Deadbat
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Sheffield United put in their most convincing performance for weeks as they comfortably saw off a poor Bristol City side at Bramall Lane thanks to goals from the strike partnership of Henri Camara and Darius Henderson. City had started the game the better side but by half time United had taken control of the game and came out second half and totally dominated their opponents. A superb individual strike by Camara and then a textbook header from Henderson from a Jamie Ward cross saw the Blades deservedly taken the three points.
United made changes after a run of four games without a win; with Henderson and Camara starting up front; Ward returning to the side and Williamson and Montgomery starting in the centre of midfield with no place for Quinn, Cresswell and Evans who all started on the bench. Keeper Mark Bunn also came back in after jury replacing veteran Ian Bennett. City gave a debut to new signing Chris Iwelumo who was paired with fellow loanee Patrick Agyemang.
Indeed it was Agyemang who featured in the first piece of action as he clashed with keeper Bunn; leaving the Blades number one hobbling but he was deemed fit to continue without treatment. Iwelumo looped a header into the keepers hands as Bristol City had started slightly the better of the two sides. United had been pegged back for the first ten minutes and were struggling to get a foothold. However, gradually the Blades started to come into the game.
A good run by Ward saw the ball fizz across the box. Williamson was involved in most of the good things United were doing and his touch and passing was key in another move that saw Camara off target with an effort. United’s best chance came when Geary put in a dangerous cross but Henderson headed wide and over when perhaps he ought to have done better. Soon after the big striker had another headed effort over the bar from another cross from the right hand side following a Ward cross this time. Yeates and Ward had been swapping wings constantly and the former Middlesbrough man was causing problems with his strong running deep into the heart of the City defence.
Sproule had a long range effort fielded easily by Bunn and then Geary was rightly booked for a late challenge on Nyatanga. The game had been relatively even but United had definitely played more passing football this week and the crowd seem pleasantly surprised by the ball retention by most players in a most improved performance. Bartley got forward and had a shot deflected into the arms of Gerken as he fell to the floor. The keeper then parried away a fierce driven shot by Yeates as the ball had bounced up invitingly for the winger.
United probably did not want the half time whistle to come as they had got on the top of their opponents with Williamson and Montgomery excelling in the first half. However, the second half saw the game carry on much as it had before the break with the Blades quicker to the ball and looking more dangerous in the final third. Camara toe poked an effort that Gerken turned away after good work by Yeates but it was not long before the striker was celebrating the ball hitting the back of the net.
A long ball down the right hand channel from Bartley led to the opportunity which was no more than a half chance. CAMARA’s first touch saw him bring the ball down superbly and on the run he hit a powerful half volley that fizzed past Gerkin’s left hand and into the top corner of the net. It was an excellent individual goal and gave United a deserved lead.
There was no let up in the United attacks though and Hartley impeded Yeates and was booked before Nyatanga also went into the referee’s notebook for a clumsy challenge. Yeates had a free kick saved well from Gerkin. It was not long before the all important second goal came though.
Ward got the ball wide right and managed to whip in a searching cross that saw HENDERSON get in front of his marker, Carey and direct a firm downward header beyond the despairing dive of Gerken. City had a chance to come back instantly but Carey’s firm header bounced off the top of the bar from Hartley’s corner. City made a double change with Elliott and Haynes replacing Williams and Agyemang as they sought to somehow find a foothold in a game they simply were not in.
This was a rare moment for City who were soon on the back foot again. Confusion reigned when a long ball forward bounced high into the sky. Gerkin initially hesitated but then as Fontaine tried to shepherd the ball back to the keeper under pressure from Henderson, the keeper somehow managed to punch his own defender rather than the ball. The defender lay prone on the deck and needed several minutes of treatment before he was able to return to the game. Ward had a free kick from the edge of the box that floated just over the bar with the keeper beaten.
United had another chance when Camara cut in on goal and hit a curling shot that was saved. When the ball was returned, Camara had another effort saved by the excellent keeper Gerken once again. Quinn came on for the tiring Camara whose goal and efforts were marked by warm applause from the crowd but it seemed City lacked the belief they could actually get back into the game and United seemed comfortable. Cresswell then replaced Henderson but the Blades stayed at 4-4-2 for the final few minutes with Quinn close to adding a third in stoppage time. In the end it was a comfortable win and a much better performance overall that saw a different kind of reaction from the crowd than 7 days previously.
