United 3 Coventry 1 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

The Blades went back to the top of the Championship table after an emphatic victory over in form Coventry City under the lights at Bramall Lane. Goals from Gus Hamer and Tyrese Campbell in the first half put United well in charge and then Rhian Brewster scored for the second successive game running to effectively seal the deal. A late Jack Rudoni goal was not more than a consolation for a well beaten Sky Blues side. The Blades put in an assured and dominant performance and laid down a marker ahead of their rivals’ games at the weekend.



United named an unchanged side after their derby day victory with still no place in the squad for Vini Souza but Alfie Gilchrist was back on the bench after a long spell out injured. Coventry were right in the playoff mix and named in form striker Haji Wright to lead their line but also had dangerous reinforcements from the bench in Sims and Rudoni.



The game started with United moving the ball around crisply with former City man Hamer looking to get on the ball and play but the visitors also were trying to play forward when they could in an entertaining contest. There was little in the way of goalmouth action but United then created a good chance after Campbell got down the left and sent over a cross but Brewster’s goal bound effort was blocked. Seriki was having more forays down the right and looking to drive at the visitors’ defence and force them back.



Ahmedhodzic had to be alert to deny Wright and then Choudhury also made a brave interception to ensure Coventry could not threaten Cooper’s goal. Hamer was cynically brought down by Thomas leading to the first booking of the game. The free kick was around 30 yards from goal and it was never going to be anyone else but former Coventry man HAMER to take it. The execution was sublime as the midfielder sent a curling, powerful effort into the top corner beyond Dobin who got a hand on it but could not keep it out. Hamer respectfully did celebrate the goal, that came in front of the fans who used to adore him.



United now were in confident move and Campbell nearly found Brereton Diaz but the 2nd goal was not long in coming. The ball came across and Hamer played in Seriki who won his duel and sent over a low cross that CAMPBELL expertly converted with his left foot and the Blades doubled their lead. United were looking in the mood and Campbell nearly robbed Dovin but in the challenge, the keeper had hurt his knee and looked in some distress. The free kick was awarded to the keeper who was fortunate for trying to overplay but it came at a cost as he was unable to carry on and indeed got stretchered off. Former Barnsley keeper Collins replaced him between the sticks – with Coventry strangely naming two keepers on the bench.



United really should have made it three as they missed a succession of chances with Campbell and Peck failing to get enough contact on the ball and then Campbell’s header being tipped over. The striker was a constant threat and had another opportunity but pulled his shot just wide as United threatened to put the game away before the half time interval.



The Blades were looking dangerous every time they attacked, whilst City had offered little in return with the home defence winning the individual battles. The half time whistle came and United were good value for their lead.



The second half began with City starting to get on the ball more in midfield with Grimes and Allen starting to pick up pieces and Mason Clark was starting to find space down the right. Wright had a powerful effort well held by Cooper around the hour mark as United were not having the same level of control.



However, a sweeping move effectively sealed the game as Brereton Diaz received the ball from Brewster and drove inside and teed up the ball back for his teammate. BREWSTER hit an instinctive right foot finish that flashed past Collins and into the net. The striker continued his recent hot streak and wheeled away to the Kop to take the acclaim. Rudoni came on for Torp but it seemed the game was up for the visitors



Allen went in late on Brewster and this saw a melee as Wilder tried to instruct his players to not get involved but the City man for his challenge, and Brereton Diaz for his reaction in the spat, both received yellow cards. O’Hare and Cannon came on for Brewster and Campbell. Both incoming players had chances as Cannon opted to shoot with men over and had his effort blocked before O’Hare had another effort looped up and over for a corner. United were looking dangerous when they broke whilst City seemed like a well beaten side. They made a triple change with Simms, Sheaf and Paterson coming on for Allen, Mason Clark and Wright.



Choudhury had been impressive in midfield and nearly capped his showing with a stinging effort pushed over the bar before he departed to well-earned applause, as he and Seriki departed, with McCallum and Gilchrist replacing them.



