United 3 Leicester 1 - report / ratings

[Deadbat]

The Blades made it back-to-back victories and continued their impressive home form, as they saw off Leicester City with a convincing win at Bramall Lane on New Years Day. Goals from Japhet Tanganga, Tom Cannon and Callum O’Hare saw the free scoring home side continue to find the net. Jordan James late goal was a mere consolation but the Blades were good value for the win – as they saw off a really poor Leicester side with room to spare. United are the form team in the division, winning 7 games out of 10, and are now as close to the top 6 as the bottom three- as their resurgence continues,.



United made two changes with McCallum in for Burrows and Bamford in for Campbell – as the Blades tried to negotiate a busy Christmas period. Former United loanee Hamza Choudhury was on the bench who started with another ex-loanee – Luke Thomas began at left back. The Foxes had been in inconsistent form but had beaten rivals Derby in their last home game but their manager Marti Cifuentes was still under some pressure form sections of the fanbase.



United started on top with Brooks and Seriki looking to cause problems down the right-hand side and Soumare carrying on from his impressive performance at Stoke with some crunching early challenges. Bamford had an effort at Stolarczyk and then Cannon had an effort blocked after a short corner. United were controlling midfield and the Foxes were struggling to get a foothold in the game. Another corner was not cleared and Brooks should have perhaps done better but he poked over on the stretch. United then worked space and Soumare and O’Hare combined to fashion a chance for Bamford but he rather telegraphed his finish and Stolarczyk pushed the ball away.



The Blades seemed in complete control and Leicester could not make an forays into their home side’s half. Fatawu theatrically threw himself to the floor and was rightly cautioned and then the same player tried an ambitious shot from fully 40 yards that was well off target. United were back on the attack and Cannon did well to win a corner and was working hard down the sides to ensure the Leicester centre backs did not have any rest. United won another corner on 36 minutes and the opening goal duly came. McCallum swung it over and TANGANGA rose relatively unopposed to power his header into the net and could celebrate his first Blades goal after several near misses this season.



United were good value for the lead and had continues to look the hungrier side. Soumare did well again and Cannon was continuing to be a nuisance and forced another corner. United went in at the break deservedly leading a rather insipid Leicester side that had simply not got going.



The Blades came out in the second half and similar to the game at the 365 Stadium, looked determined not to have a drop off, as they have on a number of occasions this season. The second goal came when Brooks was quickest to react as Thomas dithered and headed on before cooly centering for CANNON to sweep his low finish into the far corner. It was his first goal at the Lane but his second in successive games and another against a former club!



Choudhury and Ayew came on for Skipp and Silko Thomas with the visiting fans making their feelings clear on the performance from their players. United continued to look in complete control and Brooks and Seriki were combining well and Riedewald and Soumare winning all the loose balls in the middle.

Mavididi brought down Soumare and was cautioned before a rare attack saw Nelson fire over the bar but even though United sat off and the visitors finally had more of the ball, they were not creating much. Campbell came on for Bamford before Page and Monga replaced Mavididi and Cordova Reid. United now seemed content to hold what they had and whilst Leicester won a succession of corners, they had not tested Michael Cooper. Hamer replaced Brooks who got a standing ovation for his performance.



Soumare hit a curling effort not far wide after good build up down the left but after a trio of substitutes saw Arblaster, Chong and Burrows come on for Soumare, Cannon and McCallum – the third goal came to seal the three points. Arblaster played a delightful ball round the side that set Seriki free and the cross was perfect for O’HARE to finish from close range.



There was 5 minutes of stoppage time and the one disappointment was United could not keep a clean sheet as JAMES shrugged off Riedewald for a rare break away and after exchanging passes with Ayew, hit a long range shot that clipped off Bindon and found the corner. Despite this, the Blades saw out the remaining time with no further dangers and cantered to the three points and another victory. It was their second double completed over a club, in the space of a few days.



United – Excellent performance where we dominated for most of the game and completely controlled things. We played some good football, won the battles, picked up the loose stuff and took the game to them. We maybe did not create tons again (like Stoke) but the intensity and the way we approached the game meant we penned them back a lot. It was mostly one way traffic and we got the deserved opener. We did not drop off after the break and scored a well-made and taken second and this seemed to kill the game. We could have had more but then did drop off a bit and changes came for both teams and our intensity dropped off a little bit but they did not really threaten too much. We score a lovely third goal which was superbly made from Arblaster and Seriki and O’Hare – who did not have his best day actually – gets a third which gave it more of a realistic scoreline. The late goal was irritating but did not matter too much. We were the better side as a team and individually. We controlled midfield, the forwards worked hard and caused problems and we had threats down the side – particularly the right. The centre backs were not worried and in the end we coasted to a win. Leicester were awful and well beaten but credit to United – as bad as they were- we still had to go out and put in a performance and we did that really well. It has been a great reaction to the incredibly disappointing defeat at Wrexham – with two well deserved wins. We won at Stoke and this was a deserved win but we put a more complete performance in tonight and beat an expensively assembled side that is inconsistent but still had some good players.