United – It was a million times better than last Saturday and some of the recent performances. It was like night and day in all areas from last week. Today we played as a team, fought for each other and actually managed to retain possession for decent spells showcasing some good moves. The control, touch and passing was markedly improved throughout the team. In the middle of the field, we competed well and felt we ended up completely controlling the midfield after a slightly lethargic start. Montgomery and Williamson won most of the loose balls and in turn kept the ball better than we have before. I felt Ward and Yeates were always threats from wide. After some hesitancy at the back our defenders got on top of their men and they did all the basics and limited City to few chances of note. Nosworthy just cleared the ball and played percentages whilst the young lad Bartley got stronger as the game went on. As a whole the defence did their job. Up front Henderson caused problems with his strength and Camara looked a goal threat; particularly in the second half. Why we can play so badly last week and then play like we did today is a mystery today and must frustrate the coaching staff as much as it does the fans.
I do think the team selection helped. Sure the defence was a mish mash but did alright considering they have been thrown together after a few dodgy performance recently whatever the make up of the defence has been. I am pleased he took out players who are out of confidence and form such as Stewart, Quinn and Evans and put in players who want to try and play football and make things happen like Williamson, Ward and Camara. The pace out wide and the mixture of Williamson and Monty in the middle ensured we have a far better balance in midfield and also the two strikers complimented each other better than the other strikers who have played together recently.
We need to use that performance as a marker and hope that with likes of Morgan, Seip and a few others coming back we can build on that and put together a run of game. The top 6 all have points above us and many have games in hand so it will be hard for us to crack these positions this season. We now have two different away games to come and our away form has not been good recently and we need to put in a performance and try and get some points on the road. If we can replicate the performance we showed today the fans will not grumble and will go away happy. Today we saw endeavour, entertainment and skill and these are things we have not seen much of this season.
Bristol City – Felt they were really poor throughout. They started the game ok but after a decent opening 20 minutes but then as United grew into the game they seemed to completely retreat into their shell. I felt they offered little up front with Agyemang and Iwelumo; normally players who have caused problems for United previously; completely ineffective. Maybe one of those paired with Haynes/Maynard may have caused us more problems but the two that played lacked the running/pace to get behind us and were given little-no service.
The area where they were really poor was in the centre of the park where our midfield was in total control. Hartley, Skuse and Williams were completely ineffective and were very slow to the ball. They hardly got on the ball and when they had it they tossed it away too easily. Was pleased that Elliott did not play in this area as I feel he is one of the more underrated players in the Championship. At the back they seemed slow and clumsy and it always looked like we may score goals. Their keeper played really well and made a number of straightforward saves mixed with some good reaction saves. However as a defensive unit they always looked at full stretch and it looked like we could get behind them for pace most of the game.
The incident where the keeper punched his own centre back summed up the confusion. I have heard Gary Johnson is under pressure and I am not surprised after seeing them today. We played well but they were woeful and I think they will certainly be nearer the bottom than the top at the end of the season.
Bunn 7/10 – Had little to do. Surprised he was back in the team after hearing he was going to be out for some time. He actually got injured in the first attacks and seemed to hurt his back but played on and seemed fine after running/stretching it off. His handling was fine and despite a few hesitant moments when he should have come for crosses and stayed on his line; he did also take quite a few crosses and corners too.
Geary 7/10 – Linked well with Yeates. Got up and down the field and tried to get forward to support the attack. At times does still seem at full stretch defensively but he essentially limited his man from getting past him and stopped the supply line down the left hand side.
Kallio 6/10 – Felt he was our poorest player and has not convinced me. Sure he did a few nice things going forward and showed he is a decent left foot but gave his winger way too much time and was generally hesitant throughout I felt. Just does not seem up with the pace of the game at the moment and needs to work on his positioning as he seems yards off the player he is supposed to be marking.
Nosworthy 7/10 – Started the game a little slowly, as did the rest of the defence, but he got stronger as the game went on. In the second half he seemed to be the one to react to any balls forward and yes whilst he often just banged the ball out or smashed it clear; it was effective in the same way as it is to Morgan. Did the basics and did them well.
Bartley 7.5/10 – Lost a few headers and physical challenges early on but he grew as the game went on and I felt he looked very composed and comfortable for much of the second half. Very well built physically for an 18 year old but also quite quick aswell. Likes to get it down and play too. Even from the glimpses we saw today; you can tell he has a very bright future back at Arsenal.
Montgomery 7/10 – Thought he was combative and mightily effective at winning most of the loose balls. Sure he clubbed a few balls and passes but even in this aspect of the game he was not too bad today. I just felt whenever the ball was in the centre of the park, him or Williamson were always the first on the ball and seemed so much quicker, more alive and hungry than their counterparts.