The game entered 5 minutes of stoppage time and United could not quite pick up another clean sheet as a corner was headed back from Binks and Rudoni hooked home. Cooper will have been disappointed to have got caught under the ball but it was merely a consolation for the visitors and the game finished not long after this. Wilder saluted all four sides of the Lane and Hamer also applauded his former side’s fans before the team went to the Kop to take the plaudits for an excellent and assured performance and victory.



United – Needed a big performance and to get the victory and we achieved both with a really resounding win. We were excellent throughout; individually and collectively. We scored three great goals and took the game to a very good, and in form, Coventry side. We scored three but could have had maybe double that with more clinical finishing. The Hamer free kick is a moment of magic and sets us on our way but we were ruthless in getting the second, and then the third. We looked very dangerous on the attack and as Lampard said, we were tough to stop in transition. Choudhury and Peck won the midfield area and the defence were all front foot and never gave them much of a chance all game really. Campbell continued to be a real threat and then Hamer of course scores a worldy. Brewster also continued to improve and got another goal. We played some nice stuff but also did the messy stuff to ensure we had more of the ball, at least where it mattered. I expected better from Coventry but maybe underplayed us as we so much better than them.



Not sure anyone played that badly and we were clinical when it counted and at key moments. It was an enjoyable night and one where we looked like a promotion side (and I have not said that very often!) and blew City away. We have to keep to the same standards now. We get another decent break (8 days) and hopefully can ensure we take care of business at Oxford. We have a three-game week next week from Saturday to Saturday and few long trips, so will need to rotate but there is a fair haul of points right there waiting from the next 4, to add to our already impressive tally.



Overall, delighted to see a good and commanding showing and one where we took a decent side apart and the team should take real confidence from the last few weeks. All eyes on Burnley and Leeds tomorrow. I think Leeds will batter an awful Swansea side but Bristol City might not be a walkover (as we saw!) for Burnley. I expect both will win but nice to have the points in the bag!

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Cooper 6/10 – Did not have that much to do really. A few routine things but in terms of actual saves – very little of note came into him as he was well protected? Made a smart save from the Wright shot and seemed assured as normal but then a rare error as he failed to take a corner and was outjumped and sort of ran into Robinson. Will be disappointed with his part in this as his standards are so high.



Seriki 7/10 – Now seems to have made the shirt his own with the injury issues of Clarke and Gilchrist. Sure, he makes a few mistakes defensively and at times I felt he gave his man too much room at times but he had a good contest with Mason Clark all game and I felt won it by some distance. Real threat going forward all game and had a few good runs where he turned the defenders around and then set up the second with a determined run and driven cross.



Burrows 7/10 – Continues to look an assured player and used it well throughout. He put some decent balls down the wing but also was always looking to get in and try and cross it when well advanced. Defended well tonight and not sure he got beat at all. Just a solid game.



Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Thought he completely dominated the battle with Wright – a player who had been in great form and took Sunderland apart. Was on it from the beginning in terms of getting to the ball first and reading the play. He made some good interceptions and was alert to any danger. Came out with the ball when he could and we played higher up the field than we have in many other home games.



Robinson 7/10 – Played well and thought he just did his job with little fuss. He cleared it when he could but moved it quicker than he has in previous games, when he did have possession. Seemed determined to get on top of their players and we were front foot as the defence were never forced back and often won their duels.



Peck 7/10 – Did his job in terms of keeping the ball, moving it on and making those interceptions or picking up loose balls. Just played a mature performance in terms of sitting in when he had to but also drove with it when he could. Had two good chances, either side of half time – first he sort of miskicked but had a better effort second half but was blocked. Watching him slowly establish himself as a big part of this team has been great to see.



Choudhury 8/10 – He was good against Wednesday and today took it up another level and thought was excellent. Always seemed to be where the ball was and covered lots of ground – especially after his busy few weeks away with Bangladesh. He provides us with another player to kick start attacks as he drops back into defence and plays almost a quarter back role. Thought the ball almost seemed magnetised to him at times. Just played it sensible but was very energetic throughout. Good we do not have to rush Souza back with his form.



