United 1 Wrexham 0 - summary / ratings

[Deadbat]

Not come out of the Lane smiling much this season, even the games we have won, but tonight I did, and felt a big step forward. An excellent first half performance where we dominated the game, scored and could have been even more comfortable. 2nd half was scrappy and we dropped off but they barely threatened. In the end it, we thoroughly deserved to win the game.

The first half we took the game to them and we penned them vack We were front foot and played much higher up the field than in most other games. We pressed well and were winning most of the loose balls and 50-50 stuff. Phillips and Peck controlled midfield and we played more possession stuff than we have done all season. We utilised the dangerous Donovan, who had Kabore on toast and even the maligned Ayew, BBD held it up and linked with others. Despite the domination, we did not create tons. A BBD header and a few other moments where the ball bounced around. Burrows put some decent balls in but there was nothing clear cut till the goal. Ayew made space and hit a decent shot but the keeper should do better but BBD reacts well to finish.

It was a deserved lead and we looked to finish them off. Burrows was tripped for what looked like a clear penalty but the ref did not give it, despite being well placed. We continued to control the play but could not find a 2nd goal, that perhaps our domination deserved. Wrexham had been abject with only one O’Brien effort blocked but barely got in our half. I was surprised how bad they were.

At the break, they made changes and I thought they could not be any worse. They did improve but hardly pushed us back. They crested very little but we also offered little as an attacking threat. Smith at least gave them another outlet and they did have more of the ball but the game became scrappy. The ref somehow booked two of ours after they had committed umpteen fouls and only Doyle got a yellow. Both teams made more changes but it was a poor contest. We struggled to find the fluidity of the first half with Donovan less of a factor. The minutes ticked by with very few incidents. Not sure they put us under too much pressure despite us creating next to nothing. Till the last few minutes, cannot recall any efforts from either side that tested the keepers.

Peck and Cannon had long range efforts and Smith & Moore had closer in efforts but both were comfortable for Cooper. The only concern was that with 6 minutes stoppage time, which seemed way too long, and you hoped a set play or cross would not drop for Moore but they never really looked like scoring.

In the end, United deserved the win. I have been critical of Wilder and the team this season but there has been improvements since the international break, albeit versus some of the poorer sides in the division. We have looked more organised and are not shipping as many chances, or goals. First half today was very good. It was front foot football and we dominated Wrexham. We got the goal and it was really positive. The 2nd half was a drop off but we kind of did what we had to. Wrexham created little and the result was 100% correct. It has been a much better run of results and indeed performances. We are finally playing some of our better players (Burrows, Phillips, Peck and Donovan) and this makes a big difference of course. A soft schedule has helped and this continues with PNE, Charlton and Watford the next three. There are definitely points to be had from those. We sit just outside the playoffs which is mad after a very mediocre to poor season overall. Shows how poor the rest of the division is!

Credit to Wilder, and the team for a much improved performance. We were not amazing but it was a good performance overall and a very good first half. Not sure anyone played poorly and a lot of solid to good individual showings allied to a solid team showing.
​

 

[Deadbat]

Player ratings:

Cooper 6/10 – Had nothing to do most of the game as we protected him well. Punched one cross away & then saved a Smith shot quite easily. One excellent kick out to Ayew 2nd half.

Choudhury 6/10 – Ok without anything that great or poor. They barely attacked for an hour but then they did have a few attacks. He made a few interceptions but then was slow to react once and also gave away a stupid free kick near the end.

Burrows 6.5/10 – Gave us a good outlet and ended up so far forward that he was almost a winger as teamed up with Donovan. They struggled with us constantly down that side. He put a few good balls in and was involved in lots of our attacks. Defensively not really tested and even 2nd half, there was only a few moments down that side where they had some space but nothing clearcut.

Tanganga 7.5/10 – Thought we coped well with Moore. He won his headers when he could but let Moore win a few and then got back to the next phase. He battled hard, competed and endured they were limited to nothing really. Smith gave them a few half chances near the end but the centre backs defended well overall

Kitching 7/10 – As above. He got to the ball first and was able to deny time or space. Harsh booking 2nd half when he seemed to get fouled first. Stuck to his task and we did not get too deep which we have in other games. Helped Wrexham had no pace/runners up top. Suspended now so McGuiness will come in at PNE.

