United 3 Coventry 1 - report

[Deadbat]

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The Blades made it three wins out of three since the World Cup break as they saw off in form Coventry City at the Lane. Goals from three loan players were enough to dispatch the Sky Blues as McAtee, Clark and then Doyle put United in form control. The Blades had been indebted to a penalty save from Wes Foderingham when the score was 1-0 and then had to survive a tricky final period after Gyokeres made up for his miss with a header to reduce the arrears and then was involved as John Egan got his second yellow card and had to depart. The final 10 minutes saw United do enough to avoid any real scares and in doing so went 8 points clear from the third-place side with nearest rivals Blackburn and Watford both losing.



United manager Paul Heckingbottom made one change with Max Lowe in for Enda Stevens. Oli McBurnie missed out with an ankle injury but Daniel Jebbison was back on the bench. Coventry had main man Viktor Gyokeres up top but former Blade Kyle McFadzean was out injured and Simon Moore had to be content with a place on the bench. City had been able to win in the week thanks to a late Gyokeres penalty accounting for West Brom; a similar outcome to that that had occurred when the Blades travelled to the Coventry Building Society Arena earlier in the season.



The game began with the away side settling better and moving it around crisply as United did not quite get going and the visitors had been the better side in the opening 5 minutes. However, they had a blow when O’Hare went down with no challenge made and clearly was struggling and eventually the stretcher was called and Palmer replaced him.



Gyokeres had a shot blocked before United finally started to get into some sort of pattern of play and McAtee was prominent in some of the more forward advances before Berge had to go off for treatment after a late foul from Sheaf who was cautioned. United slowly had started to take over and from a corner, Sharp headed down and against the bar before Egan could not scramble home in the closest either side had come. United now were probing and looking livelier but Ahmedhodzic had to make a great tackle to deny Gyokeres as City broke.



United were having more of the ball now and Norwood and McAtee were involved and Ndiaye was starting to have more of an influence with his quick feet and tenacity. The opening goal came though form a Coventry corner as Foderingham’s punched clearance found Ndiaye who jinked out of a tight space and played a lovely through ball into the path of MCATEE who steadied himself and coolly played it into the net past the advancing Wilson.



Egan was booked for pulling his man back as Coventry tried to respond as finally the officials recognised the foul after a long delay. Panzo headed over but United had responded well after a poor start to deservedly lead at the break.



The second half saw United fail to clear and as the ball came back Bidwell took a touch away from Ahmedhodzic and the Bosnian made contact and the penalty was given immediately by Matthew Donohue. It seemed a soft one but not many United players appealed. The kick was taken from Gyokeres but it was a really poor one and continued the curse at the Bramall Lane end for spot kicks as Foderingham not only saved the weak penalty but held it.





United responded and good work from Ndiaye saw him tee it up perfectly for Berge but he fired badly over. Ndiaye was fouled soon after as he looked to dance away again and the free kick was taken from Norwood into a great area and CLARK powered down and in to double the lead. After the penalty miss and then the goal for the Blades at the other end, the game had turned around from what it potentially could have been as United now were firmly in control.



Bidwell was cautioned for a poor tackle on Norwood before City made a triple substitution with Dabo, Kelly and Waghorn coming on for Borroughs, Allen and Sheaf. Soon after Sharp and McAtee were replaced by Jebbison and Doyle as the game entered the final 20 minutes.



DOYLE had only been on the field for two minutes and scored with what seemed like his first touch. Berge had not been at his best but his driving run and cross caused problems and Lowe was able to return it from the left side and the Man City loanee steered home for his first Blades goal.



Coventry kept trying to find a way back and Hamer’s free kick was beaten away from Foderingham but soon after a free kick conceded saw the ball come in and GYOKERES headed home despite the Blades keeper getting a hand on it. It seemed like it was not more than a consolation but Egan then brought down Gyokeres as he tried to break and picked up his second yellow card and had to depart. Basham came on for Ndiaye and United had to dig in with only ten men.



Coventry pressed and had a few crosses come in and Ahmedhodzic made a good block before Foderingham made a save from a header from Waghorn. A deflected effort was ruled out on Dabo but United saw out the additional 5 minutes without too many other concerns to ensure they kept a stranglehold on second place.



United – Another game where I do not think we will scintillating or blew a team away but once again we deserved to win and did enough. Odd that for the second game in a row we had less possession but still did enough in both boxes to create enough big moments to win. We started poorly but then grew into the game and McAtee, Norwood and Ndiaye were all prompting and probing and we hit the bar through Sharp before scoring a well made and taken goal. 1-0 was about right for the first half for the play and dangerous possession we had compared to Coventry who had moments but not sure they had anything of real note in our box.



After the break we give away a stupid penalty and Wes gets out of the cart again. After this Clark scores an excellent header from another brilliant Norwood free kick and it seems like we have got control after the penalty miss. We make a few changes and then the third comes with another well made and taken goal. After this it seemed like we sort of lost the plot with a series of stupid free kick give aways that led to a goal back and then the red card- totally unnecessary from Egan who has a penchant for stupid red cards. We then have a tricky 10 minutes as Ndiaye and Sharp had been subbed and we had nothing up top and the ball kept coming back. Coventry had a few chances but we did enough to see it out and in the end were not troubled too much although if they had got a second it might have been panic stations – but a two-goal margin of victory even with the goal back and red card and it was in the end relatively routine.



United’s performance was a bit mixed again. We did well in pockets of play and scored three good goals. We looked dangerous at times and some of our crossing caused real issues. Ndiaye was a threat getting into those pockets and never giving anything up and Norwood prompted well. I felt McAtee was good again and very positive in what he did. He is improving each game and being quite influential after a quiet start to his United career. I thought Lowe did well and an upgrade on Enda. Clark continues his solid form too and Anel had his best game for a while. Egan frustrates with daft fouls and bookings and Berge had a really poor game where he gave it away and looked completely unfit. Doyle got a goal but Jebbison the other sub really struggled and showed why with McBurnie’s injury issues that we may need another forward when the window opens.