Hamer 7.5/10 – I was annoyed with two lazy giveaways early on and then bang, he flicks it round a man, gets upended and then steps up and bang – it is in the net. Wonderful goal and sort of skill that very few players at this level can deliver. He hit is so hard, as well as the unerring accuracy. After this we saw flashes of ability throughout – sometimes it comes off, sometimes does not quite work but his play on the ball and ability to prompt and create is hard for opponents to pick up and stop.



Brewster 7/10 - Another goal and another decent showing where he linked up quite well with others and his chemistry with Campbell seems to be really growing. Some ok pieces of play first half where he tried to combine and create but maybe should have done better with that shot that blocked. Second half he was in that 10 role and nearly got in a few times before he did and this time his finish was superb.



Campbell 7.5/10 – A constant threat with his movement, touch and ability to drive at the defenders. He scored one superb finish, that he made look easy – it was not and could have had 2 or 3 more. Had the three chances (miskick, header and pulled shot) in a matter of a few minutes. Continued to be on the shoulders of the last man and was a nuisance throughout. Been a superb signing and now our main striker.



Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Thought he was quiet for long spells. Did have a few bits of link up but his touch let him down in these moments first half when well placed. I thought he tired badly again second half and left Seriki on his own too much but then after I was asking for him to be taken off, he makes a good run inside and lays it off for Brewster to finish.



Subs -



Cannon 5/10 – Another largely disappointing showing sadly. I felt him having just over 20 minutes and with us 3 up, the pressure was off but he had 2 or 3 chances and made the wrong decision or just get muscled out of it. Seemed desperate to score as shown by shooting again when he should have passed. He was quite slow when given two breaks to go on and produce something but took an age to get it under control and was blocked on one and sort of crowded out on another. Surprised Moore is not getting time as the first striker off the bench as at least with his physical presence, is something to hit and would be a handful.



O’Hare 6/10 – Busy cameo. Came on and had a few shots blocked. Did go to the Coventry fans who booed him as he came over (after they had given him stick when he warmed up/came on). Certainly, quite different reactions for the former Coventry men.



Gilchrist – Looked a bit indecisive and slow when he came on but to be expected after so long out.



Brooks – Not given a lot of time and not sure he had many touches.



McCallum – Ditto as above. Bit slow to react on the goal as Rudoni reacted quicker.





Manager: Wilder 8/10 – Excellent performance where we looked dangerous going forward, defended well and controlled the game where it mattered and in the end was a comfortable win. He takes credit for finding the big performance in a home game after some inconsistent form at the Lane – at least in terms of how we have played. Today the side were played some nice stuff going forward but had control of the game. He ensured we could break the press and get our key forward players into areas where they could hurt the opponents.





Coventry – I expected them to have a real go and show their attacking threats and gusto we have seen them display against others – as they have been on a great run to surge into the playoff places. Yet, tonight they never really got going. The first 20 minutes was even-ish but felt they did not really attack too much and were a bit passive. They concede the free kick and then the goal is a real kick in the teeth, especially from a former player. After this they sort of fell apart and they let another in and then the keeper mucks around (and gets injured as result) and is nearly caught but then had 2 or 3 other huge opportunities to score more. They struggled with our movement and play in transition and they just seemed powerless to stop it. They improved a bit after the break with Grimes more on the ball and Rudoni helping, but they never threatened hugely at all. Lampard conceded they were beaten by a better side.



Think they will get in the playoffs and be a dangerous opponent so hope we get up and do not have to see them again! Lampard was quite complimentary about Wilder (and vice versa) and they seem to both respect/like each other. He has done a great job there despite me never always being convinced with him as a manager. I wonder though if they would have climbed the league anyway regardless of whether Robins stayed or went?



Opponent Man of the Match – Grimes is a decent midfielder and slowly got on the ball more and was the one looking to make things happen. Rudoni gave them another body, and showed again that he can get goals.