Phillips 7.5/10 – Got the man of the match on Sky and deservedly so. He did make a few poor decisions but overall he looked the classiest and most in control on the whole park. Makes time on the ball and is composed. He got his foot in and used his body/strength well. We completely dictated the middle of the field and played through here too, which was pleasing after a largely direct style, this season. He faded a bit towards the end but so did a number. He has completed three straight 90 minutes now which I never thought would happen!

Peck 7/10 – Quietly did his job next to perhaps the more imposing Phillips but he was solid. He got his foot in and helped it on. He used it well. Had a decent few runs into the box and linked well with others. Had a decent shot near the end but just did not get enough on it.

Donovan 7.5/10 – Scintillating performance first half where he was a constant threat. He caused Kabore all sorts of problems and showed his full box of tricks. Went inside and outside. Got into dangerous areas and drew so many fouls. He worked hard too. Second half, he was not as impactful but still worked back when he lost it. Keeping him on till the closing stages, helped give us an outlet. He has to play more as he makes things happen!

Chong 6/10 – Not really hugely a threat but he did show some nice skill to beat his man once. Helped keep the ball but too slow to do things at times. We seemed to attack more down the left than right. His crossing is poor and we rarely see chances coke from him. He was ok but nothing sure long term he is the answer.

Ayew 6/10 – He was ok without being brilliant. Saw more of the ball than he has in other games. The ball stuck more to him and some decent interchange too. Had the shot for the goal which was a decent effort. Tired after the break, as shown when he had the break from the Cooper distribution, when he took too long.

Brereton Diaz 6.5/10 – Another that has been criticised recently but he also did alright. Few neat touches and hold up. He ran the channels and at least was able to keep the ball better. Definitely better as a forward more centrally. On the spot for goal where he reacted first. Second half needed to do more as the ball stuck less.

Subs –

Seriki 6/10 – Went wide right. Won a corner and gave us an outlet. One giveaway saw them break and Wilder was furious with him.

Cannon 5.5/10 – Won a few headers and had a couple of runs, but took on a shot when he should have passed perhaps?

Arblaster – Got his foot in once but a few bizarre decisions where he gave it away and saw us having to regroup and defend.

McGuiness – Recall one header where he reacted and another clearance. His height was useful at the end.

Campbell – Not sure we saw much of him but we were just trying to see the game out at this stage rather than attack.



Manager Rating: Wilder 7.5/10 – First half was so much better from us. We moved it quicker. There were shorter passes I’d the players were much more connected. I saw a better cohesion overall. We had overloads and we stretched them. Donovan was a total menace they could not handle. The front lads held it up, made good runs and Phillips controlled midfield. Wrexham were really poor but we made them look bad. It was so much better. The only annoyance was we should have been a couple up. The 2nd half was not great but then Wrexham did not really offer anything either. It sort of petered out but that was fine. I do think we could and should have tried to keep attacking and finish them off but they made changes. We kind if got caught between whether we were going to attack or defend but the all important thing was to see it out, and win it. We did that and it was a hugely important three points.

---

Wrexham – I thought they would be higher but I was not certain they would push on and felt just above midway was about the limit, unless they moved on from Parkinson. They have spent a fair but again on the likes of Paterson, O’Hare etc and continued to overspend on Championship level performers who perhaps do not move the needle enough (look at the amount they spent on Broadhead, Vyner etc). They have stockpiled loads of players but I still am not sure they have enough quality to really say they are close to Boro, West Ham, Wolves etc over a season. Their limit would be around 5th-8th but of course as it stands they are not even close to that. Parkinson did well last season and they were not just a long ball side, despite Moore being a big piece. They have not kicked on and genuine questions are being asked of Parkinson whose time may come to an end sooner rather than later. I do not like him particularly, as a manager or a bloke, but he has done well and I am not sure that even a new manager would get them much higher than the lower play off places? Granted they should be doing better than many teams above them for the budget and spending they have shown but it is hard to kick on and compete with the Parachute sides. They will have to spend even more but think teams know they are coming when they are linked with players and do overpay (think we got a good fee for O’Hare if the reported amount is correct) and they will have players for a season or so and move on. Do not see O’Hare being there in say 2 seasons – ditto for Moore. They have some good players and I like Kabore, O’Brien and Doyle at the back – but they overspent massively on the keeper who I am not sure is that great. The one they had last season was a weak link but he is doing quite well at Charlton by all accounts! There is enough in a deep squad to at least get to mid table but I wonder if that managerial change will happen soon?