It was positive that we saw some players that have been much maligned in Soumare and Cannon – be two of our stand outs but I was really pleased at the combo play of Seriki and Brooks too- hoping they get a longer run now (granted we have another turnaround to a game quickly at the weekend) as teams are worried by pace and athleticism. Soumare has put together two really good games and Cannon finally looks a legitimate option who can score and cause problems. We need to keep the run going – we still need players in some areas to come in- but hopefully we can keep moving up the table. Playoff talk is still something a way off but we need to just keep steadily improving. We have two games that people will expect us to win in Oxford and Charlton but it does not always work like that -those teams will show more fight than Leicester and Stoke did probably. If we have the same attitude and mentality then we will be ok and win a lot more than we lose.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings: (marks may seem low but there were a number of 7.5/10 games and in contrast Leicester may have had a number of 2-3/10 marks!)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – cannot recall a save to make at all? His kicking though was not good enough again and he sliced one ball and then another few he kicked out of play. The goal I question him too sadly again. It may have took a nick but he had time to get across and got his hand to it but did not keep it out.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Another good performance. He bottled up another good winger and then got forward and caused problems. Worked well with Brooks and their combo play was a feature all evening. A few final bits did not quite come off but kept going and then second half he got into more good areas and set up a few opportunities – including the third goal which was perfect and on a plate for O’Hare.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Not one of our best players but solid enough with some decent interceptions and pieces of link play down the left. Not really threatened at all in terms of defensively. A few of his corners were not hitting the target to start with (loopy) but took a really good one of course – more drilled – that lead to the first goal.



Bindon 6.5/10 – After the shocker at Wrexham, bounced back with two solid games. Tonight, he was ok but not really threatened really and swept up well. One or two dodgy moments second half – complete air shot on one cross I think? However, he was decent again and did what he needed to. The goal flicked off him I believe though – not blaming him of course.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Mopped up defensively with a few headers back and tackles (one great block first half) and looked solid. He has been a threat from corners and had a few efforts that have just missed or he has headed back for others – but this time meets it to score a bullet header. After this he was able to help deny them, even any of the subs, even a sniff.



Riedewald 7/10 – Solid game where he did what he had to as we controlled midfield. Just kept it nice and easy. A few times looked to have got away from him but hangs out that long leg and managed to get it back. He looks so composed and never panics. He picked up the loose stuff and made sure we just kept it. The only negative was the goal where he tried to pull his man back and then lets him go and he goes and scores. Overall though he gave another good performance where we controlled the middle of the pitch.



Soumare 7.5/10 – Great at Stoke for an hour and today he took it on even more. He was the stand out player for United – maybe just over Brooks, Cannon and Seriki. He won the ball on the floor and in the air and seemed to be everywhere. He got around the pitch but when he had the ball, he used it well and was able to go forward – so not just sideways and backwards. He was progressive but was doing it quicker than he has before. He did not waste many balls and some of our best attacks came from his play in the middle. Carried on second half and helped us keep them pinned back. I thought he would not be near the side after some awful showings quite recently but has come in (as Arblaster was not ready to play every week) with Peck out and stepped up. Fair play to him. Needs to keep it up.



Brooks 7.5/10 – I have been disappointed that he has not had more opportunities this season. Overall, when he has played since Wilder came back, he has been good and showed more consistency. He has the odd off game but that is what many wingers are like. After a few good games, Chong was put back in and I did not agree with this. He got a chance at Stoke and did ok and kept his place and was very good tonight. He got on the ball, went both inside and outside and was a threat, He missed a decent chance when he sort of shinned wide. Kept going and linked well with Seriki all game and then the second goal, he made it his and showed composure to find the pass. Hope he keeps him and Seriki together for the majority of the games moving forward. These two, Peck and Blaster are surely the core we need to build upon?



O’Hare 5.5/10 – I thought he was really poor tonight! The worst he has been for some time and was sloppy with possession – the ball kept coming off him or he made the wrong decisions. Still worked hard for the team and got into good areas but just did not come off. However, kept going and got the third as he anticipated the cross and got another goal – now our joint leading scorer isn’t he – with 7 – overtaking Bamford.



Cannon 7.5/10 – He has slowly started to improve and shown in quite a few games the last few months, he maybe does have something to offer! He has scored a few well taken goals but his overall play has improved. He is running the channels well, looking stronger (he forced corners/free kicks) with his strong running and tenacity showing the assets he has to offer. He took the goal really well and two clinical finishes now. He is offering more than Campbell currently.



Bamford 5.5/10 – Like O’Hare, not sure it was his best night actually and that shows how good we were – that maybe our two most dangerous forwards recently, were off it and we still won easily. He snatched a chance early and then also had a good one straight at the keeper. He did not quite hold it as well as he has done but still linked a few times and his movement and clever play continues to help us stay up the field. Hopefully, we can tie him down but worrying the longer it goes on.



Subs -



Campbell 4/10 – I think he is on a really bad run of performances – both starting and when he has come off the bench. He just seems incredibly slow and sluggish, often behind the ball and not looking sharp. He looks languid and is not even pressing – even when he should be fresh. Needs to up his game and intensity levels.