All in all, it was another win. Not anything amazing but we did enough to beat a better side than the ones we have beat since we returned. I actually thought they might be better than they were even though they had more possession, shots and corners. They did well for 5-10 minutes and finished strongly but outside of this when it mattered, were second best and we won the game with a bit of comfort. United showed enough when they needed to step it up to create and score and when it mattered, we did what we had to do in both boxes. I do think we can play much better and surely, we will. With McBurnie to come back and Doyle maybe too to start and then Berge surely cannot play much worse? We have some games coming up at Blackpool and QPR who are both not really in great form and then Stoke at the Lane. There is a chance for more wins and points and with many stuttering below us, even though we have not been blowing teams away, we have a great chance to really cement ourselves in the top two. The gap we have is sizeable, even at this stage.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half had little to do but his clearance set us on the way for the goal. Second half makes the penalty save and is fast becoming a bit of an expert at these – yes it was a bad kick again but they still have to be saved. He then made a mess of a cross straight after and maybe he could have done a bit better on the goal although a powerful header? He did save a few after this and his handling was good as we saw it out.



Baldock 6.5/10 – An ok game but not sure we saw too much of him forward wise. He made a few tackles and blocks but he also gave his man too much space at times. Not his usual aggressive/all over the shop self though.



Lowe 7.5/10 – Definitely an upgrade on Stevens. Better athlete, more mobile and quicker. He got around the pitch, linked well going forward and not sure he did much wrong defensively. He fitted right back in and no real rustiness. Set up the third with a lovely pulled back cross.



Clark 7.5/10 – Another solid game where he defended well and read things when he had to. He made a number of headed clearances and interceptions. Took his goal well with a good downward header as we continue to get goals from our centre backs. He has cemented his place now and is more reliable than Robinson in here. May have to play centrally at Blackpool with Egan out?



Ahmedhodzic 6.5/10 – Best he has been for a while. He got his foot in and made one excellent tackle first half and then used his telescopic legs to make so many vital challenges second half. Sloppy on the penalty and the second consecutive game he has cost us (in the end it did not actually!) after an error at Wigan. He did actually do well after this and made some more good tackles and blocks. Also came out with the ball more than he had done and looked more like the player we saw at the start of the season. However not picking and he lost his man on the header too.



Egan 5.5/10 – His mark seems low but he makes rash fouls and decisions when no need. Both bookings were so avoidable and he just needs to hang back sometimes. Gyokeres is a dangerous and quick forward so no need to go in and win it at times. Both bookings he was around 40 yards from goal. Really poor and put us under pressure for the final spell and now suspended. Outside of this he was ok but showed he struggles with a pacy/mobile forward.



Norwood 7.5/10 – Decent and when we did well, so did he with good passing and switch of play. Some good corners, one to Sharp we nearly scored from and then the free kick for the second. He moved it around well and also got his foot in to make several interceptions too. He did a lot of good things defensively and helped us win a few free kicks too; that led to bookings for them.



McAtee 7.5/10 – Continued his recent improvements and showed his positive play as now he gets it and looks to drive and advance. Shows his quick feet and dribbling skills. Had a few decent bits before he scored which was a good run and cool finish. He continued to get into good areas and try and probe/link. He went off but to me Berge could have gone before him.



Berge 5.5/10 – Frustrating again and continued from the Wigan second half. Yes, he showed some good bits -one run first half that led to a booking and then two runs second half that led to chances and the third goal. He skied one from an Ndiaye cross – another poor finish after the miss at Wigan. His passing and general awareness was really poor. Seemed sallow to react and made some awful decisions including one that led to them winning the free kick to score. He seems so far off fitness as he is not reacting or sharp enough. Needs to do a lot more as games are sort of passing him by. He shows in flashes his quality still



Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Like Wigan, had real flashes of brilliance, where you think he has lost it but then gets his foot in and recovers. A few of those trademark slalom runs and some lovely moment like the assist for the first goal. He also made one Sander should have scored. Some periods where he was quiet or gave it away but whenever he gets it you think something might happen. A lovely footballer and one he terrifies opponents.



Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and nearly scored with the header down. Did hold it up and helped us keep it up the field. Not many other chances and not sure he was involved hugely but he did work the channels and helped us keep it. Noticeable we struggled when him and Ndiaye went off.



Subs –



Doyle 7/10 – Instant impact as he scored with his first touch. Took it well as he opened his body up to finish. After this was more defending than attacking. He will probably alternate with McAtee in the games to come you would think. Has done well since he has come in but has missed chances but goals has been missing so will be pleased to register.



Jebbison 4/10 – Given a chance with McBurnie out and preferred to Khadra as Sharp tired but Jebbison did not really take his chance. I felt the ball did not stick and he did not even offer a nuisance value. What concerned me most is that he was not even really pressuring the defenders who had an easy finish to the game after struggling until this point. I am not sure he is quite up to what we need at this level as if he is not a goal threat, does not hold it up, does not link and not even an out ball – then what does he offer? Maybe that is harsh but his cameo made me think the need for another striker with McBurnie’s injury issues – is our priority for any incomings next month.



Basham – Came on and won a few headers but then went on one great run where he carried it the whole half and won a free kick which helped take the sting out of any possible come back. Will start in a few days with Egan suspended.



Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – Another win and that is 7 wins out of 8 and 3 from 3 since the break. Not sure we are dismantling teams and a long way from the side we saw beat the likes of Blackburn and Reading with ease but we are doing enough to win games and are still better than the opponents we are facing. We are a bit stop start and at times we start games and indeed halves slowly before growing into things but overall will be happy we keep winning. His subs were better in terms of timing this week although the two players (Bash came on later) had different impacts. His final one was forced due to Egan going off. Overall, we are winning games and whilst we are only showing flashes, we are grafting out the points and keep things ticking over. He is slowly getting players back with Lowe the latest to return and Doyle also getting more minutes. Hopefully McBurnie, Fleck, Osborn and Robinson can all add to the squad soon and maybe one or two signings if we are being greedy for insurance?





