions he had the ball
Evans 4 Was he on the pitch ?
Lundstram 4 As above anonymous.

Clarke 4 Looked slow and laboured got dominated by the defenders
McGoldrick 5 Same as Clarke but showed a bit more effort badly missed his one chance.

 

[SB_90]

We didnt play as bad as the disaster relegation battle most are. I thought it was Game neither side played well in. Both still finding their feet . I thought we were the better team v newly relegated premier league side for more of the game than swansea were. I liked some of attacking movement we had at times, the goal was a fantastic example of that brilliant build up play. It was worthy of guardiola. But also on otherhand i was amazed at no duffy considering last 4 months of last season no duffy & we were toothless. Also clarke & mcgoldrick seemed too similar to be a partnership. Yesterday too many times we were too ponderous in possession & let them get 8 or 9 behind the ball. We need to get that counter attack edge back. I am disappointed to not even get a point after taking the lead but let down by some very poor defending to gift swansea 2 goals. But at times we were far too open & i know it spans over this & last season. But defensive side is worrying because thats now 6 of last 9 games we have taken the lead but lost

We have got to remember it was 1 of our toughest home games on paper & shouldve won but as mentioned our game management is shocking. But we will improve

 

[Dnblade]

Agree with most of that DB,it did mirror a lot of performances in the 2nd half of last season...I thought the Keeper did ok apart from his kicking wasn't always the best...2 great saves,but unlucky for the equaliser.
I thought Baldock played quite well upto getting done on the byline...he's encouraged to get forwards,so the 2nd goal,although down his side was more down to Bash making a bad mistake,then poor defending alround.
But overall,we're 2 pedestrian...nobody is able to run past a man,no link to the strikers from midfield..easy for teams to defend when it's all in front of them.
We need more from Evans and Lundstram,let's face it Fleck is usually at it.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Duffy and Woodburn at Boro...behind Clarke.
I get the criticism,but way over the top from some for me...if it was 6 games I'm then fair enough..I'm confident Wilder will not be happy,and sort things out.

 

[jt64]

Agree with pretty much all that, cheers DB

 

[super_pig]

Sorry for the delay in the report…..went out to Peddlers at Kelham Island after the game to drown my sorrows…..


----


United’s new season got off to a disappointing start as they went down to a 2-1 defeat to newly relegated Swansea at Bramall Lane. It was a poor game with little quality on show and neither side really got going but the game sparked into life when George Baldock gave United the lead with a neat finish after a well worked move. Swansea responded and pinned the home side back after this and goals from Oliver McBurnie and Yan Dhanda gave the Swans the victory. The Blades struggled to cope with the pace and creativity of the visitors in the final stages and were cut open at times. United huffed and puffed but in the end, it was a deserved victory for the away side. United looked a long way off the side that started last season so well and sadly looked more akin to the tired group that ended the season.


The opening game began, as it often does, in glorious sunshine but it was the visitors who started slightly better winning two free kicks that came to nothing in the end. United won an early corner and soon after this Evans cross evaded O’Connell at the back post. McGoldrick had looked lively early for the hosts with McKay causing problems with his running for the visiting team. There had been few opportunities of note as the game was being played at quite a slow pace. Stevens accidentally caught Fernandez leading to treatment for the Swansea man and some hysteria on both benches. The game was struggling to have any momentum although decent play from the Swans led to a half chance blocked. McGoldrick had a shot deflected wide and then O’Connell headed over. The best chance of the half came to the visitors when Henderson had to make a smart reaction save with his feet after the ball had fell in the box but the referee pulled play up; seemingly for a handball. Soon after the half time whistle came in a largely forgettable first half.


The second half saw Swansea make an early attack as McKay fed Asoro but O’Connell bravely blocked the ball. Egan then gave it away but United were able to stem the threat soon after with Baldock stepping in. At the other end United had a decent chance but McGoldrick pulled his shot wide with others screaming for the pass. Lundstram then had the Blades best opportunity but sliced it badly wide. He was able to make a good tackle moments later. Carroll then fired over as the game started to open up more.