In terms of the game, I was surprised just how bad they were. They sat back, barely attacked and struggled to have any of the ball. It was very one sided and it seemed inevitable they would concede. They should have been further behind as they got away with a clear penalty. They made changes but barely created anything. They looked so flat, lacking energy and players who wanted to take chances. Moore tried gamely but had to come back deeper and deeper. They missed the likes of Windass and Broadhead as offered little penetration. The game just sort of went by and they simply did not do enough and deservedly were beaten. The small away following (around 1k?) looked fed up at the end. They are really stuck in a rut and need a result soon but have two tough games v Boro and Wolves, which seem crucial for Parkinson.

Opposition player of the match – Moore actually got booed but he at least was able bit of a threat. Smith also at least was able to win a few balls. It was slim pickings though for them.

Opposition weak link – Patterson was poor on the goal, but Kabore had a torrid time v Donovan. I like O’Brien but he was ineffectual tonight. Doyle got a booking and committed a few other fouls.

Referee – David Webb. Not his best performance. Booked two of ours for little but let so many fouls go from them. Also missed a clear penalty I thought. 6 minutes seemed excessive too.

 

[Flo's Sweaty Bandage]

First! Cheers Deadbat!

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Phillips rolled his ankle and was lucky that he came out of the game relatively unscathed. Having done similar on a few occasions myself, I'm guessing that it was stiffening up as the game went on and judging by his movement the last 15 minutes he was struggling for mobility. Fair play to him for getting through the 90 minutes.

He's a joy to watch to be honest, he very rarely hoofs it and always looks to keep it moving and be sure to find a red and white shirt. Rolls Royce footballer, hope he stays fit.

 

[Harry's Game]

A fully fit Philips is a level above where we are.. I admit fully my doubts about the signing.. I posted it.. but the doubts I hope I made clear were purely about him being able to stay fit and available, his ability if he could stay fit I never questioned……….so far we have got more out of him minutes wise than i thought we would before Xmas and he’s our player of the season so far.. let’s hope the turned ankle doesn’t stiffen overnight as currently he’s worth 2 men in that position

Wrexham I thought were absolutely abysmal… having spent the money and the sponsorship resources they have how can they be comfortably the worst side I’ve seen this season? even Lincoln had more threat…. Parkinson is on borrowed time surely.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Player ratings:

Cooper 6/10 – Had nothing to do most of the game as we protected him well. Punched one cross away & then saved a Smith shot quite easily. One excellent kick out to Ayew 2nd half.

Choudhury 6/10 – Ok without anything that great or poor. They barely attacked for an hour but then they did have a few attacks. He made a few interceptions but then was slow to react once and also gave away a stupid free kick near the end.

Burrows 6.5/10 – Gave us a good outlet and ended up so far forward that he was almost a winger as teamed up with Donovan. They struggled with us constantly down that side. He put a few good balls in and was involved in lots of our attacks. Defensively not really tested and even 2nd half, there was only a few moments down that side where they had some space but nothing clearcut.

Tanganga 7.5/10 – Thought we coped well with Moore. He won his headers when he could but let Moore win a few and then got back to the next phase. He battled hard, competed and endured they were limited to nothing really. Smith gave them a few half chances near the end but the centre backs defended well overall

Kitching 7/10 – As above. He got to the ball first and was able to deny time or space. Harsh booking 2nd half when he seemed to get fouled first. Stuck to his task and we did not get too deep which we have in other games. Helped Wrexham had no pace/runners up top. Suspended now so McGuiness will come in at PNE.

Phillips 7.5/10 – Got the man of the match on Sky and deservedly so. He did make a few poor decisions but overall he looked the classiest and most in control on the whole park. Makes time on the ball and is composed. He got his foot in and used his body/strength well. We completely dictated the middle of the field and played through here too, which was pleasing after a largely direct style, this season. He faded a bit towards the end but so did a number. He has completed three straight 90 minutes now which I never thought would happen!

