Deadbat
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Sorry for late report. This is due to weather/work/getting back late etc but I am sure most of you saw the game last night anyway…..
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Sheffield United’s League Cup adventure came to an end last night but not before giving Premier League giants Spurs an almighty scare at a snowy Bramall Lane. The visitors had looked in complete control in the first half with a much improved performance from a week ago. They scored a wonderful individual goal from Christian Eriksen and for the first time since playing a side at a level above, United did struggle to stay in the game. However, they kept plugging away and a dream scenario threatened to unfold as teenage substitute Che Adams scored a quick fire brace in the final quarter of an hour. From the point United looked like they might score the crucial third but with extra time looming
another classy Eriksen goal put paid to the Blades chances.
With Bramall Lane packed to the rafters (save for a section cordoned off at police request) the weather added to the drama with blizzard, sleet, hail and icy conditions all occurring at different stages of the evening.
United made one change from a week ago with Jose Baxter coming in for Louis Reed. Spurs did not start goal scorer Andros Townsend having Eric Lamela in from the start and also dropped Emmanuel Adebayor to the bench with
Moussa Dembele starting.
The atmosphere was electric as the game began but United’s fans were quietened due to the start Tottenham made. Seemingly playing at a much higher tempo as Pochettino had implored pre match; they pressed United and played higher up the pitch. Eriksen looked to get on the ball and fed Lamela who shot over. McEveley dallied and Kane was in but his shot was off target. United had been slow to get going but United had a golden chance to score soon after. Campbell Ryce as he had in the first leg left Davies for dead and his cross was spilled by keeper Vorm. Scougall touched on to Murphy and his shot was cleared off the goal line by former Blades hero Walker. It was a close call and United were unfortunate not to score.
After this let off Spurs came again and Kane showed his strong running twice to get down the inside channel but one effort was straight at Howard and another into the side netting. It was quick fire football from the Premier League side who were really making the Blades work and soon after Baxter lost the ball and they were away again but Kane was off target again.
Spurs were right at it but United were careless on the ball and Harris’ unnecessary quick free kick saw them break and Doyle brought down Stambouli. The free kick was 30 yards out and on the angle but it still seemed generous to just have two main men in the wall with a gap between them and an additional man Doyle seemingly so Howard could have side. It may not have mattered as a tremendous free kick from ERIKSEN arrowed and bent over the wall and went in off the far post giving the keeper no chance. It was a marvellous effort and little United could do although they would have been disappointed to have given away a cheap free kick when they had the ball.
United tried to get going and Murphy was brought down by Walker who was the first to go into the referee’s book. From a decent spell of play McNulty turned and fired wide before Spurs again showed their speed when they broke quickly again. This time Doyle tripped Mason giving Eriksen another chance but this time he hit the wall. The first half ended with United trying to stay in the game but they would have conceded they had been second best despite the early chance which may have changed things dramatically.
The snow continued to come as the second half started and Mason and Dembele were both booked for cynical trips. Scougall was looking lively and getting on the ball more and United were showing more hunger this half winning more of the loose balls.
Kane had an effort saved by Howard and then Flynn was booked for United stopping another breakaway and after this incident Dembele had to go off to be replaced by Paulinho with Reed replacing Doyle for the home side. After another chance for Kane was blocked, Townsend also came on for Lamela. United made their final moves with Higdon and
Adams coming on for McNulty and Campbell Ryce.
United had shown a greater effort and kept the ball better this half but had not created any clear chances and it seemed the dream was dyeing but suddenly a burst from Flynn down the right saw a chance. The winger turned full back put over a delightful cross that just evaded Higdon who fell under a challenge but ADAMS controlled and sidefooted across the keeper Vorm. It was a remarkably cool and clinical finish and United were back in the game.
Only 2 minutes later it was incredibly level on aggregate and United ahead on the night. This time Murphy did the spade work as he ran down the right and jinked his way to the byline past Vertonghen before standing up a great cross that fell to ADAMS who showed great composure again before firing home with the aid of a deflection at the Kop end. The ground went ballistic and the comeback was well and truly on.
United kept surging forward sensing their best chance of winning it was now and another chance came after another Flynn run but Scougall’s shot lacked power. Adams then ran at Walker but fell as he tried to go past him. Then Flynn again found Reed and the youngster was in but his powerful shot went just over. This was the moment many felt could have won the tie and sent United back to Wembley. Spurs were on the back foot but had another flurry and Kane was blocked out again after more quick feet but then the striker found a lovely through ball which split centre backs and full back Flynn. ERIKSEN was in and calmly drilled the ball into the far corner giving Howard no chance. The goal came with less than three minutes to play and the celebrations from Spurs showed how relieved they were.