The opening goal came with some neat play down the left and Stevens fed Lundstram who sent over a lovely pulled back cross and BALDOCK met it to side foot it home past Nordfeldt to send the Kop into raptures.


Swansea came out after this goal and had a real go. Henderson did well to flick over Fulton’s looping header and then McKay nearly fed McBurnie. United started to sit back and it was no surprise when the leveller came. More good work from the enterprising Celina fed McKay who ran through and found McBurnie. His flick round the corner back to McKay was intercepted by a defender but Henderson had to dive full length to prevent an own goal. The ball fell perfectly for McBURNIE who smashed home from close range.


Swansea came again soon after and McKay’s whipped effort smacked the bar with Henderson beaten. Sub Montero was causing all sorts of problems and he beat Baldock twice for pace leading to further half chances. Woodburn was one for McGoldrick and then Lundstram departed for Sharp as Wilder sought to stem the tide but at this stage United were defending more than attacking.


The comeback was complete five minutes from time. Montero was again the provider, as he skipped past Egan this time and crosses. McKay seemed set to shoot when Stevens took his legs away from him but DHANDA, who had only entered the pitch moments ago, rammed home the rebound as the referee played a good advantage.


Duffy was brought on and United had a half chance as the keeper pushed away a deflected header from his own man but as the game ticked into four minutes additional time other than a weak Egan effort; Swansea held out and picked up the opening day win.



United – We were poor today and never really got going in a very average performance in a poor game against a side that were there for the taking. Wilder got the team selection wrong. He tried to match up and keep it solid in midfield but Evans and Lundstram together does not work. Both lack mobility and pace and means we get overrun in this area. Duffy is not a defensive player but he gets hold of the ball and thus reduces pressure on your defence/rest of midfield. I felt that Wilder played the two aforementioned to give us some solidity but in truth it never worked and the best two players on the pitch (save for the sub who came on and gave us a torrid time) were Celina and Carroll who were up against these two. For a home side we never had control of the game or midfield all afternoon and we never really put them under any pressure. It felt a bit friendly/practice match at times as we sat off. They were not great but came to life after we scored, stepped up a gear and in the end went through us a like a knife through butter. They scored 2 but could have easily scored 4 or 5 in the last 20 minutes alone. We had a few decent chances at 0-0 with shots missing from Lundstram and also McGoldrick but we never really got beyond them. The front two were isolated and we had no creativity or pace. We took an age to move the ball on and when we did they had men behind the ball and dealt with us quite easily.


I do not think they were great shakes and were equally poor for long spells but simply upped it after we scored. Wilder got the team selection wrong but had chances to redeem himself but did not change it and when he did make the wrong changes for me. Duffy should have been on a lot earlier or even Leonard in midfield to get amongst them, pressure them an stop the ease with which they ran through with the ball. Woodburn came on and was left isolated – he should have replaced a midfielder for me – in the same way the other strikers were. Sharp rarely changes games when he is a sub as lacks the pace to get up with the game. Duffy came on late on but this was a waste of time for me.


I felt we did not really press, harry or get in their faces and it was all a bit easy. They gave the ball away a lot without being under any pressure but we failed to take advantage. I felt we sat off and gave them time. They wasted so many good chances to cross or create and it was only at the end when they started to run at us and commit men forward they made us pay. I felt despite us being poor we had given as good as we got up to the point we scored and then got in front. We failed to build on this and they sensed gaps opening up. They seemed to have quicker, nimble and more skilled players in the last 20 minutes – which had not always been the case in the early stages of the game. It was if they realised how slow and immobile our defence and midfield were. It was worrying how easily a team got through us in those last stages – especially as it had our new big money signing and highly rated keeper in. Neither looked totally convincing and indeed none of the debutants had a particularly good game.


The issues pinpointed last year in terms of defensive errors – poor goals and lack of creativity and pace (outside of Duffy) were right to the fore and if Clarke is not on his game or not effective you worry where the goals may come from. The keeper did not have one save to make and other than a couple of shots wide from McGoldrick and Lundstram we did not create anything outside the goal.