Peck 7/10 – Quietly did his job next to perhaps the more imposing Phillips but he was solid. He got his foot in and helped it on. He used it well. Had a decent few runs into the box and linked well with others. Had a decent shot near the end but just did not get enough on it.

Donovan 7.5/10 – Scintillating performance first half where he was a constant threat. He caused Kabore all sorts of problems and showed his full box of tricks. Went inside and outside. Got into dangerous areas and drew so many fouls. He worked hard too. Second half, he was not as impactful but still worked back when he lost it. Keeping him on till the closing stages, helped give us an outlet. He has to play more as he makes things happen!

Chong 6/10 – Not really hugely a threat but he did show some nice skill to beat his man once. Helped keep the ball but too slow to do things at times. We seemed to attack more down the left than right. His crossing is poor and we rarely see chances coke from him. He was ok but nothing sure long term he is the answer.

Ayew 6/10 – He was ok without being brilliant. Saw more of the ball than he has in other games. The ball stuck more to him and some decent interchange too. Had the shot for the goal which was a decent effort. Tired after the break, as shown when he had the break from the Cooper distribution, when he took too long.

Brereton Diaz 6.5/10 – Another that has been criticised recently but he also did alright. Few neat touches and hold up. He ran the channels and at least was able to keep the ball better. Definitely better as a forward more centrally. On the spot for goal where he reacted first. Second half needed to do more as the ball stuck less.

Subs –

Seriki 6/10 – Went wide right. Won a corner and gave us an outlet. One giveaway saw them break and Wilder was furious with him.

Cannon 5.5/10 – Won a few headers and had a couple of runs, but took on a shot when he should have passed perhaps?

Arblaster – Got his foot in once but a few bizarre decisions where he gave it away and saw us having to regroup and defend.

McGuiness – Recall one header where he reacted and another clearance. His height was useful at the end.

Campbell – Not sure we saw much of him but we were just trying to see the game out at this stage rather than attack.



Manager Rating: Wilder 7.5/10 – First half was so much better from us. We moved it quicker. There were shorter passes I’d the players were much more connected. I saw a better cohesion overall. We had overloads and we stretched them. Donovan was a total menace they could not handle. The front lads held it up, made good runs and Phillips controlled midfield. Wrexham were really poor but we made them look bad. It was so much better. The only annoyance was we should have been a couple up. The 2nd half was not great but then Wrexham did not really offer anything either. It sort of petered out but that was fine. I do think we could and should have tried to keep attacking and finish them off but they made changes. We kind if got caught between whether we were going to attack or defend but the all important thing was to see it out, and win it. We did that and it was a hugely important three points.

---

Wrexham – I thought they would be higher but I was not certain they would push on and felt just above midway was about the limit, unless they moved on from Parkinson. They have spent a fair but again on the likes of Paterson, O’Hare etc and continued to overspend on Championship level performers who perhaps do not move the needle enough (look at the amount they spent on Broadhead, Vyner etc). They have stockpiled loads of players but I still am not sure they have enough quality to really say they are close to Boro, West Ham, Wolves etc over a season. Their limit would be around 5th-8th but of course as it stands they are not even close to that. Parkinson did well last season and they were not just a long ball side, despite Moore being a big piece. They have not kicked on and genuine questions are being asked of Parkinson whose time may come to an end sooner rather than later. I do not like him particularly, as a manager or a bloke, but he has done well and I am not sure that even a new manager would get them much higher than the lower play off places? Granted they should be doing better than many teams above them for the budget and spending they have shown but it is hard to kick on and compete with the Parachute sides. They will have to spend even more but think teams know they are coming when they are linked with players and do overpay (think we got a good fee for O’Hare if the reported amount is correct) and they will have players for a season or so and move on. Do not see O’Hare being there in say 2 seasons – ditto for Moore. They have some good players and I like Kabore, O’Brien and Doyle at the back – but they overspent massively on the keeper who I am not sure is that great. The one they had last season was a weak link but he is doing quite well at Charlton by all accounts! There is enough in a deep squad to at least get to mid table but I wonder if that managerial change will happen soon?