Opponent Weak link – Thought that Wright was not in it but Sakamoto was a real disappointment and offered little at all. Mason Clark had a few moments but Seriki stuck to his task well.



Referee/Officials – Oliver Langford. Fine really and few things of real controversy. Booked two of their lads for poor and cynical tackles and BBD for reacting to the latter one. Cannot recall too much he got wrong and did try and let the game flow. I thought their goal was fine and Cooper has to do better. I would have been annoyed if they had disallowed it, if we had scored it (we had one with Anel v Boro similar).





Crowd – Better atmosphere which often it is, when under the lights and thought the crowd were noisier and more appreciative. Coventry always come in decent numbers but by the end many had left. Those that stayed then applauded and then booed their respective returning players which is odd as both left to play for a better team (and admittedly with a better contract) but they seem ok with Hamer but not O’Hare (former netted them decent money I suppose). Good to see a 30k crowd and the Lane in good spirits throughout and especially at full time as the tunes were being banged out as the team came round the pitch! Need that sort of atmosphere against the Millwall’s, Cardiff’s etc.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

First.

Cooper was clearly fouled for their goal, the big lad put his hand in Coops face and dragged him down. Anywhere else on the pitch that's a free kick and the referee, who didn't have a bad game bottled it and allowed the goal.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Second.

Sydie Peck was at least a 9, outstanding contribution and a quality player. Just gets better and better.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Third.

Thank you for all the time and effort you put in Deaders, really is appreciated.

 

[Jimmy Fleck]

Choudhury deserves at least a 9 tbh, thought he was brilliant and shame his rocket didn’t go in. Also think cannon rating is harsh because he had no luck whatsoever, he looked a threat and will get better.

 

[dc_blade]

Not sure about a 9 for Peck but certainly higher than 7.

 

[robbiez666]

It was a bit of an improvement from Canon. He made the wrong choices but that's the most involved he's been so far.

 

[Dkc]

Thanks as always Deadbat. But a 7 for Coops.

 

[Deadbat]

Thanks as always Deadbat. But a 7 for Coops.

I think he will be disappointed with the goal. There was some contact but for me he should be stronger.

 

[Deadbat]

It was a bit of an improvement from Canon. He made the wrong choices but that's the most involved he's been so far.

Possibly but he made the wrong choice or did not execute every time he got it

 

[Deadbat]

Not sure about a 9 for Peck but certainly higher than 7.

I could easily be swayed to a 7.5. He was neat and tidy, covered a lot of ground but Choudhury was better for me. Peck also missed 2 really decent chances.

 

[McGrath]

I could easily be swayed to a 7.5. He was neat and tidy, covered a lot of ground but Choudhury was better for me. Peck also missed 2 really decent chances.

I would give them the same mark.

They did slightly different things in midfield. So I think it's a tad unfair to compare them and mark one over the other. I thought they were both great and a big reason why we able to dominate

 

[McGrath]

I think he will be disappointed with the goal. There was some contact but for me he should be stronger.

I reckon we don't concede that with Souttar in the side. The keeper hasn't got much protection at the moment

 

[Champagneblade]

What’s more remarkable is that in a high pressure game we looked miles ahead and that was without Arblaster, Souza and Davies. These three are probably the first three we’d have been seeing as the central duo option when the season started.

Wilder has done so well in keeping the momentum going. He was smart in January and Peck just goes from strength to strength.

In fact having 83 point would have already got us promoted in 2007/08 (Stoke City, 79), 2012/13 (Hull City, 79) and 2019/20 (WBA, 83). It also goes to show how high the bar will be compared to other seasons.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Great report, Deadbat .

I thought last night was a masterclass in what we are.

We don't hold onto the ball for prolonged periods, we don't score through sustained pressure... we're very comfortable in our own skin.
We're more than happy to let the opposition have the ball, win it back, and rapidly transition into attack.

We set traps and ambush.