Coventry – They were my tips to make the playoffs after a really good season last time out where they gave some good sides like Fulham and us, a right going over. They kept the core of the squad with only Hyam (to Blackburn) and the Chelsea loanee Maatsen (to Burnley) not staying. Gyokeres is a real handful and they have players like O’Hare and Hamer being very good in midfield. I do see players like Moore and McFadzean that although are good club men are nowhere near good enough for a team going for promotion. Indeed, Moore has been unseated in goal this season after a poor start. Indeed, City had a really bad start with games postponed due to issues at the stadium and a few defeats but have slowly turned it round and are one of the in-form teams in the league and pushing upwards now. I think Robins is a steady manager who gets the best out of a relatively small squad and can see him maybe going onto better things at some point even though he seems to have been around for a while at Championship (and lower) level.



They had won in the week with a late goal and I thought would give us a tough test. They began well but then faded and conceded and I thought we were the better side. After the break they missed the penalty but then gave another poor goal and then we looked like blowing them away. They had a spell after where they scored and then the red card makes it more interesting but whilst they huffed and puffed not sure they had too many clear chances after this? Robins said they dominated much of the game which is a nonsense. They had slightly more possession and chances/corners but in the game itself we looked more dangerous in the box and played the better football where it mattered. I thought United did have control for long spells and went away to 2 and then 3-0 after the penalty. Not quite sure which game Robins was watching to make such a ludicrous assertion?! 3-1 in the end was about right over the course of the game.



Gyokeres is very good. Mobile, good in the air and strong. He will leave them at the end of the season you would think but they lack the depth to maybe compete with the top clubs but would not be shocked if they got 5th or 6th – even saying that. O’Hare’s injury might be a blow if he is out for any length of time of course.



I did expect a bit more from them though today and we saw that whilst they can be a threat attacking wise, they also are quite brittle at the back and the goals they gave away were poor. United in the end were a long way from their best and still won with something to spare.



Opponent Man of the Match – Gyokeres. Missed a penalty but everything good and threatening came from him. He contributed to Egan going off and scored a goal. He always looked a threat getting in behind.



Opponent Weak link – They took him off but the lad Allen in midfield looked very slow and his touch came off him a lot. He was behind the play a lot and failed to cut out the ball for the goal. I thought Sheaf struggled too and McAtee and Ndiaye ran behind the midfield a lot to cause problems in those areas in front of the defence.



Referee/Officials – Our friend Matthew Donohue. To be fair we have had him since the debacles last season and he was ok this season. Today the penalty was right and so was the red card to be fair with two stupid yellows. He was not that bad really and not sure he got much wrong and was not helped by two awful assistants – who seemed more trained than ever these days not to give any decisions at all? There was a few where fouls were so obvious (the Bash one for instance) and they are stood right over it and give nothing? It is odd. Why are they even there as they often do not even put the flag up these days either?



Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Full house (apart from the seats we cannot sell!) but was quiet again. Coventry actually did not quite fill the away end – maybe they were not given those seats near the South Stand as you would think they would fill that end if they could? They were quite vocal but it always seems to be the way that United fans need something to happen to get them going. We (as fans) do need to be better as at times it becomes quite subdued and should not considering where we are in the league.

 

[Greenblades]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half had little to do but his clearance set us on the way for the goal. Second half makes the penalty save and is fast becoming a bit of an expert at these – yes it was a bad kick again but they still have to be saved. He then made a mess of a cross straight after and maybe he could have done a bit better on the goal although a powerful header? He did save a few after this and his handling was good as we saw it out.



Baldock 6.5/10 – An ok game but not sure we saw too much of him forward wise. He made a few tackles and blocks but he also gave his man too much space at times. Not his usual aggressive/all over the shop self though.



Lowe 7.5/10 – Definitely an upgrade on Stevens. Better athlete, more mobile and quicker. He got around the pitch, linked well going forward and not sure he did much wrong defensively. He fitted right back in and no real rustiness. Set up the third with a lovely pulled back cross.



Clark 7.5/10 – Another solid game where he defended well and read things when he had to. He made a number of headed clearances and interceptions. Took his goal well with a good downward header as we continue to get goals from our centre backs. He has cemented his place now and is more reliable than Robinson in here. May have to play centrally at Blackpool with Egan out?



Ahmedhodzic 6.5/10 – Best he has been for a while. He got his foot in and made one excellent tackle first half and then used his telescopic legs to make so many vital challenges second half. Sloppy on the penalty and the second consecutive game he has cost us (in the end it did not actually!) after an error at Wigan. He did actually do well after this and made some more good tackles and blocks. Also came out with the ball more than he had done and looked more like the player we saw at the start of the season. However not picking and he lost his man on the header too.



Egan 5.5/10 – His mark seems low but he makes rash fouls and decisions when no need. Both bookings were so avoidable and he just needs to hang back sometimes. Gyokeres is a dangerous and quick forward so no need to go in and win it at times. Both bookings he was around 40 yards from goal. Really poor and put us under pressure for the final spell and now suspended. Outside of this he was ok but showed he struggles with a pacy/mobile forward.



Norwood 7.5/10 – Decent and when we did well, so did he with good passing and switch of play. Some good corners, one to Sharp we nearly scored from and then the free kick for the second. He moved it around well and also got his foot in to make several interceptions too. He did a lot of good things defensively and helped us win a few free kicks too; that led to bookings for them.



McAtee 7.5/10 – Continued his recent improvements and showed his positive play as now he gets it and looks to drive and advance. Shows his quick feet and dribbling skills. Had a few decent bits before he scored which was a good run and cool finish. He continued to get into good areas and try and probe/link. He went off but to me Berge could have gone before him.



Berge 5.5/10 – Frustrating again and continued from the Wigan second half. Yes, he showed some good bits -one run first half that led to a booking and then two runs second half that led to chances and the third goal. He skied one from an Ndiaye cross – another poor finish after the miss at Wigan. His passing and general awareness was really poor. Seemed sallow to react and made some awful decisions including one that led to them winning the free kick to score. He seems so far off fitness as he is not reacting or sharp enough. Needs to do a lot more as games are sort of passing him by. He shows in flashes his quality still



Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Like Wigan, had real flashes of brilliance, where you think he has lost it but then gets his foot in and recovers. A few of those trademark slalom runs and some lovely moment like the assist for the first goal. He also made one Sander should have scored. Some periods where he was quiet or gave it away but whenever he gets it you think something might happen. A lovely footballer and one he terrifies opponents.



Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and nearly scored with the header down. Did hold it up and helped us keep it up the field. Not many other chances and not sure he was involved hugely but he did work the channels and helped us keep it. Noticeable we struggled when him and Ndiaye went off.



Subs –



Doyle 7/10 – Instant impact as he scored with his first touch. Took it well as he opened his body up to finish. After this was more defending than attacking. He will probably alternate with McAtee in the games to come you would think. Has done well since he has come in but has missed chances but goals has been missing so will be pleased to register.



Jebbison 4/10 – Given a chance with McBurnie out and preferred to Khadra as Sharp tired but Jebbison did not really take his chance. I felt the ball did not stick and he did not even offer a nuisance value. What concerned me most is that he was not even really pressuring the defenders who had an easy finish to the game after struggling until this point. I am not sure he is quite up to what we need at this level as if he is not a goal threat, does not hold it up, does not link and not even an out ball – then what does he offer? Maybe that is harsh but his cameo made me think the need for another striker with McBurnie’s injury issues – is our priority for any incomings next month.



Basham – Came on and won a few headers but then went on one great run where he carried it the whole half and won a free kick which helped take the sting out of any possible come back. Will start in a few days with Egan suspended.



Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – Another win and that is 7 wins out of 8 and 3 from 3 since the break. Not sure we are dismantling teams and a long way from the side we saw beat the likes of Blackburn and Reading with ease but we are doing enough to win games and are still better than the opponents we are facing. We are a bit stop start and at times we start games and indeed halves slowly before growing into things but overall will be happy we keep winning. His subs were better in terms of timing this week although the two players (Bash came on later) had different impacts. His final one was forced due to Egan going off. Overall, we are winning games and whilst we are only showing flashes, we are grafting out the points and keep things ticking over. He is slowly getting players back with Lowe the latest to return and Doyle also getting more minutes. Hopefully McBurnie, Fleck, Osborn and Robinson can all add to the squad soon and maybe one or two signings if we are being greedy for insurance?





Coventry – They were my tips to make the playoffs after a really good season last time out where they gave some good sides like Fulham and us, a right going over. They kept the core of the squad with only Hyam (to Blackburn) and the Chelsea loanee Maatsen (to Burnley) not staying. Gyokeres is a real handful and they have players like O’Hare and Hamer being very good in midfield. I do see players like Moore and McFadzean that although are good club men are nowhere near good enough for a team going for promotion. Indeed, Moore has been unseated in goal this season after a poor start. Indeed, City had a really bad start with games postponed due to issues at the stadium and a few defeats but have slowly turned it round and are one of the in-form teams in the league and pushing upwards now. I think Robins is a steady manager who gets the best out of a relatively small squad and can see him maybe going onto better things at some point even though he seems to have been around for a while at Championship (and lower) level.



They had won in the week with a late goal and I thought would give us a tough test. They began well but then faded and conceded and I thought we were the better side. After the break they missed the penalty but then gave another poor goal and then we looked like blowing them away. They had a spell after where they scored and then the red card makes it more interesting but whilst they huffed and puffed not sure they had too many clear chances after this? Robins said they dominated much of the game which is a nonsense. They had slightly more possession and chances/corners but in the game itself we looked more dangerous in the box and played the better football where it mattered. I thought United did have control for long spells and went away to 2 and then 3-0 after the penalty. Not quite sure which game Robins was watching to make such a ludicrous assertion?! 3-1 in the end was about right over the course of the game.



Gyokeres is very good. Mobile, good in the air and strong. He will leave them at the end of the season you would think but they lack the depth to maybe compete with the top clubs but would not be shocked if they got 5th or 6th – even saying that. O’Hare’s injury might be a blow if he is out for any length of time of course.



I did expect a bit more from them though today and we saw that whilst they can be a threat attacking wise, they also are quite brittle at the back and the goals they gave away were poor. United in the end were a long way from their best and still won with something to spare.



Opponent Man of the Match – Gyokeres. Missed a penalty but everything good and threatening came from him. He contributed to Egan going off and scored a goal. He always looked a threat getting in behind.



Opponent Weak link – They took him off but the lad Allen in midfield looked very slow and his touch came off him a lot. He was behind the play a lot and failed to cut out the ball for the goal. I thought Sheaf struggled too and McAtee and Ndiaye ran behind the midfield a lot to cause problems in those areas in front of the defence.



Referee/Officials – Our friend Matthew Donohue. To be fair we have had him since the debacles last season and he was ok this season. Today the penalty was right and so was the red card to be fair with two stupid yellows. He was not that bad really and not sure he got much wrong and was not helped by two awful assistants – who seemed more trained than ever these days not to give any decisions at all? There was a few where fouls were so obvious (the Bash one for instance) and they are stood right over it and give nothing? It is odd. Why are they even there as they often do not even put the flag up these days either?



Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Full house (apart from the seats we cannot sell!) but was quiet again. Coventry actually did not quite fill the away end – maybe they were not given those seats near the South Stand as you would think they would fill that end if they could? They were quite vocal but it always seems to be the way that United fans need something to happen to get them going. We (as fans) do need to be better as at times it becomes quite subdued and should not considering where we are in the league.

Spot on for me. Thanks as always.

 

[Roygbiv]

Great report and agree with the ratings. Was surprised with what Robins said. You could argue the penalty save changed things but I've no idea how he can genuinely say they dominated

 

[Cheets]

Bit harsh on Jebbo for me as he was on his own chasing shadows but otherwise a fair assessment.

 

[A_Bladesman]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half had little to do but his clearance set us on the way for the goal. Second half makes the penalty save and is fast becoming a bit of an expert at these – yes it was a bad kick again but they still have to be saved. He then made a mess of a cross straight after and maybe he could have done a bit better on the goal although a powerful header? He did save a few after this and his handling was good as we saw it out.