In terms of the game, I was surprised just how bad they were. They sat back, barely attacked and struggled to have any of the ball. It was very one sided and it seemed inevitable they would concede. They should have been further behind as they got away with a clear penalty. They made changes but barely created anything. They looked so flat, lacking energy and players who wanted to take chances. Moore tried gamely but had to come back deeper and deeper. They missed the likes of Windass and Broadhead as offered little penetration. The game just sort of went by and they simply did not do enough and deservedly were beaten. The small away following (around 1k?) looked fed up at the end. They are really stuck in a rut and need a result soon but have two tough games v Boro and Wolves, which seem crucial for Parkinson.

Opposition player of the match – Moore actually got booed but he at least was able bit of a threat. Smith also at least was able to win a few balls. It was slim pickings though for them.

Opposition weak link – Patterson was poor on the goal, but Kabore had a torrid time v Donovan. I like O’Brien but he was ineffectual tonight. Doyle got a booking and committed a few other fouls.

Referee – David Webb. Not his best performance. Booked two of ours for little but let so many fouls go from them. Also missed a clear penalty I thought. 6 minutes seemed excessive too.

Good write up as always.

Credit to Wilder and the coaching staff for having us more organized and for the team selection.

On Peck…his chance at the end was an extremely poor decision and it’s whats lacking in his game. He had time and space to drive into the box and shoot from a closer distance or slip a pass to the two players to his left for a tap in. His chance in the first half was also poorly taken. If he could improve his composure around the box he’d be scoring 10+ a season.

 

[Revolution]

I was worried about this one because they gave us a lot of trouble last season but they were never really a threat. Credit to Wilder and the team for neutralising them. We deserved the win. Wilder’s use of subs went very well too.

The best thing was how fast we came out of the blocks: a really good start with Donovan giving them all sorts of trouble: good for him and good for Wilder for starting him.

It was a very solid team performance. Aside from Donovan first half and the very impressive Philips throughout no one was very good but as a team we were very solid and everyone was 6.5 minimum. We pressed really well and won more second ball than we have for ages. Some props to Tanganga for how much he got forward which pushed them back.

Ayew’s powers are fading generally but he put a shift in and his nice turn and shot led to the goal. Pleased for BBD and hope there’s more to come.

Sky said Philips hasn’t started 3 games in a row for 2 years. If he can stay fit we might be better than I think we are.

10 points from 15. The opposition haven’t been stellar but that’s still good, and only a dubious red card at Pompey and Zetterstrom v Derby have stopped us getting even more points. If we can find a level of consistency we can cement a top half spot over the next 3 games, although that might be a big ask.

Also from Sky - our first home league win re Wrexham for 44 years (remember bits of that - one of my early games, 1982-3). It’s only our second home league game since then!

Moore got what he deserved after his playoff final balls up. Interesting to hear wilder wouldn’t have sold him. My follow up question to him would have been “so why did you set up your team so he never got the ball on his head?”. Perhaps a little churlish after a good night for Wilder.

 

[Dave]

As someone who I think is always on the mark with ratings and reports, Tanganga getting a 7.5 is way of the mark. He was quite easily our worst player tonight. Moore bullied him every time. He couldn't win a header and was poor in the tackle. Passing was average and he isn't a captain. 2nd half especially he lost almost every single duel he had. Can't take a throwing and often let's the ball bounce. He also heads the ball to the opposition every time and he plays when he needs to get rid and vice versa. I'm struggling to see where the Tanganga is from his Millwall days. I get nervous when he is on or around the ball. Kitchen is leaps and bounds better than him. It's a shame we don't have another CB on the books. I'd rather Tanganga play RB instead of Hamza and have Mcguinness at CB instead in all honesty

 

[blader]

Agree mostly with the post re:tanganga above sadly.

Would have give higher points to the front 2 if in honest. In particular their press first half was so good, didn’t give them a chance to retain possession at all. Ayew 7, BBD 7.5.

Can’t agree with Phillips as MOTM, he’s tidy and played well but I recall at least 3 occasions where he got caught out in possession which could have very easily cost us a goal. considering he’s done this and cost us a goal recently it’s something that needs stamping out.

Donovan MOTM. Absolutely killed that full back. Poor lad must have been thankful to get out of bramall lane in the end.