Still the Blades came again in four minutes of stoppage time. Basham’s control was too heavy on a Higdon through ball and it led to him catching Vorm. He had every right to go for it but was probably rightly booked although how Vertonghen escaped censure after putting his hand round Basham’s neck was odd despite the United’s man’s theatrical fall.
United forced a couple of late throws and one flick on just evaded Adams and then soon after referee Dean ended proceedings. It had been an almighty second half effort but United had come up just short in the end.
United – It was a gutsy effort. First half I felt we sat off and lost the battle in terms of effort/winning loose balls which was disappointing really. I felt we were second best and they looked much better. We did not help with some poor play and at times it was men against boys. I can cope with their movement and skill but they were better in all areas really.
We gave the ball away a lot, sometimes under little pressure and they were right at it. We still had the best chance but Murphy’s effort was kicked off the line. This goes in then it is a different game. After this Spurs got control and Kane was causing all sorts of problems. The goal was brilliant and not a lot you can do. The wall maybe could have had more in it as some have said but not sure it would have mattered as it still would have beat the wall and gone in. After this we struggled and I could not see where we would score from.
I felt we were crying out for a presence up top and even though he is maligned Higdon would occupy the defenders. This is how it worked and it led to gaps for Scougall, Murphy, Flynn and of course Adams. Suddenly as we started to pen them back a bit in the blink of an eye we scored twice and you felt we could do it. They were rocking but I think United were right to keep going and leave gaps. They had worked the ball around so much first half, I am not sure we would have been able to maintain that burst and tempo at the end for a further 30 minutes and with pens now gone, that was our best chance by trying to get the third before the end. We had a few chances too and if we had scored then
I don’t think they had time to come back. The late goal was a sucker punch but was well made and taken and at least both goals were good individual goals rather than the daft one we conceded a week ago.
United really gave it a good go. Yes we struggled for an hour but we kept in it. Of course the negative side is if we had kept it 0-0 first leg or started this game better but in the end to lose by the odd late goal shows how close we got. We really gave them a scare and the scenes and celebrations at the end proved how relieved and pleased they were to get through. United have made the fans really proud in the last 12 months or so in the cups. It is a shame the same set of players rarely does the same in the league whether it is pressure or how teams set up; it is still poor that we are messing around and not even certain we will even get in the top 6. Still putting the league aside for now I have to say how well they did last night. At times they did get outclassed but kept their shape and discipline and tried to keep going.
They showed real heart to come back and the old stadium was rocking for a period. Of course we remain that side/club that is the nearly men but the games against Hull and last night; I cannot grumble. It far from the let down we have had in other play offs or cup semis (some of them) over the years.
We did give it a right good go and the club had a lot to be proud of. It would be great to have more days/nights like last night. They do not happen enough but when they do they are special times at the Lane.
The team still needs additions and a striker is key but if we can get in those playoffs (automatic gone for me now) then you never know. Maybe the way Clough sets us up in such games might help us and one day we will have to break that voodoo?
Saturday (if it goes ahead –games worryingly mounting up) will be tough as we play the top of the league but with 4 or 5 changes (expect Coutts and Brayford straight in) then hopefully tonight can act to kick them on again.
Spurs – They were a much different side, if not so much in personnel, but attitude and approach tonight. At times the movement and football was very good and United did well just to stay in the game. I felt they were able to shift the ball quicker and get it forward better. Kane played up top which caused problems with his hold up and running. Think he will be an England regular one day. He is a proper old fashioned centre forward but also has intelligence in his play to add to strength and finishing. Eriksen moved all over the field and Dembele won a lot of the loose stuff. We did not know who to mark as they all shifted around the front third at times making it hard for us to stay with them. They had 4 or 5 half to decent chances (although none as good as Murphy’s) but the goal they scored was a great individual effort from a player who when he is on can be one of best players in country for me. After this we huffed and puffed but they seemed in control and at half time you wondered how we would get back in.
Second half saw them penned back a bit and we won a few corners but with a two goal cushion and them looking dangerous when they broke (and at real speed at times) they must have felt comfortable. However, suddenly we got behind them, put in two good crosses and two goals went in. It shows for all the football and possession, the game is simple. They failed to stop crosses and did not mark. After this I felt they were really worried and seemed like they did not know whether to attack or defend. It would not have been a huge surprise to see them concede again and we looked the likely side to score again. They seemed to just want extra time but then they broke and scored another very good goal as we were committing men forward
Over the two legs on possession, chances and football of course they shaded it but we gave them a scare and at times we were right in the game. They have some very good players, Eriksen and Kane the two obvious ones but some very ordinary ones aswell (thought Walker was poor last night and Murphy caused him real problems). The keeper looked dodgy all night (rated him at Swansea too) and the lad Davies also was poor in both legs. I felt Dembele made a difference although the other lad Lamela was often not in the game and they paid stupid money for him. They will get to later stages of cups and also be around the top 4 or 5 for me but they need to add more quality and consistency to beat the top teams and I think if Chelsea play like they can, then they will win this particular competition.