Hamer 5/10 – Only played last 20 minutes but he flattered to deceive too with some silly flicks and giveaways but involved in the build up to the third with a pass across. Could have played Burrows in near the end but went for a shot. We do look better without him starting currently, as mad as that sounds.



Chong – Only on for 5 minutes- one clumsy ball straight at an opponent but then one good run too across the field.



Arblaster – Kept it simple with some quick and incisive passing and then a superb ball for the third – the weight, pace and the fact he did it first time was all perfect and saw Seriki able to get to it right in his stride. Needs time to keep getting games and getting stronger but a moment like that showed his undoubted quality.



Burrows – Not on for long. One cross into the box and another where he ran 50 yards and Hamer ignored him.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – An excellent performance where we won the battles individually and controlled the game all over the pitch. He made two changes but the side he put out had a nice balance and we were assertive all game and the side forcing the tempo throughout. Worried we went long for a period from around the hour mark but he made changes and helped slow it down for a bit. Will be pleased to have the reaction with the two wins over the last few days. Needs to ensure we keep the same level of consistency week in, week out. Credit to him for getting the side up for it and better than two sides higher up the league.





Leicester – Despite all the uncertainty off the field with ownership and them seemingly having run out of money (or interest – or both?!) they had enough talent left over from the Premier League that they would be around the top 6 I felt. The issue over them being charged from both the Premier League and EFL (isn’t it?) seems ridiculous and like with the Man City charges, shows how little control and governance the leagues have. If teams have broke the rules, they should be punished and swiftly. Having things delayed and then waiting to be put in place, due to the league they are in, makes a mockery of it all. The rules out there almost seem so flimsy that even when teams break them, punishments take an age to be applied and seem to be whichever the wind is blowing. They may get a deduction this year but not holding my breath. If they do, then they will be definitely stuck in this league (won’t be enough to put them in trouble you would not think) but even if they get away with it again, they will probably still not have enough to push for promotion. Maybe they will change the manager (again) as they do not seem happy with him or the owners – but they are very inconsistent but seem to be moving downwards more than upwards in terms of trajectory. Have some exciting forward players but ship goals and can win well one week but then lose the next week easily (bit like us and many other sides at this level). It does show how things can change in football. Not long ago they were winning the league and FA Cup and a model club but now with the ownership seemingly not as settled (after the awful tragedy) they seem stuck going nowhere again.



I did wonder if they were as bad as their fans were making out – when I read Roy’s view’s from – but they were! They were atrocious and despite possessing some real talent with power, pace and trickery in the starting line up and the bench, they were soundly beaten. Their intensity levels was miles off it and they just sat back, defended and invited pressure. They barely launched an attack and had so little of the ball where it mattered. They tried to pass out from the back, despite it causing issues for them and their tactics in terms of trying to get out and move up the pitch, I could not work out at all? The game began with us dominating and you sensed chances and a goal would come and so it proved. I thought that maybe in the second half they would raise it and have a bit of a go but they just continued with the same timid approach. They lost most of their individual battles and the 2nd goal summed it up as Thomas lost the 50-50 and nobody reacted when the cross came in. They had a bit of a spell after they made some changes but did not test Cooper at all – I think we just tired and stepped off the gas. The third goal gave the scoreline a more realistic gloss but then of course they finally had a shot and a goal but it mattered little. Overall, they were soundly beaten and the way the players sort of gave up, was a concern. They did not look a team at all and even though they have some individual players with real talent, those players offered little and then defensively were not able to react at key moments.



Be interesting to see where they go now? The manager may well go as I have said and you would think a new appointment would surely get more out of this group but there is a bit of a mess in terms of some good young talent, some experienced players and the lack of much leadership – but a real lack of consistency in terms of individual and collective performances. They remind me a bit of how we looked to start this season.



Opponent Man of the Match – James was the lone bright spot but even he struggled with Soumare and Riedewald. He did score at the end and one who tried to drive them on. Ayew gave them a bit of life and Monga showed some good skills and penetration but overall, not a lot to shout about.



Opponent Weak link – A number to choose from. The keeper looked uncertain, they had little up front and the number 7, Fatawu was incredibly selfish and playing his own games, diving and trying ridiculous long shots with men well placed. Cordova Reid often seems to score against us but was quiet and the young lad, Thomas up top was given no service. Skipp was quiet and did not realise he was playing but it is between two players for worst opponent – Okoli was dreadful as Cannon gave him a bit of a run around and had no awareness of who was around him and dallied on the ball all game. The award goes to Luke Thomas though. Reminded us of why we all disliked him when he played for us (in the Premier League!). Slow to react to things, weak in the challenges and technically not good enough – he made a number of errors – including the goal when Brooks just beat him to the ball and then left him in the dust. Seriki and Brooks caused him lots of problems – as they did at the King Power. Not sure even Choudhury was that great but came into a lost cause. I do think Wilder still had an interest in signing him (big hug and chat on FT) as he can play a few different positions.