I was not going to get too up if we had won – said when we led that the performance had been average at best- so cannot get too down about losing. It is one game. Still, it is a concern to some degree as there are a lot of questions around the side still. I am still to be convinced by either Lundstram or Evans. There are fans of both of them I know but unsure either offer much that affects games enough in a positive way. Both are very much ‘meh’ players in that they are just very average. Egan had to do a lot better than that but should be given time of course. It is hard to be too critical of the strikers as both had little service but Clarke did have one of those not that bothered games I felt. McGoldrick seemed to put himself about more than him. Fleck was wasted having to drift out to the left and ended up more left wing than central but him, O’Connell and Clarke – our three big players down the spine did not have great games at all.


We clearly need another striker but if Coutts is not back for a few months; the midfield is still an issue. We will get overrun a lot more if we play like that but I am sure Wilder will change things for the game in the week. I expect a reaction to a very poor start and hope we can go there and be positive. We then go to QPR; so two away games in a week. It is important we get off the mark sooner rather than later. I said today a point would have been a good result and even said that at 1-0 and then at 1-1; would have been delighted to take a draw. We lost rather meekly in the end and it was disappointing how easily they scored the goals. We looked a bit of a soft touch in the final stages and that needs to change fast.


Swansea – Thought for the first hour or so off the match they looked as poor as us. They gave it away and were sloppy with the ball even at the back. They did not have much of an attacking threat although had more of the midfield. They looked like they were feeling their way into the season the same as we were; but the goal woke them up. They made a change and got some pace into the game and the two lads in midfield started to support the already impressive McKay. Celina and Carroll started to run at our tired midfielders and they supported McBurnie and to be honest a chance looked like coming every time they attacked after this. They hit the bar and had a few other efforts in between the goals. They just ran at us and got men up to support and the weight of numbers told. They were queuing up to score the goals they did.


Tactically Potter got it right in the end as he ensured they had 2 wingers which pinned back the wing backs and nullified out main threat – due to the pace even our centre backs could not go forward. We then relied on the midfield to run with the ball or carry it but they did not and they found out probably a bit too late but enough in the end; how to play against us. Several teams did the same post Xmas but we do not seem to be able to change it.


Swansea are a much changed team and a new manager with several key men leaving; they may have some Premier League quality but I do think with a proper United up and at em performance today; they were there for the taking. Sadly we served up a really poor showing and in the end they did just about enough to nick the game. People will say that it was even for 70 minutes but the final 20 minutes are when games are effectively won and lost and they battered us in this all-important stage of the game in ball retention and chances. Hard to know where Swansea will finish up. Been linked with more players; including Ryan Woods at Brentford but they look the weakest out of the three relegated teams on paper. Course it never works that way but I would be surprised if they did go straight back up. I felt playoffs at best would be what they would achieve.


Opposition Man of the Match: The lad McKay was the best player in the first half and looked a threat and of course the sub Montero caused us all sorts of problems but to me the best two players were Carroll and Celina. The latter was at Ipswich last year and did ok but not someone clubs were clamouring to sign (from Man City). Today he bossed the midfield and I felt for the final part of the game his play, running and passing was crucial in the comeback.



Opposition Weak link: Other than above; no one stood out really or were particularly bad. Just a lot of average performers (for both teams). Felt the lad Olsson at left back struggled a bit and lost his way a few times and the centre backs although good in the air did give it away as much our players did.

amen bro

 

[John Street West Terrace]

We were poor yesterday , we looked slow and laboured , we seem to have lost that work rate when not in possession that was our hallmark in the first half last season .
Duffy should be in that starting 11 without him the creativity dries up & Baldock and Stevens might learn a thing or two on how to cross a ball off Montero who beats his man and delivers a good cross.
Second half when defending Swansea dropped McBurnie back onto Evans meaning CH,s had to carry the ball , Egan didn’t look comfortable at all at that or his distribution
Other than Henderson I wouldn’t have scored any of em above 5/10 yesterday need to get back our old habits & we’ll be fine .
Swansea are a decent side but we made them look better that what they were , best player on pitch was Carrol .