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Sheffield United’s League Cup adventure came to an end last night but not before giving Premier League giants Spurs an almighty scare at a snowy Bramall Lane. The visitors had looked in complete control in the first half with a much improved performance from a week ago. They scored a wonderful individual goal from Christian Eriksen and for the first time since playing a side at a level above, United did struggle to stay in the game. However, they kept plugging away and a dream scenario threatened to unfold as teenage substitute Che Adams scored a quick fire brace in the final quarter of an hour. From the point United looked like they might score the crucial third but with extra time looming
another classy Eriksen goal put paid to the Blades chances.
With Bramall Lane packed to the rafters (save for a section cordoned off at police request) the weather added to the drama with blizzard, sleet, hail and icy conditions all occurring at different stages of the evening.
United made one change from a week ago with Jose Baxter coming in for Louis Reed. Spurs did not start goal scorer Andros Townsend having Eric Lamela in from the start and also dropped Emmanuel Adebayor to the bench with
Moussa Dembele starting.
The atmosphere was electric as the game began but United’s fans were quietened due to the start Tottenham made. Seemingly playing at a much higher tempo as Pochettino had implored pre match; they pressed United and played higher up the pitch. Eriksen looked to get on the ball and fed Lamela who shot over. McEveley dallied and Kane was in but his shot was off target. United had been slow to get going but United had a golden chance to score soon after. Campbell Ryce as he had in the first leg left Davies for dead and his cross was spilled by keeper Vorm. Scougall touched on to Murphy and his shot was cleared off the goal line by former Blades hero Walker. It was a close call and United were unfortunate not to score.
After this let off Spurs came again and Kane showed his strong running twice to get down the inside channel but one effort was straight at Howard and another into the side netting. It was quick fire football from the Premier League side who were really making the Blades work and soon after Baxter lost the ball and they were away again but Kane was off target again.
Spurs were right at it but United were careless on the ball and Harris’ unnecessary quick free kick saw them break and Doyle brought down Stambouli. The free kick was 30 yards out and on the angle but it still seemed generous to just have two main men in the wall with a gap between them and an additional man Doyle seemingly so Howard could have side. It may not have mattered as a tremendous free kick from ERIKSEN arrowed and bent over the wall and went in off the far post giving the keeper no chance. It was a marvellous effort and little United could do although they would have been disappointed to have given away a cheap free kick when they had the ball.
United tried to get going and Murphy was brought down by Walker who was the first to go into the referee’s book. From a decent spell of play McNulty turned and fired wide before Spurs again showed their speed when they broke quickly again. This time Doyle tripped Mason giving Eriksen another chance but this time he hit the wall. The first half ended with United trying to stay in the game but they would have conceded they had been second best despite the early chance which may have changed things dramatically.
The snow continued to come as the second half started and Mason and Dembele were both booked for cynical trips. Scougall was looking lively and getting on the ball more and United were showing more hunger this half winning more of the loose balls.
Kane had an effort saved by Howard and then Flynn was booked for United stopping another breakaway and after this incident Dembele had to go off to be replaced by Paulinho with Reed replacing Doyle for the home side. After another chance for Kane was blocked, Townsend also came on for Lamela. United made their final moves with Higdon and
Adams coming on for McNulty and Campbell Ryce.
United had shown a greater effort and kept the ball better this half but had not created any clear chances and it seemed the dream was dyeing but suddenly a burst from Flynn down the right saw a chance. The winger turned full back put over a delightful cross that just evaded Higdon who fell under a challenge but ADAMS controlled and sidefooted across the keeper Vorm. It was a remarkably cool and clinical finish and United were back in the game.
Only 2 minutes later it was incredibly level on aggregate and United ahead on the night. This time Murphy did the spade work as he ran down the right and jinked his way to the byline past Vertonghen before standing up a great cross that fell to ADAMS who showed great composure again before firing home with the aid of a deflection at the Kop end. The ground went ballistic and the comeback was well and truly on.
United kept surging forward sensing their best chance of winning it was now and another chance came after another Flynn run but Scougall’s shot lacked power. Adams then ran at Walker but fell as he tried to go past him. Then Flynn again found Reed and the youngster was in but his powerful shot went just over. This was the moment many felt could have won the tie and sent United back to Wembley. Spurs were on the back foot but had another flurry and Kane was blocked out again after more quick feet but then the striker found a lovely through ball which split centre backs and full back Flynn. ERIKSEN was in and calmly drilled the ball into the far corner giving Howard no chance. The goal came with less than three minutes to play and the celebrations from Spurs showed how relieved they were.
Still the Blades came again in four minutes of stoppage time. Basham’s control was too heavy on a Higdon through ball and it led to him catching Vorm. He had every right to go for it but was probably rightly booked although how Vertonghen escaped censure after putting his hand round Basham’s neck was odd despite the United’s man’s theatrical fall.