Referee / Officials – Farai Hallam. Lost both games this season with him officiating – at Ipswich and Preston – two defeats in different circumstances, for the Blades. Do not think he was great at Deepdale and whenever I have seen him, he was wanted to be noticed and that is not good for a referee. He took charge of the games at home to Plymouth and Blackburn (home) last season. Seems to be one that has been quickly elevated up the leagues. Today he started ok and seemed to be letting things flow but then seemed to be want to be seen again. As the game went on, he started to give some increasingly bizarre decisions – he was inconsistent as he waved some things away and then gave fouls for similar contact – both ways. He gave some very odd decisions – such as the one where Cannon kicked it straight out and he gave a corner when he was miles behind play. I thought in a game that was relatively one sided, he still managed to stand out for the wrong reasons and seems to be one that he they will earmark for the Premier League as he looks the part and is young needs to let the players play rather than make it about him. The one thing they did get right was actually the offside on Brooks and where it was taken from. As whilst Brooks was offside in the Leicester half, the rules state the free kick is taken from where the player touches the ball. So, the indirect free kick is taken ‘where the offense occurred, even if it's in the players own half of the field of play.’





Crowd/Day Out – Thought it was relatively quiet for a near 30,000 crowd on New Years Day. It was a all a bit flat. Maybe the home fans just thought they could not believe how bad Leicester were and how easy it was? I do think the player deserved more really in terms of the noise levels and encouragement but outside of the goals, it was quieter than I would have expected. The Leicester fans certainly seemed to make more noise – even if a lot of it was to voice their displeasure at the team/manager as they booed subs, said he did not know what he was doing and then asked for his dismissal in the morning. They did fill the away end but looked totally fed up by full time.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
I thought this was our best performance of the season so far against strong opponents, so although the criticism of Leicester being poor is true, I think it's also true that we did not allow them to play as they would have wanted.
I'm not normally that far away with your assessments, and I agree that Soumare and Brooks stood out for us, but I thought McCallum had a good game, winning a lot of balls in the air particularly and I still think Cannon is nesh. He runs towards challenges but never commits and apart from the goal and running around, didn't do a great deal.
I also think Cooper had a better game. He didn't make any spectacular saves but good goalkeeping is more about being in the right place and he was, quite regularly tonight, gathering and scooping up high and low crosses. I didn't think he could do much with the goal, it took a deflection and went in the corner. Apart from one slice, I thought his distribution was better tonight.

 

[BazWainwright]

Good write up DB

I agree with you ref: Soumare. I thought he had a fabulous game tonight and a complete change off of his recent unimpressive outings for us. He got stuck in and won tackles, appeared in both boxes and worked well with Reiderwald who was doing most of the deeper heavy lifting. The Brooks/Seriki partnership is a joy to watch and really pins the opposition channels back. I think the reason O'Hare was so quiet tonight was that the rest of the team had raised their game by 3 or 4 points on the back of the Stoke win and Wrexham trouncing. I worry a bit about Bindon as I think he's more Jack Robinson than Jack O'Connell, and always has an error in him. Cannon is improving a little and hopefully his recent goals might have him gain more confidence. I'm really happy with the more-goals Sheffield United these days. In recent years we have almost been afraid to make an effort to get the ball up the pitch and create chances.

Oxford and Charlton - both winnable - next before the big test of mettle against high-flying Ipswich.

 

[djbaldken]

Good report Deadbeat. Agree with comments and ratings.
Thanks.

 

[Houston_Blade]

I’d say slightly harsh on Cooper, although he didn’t have much to do there were a few occasions where he was quickly off his line to snuff out a chance of a Leicester player getting the ball in our box. The goal did look a bit of a poor effort on his part though.

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

I was expecting O'hare to get subbed when I saw Hamer was coming on, definitely a poor game by his high standards, but he scored the 3rd so I can't complain.

Thought our fans sounded a bit louder than usual when they were singing, but still not an electric crowd as is often the way when the opposition roll over.

 

[Cappy]

Wilder: “Everyone was a 7 or 8. Maybe a couple of 9s”

Deadbat: “Hold my beer”

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Great report DB on a fabulous Blades performance.
All the team played well and some really promising partnerships are starting to be forged.

Some small highlights from me:

Excellent work rate all round, especially Cannon tracking back and breaking up opposition attacks on several occasions.

McCallum winning everything in the air. The guy has a prodigious leap on him.

Brooks winning the ball on the touchline and then setting up the second goal. Showed Incredible desire and athleticism to keep the bouncing ball in play and leave Thomas floundering in his wake.

Blaster’s sublime pass for the third goal. The lad is back,

 

[Champagneblade]

Thanks for the report Deadbat
I thought this was our best performance of the season so far against strong opponents, so although the criticism of Leicester being poor is true, I think it's also true that we did not allow them to play as they would have wanted.
I'm not normally that far away with your assessments, and I agree that Soumare and Brooks stood out for us, but I thought McCallum had a good game, winning a lot of balls in the air particularly and I still think Cannon is nesh. He runs towards challenges but never commits and apart from the goal and running around, didn't do a great deal.
I also think Cooper had a better game. He didn't make any spectacular saves but good goalkeeping is more about being in the right place and he was, quite regularly tonight, gathering and scooping up high and low crosses. I didn't think he could do much with the goal, it took a deflection and went in the corner. Apart from one slice, I thought his distribution was better tonight.