Our stats are rarely favourable as we're happy playing on the back-foot.
Usually, when we score, we take our foot off the gas.
Last night, we were fresh and hungry for more.
It really should have gone to 4-0 rather than 3-1, and it wouldn't have flattered us.

FWIW, my own mark's:

Cooper - 6
For 90 minutes, dealt with everything comfortably. Dropped a clanger at the end which loses him a mark.

Seriki - 6.5
Erratic. Unpredictable. Some bizarre defending, coupled with some brilliant attacking.
Probably an 8 at one end and a 5 at the other.

Ahmedhodzic - 9
Outstanding. Our MOTM.
Handled Wright with ease. Covered ground well and dealt with everything that came into our box. Carried it out of defence confidently to get us on the front foot.
His best display of the season and rightly recognised by the crowd.

Robinson - 7
A comfortable night for him.

Burrows - 7
See above.

Peck - 8
Absolutely superb at times. Coventry are no mugs, and this is a kid in his first season dominating the middle of the park.
He's getting brilliant at making a yard for himself with a feint or a drop of the shoulder, and once he's found it has a lot of quality on the deck.
Loves the physical side too.
I thought he was on for his first goal in front of the Kop, but sadly not to be.

Choudhury - 8.5
He was absolutely everywhere, getting a foot in, breaking it up and very composed on the ball. Backed up his brilliant second half at Hillsborough. Been a great signing.

Brereton-Diaz - 7.5
This may seem high to some, but I actually disagree with DBs report on this one.
He worked extremely hard to cover back for Seriki and put in an enormous shift. It's another player that gives us potency at the top of the pitch in big moments. Another assist.

Brewster - 8
Worked hard out of possession, noticeably fitter and stronger than previous iterations of Brewster. But he's also learning that 10 role now. Drops into pockets and slides some great balls forward (lovely weight of pass).
Emphatic finish.

Hamer - 7.5
I thought he looked really sluggish in the first 15 mins, then we go 1-0 up through a free kick he's won and dispatched from almost 30 yds out. Oozes quality.
I didn't think it was a great performance by him but the stats (most key passes etc.) show his worth to the side.

Campbell - 8
I wonder if we're guilty of overlooking how good he is at times? I don't think there's a better CF in the division.
He frightened Coventry to death with his runs in behind. Leads the line superbly.
His goal was far better than I realised in real time.
Also, I didn't think he fouled their keeper when he went off injured but haven't seen it back?

----

Cannon - 6.5
I thought he'd absolutely butchered the chance when Peck played him in. But on second viewing, it wasn't an easy one as it was fired awkwardly into his feet.
He was a bit greedy with the last one, but at 3-0 up with 5 mins to go I wouldn't expect a CF to pass.
He worked hard and showed a little bit more of what he's about.

O'Hare - 7
He was fired up. Brought a lot of energy to our press and almost got himself on the score sheet / teed up others 2/3 times.

 

[Cheeky Blade]

Not sure about a 9 for Peck but certainly higher than 7.

8?

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat . Must have been quite enjoyable to pen this one.

Not going to quibble about your ratings, but I did think Brewster possibly played his best overall game for us and not only played a great ball to BBD which he got back and finished, but was also involved in a lot of our good play and worked really hard. Missed a couple of others but is getting in the right areas, which he wasn't for a long time. He works hard defensively too and I like that he tries to pass to a player rather than just clear it anywhere from defensive positions.

Peck just gets better and better. There were a couple of great moments where he had the ball with players around him and he turns out of trouble, makes some space and either plays a good ball or drives forward and plays it.

I just love Tyrese and at the moment he's a million miles better than Cannon. I was hoping he'd stay on for at least another ten minutes because I think in the situations Cannon was in, he would have done so much better.

As Wilder and yourself said, both centre halves had really good games with Anel being the stand out. He didn't give Haji and then Simms a sniff and was still able to bring it out at times. That lovely skill in the first half where he opened his body and shaped to play a square ball and then feinted and carried it forward instead was Didzyesque!