United forced a couple of late throws and one flick on just evaded Adams and then soon after referee Dean ended proceedings. It had been an almighty second half effort but United had come up just short in the end.
United – It was a gutsy effort. First half I felt we sat off and lost the battle in terms of effort/winning loose balls which was disappointing really. I felt we were second best and they looked much better. We did not help with some poor play and at times it was men against boys. I can cope with their movement and skill but they were better in all areas really.
We gave the ball away a lot, sometimes under little pressure and they were right at it. We still had the best chance but Murphy’s effort was kicked off the line. This goes in then it is a different game. After this Spurs got control and Kane was causing all sorts of problems. The goal was brilliant and not a lot you can do. The wall maybe could have had more in it as some have said but not sure it would have mattered as it still would have beat the wall and gone in. After this we struggled and I could not see where we would score from.
I felt we were crying out for a presence up top and even though he is maligned Higdon would occupy the defenders. This is how it worked and it led to gaps for Scougall, Murphy, Flynn and of course Adams. Suddenly as we started to pen them back a bit in the blink of an eye we scored twice and you felt we could do it. They were rocking but I think United were right to keep going and leave gaps. They had worked the ball around so much first half, I am not sure we would have been able to maintain that burst and tempo at the end for a further 30 minutes and with pens now gone, that was our best chance by trying to get the third before the end. We had a few chances too and if we had scored then
I don’t think they had time to come back. The late goal was a sucker punch but was well made and taken and at least both goals were good individual goals rather than the daft one we conceded a week ago.
United really gave it a good go. Yes we struggled for an hour but we kept in it. Of course the negative side is if we had kept it 0-0 first leg or started this game better but in the end to lose by the odd late goal shows how close we got. We really gave them a scare and the scenes and celebrations at the end proved how relieved and pleased they were to get through. United have made the fans really proud in the last 12 months or so in the cups. It is a shame the same set of players rarely does the same in the league whether it is pressure or how teams set up; it is still poor that we are messing around and not even certain we will even get in the top 6. Still putting the league aside for now I have to say how well they did last night. At times they did get outclassed but kept their shape and discipline and tried to keep going.
They showed real heart to come back and the old stadium was rocking for a period. Of course we remain that side/club that is the nearly men but the games against Hull and last night; I cannot grumble. It far from the let down we have had in other play offs or cup semis (some of them) over the years.
We did give it a right good go and the club had a lot to be proud of. It would be great to have more days/nights like last night. They do not happen enough but when they do they are special times at the Lane.
The team still needs additions and a striker is key but if we can get in those playoffs (automatic gone for me now) then you never know. Maybe the way Clough sets us up in such games might help us and one day we will have to break that voodoo?
Saturday (if it goes ahead –games worryingly mounting up) will be tough as we play the top of the league but with 4 or 5 changes (expect Coutts and Brayford straight in) then hopefully tonight can act to kick them on again.
Spurs – They were a much different side, if not so much in personnel, but attitude and approach tonight. At times the movement and football was very good and United did well just to stay in the game. I felt they were able to shift the ball quicker and get it forward better. Kane played up top which caused problems with his hold up and running. Think he will be an England regular one day. He is a proper old fashioned centre forward but also has intelligence in his play to add to strength and finishing. Eriksen moved all over the field and Dembele won a lot of the loose stuff. We did not know who to mark as they all shifted around the front third at times making it hard for us to stay with them. They had 4 or 5 half to decent chances (although none as good as Murphy’s) but the goal they scored was a great individual effort from a player who when he is on can be one of best players in country for me. After this we huffed and puffed but they seemed in control and at half time you wondered how we would get back in.
Second half saw them penned back a bit and we won a few corners but with a two goal cushion and them looking dangerous when they broke (and at real speed at times) they must have felt comfortable. However, suddenly we got behind them, put in two good crosses and two goals went in. It shows for all the football and possession, the game is simple. They failed to stop crosses and did not mark. After this I felt they were really worried and seemed like they did not know whether to attack or defend. It would not have been a huge surprise to see them concede again and we looked the likely side to score again. They seemed to just want extra time but then they broke and scored another very good goal as we were committing men forward
Over the two legs on possession, chances and football of course they shaded it but we gave them a scare and at times we were right in the game. They have some very good players, Eriksen and Kane the two obvious ones but some very ordinary ones aswell (thought Walker was poor last night and Murphy caused him real problems). The keeper looked dodgy all night (rated him at Swansea too) and the lad Davies also was poor in both legs. I felt Dembele made a difference although the other lad Lamela was often not in the game and they paid stupid money for him. They will get to later stages of cups and also be around the top 4 or 5 for me but they need to add more quality and consistency to beat the top teams and I think if Chelsea play like they can, then they will win this particular competition.