I think McCallum looked very accomplished. He’s oozing cofidence in his game.

I also watched O’Hare closely and would have said his off the ball work was 8/10 even if he sometimes went down blind alleys in possession. His constant ratting and harrying make it very difficult for the opposition to settle. It wouldn’t surprise me to see how high up her is in terms of fouls drawn. He’s a very clever player and the fact he is providing goal output is a real bonus.

Cooper worries me. His airshot was concerning when he’d had so little to do and whilst the goal might not be seen as a clanger, it’s another to file in the area of “he doesn’t seem to save anything”. He’s giving off relegation season Grbic vibes. I checked on the latter; his team are bottom and he’s got one clean sheet all season. So perhaps we don’t factor him in for the discussion.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Both Bindon and McCallum did an excellent job last night. Marked very low compared to what they actually did and their composure. Bindon intercepted a lot of balls very quickly and was completely switched on. For certain players many have an " oh no him again " but if we examine last night everyone bar Cooper was excellent.
Excellent report DB and great detail. However 5.5 for O'Hare..his workrate alone means 6.5 minimum ..and a goal too. Wow. What an asset to this resurgent team.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Wilder: “Everyone was a 7 or 8. Maybe a couple of 9s”

Deadbat: “Hold my beer”

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I think McCallum looked very accomplished. He’s oozing cofidence in his game.

I also watched O’Hare closely and would have said his off the ball work was 8/10 even if he sometimes went down blind alleys in possession. His constant ratting and harrying make it very difficult for the opposition to settle. It wouldn’t surprise me to see how high up her is in terms of fouls drawn. He’s a very clever player and the fact he is providing goal output is a real bonus.

Cooper worries me. His airshot was concerning when he’d had so little to do and whilst the goal might not be seen as a clanger, it’s another to file in the area of “he doesn’t seem to save anything”. He’s giving off relegation season Grbic vibes. I checked on the latter; his team are bottom and he’s got one clean sheet all season. So perhaps we don’t factor him in for the discussion.

This.

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

Good report and agree with much of it,I’m in the goalkeeper union and definitely think Cooper was not set up for the shot,far enough out,he should have got a hand to it. I’ll give O’Hare credit as he didn’t hide,never stopped running,even though it wasn’t his night. Also I will credit the management for polishing turds as they were earlier in the season,well done. There is also a player there in Soumare-a run of games,fitter,confidence,coaching??

 

[Revolution]

I know Leicester have had a lot of success in recent years, but it still seems unfair to me that they should be subjected to both of Wout Faes and Luke Thomas. Shame for us that Faes was missing last night.

Good performance against a team that really is less than the sum of its parts.

 

[Yewsman]

I have not been a Cannon fan but really felt there were some “green shoots” with his performance v Leicester. Work rate gone up, chased everything and pressed well, did not give the ball away as much and took his goal well. Maybe there is a player there!

 

[Yewsman]

Noticed at the end that Wilder went over to Choudhury and put his arm round him and seemed to be having quite a chat. Trying to persuade him to come to us in the JTW? Not sure he would get into our team as RB now with Sericki looking so good but would provide cover for that and other positions!

 

[BalticBlade]

Ratings: (marks may seem low but there were a number of 7.5/10 games and in contrast Leicester may have had a number of 2-3/10 marks!)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – cannot recall a save to make at all? His kicking though was not good enough again and he sliced one ball and then another few he kicked out of play. The goal I question him too sadly again. It may have took a nick but he had time to get across and got his hand to it but did not keep it out.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Another good performance. He bottled up another good winger and then got forward and caused problems. Worked well with Brooks and their combo play was a feature all evening. A few final bits did not quite come off but kept going and then second half he got into more good areas and set up a few opportunities – including the third goal which was perfect and on a plate for O’Hare.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Not one of our best players but solid enough with some decent interceptions and pieces of link play down the left. Not really threatened at all in terms of defensively. A few of his corners were not hitting the target to start with (loopy) but took a really good one of course – more drilled – that lead to the first goal.



Bindon 6.5/10 – After the shocker at Wrexham, bounced back with two solid games. Tonight, he was ok but not really threatened really and swept up well. One or two dodgy moments second half – complete air shot on one cross I think? However, he was decent again and did what he needed to. The goal flicked off him I believe though – not blaming him of course.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Mopped up defensively with a few headers back and tackles (one great block first half) and looked solid. He has been a threat from corners and had a few efforts that have just missed or he has headed back for others – but this time meets it to score a bullet header. After this he was able to help deny them, even any of the subs, even a sniff.