 

[ATL Recs]

Tanganga was bloody awful again
He’s no captain no leadership skills and for me is a liability a mistake always on the cards

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

That’s what you get when you play a good quick player upfront,they can’t push up the extra 10 yards because of the threat,it was obvious,but Wilder got it right this time. Peck looked a player again last night,Phillips is a good signing,he can read and play the game. Great to see Wilder schooling Parky for a change. I think that match was a destiny for both managers.

 

[coolasanidiot]

Ayew was so much better than Cannon not amazing, but you know what 'it was like playing with 11 men' . First half was best we've done all season.

 

[Darlington82]

Phillips did quite a few missed placed passed which frustrated, so half a point off your score there.

Otherwise where has wilder find this Donovan from? VERY BRAVE to start him and risk the fury of the fans! First half reminded me of when a young Ronaldo took the piss out of Del Geary.

Very enjoyable 1st half.

 

[Camden Blade]

Ayew adds something. He's certainly been better than what I was fearing on reading Leicester fans view of him. He creates space in the box and it was a good turn and shot which led to our goal. He looked disappointed when subbed which is a good sign. The only worry was with 20 mins left I thought Wilder was doing the usual park the bus by putting on Arblaster for a forward which invited Wrexham on but they weren't good enough to take advantage. But then we stuck Campbell on and we were attacking in the last 10 minutes rather than trying to hold out which always seems to backfire for us. Spirit seems good. No reason why a playoff position is out of reach. A lot of poor and mediocre sides in the division who are beatable.

 

[Putney Blade]

BBD not a winger. Far better in central position and alongside Bamford. Put Seiki for Choudry, play same players / formations as last night - that is our strongest XI.

 

[The Fox]

Good team performance , every starting player contributed . Second half they were more concerned with stopping us but created nothing themselves .

Defense looked capable , midfield solid and front and wide players lively .

Good that some of our most maligned players combined for the goal , lovely ball from tangs, good take and shot from ayew and BBD close at hand to finish.

I dont think were a side that can put a run together , a mix of good bad and indifferent looks more likely , paticularly when we better teams which Wrexham certainly aren't.

A 7.5/10 all round.

 

[Ecco1889]

Move BBD to his best position and it’s like night and day,also so encouraging from Ayew,loved that first half in particular
Great summary Deadbat
Wrexham were so poor and devoid of attacking intent that it puts Parkinson’s tenure in question.
Their next two matches are both at home v Boro and Wolves,you can forecast changes of managers in this league coming in the near future.
Got tickets for Preston,hopefully keep this run going and into the top 8

 

[North Shields Blade]

The “not sure we saw much of him” comment about Campbell is probably fair overall but we did see a tremendous first touch from him when he picked up in their half a hoofed clearance from the edge of our box. He then proceeded, surrounded by their defenders, to hold the ball up awaiting support before playing a lovely aware pass inside to Peck who shot for goal and probably should have done better. These little glimpses of what Campbell is capable of - there were a couple of others late on in the Derby game - make his fitness issues so frustrating. A fit and motivated Campbell is our best striker by some way. Whether a fit and motivated Campbell can be achieved is another matter.

 

[coolasanidiot]

Phillips did quite a few missed placed passed which frustrated, so half a point off your score there.

Otherwise where has wilder find this Donovan from? VERY BRAVE to start him and risk the fury of the fans! First half reminded me of when a young Ronaldo took the piss out of Del Geary.

Very enjoyable 1st half.

I think is very much like Ndiaye- skilfull, gritty, great athlete, I'm a Wilder IN but he's dropped a clanger not playing this kid from start in last few matches. First 10 minutes of last night he was electric, such a bums off seats player.

 

[Yewsman]

As someone who I think is always on the mark with ratings and reports, Tanganga getting a 7.5 is way of the mark. He was quite easily our worst player tonight. Moore bullied him every time. He couldn't win a header and was poor in the tackle. Passing was average and he isn't a captain. 2nd half especially he lost almost every single duel he had. Can't take a throwing and often let's the ball bounce. He also heads the ball to the opposition every time and he plays when he needs to get rid and vice versa. I'm struggling to see where the Tanganga is from his Millwall days. I get nervous when he is on or around the ball. Kitchen is leaps and bounds better than him. It's a shame we don't have another CB on the books. I'd rather Tanganga play RB instead of Hamza and have Mcguinness at CB instead in all honesty

Agree with some if your criticism on JT and generally he has been a big disappointment. However I think he is even worse at RB. He lacks the pace to play there. I will never forget the 3-2 loss to PNE last season where he was skinned by their left winger (who was not generally playing as a wide player) who crossed and Jebbo headed their winner. This season he has only gone to RB when McGuinness comes on in the closing stages but he always looks short of pace. Choudrey may not be perfect but I'd choose him first any day.