Baldock 6.5/10 – An ok game but not sure we saw too much of him forward wise. He made a few tackles and blocks but he also gave his man too much space at times. Not his usual aggressive/all over the shop self though.



Lowe 7.5/10 – Definitely an upgrade on Stevens. Better athlete, more mobile and quicker. He got around the pitch, linked well going forward and not sure he did much wrong defensively. He fitted right back in and no real rustiness. Set up the third with a lovely pulled back cross.



Clark 7.5/10 – Another solid game where he defended well and read things when he had to. He made a number of headed clearances and interceptions. Took his goal well with a good downward header as we continue to get goals from our centre backs. He has cemented his place now and is more reliable than Robinson in here. May have to play centrally at Blackpool with Egan out?



Ahmedhodzic 6.5/10 – Best he has been for a while. He got his foot in and made one excellent tackle first half and then used his telescopic legs to make so many vital challenges second half. Sloppy on the penalty and the second consecutive game he has cost us (in the end it did not actually!) after an error at Wigan. He did actually do well after this and made some more good tackles and blocks. Also came out with the ball more than he had done and looked more like the player we saw at the start of the season. However not picking and he lost his man on the header too.



Egan 5.5/10 – His mark seems low but he makes rash fouls and decisions when no need. Both bookings were so avoidable and he just needs to hang back sometimes. Gyokeres is a dangerous and quick forward so no need to go in and win it at times. Both bookings he was around 40 yards from goal. Really poor and put us under pressure for the final spell and now suspended. Outside of this he was ok but showed he struggles with a pacy/mobile forward.



Norwood 7.5/10 – Decent and when we did well, so did he with good passing and switch of play. Some good corners, one to Sharp we nearly scored from and then the free kick for the second. He moved it around well and also got his foot in to make several interceptions too. He did a lot of good things defensively and helped us win a few free kicks too; that led to bookings for them.



McAtee 7.5/10 – Continued his recent improvements and showed his positive play as now he gets it and looks to drive and advance. Shows his quick feet and dribbling skills. Had a few decent bits before he scored which was a good run and cool finish. He continued to get into good areas and try and probe/link. He went off but to me Berge could have gone before him.



Berge 5.5/10 – Frustrating again and continued from the Wigan second half. Yes, he showed some good bits -one run first half that led to a booking and then two runs second half that led to chances and the third goal. He skied one from an Ndiaye cross – another poor finish after the miss at Wigan. His passing and general awareness was really poor. Seemed sallow to react and made some awful decisions including one that led to them winning the free kick to score. He seems so far off fitness as he is not reacting or sharp enough. Needs to do a lot more as games are sort of passing him by. He shows in flashes his quality still



Ndiaye 7.5/10 – Like Wigan, had real flashes of brilliance, where you think he has lost it but then gets his foot in and recovers. A few of those trademark slalom runs and some lovely moment like the assist for the first goal. He also made one Sander should have scored. Some periods where he was quiet or gave it away but whenever he gets it you think something might happen. A lovely footballer and one he terrifies opponents.



Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and nearly scored with the header down. Did hold it up and helped us keep it up the field. Not many other chances and not sure he was involved hugely but he did work the channels and helped us keep it. Noticeable we struggled when him and Ndiaye went off.



Subs –



Doyle 7/10 – Instant impact as he scored with his first touch. Took it well as he opened his body up to finish. After this was more defending than attacking. He will probably alternate with McAtee in the games to come you would think. Has done well since he has come in but has missed chances but goals has been missing so will be pleased to register.



Jebbison 4/10 – Given a chance with McBurnie out and preferred to Khadra as Sharp tired but Jebbison did not really take his chance. I felt the ball did not stick and he did not even offer a nuisance value. What concerned me most is that he was not even really pressuring the defenders who had an easy finish to the game after struggling until this point. I am not sure he is quite up to what we need at this level as if he is not a goal threat, does not hold it up, does not link and not even an out ball – then what does he offer? Maybe that is harsh but his cameo made me think the need for another striker with McBurnie’s injury issues – is our priority for any incomings next month.



Basham – Came on and won a few headers but then went on one great run where he carried it the whole half and won a free kick which helped take the sting out of any possible come back. Will start in a few days with Egan suspended.



Manager: Heckingbottom 7/10 – Another win and that is 7 wins out of 8 and 3 from 3 since the break. Not sure we are dismantling teams and a long way from the side we saw beat the likes of Blackburn and Reading with ease but we are doing enough to win games and are still better than the opponents we are facing. We are a bit stop start and at times we start games and indeed halves slowly before growing into things but overall will be happy we keep winning. His subs were better in terms of timing this week although the two players (Bash came on later) had different impacts. His final one was forced due to Egan going off. Overall, we are winning games and whilst we are only showing flashes, we are grafting out the points and keep things ticking over. He is slowly getting players back with Lowe the latest to return and Doyle also getting more minutes. Hopefully McBurnie, Fleck, Osborn and Robinson can all add to the squad soon and maybe one or two signings if we are being greedy for insurance?





Coventry – They were my tips to make the playoffs after a really good season last time out where they gave some good sides like Fulham and us, a right going over. They kept the core of the squad with only Hyam (to Blackburn) and the Chelsea loanee Maatsen (to Burnley) not staying. Gyokeres is a real handful and they have players like O’Hare and Hamer being very good in midfield. I do see players like Moore and McFadzean that although are good club men are nowhere near good enough for a team going for promotion. Indeed, Moore has been unseated in goal this season after a poor start. Indeed, City had a really bad start with games postponed due to issues at the stadium and a few defeats but have slowly turned it round and are one of the in-form teams in the league and pushing upwards now. I think Robins is a steady manager who gets the best out of a relatively small squad and can see him maybe going onto better things at some point even though he seems to have been around for a while at Championship (and lower) level.



They had won in the week with a late goal and I thought would give us a tough test. They began well but then faded and conceded and I thought we were the better side. After the break they missed the penalty but then gave another poor goal and then we looked like blowing them away. They had a spell after where they scored and then the red card makes it more interesting but whilst they huffed and puffed not sure they had too many clear chances after this? Robins said they dominated much of the game which is a nonsense. They had slightly more possession and chances/corners but in the game itself we looked more dangerous in the box and played the better football where it mattered. I thought United did have control for long spells and went away to 2 and then 3-0 after the penalty. Not quite sure which game Robins was watching to make such a ludicrous assertion?! 3-1 in the end was about right over the course of the game.