 

[LoughboroBlade]

For me it was very similar to the opener 4 years ago against Bristol City.

Exactly what I thought watching it. Some odd parallels: again a lot of expectation going in to it, first game of the season, the fact it was on TV, a line-up that plenty wouldn’t have gone with, a 2-1 defeat following a 1-0 lead, and on a personal note watching it all happen while abroad.

 

[super_pig]

Baldock was ripped to shreds in the last half an hour. 4/10

scored
still prefer freeman missen’

 

[Deadbat]

Just watched a Leeds side that individually are no better than us but that Bielsa has them super fit. They pressed, harried and dominated an experienced Stoke side. Apparently they do all day sessions till 8pm at night. Be interesting if they keep it up but was a far cry from the tired, slow group that wilted badly in the Sheffield sunshine yesterday. We always seemed really fit first season on league one under wilder but since Xmas so many players look tired after an hour - is it individuals just not having endurance/pace/power or collectively have we fallen off in this area. We do lack youth in the side of course.

 

[pommpey]

For me

Henderson 6/10: Good tip-over save, looks a good acquisition but there's lots of work needs doing regarding his communication and distribution

Baldock 6/10: Pretty decent game. Took his goal well

Basham 4.5/10: Looked really rusty. I don't now how much longer we can tolerate his inconsistency. He's a great bloke is Bash. 100% and heart on sleeve … but sometime that's not enough. Give me Morgan, Beesley or Colquhoun anyday. Yesterday he was clumsy and predictable.

Egan 5/10: Nondescript debut, against a frontline I'd expect him to have in his pocket for £4m. Again, looked liable and clumsy.

O'Connell 6.5/10: Only boosted so much in reference to the other two of the central three at the back. Jack is good, but is only as good as those are around him. If they are having a fucker of a game, so will Jack. None of the back three showed me they were worthy of praise against what was a pretty pissy attack.

Stevens 5/10: He's really clinging on isn't he? Freeman must be looking forward to either of the wide back two roles.

Fleck 5/10: On;y got this because he was played right out of position and failed to show. When he did it was part of a messy fuck about over out wide to try to work and entry into the box.

Evans 4/10: Tried to track Evans and mark him … but every time it was bad news. He isn't gonna score to worldies every game is he … so what exactly does he bring to the game for Sheffield United? Answers on a postcard.

Lundstram 4/10: Really, really disappointing. He is definitely not a midfielder at this level is he? The effort he puts in is commendable, but then again, we used to have Patterson and Monty graft for ninety minutes and produce zip-all. Lundstram was the same yesterday. And that fucking sitter. Please mate. Side-foot into corner. He fucking SPOONED it.

McGoldrick 6/10: Thought he really tried to get involved and was unfortunate to be subbed.

Clarke 6/10: Clarke - like Goldy - can only do what they can with the right supply. Yesterday there was fucking zero point zero coming through for them both

Subs: Woodford 5/10: Bit unfair I suppose. He has to get himself used to the game but he will learn fast. And any 'ball over top 'to Clarkey has to be done with care. Clarke isn't Mo Salah.

Other two - not on long enough

Disappointing, but unsurprising start to the season. We are where we are, which is at the shitty, slowly decaying bit from Xmas 2017 to May 2018. Swansea were pretty abject save for McKay and one or two others and really, we should have sat on the barely deserved 1-0 lead and kept them in their half. But the writing was on the wall after seven minutes for me. We'd started so well, great passing and penetration and then as soon as they gained possession and started to outpass us, we forgot plan a. and reverted to endlessly faffing about trying to work pointless one twos out wide or overpassing it in midfield, courtesy mainly of Evans and Lundstram who seriously don't know what to do to carry it forward and lay off the attackers, or smash it at goal. The only bright spot is when they took their eye off it and allowed our wide-placed right wing back to slot it in from the left hand edge of the penalty area. Where was Fleck, Evans, or Clarke to do that? There also seems to be a fucking great hole in behind the front two where either Duffy or Brooks used to be. None of the midfielders occupied that yesterday to feed the forwards. And the crossing at times was wankathonarama

At the back I felt we were pretty below average with Basham in one of his downswings, Egan having a fucking load more to show for his fee and O'Connell chucking himself across everything that comes his way, which is nice, but leaves us exposed.