Choudhury was superb too, seemed to be everywhere getting a foot in or getting in front of his man and coming away with the ball.

Unless there are knocks or tactical reasons, I don't think Wilder can change the starting line up for the next game.

 

[Revolution]

A very pleasing victory. I feel that with Burnley and Leeds also having great seasons we have been underrated by some pundits (eg NTT20) so it was great to beat the division’s form side without alarm. We’ve won 2 thirds of our games.

First 20 mins was quite even but Hamer blew the game open with that superb strike. Then Coventry showed their Achilles heel - defending - for the rest of the half.

We had the usual sit back for 15 mins after HT but the defence was so good tonight, and MOTM Hamza so effective at breaking up play, that the Wright shot from distance was the sum total of their efforts. A sweeping move and a super finish from Brewster - so pleased for him - put it to bed. Shame about the goal but in the PL VAR might have disallowed that. Hard to tell really.

Cannon looks more of a mistake by the week.

I watched on ITV and I thought their coverage was very good on the whole. Hugh Woozencroft showed good presence of mind by collaring Brewster after he came over to say hello to Basham and got a good interview out of him. Having said that, they said 3 or 4 times Hamza had played in a World Cup qualifier. That’s not right. It was an Asian Cup qualifier (Bangladesh were knocked out in the Autumn and are now in a group playing off for a place in the equivalent of the Euros).

That feels like a big hurdle overcome. I expect spineless Swansea to fold but hopefully Bristol City can help us out.

 

[Cheets]

I read recently that we hadn't conceded after 90 minutes all season. If correct, then last night was the first time.

 

[10-0 win]

Our passing was up a level going forward. Much faster going forward with the high pressure. Improved tactical performance.

 

[Pintor75]

Thought the ratings were accurate enough, Anel man of match for me, everything went well thoughone minor point, I don't know why Wilder wants to introduce 3 substitutes in the last 7 minutes when alls going well, it's as if he has to get McCallum on to earn a bonus, otherwise a great performance

 

[robbiez666]

I could easily be swayed to a 7.5. He was neat and tidy, covered a lot of ground but Choudhury was better for me. Peck also missed 2 really decent chances.

He was anonymous for a lot of the first half. Much better in the second.

 

[Blacksea]

Anel had a good game in defence but in a second half spell he was poor bringing the ball out and misplaced simple passes out of play and straight to opponents, a 7 for me

 

[cooperblade]

BBD's workrate was incredible last night. I think that now he's getting back to full fitness, we have a solidity down that side that we haven't had at times earlier in the season. I like Rak-Sakyi a lot but I can understand why Wilder is trusting BBD more at the moment.

 

[SouthStandGBlock]

Not sure about a 9 for Peck but certainly higher than 7.

8 then ????

 

[Chimpan-A]

Great summary. I was impressed by BBD in the first half talking to Seriki after he had made a mistake - not bollocking him, just explaining something to him. Good to see.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

The only downside of last night for me was not getting the 5 or 6 goals our play deserved..still don't get how Campbell was given a foul he never fouled him. Cannon looks like a mistake all round and isn't a team player.

We have Plymouth Oxford and Cardiff to play some hidings to be dished out there and maybe we will see a 4 or 5.

No doubt in my mind about promotion now just hope it's a home game.

 

[N20 Blade]

Not sure about a 9 for Peck but certainly higher than 7.

8?

 

[Sheffsteel]

Great report, Deadbat .

I thought last night was a masterclass in what we are.

We don't hold onto the ball for prolonged periods, we don't score through sustained pressure... we're very comfortable in our own skin.
We're more than happy to let the opposition have the ball, win it back, and rapidly transition into attack.

We set traps and ambush.

Our stats are rarely favourable as we're happy playing on the back-foot.
Usually, when we score, we take our foot off the gas.
Last night, we were fresh and hungry for more.
It really should have gone to 4-0 rather than 3-1, and it wouldn't have flattered us.