Gyokeres is very good. Mobile, good in the air and strong. He will leave them at the end of the season you would think but they lack the depth to maybe compete with the top clubs but would not be shocked if they got 5th or 6th – even saying that. O’Hare’s injury might be a blow if he is out for any length of time of course.



I did expect a bit more from them though today and we saw that whilst they can be a threat attacking wise, they also are quite brittle at the back and the goals they gave away were poor. United in the end were a long way from their best and still won with something to spare.



Opponent Man of the Match – Gyokeres. Missed a penalty but everything good and threatening came from him. He contributed to Egan going off and scored a goal. He always looked a threat getting in behind.



Opponent Weak link – They took him off but the lad Allen in midfield looked very slow and his touch came off him a lot. He was behind the play a lot and failed to cut out the ball for the goal. I thought Sheaf struggled too and McAtee and Ndiaye ran behind the midfield a lot to cause problems in those areas in front of the defence.



Referee/Officials – Our friend Matthew Donohue. To be fair we have had him since the debacles last season and he was ok this season. Today the penalty was right and so was the red card to be fair with two stupid yellows. He was not that bad really and not sure he got much wrong and was not helped by two awful assistants – who seemed more trained than ever these days not to give any decisions at all? There was a few where fouls were so obvious (the Bash one for instance) and they are stood right over it and give nothing? It is odd. Why are they even there as they often do not even put the flag up these days either?



Matchday/Crowd/Coverage – Full house (apart from the seats we cannot sell!) but was quiet again. Coventry actually did not quite fill the away end – maybe they were not given those seats near the South Stand as you would think they would fill that end if they could? They were quite vocal but it always seems to be the way that United fans need something to happen to get them going. We (as fans) do need to be better as at times it becomes quite subdued and should not considering where we are in the league.

great report, I saw Norwood waiting outside the ground, looked like he was waiting for himself. Amazing result. Good job! Hope he doesn't get injured again.

 

[SUFC Guy]

Pod to come later tonight if you check Soundcloud/Spotify/Itunes for Tufty Club…



The Blades made it three wins out of three since the World Cup break as they saw off in form Coventry City at the Lane. Goals from three loan players were enough to dispatch the Sky Blues as McAtee, Clark and then Doyle put United in form control. The Blades had been indebted to a penalty save from Wes Foderingham when the score was 1-0 and then had to survive a tricky final period after Gyokeres made up for his miss with a header to reduce the arrears and then was involved as John Egan got his second yellow card and had to depart. The final 10 minutes saw United do enough to avoid any real scares and in doing so went 8 points clear from the third-place side with nearest rivals Blackburn and Watford both losing.



United manager Paul Heckingbottom made one change with Max Lowe in for Enda Stevens. Oli McBurnie missed out with an ankle injury but Daniel Jebbison was back on the bench. Coventry had main man Viktor Gyokeres up top but former Blade Kyle McFadzean was out injured and Simon Moore had to be content with a place on the bench. City had been able to win in the week thanks to a late Gyokeres penalty accounting for West Brom; a similar outcome to that that had occurred when the Blades travelled to the Coventry Building Society Arena earlier in the season.



The game began with the away side settling better and moving it around crisply as United did not quite get going and the visitors had been the better side in the opening 5 minutes. However, they had a blow when O’Hare went down with no challenge made and clearly was struggling and eventually the stretcher was called and Palmer replaced him.



Gyokeres had a shot blocked before United finally started to get into some sort of pattern of play and McAtee was prominent in some of the more forward advances before Berge had to go off for treatment after a late foul from Sheaf who was cautioned. United slowly had started to take over and from a corner, Sharp headed down and against the bar before Egan could not scramble home in the closest either side had come. United now were probing and looking livelier but Ahmedhodzic had to make a great tackle to deny Gyokeres as City broke.



United were having more of the ball now and Norwood and McAtee were involved and Ndiaye was starting to have more of an influence with his quick feet and tenacity. The opening goal came though form a Coventry corner as Foderingham’s punched clearance found Ndiaye who jinked out of a tight space and played a lovely through ball into the path of MCATEE who steadied himself and coolly played it into the net past the advancing Wilson.



Egan was booked for pulling his man back as Coventry tried to respond as finally the officials recognised the foul after a long delay. Panzo headed over but United had responded well after a poor start to deservedly lead at the break.



The second half saw United fail to clear and as the ball came back Bidwell took a touch away from Ahmedhodzic and the Bosnian made contact and the penalty was given immediately by Matthew Donohue. It seemed a soft one but not many United players appealed. The kick was taken from Gyokeres but it was a really poor one and continued the curse at the Bramall Lane end for spot kicks as Foderingham not only saved the weak penalty but held it.





United responded and good work from Ndiaye saw him tee it up perfectly for Berge but he fired badly over. Ndiaye was fouled soon after as he looked to dance away again and the free kick was taken from Norwood into a great area and CLARK powered down and in to double the lead. After the penalty miss and then the goal for the Blades at the other end, the game had turned around from what it potentially could have been as United now were firmly in control.



Bidwell was cautioned for a poor tackle on Norwood before City made a triple substitution with Dabo, Kelly and Waghorn coming on for Borroughs, Allen and Sheaf. Soon after Sharp and McAtee were replaced by Jebbison and Doyle as the game entered the final 20 minutes.



DOYLE had only been on the field for two minutes and scored with what seemed like his first touch. Berge had not been at his best but his driving run and cross caused problems and Lowe was able to return it from the left side and the Man City loanee steered home for his first Blades goal.



Coventry kept trying to find a way back and Hamer’s free kick was beaten away from Foderingham but soon after a free kick conceded saw the ball come in and GYOKERES headed home despite the Blades keeper getting a hand on it. It seemed like it was not more than a consolation but Egan then brought down Gyokeres as he tried to break and picked up his second yellow card and had to depart. Basham came on for Ndiaye and United had to dig in with only ten men.