Williamson 8/10 – Felt he was United best player throughout as he showed real class at times in the middle of the field. Won tackles and 50/50’s but when he got on the ball rarely wasted it all game. Got forward to support the attackers but also broke up Bristol attacks too. Shows composure and an eye for a pass that can lead to quick breaks and always tries to find a red and white shirt whatever the situation. Just got to try and keep him fit now.
Ward 7/10 – Put in a superb ball for the second goal; had a good free kick just over and generally looked livelier than he has been for some while. Flitted in and out of the games at times and kept swapping wings but showed that bit of zest, pace and direct play we have been missing. Was selfish on a few speculative long range efforts but he now needs a run in the team.
Yeates 7.5/10 – A threat throughout with his running and dribbling. He was bright and lively all afternoon. He does not have much of a left foot which was in evidence when he did swap flanks. One powerful shot that was saved well and quite a few good crosses that led to danger. He has had some promising games thus far in a red and white shirt. Linked well with Geary down the right flank.
Henderson 7/10 – A better performance than last week. He did not start today that well but began to hold the ball up well, showing a better first touch and hold up/link play and was very good in the second half. Should have done better with a header in the first half but then took his goal really well from a very good cross. Very strong and key to link up in the second half as he showed he can be effective when we play football.
Camara 7.5/10 – At times still frustrating but generally he was a threat and a nuisance for Bristol City all game. His touch and ability to get defenders turned due to pace is an underrated aspect of the game and he does that well. His goal was a very good piece of individual skill and he also had quite a few other decent efforts that the keeper saved or was crowded out. He may not do much work off the ball but when it does come to him that is when he comes to life and you accept the former due to the latter. He is a definite goal threat too.
Subs –
Quinn – Like many I was surprised but also pleased he was dropped as we needed a fresh angle to our midfield play and it was better. Quinn will have to fight hard for his place back now which is how it should be. He came on and played wide left as Ward pushed on up front alongside Henderson. Did not get that involved in the game but helped us to limit Bristol to any real chances of note and I guess that was his job; to solidify the midfield and crowd City out from getting any clear chances or balls forward.
Cresswell – Came on for Henderson for the final few minutes and stoppage time. He did put himself about, chasing defenders and the keeper.
Referee – Darren Deadman. Felt he was fine. Got most of the bookings right and generally he tried to let the game flow and allowed the players to just get on with things.
United made changes after a run of four games without a win; with Henderson and Camara starting up front; Ward returning to the side and Williamson and Montgomery starting in the centre of midfield with no place for Quinn, Cresswell and Evans who all started on the bench. Keeper Mark Bunn also came back in after jury replacing veteran Ian Bennett. City gave a debut to new signing Chris Iwelumo who was paired with fellow loanee Patrick Agyemang.
Indeed it was Agyemang who featured in the first piece of action as he clashed with keeper Bunn; leaving the Blades number one hobbling but he was deemed fit to continue without treatment. Iwelumo looped a header into the keepers hands as Bristol City had started slightly the better of the two sides. United had been pegged back for the first ten minutes and were struggling to get a foothold. However, gradually the Blades started to come into the game.
A good run by Ward saw the ball fizz across the box. Williamson was involved in most of the good things United were doing and his touch and passing was key in another move that saw Camara off target with an effort. United’s best chance came when Geary put in a dangerous cross but Henderson headed wide and over when perhaps he ought to have done better. Soon after the big striker had another headed effort over the bar from another cross from the right hand side following a Ward cross this time. Yeates and Ward had been swapping wings constantly and the former Middlesbrough man was causing problems with his strong running deep into the heart of the City defence.
Sproule had a long range effort fielded easily by Bunn and then Geary was rightly booked for a late challenge on Nyatanga. The game had been relatively even but United had definitely played more passing football this week and the crowd seem pleasantly surprised by the ball retention by most players in a most improved performance. Bartley got forward and had a shot deflected into the arms of Gerken as he fell to the floor. The keeper then parried away a fierce driven shot by Yeates as the ball had bounced up invitingly for the winger.
United probably did not want the half time whistle to come as they had got on the top of their opponents with Williamson and Montgomery excelling in the first half. However, the second half saw the game carry on much as it had before the break with the Blades quicker to the ball and looking more dangerous in the final third. Camara toe poked an effort that Gerken turned away after good work by Yeates but it was not long before the striker was celebrating the ball hitting the back of the net.