FWIW, my own mark's:

Cooper - 6
For 90 minutes, dealt with everything comfortably. Dropped a clanger at the end which loses him a mark.

Seriki - 6.5
Erratic. Unpredictable. Some bizarre defending, coupled with some brilliant attacking.
Probably an 8 at one end and a 5 at the other.

Ahmedhodzic - 9
Outstanding. Our MOTM.
Handled Wright with ease. Covered ground well and dealt with everything that came into our box. Carried it out of defence confidently to get us on the front foot.
His best display of the season and rightly recognised by the crowd.

Robinson - 7
A comfortable night for him.

Burrows - 7
See above.

Peck - 8
Absolutely superb at times. Coventry are no mugs, and this is a kid in his first season dominating the middle of the park.
He's getting brilliant at making a yard for himself with a feint or a drop of the shoulder, and once he's found it has a lot of quality on the deck.
Loves the physical side too.
I thought he was on for his first goal in front of the Kop, but sadly not to be.

Choudhury - 8.5
He was absolutely everywhere, getting a foot in, breaking it up and very composed on the ball. Backed up his brilliant second half at Hillsborough. Been a great signing.

Brereton-Diaz - 7.5
This may seem high to some, but I actually disagree with DBs report on this one.
He worked extremely hard to cover back for Seriki and put in an enormous shift. It's another player that gives us potency at the top of the pitch in big moments. Another assist.

Brewster - 8
Worked hard out of possession, noticeably fitter and stronger than previous iterations of Brewster. But he's also learning that 10 role now. Drops into pockets and slides some great balls forward (lovely weight of pass).
Emphatic finish.

Hamer - 7.5
I thought he looked really sluggish in the first 15 mins, then we go 1-0 up through a free kick he's won and dispatched from almost 30 yds out. Oozes quality.
I didn't think it was a great performance by him but the stats (most key passes etc.) show his worth to the side.

Campbell - 8
I wonder if we're guilty of overlooking how good he is at times? I don't think there's a better CF in the division.
He frightened Coventry to death with his runs in behind. Leads the line superbly.
His goal was far better than I realised in real time.
Also, I didn't think he fouled their keeper when he went off injured but haven't seen it back?

----

Cannon - 6.5
I thought he'd absolutely butchered the chance when Peck played him in. But on second viewing, it wasn't an easy one as it was fired awkwardly into his feet.
He was a bit greedy with the last one, but at 3-0 up with 5 mins to go I wouldn't expect a CF to pass.
He worked hard and showed a little bit more of what he's about.

O'Hare - 7
He was fired up. Brought a lot of energy to our press and almost got himself on the score sheet / teed up others 2/3 times.

Agree with most of that.

Regards your comment on playing style….Nottingham Forest play the same. They’ve moved away from the tippy tippy Man City style and don’t seem as bothered about possesion but they attack with intent.

Regards Sereki
Laughed at your comment because it’s so true. Like in the Sheff Wed game where he started, he was crap (a concern) and brilliant (a real threat) all inside the same match.

Regards Peck
We were all saying last night he played with a bit of a swagger as though he knows he’s too good for this level. It was noticeable that early in the season he’d be caught in possession or panic trying a difficult pass. However now….even in tight spaces..he just does what Arblaster does…creating space dribbling away from danger with the ball. He’s starting to look a real player, such a well rounded midfielder with everything. We’re lucky to have him.

Regards Choudhury
Plays such a simple game but very very effective playing as an enforcer. Didn’t think the Peck/ Hamza partnership could work but there’s no mad rush for Vini to return until he’s totally fit.

Regards Diaz
Always think he gives us energy and he’s pretty direct with his running at goal. Like his style.

Brewster
Glad you mentioned “he’s learning his role”. He’s not as good as the others but his gradually improving every match. Makes you wonder where it will lead.

Campbell
What a find, has a touch of class about him. Can’t believe I’m saying this but he might actually be a Premier league level striker. He always makes clever runs behind a defence and is developing an understanding with Hamer, O’Hare and Brewster who are all capable of clever little passes.