Coventry pressed and had a few crosses come in and Ahmedhodzic made a good block before Foderingham made a save from a header from Waghorn. A deflected effort was ruled out on Dabo but United saw out the additional 5 minutes without too many other concerns to ensure they kept a stranglehold on second place.



United – Another game where I do not think we will scintillating or blew a team away but once again we deserved to win and did enough. Odd that for the second game in a row we had less possession but still did enough in both boxes to create enough big moments to win. We started poorly but then grew into the game and McAtee, Norwood and Ndiaye were all prompting and probing and we hit the bar through Sharp before scoring a well made and taken goal. 1-0 was about right for the first half for the play and dangerous possession we had compared to Coventry who had moments but not sure they had anything of real note in our box.



After the break we give away a stupid penalty and Wes gets out of the cart again. After this Clark scores an excellent header from another brilliant Norwood free kick and it seems like we have got control after the penalty miss. We make a few changes and then the third comes with another well made and taken goal. After this it seemed like we sort of lost the plot with a series of stupid free kick give aways that led to a goal back and then the red card- totally unnecessary from Egan who has a penchant for stupid red cards. We then have a tricky 10 minutes as Ndiaye and Sharp had been subbed and we had nothing up top and the ball kept coming back. Coventry had a few chances but we did enough to see it out and in the end were not troubled too much although if they had got a second it might have been panic stations – but a two-goal margin of victory even with the goal back and red card and it was in the end relatively routine.



United’s performance was a bit mixed again. We did well in pockets of play and scored three good goals. We looked dangerous at times and some of our crossing caused real issues. Ndiaye was a threat getting into those pockets and never giving anything up and Norwood prompted well. I felt McAtee was good again and very positive in what he did. He is improving each game and being quite influential after a quiet start to his United career. I thought Lowe did well and an upgrade on Enda. Clark continues his solid form too and Anel had his best game for a while. Egan frustrates with daft fouls and bookings and Berge had a really poor game where he gave it away and looked completely unfit. Doyle got a goal but Jebbison the other sub really struggled and showed why with McBurnie’s injury issues that we may need another forward when the window opens.



All in all, it was another win. Not anything amazing but we did enough to beat a better side than the ones we have beat since we returned. I actually thought they might be better than they were even though they had more possession, shots and corners. They did well for 5-10 minutes and finished strongly but outside of this when it mattered, were second best and we won the game with a bit of comfort. United showed enough when they needed to step it up to create and score and when it mattered, we did what we had to do in both boxes. I do think we can play much better and surely, we will. With McBurnie to come back and Doyle maybe too to start and then Berge surely cannot play much worse? We have some games coming up at Blackpool and QPR who are both not really in great form and then Stoke at the Lane. There is a chance for more wins and points and with many stuttering below us, even though we have not been blowing teams away, we have a great chance to really cement ourselves in the top two. The gap we have is sizeable, even at this stage.

Thanks mate. Great review and very fair.

 

[TCsLoveChild]

personally would have given higher marks to McAtee, N'diaye and Norwood. Overall I thought we were pretty poor but have the quality to hurt teams if they aren't 100% on it. UTB

 

[Chilttheblade]

Where would our attacking threat be if we did not have N’diaye ?
Very worrying .

 

[coaxingstar71]

Spot on report as usual Deadbat
I thought the crowd was a bit livelier today and got behind the team.

 

[highgreeninjapan]

Cheers DB. Norwood just shades MoM for me. Thought it was a proper defensive midfielder performance. He didn’t get on the ball as much as usual, but when we play McAtee instead of Doyle, it means there’s no one alongside him. He does such a good job of subtly snuffing out opponents attacks. I’d love to see his interceptions and recoveries stats.

 

[SouthStandGBlock]

Merry Christmas Deadbat, and as ever, thanks for the report.

Lots of 0.5 marks today. Interesting.......

One observation is just how well Norwood is playing. He plays every game and I cannot recall the last time he didn't do 90 minutes. We have alternatives all over the pitch for other positions, but my concern is that if we lose Norwood then who can fill that gap? He is a crucial part of the team, so losing him could have severe consequences as I don't know who could fill that role. Hopefully we will never have to find out.

 

[Blades Glory Owls Down]

I thought that we did fairly well in a game that I had genuine concerns about as Coventry have been putting in some decent performances/results after their stuttered start to the season.
We were slow to start but after the first 10 minutes or so grew into the game and looked pretty comfortable without looking like we were trying too hard and deservedly went 1-0 up. We had other chances and could and probably should have had at least another goal before half-time. Billy's header against the bar looked easier to score than miss (not a criticism of him as he got up well for it but directed his header too far down on first contact).
I said at half time that I hope we didnt pay for not scoring more in the first half.
It almost came back to bite us on the arse with the penalty. It was a bit of a soft one but was given. The save from Wes was the defining point of the game for me. If Coventry had scored it then they would have been in the ascendency early on and may have got us struggling to get going. as it was it spurred us on and we scored a second shortly after from a great ball in from Norwood to Clark who did well.
We didnt look in too much trouble (even when conceding their goal) until the sending off. Again, I thought it was a harsh decision with where the ball went from Gyokeres's flick. The ball went off to the side and would have been picked up by Anel even without Egan being in the way. Egan was simply too close to him and there was no option other than contact between the two. A foul/Freekick was correct but the yellow was just too much IMHO. the ref didn't really give himself time to assess all of the above.
Anyway it was 3 more points on the board when we have been at a level below our best against a team that I thought would cause us more problems.
IF we can pick up some of the performances from earlier in the season then we are going to be well in the mix at the end of the season.

Player performances of note.
Lowe slotted back in nicely and offered some good options going forward. Good to see him back. Its nice to have alternative options and Enda will have to pick up his performances to get back in.
Ndiaye showing that he has so much ability that he terrifies opponents. Unplayable at times. Great run for the Mcatee goal.
Anel (sloppy tackle for the penalty aside) was very good. Some awesome tackles in key areas and got forward well.
Clark was very good at LCB. He has settled into a bit of rhythm and looks comfortable there now. Is even getting forward more each game. Great header for the goal.
Norwood had a good game where his tackling was more notable than his passing. Something he has clearly worked on this year.
Mcatee was more in the game and is starting to show some good link up with Ndiaye at times.