Riedewald 7/10 – Solid game where he did what he had to as we controlled midfield. Just kept it nice and easy. A few times looked to have got away from him but hangs out that long leg and managed to get it back. He looks so composed and never panics. He picked up the loose stuff and made sure we just kept it. The only negative was the goal where he tried to pull his man back and then lets him go and he goes and scores. Overall though he gave another good performance where we controlled the middle of the pitch.



Soumare 7.5/10 – Great at Stoke for an hour and today he took it on even more. He was the stand out player for United – maybe just over Brooks, Cannon and Seriki. He won the ball on the floor and in the air and seemed to be everywhere. He got around the pitch but when he had the ball, he used it well and was able to go forward – so not just sideways and backwards. He was progressive but was doing it quicker than he has before. He did not waste many balls and some of our best attacks came from his play in the middle. Carried on second half and helped us keep them pinned back. I thought he would not be near the side after some awful showings quite recently but has come in (as Arblaster was not ready to play every week) with Peck out and stepped up. Fair play to him. Needs to keep it up.



Brooks 7.5/10 – I have been disappointed that he has not had more opportunities this season. Overall, when he has played since Wilder came back, he has been good and showed more consistency. He has the odd off game but that is what many wingers are like. After a few good games, Chong was put back in and I did not agree with this. He got a chance at Stoke and did ok and kept his place and was very good tonight. He got on the ball, went both inside and outside and was a threat, He missed a decent chance when he sort of shinned wide. Kept going and linked well with Seriki all game and then the second goal, he made it his and showed composure to find the pass. Hope he keeps him and Seriki together for the majority of the games moving forward. These two, Peck and Blaster are surely the core we need to build upon?



O’Hare 5.5/10 – I thought he was really poor tonight! The worst he has been for some time and was sloppy with possession – the ball kept coming off him or he made the wrong decisions. Still worked hard for the team and got into good areas but just did not come off. However, kept going and got the third as he anticipated the cross and got another goal – now our joint leading scorer isn’t he – with 7 – overtaking Bamford.



Cannon 7.5/10 – He has slowly started to improve and shown in quite a few games the last few months, he maybe does have something to offer! He has scored a few well taken goals but his overall play has improved. He is running the channels well, looking stronger (he forced corners/free kicks) with his strong running and tenacity showing the assets he has to offer. He took the goal really well and two clinical finishes now. He is offering more than Campbell currently.



Bamford 5.5/10 – Like O’Hare, not sure it was his best night actually and that shows how good we were – that maybe our two most dangerous forwards recently, were off it and we still won easily. He snatched a chance early and then also had a good one straight at the keeper. He did not quite hold it as well as he has done but still linked a few times and his movement and clever play continues to help us stay up the field. Hopefully, we can tie him down but worrying the longer it goes on.



Subs -



Campbell 4/10 – I think he is on a really bad run of performances – both starting and when he has come off the bench. He just seems incredibly slow and sluggish, often behind the ball and not looking sharp. He looks languid and is not even pressing – even when he should be fresh. Needs to up his game and intensity levels.



Hamer 5/10 – Only played last 20 minutes but he flattered to deceive too with some silly flicks and giveaways but involved in the build up to the third with a pass across. Could have played Burrows in near the end but went for a shot. We do look better without him starting currently, as mad as that sounds.



Chong – Only on for 5 minutes- one clumsy ball straight at an opponent but then one good run too across the field.



Arblaster – Kept it simple with some quick and incisive passing and then a superb ball for the third – the weight, pace and the fact he did it first time was all perfect and saw Seriki able to get to it right in his stride. Needs time to keep getting games and getting stronger but a moment like that showed his undoubted quality.



Burrows – Not on for long. One cross into the box and another where he ran 50 yards and Hamer ignored him.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – An excellent performance where we won the battles individually and controlled the game all over the pitch. He made two changes but the side he put out had a nice balance and we were assertive all game and the side forcing the tempo throughout. Worried we went long for a period from around the hour mark but he made changes and helped slow it down for a bit. Will be pleased to have the reaction with the two wins over the last few days. Needs to ensure we keep the same level of consistency week in, week out. Credit to him for getting the side up for it and better than two sides higher up the league.





Leicester – Despite all the uncertainty off the field with ownership and them seemingly having run out of money (or interest – or both?!) they had enough talent left over from the Premier League that they would be around the top 6 I felt. The issue over them being charged from both the Premier League and EFL (isn’t it?) seems ridiculous and like with the Man City charges, shows how little control and governance the leagues have. If teams have broke the rules, they should be punished and swiftly. Having things delayed and then waiting to be put in place, due to the league they are in, makes a mockery of it all. The rules out there almost seem so flimsy that even when teams break them, punishments take an age to be applied and seem to be whichever the wind is blowing. They may get a deduction this year but not holding my breath. If they do, then they will be definitely stuck in this league (won’t be enough to put them in trouble you would not think) but even if they get away with it again, they will probably still not have enough to push for promotion. Maybe they will change the manager (again) as they do not seem happy with him or the owners – but they are very inconsistent but seem to be moving downwards more than upwards in terms of trajectory. Have some exciting forward players but ship goals and can win well one week but then lose the next week easily (bit like us and many other sides at this level). It does show how things can change in football. Not long ago they were winning the league and FA Cup and a model club but now with the ownership seemingly not as settled (after the awful tragedy) they seem stuck going nowhere again.