 

[Blade59]

How we started last night was how we should have started against Derby. We moved the ball much quicker and looked a threat from the off which put them on the back foot and they never really were then able to get into the game. The team selection was spot on (assume Seriki still not fit enough to start) and without being amazing played some good football. I would have been gutted at the end if we had not won as we were easily the better side. Still feel we need to look over our shoulder at putting a healthy points difference over the teams at the bottom during this run of games against some poor sides rather than be talking of play offs. That said if we can get decent some decent results from the next 3 that may give us some confidence and momentum going into the more difficult fixtures to follow.

I was surprised at Wrexham given the money that they have spent. I did not think they were that good even we lost to them at home last season but they have dropped off a cliff since then and I couldn't believe how poor they were. I know they had a few out injured but you would think they would have the squad depth to cope given the number of players signed.

 

[bonobo]

I might be wrong, but it feels like we have done well against more physical direct teams, like Wrexham, Bristol, Lincoln. Whereas last season, that was one of our many Achilles. These are teams, that are not going to try and beat us through the middle of the park

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Thought we played very well first half , on the front foot & with a high tempo & we look a completely different side . Without a doubt Donovan was pivotal in that performance, had Kabore for toast that first half , but they doubled up on him second half .
Thought everyone played there part last night & even when they just went to humping high balls into Moore & Smith we dealt with it well.
Remember that battered them last season at The Lane & somehow contrived to throw all 3 points away I was happy with the result & overall performance.
For all the money Wrexham have spent I thought they were poor .
What no ‘ But we rattled you comments from the sheep shaggers ‘
Well done lads a good 3 points & Donovan MOTM

 

[Espania blade]

I'll keep it short, great performance especially first half, but we need a regular goal scorer, they could have got an equalizer last night that they didn't deserve, and Tanganga is the new Jack Robinson, he's always got a mistake in him

 

[Deadbat]

The “not sure we saw much of him” comment about Campbell is probably fair overall but we did see a tremendous first touch from him when he picked up in their half a hoofed clearance from the edge of our box. He then proceeded, surrounded by their defenders, to hold the ball up awaiting support before playing a lovely aware pass inside to Peck who shot for goal and probably should have done better. These little glimpses of what Campbell is capable of - there were a couple of others late on in the Derby game - make his fitness issues so frustrating. A fit and motivated Campbell is our best striker by some way. Whether a fit and motivated Campbell can be achieved is another matter.

Yeah forgot that. Great touch and set up. Agreed on him. Get him fit and firing and he is a real asset. We have seen sone glimpses last few games definitely.

 

[Addison]

Pluses and minuses for me last night.

Big plus we pressed the opposition for 75% of the game and looked fitter and sharper. Its taken far too long to get to this but credit to the conditioning team.

Donovan was the reason for the good start and best 45 minutes of the season. Start your most explosive player from the off at home and you get the whole team ticking. Even more reson to question why this did not happen against Derby. He has to start for the forseeable. Any suggestion hes only an impact player was dispelled last night. My MOM for the effect he had on the game and the crowd.

The BBD and Ayew combo worked as did Peck and Phillips.

Choudhury is not a RB. The manager has tunnel vision over playing him in this position. First half they got down his side 2 or 3 times and put in dangerous balls into the box. He nearly cost a point early second half when he completely lost Moore and let him run past him into the area. Fortunately Moore balloned Wrexhams best chance over the bar.

The decision to keep Choudhury on and shoe horn Seriki into a wide right position didnt work both looked confused as to who they should be marking. The logical decision was to bring on McCallum for Chong and move Donovan to the right. Wrexham had doubled up on him second half and we were less effective as a result. We were denied seeing Seriki and Donovan together in their natural postions. That would have provided a threat down the right that had been missing first half and enable us to get round the back of them more often.