On the slightly negative side.
Berge was frustrating. One minute he was doing well and getting at their defence and the next looked lost and unaware of his surroundings. Still working his way back to full fitness and if he stays to the end, will be a key part of where we finish in the table.
Wes (good save for the penalty but has shown his ability to fumble the ball at times and has not been as convincing as last season/earlier this season. Hopefully just a blip.

 

[KiwiBlabe]

Great report thanks DB. I do agree with BGOD though on the Egan sending off. What was he supposed to do disappear?
Someone said Anel was out jumped for the goal, it looked like Berge to me, he actually looked like he got shorter when he jumped. It was amazing that he stayed on the pitch for the full 90, as he faded very badly.

 

[Wards]

Thought Mcatee was excellent that first half which probably made him my MoM. I don’t think we’ll ever see the absolute best of him at United but he has such quality on the ball at times. I can see him being a massive asset in the second half of the season.

 

[dublin 10 blade]

No offence lads but Egan is from Cork ‘boy ‘
Not Norn Iron , need ta brush up on them accents fellas

 

[Gavlar]

Where would our attacking threat be if we did not have N’diaye ?
Very worrying .

Where would any team be without their best attacking player?

 

[Addison]

I like the look of a number of SISU players and thought we would struggle but the early injury to one of their best OHare helped us. My admiration doesn't extend to them as a club and their deluded fans who are fast becoming the Pigs of the Midlands. Add in the manager who now needs a visit to specsavers following his post match comments and my dislike for them has not changed following their attempts to cheat us out of a result at whistlegate.

Terry Paine ex Southhampton in his autobiography a few years ago alleged the Coventry City Chairman bribed the Southampton team not to win against his team on the last day of the 67/68 season. They drew 0-0 and SISU stayed up. The team that lost out by 1 point and got relegated just happened to be SUFC. Cheating and bribery seems to be a consistent theme with SISU as in their very first season in the football league in 1919/20 they were found guilty of bribing Bury FC players to throw a game. You can see the parallels with that lot in S6 when it comes to cheating so yesterdays result was very satisfying.

Clark was my MOM yesterday. We finally have a centre half who knows how to play LCB. Defensively sound, reads the game well, good in the air and able to get forward. The problem is his age and his injury record but we have looked more solid since he came back into the team.

Agree with the scoring. The issue with Berge for me is the belief that he is a deep lying midfield player. We have seen nothing to suggest this is the case. His lack of aggression and inability to win his share of second balls plus the lead in his boots when it comes to trying to head a ball which contributed to SISU's goal yesterday all add to his ineffectiveness when he plays in a flat 3 or deep lying two. His best position by far is as a 10 and he showed in glimpses yesterday when he was further forward how he can cause the opposition problems when he glides past them in full flow. Thats the current conundrum for PH. Mcatee is also more of a 10 which means Norwood has to do the work of two players in picking up the pieces which is not his strength. Against more aggressive teams we will struggle in the middle of the park unless we start with Doyle but who makes way? On current form Mcatee should start because of the attacking threat he and Ndiaye pose together. I suspect Berge however will continue as we look to put him in Januarys shop window.

A very good result against a form team despite a look at me ref again. Congratulations to Donohue thats 3 of our players he's now sent off at the Lane. His first red card of the season and it just happens to be us.

47 points after 24 games is automatic promotion form credit to PH for that. I said after the Wigan game the only factors that could de rail us is a lack of support from the Board in the JTW. We now know there are advanced discussions to sell us. In fact this mornings media suggests there are another 2 parties waiting in the background if it falls through. El accounto has been on twitter suggesting no incomings unless there are outgoings which the Club is looking to avoid so sticking rather than twisting. Hopefully it is his usual speculative bollocks.

Yesterdays threadbare forward options cried out for investment in another. It surely doesn't make economic sense to batten down the hatches when we are at the gates of the promised land which would significantly enhance the selling price if we did go up.

 

[Revolution]

Great win against a decent side.

Jebbison was not good, but in the lads defence I’d like him to get some minutes where he’s not on a hiding to nothing.

I have got as far as the inflatables discussion in the pod, which these days is impossible to listen to in one go, unfortunately. I am astounded Webding still has a functional inflatable Blade. Mine gave up the ghost and got a puncture at the start of 1989-90.

 

[Webding]

Great win against a decent side.

Jebbison was not good, but in the lads defence I’d like him to get some minutes where he’s not on a hiding to nothing.

I have got as far as the inflatables discussion in the pod, which these days is impossible to listen to in one go, unfortunately. I am astounded Webding still has a functional inflatable Blade. Mine gave up the ghost and got a puncture at the start of 1989-90.

Impossible due to length (wahey etc), or just sheer unlistenability (if that’s a word)?

Anyway, I’ve always been pretty anal (too easy) about taking care of most of my stuff, so even though I wielded it like a samurai sword to most games in that promotion season, if anyone was going to make the Bertie Blade last, it was me.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Where would our attacking threat be if we did not have N’diaye ?
Very worrying .

Frankly it would evaporate. There's no promotion if he goes.

 

[wadblade]

Just a few thoughts I think Hecky is a V good manager but when we were three up with Egan on a yellow I really thought at the time he should have subbed him then 2/ he should have put Boggle on for Berg after they scored



Also a big shout for Lowe did everyone see he was in their 6yd box when the first goal was scored



I agree we need striker backup, we are never going to get Gyokeres, but would Waghorn be cheap option or perhaps the Blackpool striker who scored 12x against us. Another thought if we dont get any cover could we use Amy up front?

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Great report and agree with the ratings. Was surprised with what Robins said. You could argue the penalty save changed things but I've no idea how he can genuinely say they dominated

He’s not speaking for our benefit though is he? That‘s a message for his players and fans. Hecky can be a bit like this at times too