I did wonder if they were as bad as their fans were making out – when I read Roy’s view’s from – but they were! They were atrocious and despite possessing some real talent with power, pace and trickery in the starting line up and the bench, they were soundly beaten. Their intensity levels was miles off it and they just sat back, defended and invited pressure. They barely launched an attack and had so little of the ball where it mattered. They tried to pass out from the back, despite it causing issues for them and their tactics in terms of trying to get out and move up the pitch, I could not work out at all? The game began with us dominating and you sensed chances and a goal would come and so it proved. I thought that maybe in the second half they would raise it and have a bit of a go but they just continued with the same timid approach. They lost most of their individual battles and the 2nd goal summed it up as Thomas lost the 50-50 and nobody reacted when the cross came in. They had a bit of a spell after they made some changes but did not test Cooper at all – I think we just tired and stepped off the gas. The third goal gave the scoreline a more realistic gloss but then of course they finally had a shot and a goal but it mattered little. Overall, they were soundly beaten and the way the players sort of gave up, was a concern. They did not look a team at all and even though they have some individual players with real talent, those players offered little and then defensively were not able to react at key moments.



Be interesting to see where they go now? The manager may well go as I have said and you would think a new appointment would surely get more out of this group but there is a bit of a mess in terms of some good young talent, some experienced players and the lack of much leadership – but a real lack of consistency in terms of individual and collective performances. They remind me a bit of how we looked to start this season.



Opponent Man of the Match – James was the lone bright spot but even he struggled with Soumare and Riedewald. He did score at the end and one who tried to drive them on. Ayew gave them a bit of life and Monga showed some good skills and penetration but overall, not a lot to shout about.



Opponent Weak link – A number to choose from. The keeper looked uncertain, they had little up front and the number 7, Fatawu was incredibly selfish and playing his own games, diving and trying ridiculous long shots with men well placed. Cordova Reid often seems to score against us but was quiet and the young lad, Thomas up top was given no service. Skipp was quiet and did not realise he was playing but it is between two players for worst opponent – Okoli was dreadful as Cannon gave him a bit of a run around and had no awareness of who was around him and dallied on the ball all game. The award goes to Luke Thomas though. Reminded us of why we all disliked him when he played for us (in the Premier League!). Slow to react to things, weak in the challenges and technically not good enough – he made a number of errors – including the goal when Brooks just beat him to the ball and then left him in the dust. Seriki and Brooks caused him lots of problems – as they did at the King Power. Not sure even Choudhury was that great but came into a lost cause. I do think Wilder still had an interest in signing him (big hug and chat on FT) as he can play a few different positions.



Referee / Officials – Farai Hallam. Lost both games this season with him officiating – at Ipswich and Preston – two defeats in different circumstances, for the Blades. Do not think he was great at Deepdale and whenever I have seen him, he was wanted to be noticed and that is not good for a referee. He took charge of the games at home to Plymouth and Blackburn (home) last season. Seems to be one that has been quickly elevated up the leagues. Today he started ok and seemed to be letting things flow but then seemed to be want to be seen again. As the game went on, he started to give some increasingly bizarre decisions – he was inconsistent as he waved some things away and then gave fouls for similar contact – both ways. He gave some very odd decisions – such as the one where Cannon kicked it straight out and he gave a corner when he was miles behind play. I thought in a game that was relatively one sided, he still managed to stand out for the wrong reasons and seems to be one that he they will earmark for the Premier League as he looks the part and is young needs to let the players play rather than make it about him. The one thing they did get right was actually the offside on Brooks and where it was taken from. As whilst Brooks was offside in the Leicester half, the rules state the free kick is taken from where the player touches the ball. So, the indirect free kick is taken ‘where the offense occurred, even if it's in the players own half of the field of play.’





Crowd/Day Out – Thought it was relatively quiet for a near 30,000 crowd on New Years Day. It was a all a bit flat. Maybe the home fans just thought they could not believe how bad Leicester were and how easy it was? I do think the player deserved more really in terms of the noise levels and encouragement but outside of the goals, it was quieter than I would have expected. The Leicester fans certainly seemed to make more noise – even if a lot of it was to voice their displeasure at the team/manager as they booed subs, said he did not know what he was doing and then asked for his dismissal in the morning. They did fill the away end but looked totally fed up by full time.

Sounds to me like you're blaming Bindon for Leicester's goal.

 

[Deadbat]

Sounds to me like you're blaming Bindon for Leicester's goal.

I literally wrote, I'm not blaming him!