A long ball down the right hand channel from Bartley led to the opportunity which was no more than a half chance. CAMARA’s first touch saw him bring the ball down superbly and on the run he hit a powerful half volley that fizzed past Gerkin’s left hand and into the top corner of the net. It was an excellent individual goal and gave United a deserved lead.
There was no let up in the United attacks though and Hartley impeded Yeates and was booked before Nyatanga also went into the referee’s notebook for a clumsy challenge. Yeates had a free kick saved well from Gerkin. It was not long before the all important second goal came though.
Ward got the ball wide right and managed to whip in a searching cross that saw HENDERSON get in front of his marker, Carey and direct a firm downward header beyond the despairing dive of Gerken. City had a chance to come back instantly but Carey’s firm header bounced off the top of the bar from Hartley’s corner. City made a double change with Elliott and Haynes replacing Williams and Agyemang as they sought to somehow find a foothold in a game they simply were not in.
This was a rare moment for City who were soon on the back foot again. Confusion reigned when a long ball forward bounced high into the sky. Gerkin initially hesitated but then as Fontaine tried to shepherd the ball back to the keeper under pressure from Henderson, the keeper somehow managed to punch his own defender rather than the ball. The defender lay prone on the deck and needed several minutes of treatment before he was able to return to the game. Ward had a free kick from the edge of the box that floated just over the bar with the keeper beaten.
United had another chance when Camara cut in on goal and hit a curling shot that was saved. When the ball was returned, Camara had another effort saved by the excellent keeper Gerken once again. Quinn came on for the tiring Camara whose goal and efforts were marked by warm applause from the crowd but it seemed City lacked the belief they could actually get back into the game and United seemed comfortable. Cresswell then replaced Henderson but the Blades stayed at 4-4-2 for the final few minutes with Quinn close to adding a third in stoppage time. In the end it was a comfortable win and a much better performance overall that saw a different kind of reaction from the crowd than 7 days previously.
United – It was a million times better than last Saturday and some of the recent performances. It was like night and day in all areas from last week. Today we played as a team, fought for each other and actually managed to retain possession for decent spells showcasing some good moves. The control, touch and passing was markedly improved throughout the team. In the middle of the field, we competed well and felt we ended up completely controlling the midfield after a slightly lethargic start. Montgomery and Williamson won most of the loose balls and in turn kept the ball better than we have before. I felt Ward and Yeates were always threats from wide. After some hesitancy at the back our defenders got on top of their men and they did all the basics and limited City to few chances of note. Nosworthy just cleared the ball and played percentages whilst the young lad Bartley got stronger as the game went on. As a whole the defence did their job. Up front Henderson caused problems with his strength and Camara looked a goal threat; particularly in the second half. Why we can play so badly last week and then play like we did today is a mystery today and must frustrate the coaching staff as much as it does the fans.
I do think the team selection helped. Sure the defence was a mish mash but did alright considering they have been thrown together after a few dodgy performance recently whatever the make up of the defence has been. I am pleased he took out players who are out of confidence and form such as Stewart, Quinn and Evans and put in players who want to try and play football and make things happen like Williamson, Ward and Camara. The pace out wide and the mixture of Williamson and Monty in the middle ensured we have a far better balance in midfield and also the two strikers complimented each other better than the other strikers who have played together recently.
We need to use that performance as a marker and hope that with likes of Morgan, Seip and a few others coming back we can build on that and put together a run of game. The top 6 all have points above us and many have games in hand so it will be hard for us to crack these positions this season. We now have two different away games to come and our away form has not been good recently and we need to put in a performance and try and get some points on the road. If we can replicate the performance we showed today the fans will not grumble and will go away happy. Today we saw endeavour, entertainment and skill and these are things we have not seen much of this season.
Bristol City – Felt they were really poor throughout. They started the game ok but after a decent opening 20 minutes but then as United grew into the game they seemed to completely retreat into their shell. I felt they offered little up front with Agyemang and Iwelumo; normally players who have caused problems for United previously; completely ineffective. Maybe one of those paired with Haynes/Maynard may have caused us more problems but the two that played lacked the running/pace to get behind us and were given little-no service.
The area where they were really poor was in the centre of the park where our midfield was in total control. Hartley, Skuse and Williams were completely ineffective and were very slow to the ball. They hardly got on the ball and when they had it they tossed it away too easily. Was pleased that Elliott did not play in this area as I feel he is one of the more underrated players in the Championship. At the back they seemed slow and clumsy and it always looked like we may score goals. Their keeper played really well and made a number of straightforward saves mixed with some good reaction saves. However as a defensive unit they always looked at full stretch and it looked like we could get behind them for pace most of the game.