We saw the game out well mainly due to how poor Wrexham were. Parkinson an exponent of hoofwaffen is trying to get them to play football. Its doomed to fail. They only caused us problems when they went long to Smith.

Overall a good 3 points. Downside was chance creation was at a minimum. Having wide players on their natural side and ditching inverted wingers would help.

Phillips injury is a concern as is CW's desire to keep Choudhury in the starting eleven. I like Choudhury as a DM and for me he's a natural replacement for Phillips but not for Seriki. Reading Deadbats comment that CW went ballistic at Seriki for losing the ball on the edge of the area allowing the oppo to break quickly is worrying. I still fear we will see Choudhury starting at RB in preference to Seriki more often than not this season. That would be ridiculous if we have aspirations of climbing the table. The Seriki Donovan combo down the right has the potential to be as good as if not better than Brooks/ Seriki.

 

[Champagneblade]

As someone who I think is always on the mark with ratings and reports, Tanganga getting a 7.5 is way of the mark. He was quite easily our worst player tonight. Moore bullied him every time. He couldn't win a header and was poor in the tackle. Passing was average and he isn't a captain. 2nd half especially he lost almost every single duel he had. Can't take a throwing and often let's the ball bounce. He also heads the ball to the opposition every time and he plays when he needs to get rid and vice versa. I'm struggling to see where the Tanganga is from his Millwall days. I get nervous when he is on or around the ball. Kitchen is leaps and bounds better than him. It's a shame we don't have another CB on the books. I'd rather Tanganga play RB instead of Hamza and have Mcguinness at CB instead in all honesty

We need DB to big him up. If he isn’t signing a new deal then January is the optimum time to cash in and I’m sure Chris would happily then go and get Souttar. Arguably buying Kitching and then getting in a new RCB on loan wouldn’t be the worst play as an alternative.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Every team above us won, bar West Ham. Kept us in tenth, but must be a record.

 

[metalblade]

I think the mark for Wilder is high. If he hadn't started Donovan there would have been uproar I think his hand was forced on that one. Bamford being injured left him with the choice of Campbell, Cannon to start with Ayew or move BBD there, not hard to see BBD offers more than either of them two. All part of the plan or has Wilder stumbled on something that works, round pegs in round holes for a change helps. Now he needs to get Seriki in instead of Choudhury and we will be about the best we can be with what we have to pick from. Maybe as much luck than judgement from Wilder, he did get the substitutions about right last night though.

 

[BazWainwright]

Good write up DB though I think you are being swept a bit on a wave of euphoria in that we were ostensibly expected to struggle against Hollywood FC and snuck a win instead.

It's a valuable three points but to me still didn't make us as good as some are pontificating about. Typically for United, even when we play well, we struggle to score. The first half as you say was promising but we failed and failed again to get the shot on target and even when we did it was timid stuff. I am in favour of playing BBD as an attacker instead of a winger - he lacks the mobility to do that job. Fortunately he had his eyes on as Ayew lined up to shoot and their keeper is a bit Sunday League. so we got the goal but after that it was good stuff shutting them down and dominating, but where was the killer blow?

The team switch round was as a result of Bamford's injury but I hope Wilder gets the hint that Donovan simply puts the fear of shit up opposition defences (much like Ndaiye did in fact) So we didn't have BBD out wide slowing the game up but over the other side the combination of a pretty useless Chong and equally vulnerable Choudrey will always be our undoing. Good job Wrexham hadn't come to attack us because that wing is route one to goal. Chong hasn't the toolkit to do what he thinks he can and he is dismally short of anything needed to play at this level. Choudrey is just a footballing liability. Thought Burrows had a decent game and Philips and Peck seem to be the combination though Philips plays far too deep and we still play it round the back too much. With Tanganga in there, that is a risk. Wrexham's only route up the pitch was to hit Moore and I disagree about the Tanganga v Moore comment, our player looked to be struggling to compete against a physical, lanky twat like Moore.

Ayew to me is a straphanger, and not that clever anymore. Bringing Cannon and Campbell on was our only limited option and Arblaster was characteristically substandard for me.

Happy with the three points but ... we still should do better.