The season aint over, but we desperately need quality and consistency in the club. We have a real test over the next few days with clubs who will punish us if we continue to play such uncreative and in many instances, negative football and if we play with no intent to create an outcome. And we have to play with the intent to come away with a clean sheet. Both sloppy, avoidable goals yesterday showed me that the players lost their nerve yesterday and didn't think for each other.

I trust Wilder to fix that. Best we have that big signing - preferably in midfield please.

pommpey

ps: Coutts - I don't know what people are expecting of Paul Coutts when he comes back but for me it is simply to get fit and back playing after the thick end of a year with a horrific injury to fix. If anyone is naïve enough to think that as soon as we see him on the team sheet, everything is gonna be fucking dandy had better think again. He'll be back, but I'd hold your piss in for a moment and allow him to get back into match fitness and get his head back into football. Expect some 5/10 and 6/10 marks and Deadbat to not be blowing sunshine out of his arse for quite some time before we see - if at all this season - something of the rare vision and industry with Fleck and Duffy which made the beginning of 2017-18. The one thing he - and us - don't want is for him to end up back on the treatment table because people are expecting him to shit tiffany cufflinks on day one, minute one. We need patience and understanding. He needs time and appreciation. It will not happen overnight or in five games for the lad.

 

[KiwiBlabe]

I could have written that report DB. The marks were about right, JOC was a little generous for me. No one stood out either way in a poor team performance. I really struggle to see why people are singling out individual players for critisism.
We will come good i am sure.

 

[Deaneandagana]

Just watched a Leeds side that individually are no better than us but that Bielsa has them super fit. They pressed, harried and dominated an experienced Stoke side. Apparently they do all day sessions till 8pm at night. Be interesting if they keep it up but was a far cry from the tired, slow group that wilted badly in the Sheffield sunshine yesterday. We always seemed really fit first season on league one under wilder but since Xmas so many players look tired after an hour - is it individuals just not having endurance/pace/power or collectively have we fallen off in this area. We do lack youth in the side of course.

You’re quite right Leeds were a mirror image of us between Aug to Nov 17 last year.

The question is can they sustain that level of intensity all season & overcome the inevitable injuries that accrue from such a system - we couldn’t & didn’t, suffered burn out that we don’t appear to have rectified.

 

[gavtheblade]

Meh.

 

[Sheff de party]

Decent report as always.

Can’t understand how Clarke gets a 6 though. You can blame service all day but you have to show for it, make runs and get yourself into the game by getting wide or dropping deeper if you aren’t getting the ball. He was a complete passenger.

Thought 7 for Henderson was harsh too, he made some excellent saves and he looks like a top shot stopper and has glue on his gloves - not fussed if he can’t kick straight

 

[pommpey]

Clarke is an opportunist striker. When he's required to go and fetch (as was from the by-line yesterday on one or two occasions) that takes so much pressure off the central pairing. He's easy to marshal out wide, because he has no real pace to get round the wide back and in on goal. Play the ball into his feet with his back to goal, set him on with a half a yard of space and opportunity or give him the chances Goldy and Lumpstom had and he'll stick it in the net, or make the keeper save it. Sharp is simply a percentage striker, who will gamble and if given the chance, will usually (ahem … Brentford) finish.

We just need connective tissue to link the midfield and wings with them two. Yesterday showed also we don't (and have rarely) played 'two up front' very well. Drop one off the frontman to feed off the second ball or use one as a decoy to take defenders and you have a better formula. Neither Goldy nor Clarke were doing that yesterday and they both were struggling to understand where each other were, positionally.

pommpey