The incident where the keeper punched his own centre back summed up the confusion. I have heard Gary Johnson is under pressure and I am not surprised after seeing them today. We played well but they were woeful and I think they will certainly be nearer the bottom than the top at the end of the season.
Bunn 7/10 – Had little to do. Surprised he was back in the team after hearing he was going to be out for some time. He actually got injured in the first attacks and seemed to hurt his back but played on and seemed fine after running/stretching it off. His handling was fine and despite a few hesitant moments when he should have come for crosses and stayed on his line; he did also take quite a few crosses and corners too.
Geary 7/10 – Linked well with Yeates. Got up and down the field and tried to get forward to support the attack. At times does still seem at full stretch defensively but he essentially limited his man from getting past him and stopped the supply line down the left hand side.
Kallio 6/10 – Felt he was our poorest player and has not convinced me. Sure he did a few nice things going forward and showed he is a decent left foot but gave his winger way too much time and was generally hesitant throughout I felt. Just does not seem up with the pace of the game at the moment and needs to work on his positioning as he seems yards off the player he is supposed to be marking.
Nosworthy 7/10 – Started the game a little slowly, as did the rest of the defence, but he got stronger as the game went on. In the second half he seemed to be the one to react to any balls forward and yes whilst he often just banged the ball out or smashed it clear; it was effective in the same way as it is to Morgan. Did the basics and did them well.
Bartley 7.5/10 – Lost a few headers and physical challenges early on but he grew as the game went on and I felt he looked very composed and comfortable for much of the second half. Very well built physically for an 18 year old but also quite quick aswell. Likes to get it down and play too. Even from the glimpses we saw today; you can tell he has a very bright future back at Arsenal.
Montgomery 7/10 – Thought he was combative and mightily effective at winning most of the loose balls. Sure he clubbed a few balls and passes but even in this aspect of the game he was not too bad today. I just felt whenever the ball was in the centre of the park, him or Williamson were always the first on the ball and seemed so much quicker, more alive and hungry than their counterparts.
Williamson 8/10 – Felt he was United best player throughout as he showed real class at times in the middle of the field. Won tackles and 50/50’s but when he got on the ball rarely wasted it all game. Got forward to support the attackers but also broke up Bristol attacks too. Shows composure and an eye for a pass that can lead to quick breaks and always tries to find a red and white shirt whatever the situation. Just got to try and keep him fit now.
Ward 7/10 – Put in a superb ball for the second goal; had a good free kick just over and generally looked livelier than he has been for some while. Flitted in and out of the games at times and kept swapping wings but showed that bit of zest, pace and direct play we have been missing. Was selfish on a few speculative long range efforts but he now needs a run in the team.
Yeates 7.5/10 – A threat throughout with his running and dribbling. He was bright and lively all afternoon. He does not have much of a left foot which was in evidence when he did swap flanks. One powerful shot that was saved well and quite a few good crosses that led to danger. He has had some promising games thus far in a red and white shirt. Linked well with Geary down the right flank.
Henderson 7/10 – A better performance than last week. He did not start today that well but began to hold the ball up well, showing a better first touch and hold up/link play and was very good in the second half. Should have done better with a header in the first half but then took his goal really well from a very good cross. Very strong and key to link up in the second half as he showed he can be effective when we play football.
Camara 7.5/10 – At times still frustrating but generally he was a threat and a nuisance for Bristol City all game. His touch and ability to get defenders turned due to pace is an underrated aspect of the game and he does that well. His goal was a very good piece of individual skill and he also had quite a few other decent efforts that the keeper saved or was crowded out. He may not do much work off the ball but when it does come to him that is when he comes to life and you accept the former due to the latter. He is a definite goal threat too.
Subs –
Quinn – Like many I was surprised but also pleased he was dropped as we needed a fresh angle to our midfield play and it was better. Quinn will have to fight hard for his place back now which is how it should be. He came on and played wide left as Ward pushed on up front alongside Henderson. Did not get that involved in the game but helped us to limit Bristol to any real chances of note and I guess that was his job; to solidify the midfield and crowd City out from getting any clear chances or balls forward.
Cresswell – Came on for Henderson for the final few minutes and stoppage time. He did put himself about, chasing defenders and the keeper.
Referee – Darren Deadman. Felt he was fine. Got most of the bookings right and generally he tried to let the game flow and allowed the players to just get on with things.