Culpability here was Riedewald and Cooper

 

[Lane Ender]

Ratings: (marks may seem low but there were a number of 7.5/10 games and in contrast Leicester may have had a number of 2-3/10 marks!)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – cannot recall a save to make at all? His kicking though was not good enough again and he sliced one ball and then another few he kicked out of play. The goal I question him too sadly again. It may have took a nick but he had time to get across and got his hand to it but did not keep it out.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Another good performance. He bottled up another good winger and then got forward and caused problems. Worked well with Brooks and their combo play was a feature all evening. A few final bits did not quite come off but kept going and then second half he got into more good areas and set up a few opportunities – including the third goal which was perfect and on a plate for O’Hare.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Not one of our best players but solid enough with some decent interceptions and pieces of link play down the left. Not really threatened at all in terms of defensively. A few of his corners were not hitting the target to start with (loopy) but took a really good one of course – more drilled – that lead to the first goal.



Bindon 6.5/10 – After the shocker at Wrexham, bounced back with two solid games. Tonight, he was ok but not really threatened really and swept up well. One or two dodgy moments second half – complete air shot on one cross I think? However, he was decent again and did what he needed to. The goal flicked off him I believe though – not blaming him of course.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Mopped up defensively with a few headers back and tackles (one great block first half) and looked solid. He has been a threat from corners and had a few efforts that have just missed or he has headed back for others – but this time meets it to score a bullet header. After this he was able to help deny them, even any of the subs, even a sniff.



Riedewald 7/10 – Solid game where he did what he had to as we controlled midfield. Just kept it nice and easy. A few times looked to have got away from him but hangs out that long leg and managed to get it back. He looks so composed and never panics. He picked up the loose stuff and made sure we just kept it. The only negative was the goal where he tried to pull his man back and then lets him go and he goes and scores. Overall though he gave another good performance where we controlled the middle of the pitch.



Soumare 7.5/10 – Great at Stoke for an hour and today he took it on even more. He was the stand out player for United – maybe just over Brooks, Cannon and Seriki. He won the ball on the floor and in the air and seemed to be everywhere. He got around the pitch but when he had the ball, he used it well and was able to go forward – so not just sideways and backwards. He was progressive but was doing it quicker than he has before. He did not waste many balls and some of our best attacks came from his play in the middle. Carried on second half and helped us keep them pinned back. I thought he would not be near the side after some awful showings quite recently but has come in (as Arblaster was not ready to play every week) with Peck out and stepped up. Fair play to him. Needs to keep it up.



Brooks 7.5/10 – I have been disappointed that he has not had more opportunities this season. Overall, when he has played since Wilder came back, he has been good and showed more consistency. He has the odd off game but that is what many wingers are like. After a few good games, Chong was put back in and I did not agree with this. He got a chance at Stoke and did ok and kept his place and was very good tonight. He got on the ball, went both inside and outside and was a threat, He missed a decent chance when he sort of shinned wide. Kept going and linked well with Seriki all game and then the second goal, he made it his and showed composure to find the pass. Hope he keeps him and Seriki together for the majority of the games moving forward. These two, Peck and Blaster are surely the core we need to build upon?



O’Hare 5.5/10 – I thought he was really poor tonight! The worst he has been for some time and was sloppy with possession – the ball kept coming off him or he made the wrong decisions. Still worked hard for the team and got into good areas but just did not come off. However, kept going and got the third as he anticipated the cross and got another goal – now our joint leading scorer isn’t he – with 7 – overtaking Bamford.



Cannon 7.5/10 – He has slowly started to improve and shown in quite a few games the last few months, he maybe does have something to offer! He has scored a few well taken goals but his overall play has improved. He is running the channels well, looking stronger (he forced corners/free kicks) with his strong running and tenacity showing the assets he has to offer. He took the goal really well and two clinical finishes now. He is offering more than Campbell currently.



Bamford 5.5/10 – Like O’Hare, not sure it was his best night actually and that shows how good we were – that maybe our two most dangerous forwards recently, were off it and we still won easily. He snatched a chance early and then also had a good one straight at the keeper. He did not quite hold it as well as he has done but still linked a few times and his movement and clever play continues to help us stay up the field. Hopefully, we can tie him down but worrying the longer it goes on.



Subs -



Campbell 4/10 – I think he is on a really bad run of performances – both starting and when he has come off the bench. He just seems incredibly slow and sluggish, often behind the ball and not looking sharp. He looks languid and is not even pressing – even when he should be fresh. Needs to up his game and intensity levels.



Hamer 5/10 – Only played last 20 minutes but he flattered to deceive too with some silly flicks and giveaways but involved in the build up to the third with a pass across. Could have played Burrows in near the end but went for a shot. We do look better without him starting currently, as mad as that sounds.



Chong – Only on for 5 minutes- one clumsy ball straight at an opponent but then one good run too across the field.



Arblaster – Kept it simple with some quick and incisive passing and then a superb ball for the third – the weight, pace and the fact he did it first time was all perfect and saw Seriki able to get to it right in his stride. Needs time to keep getting games and getting stronger but a moment like that showed his undoubted quality.



Burrows – Not on for long. One cross into the box and another where he ran 50 yards and Hamer ignored him.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – An excellent performance where we won the battles individually and controlled the game all over the pitch. He made two changes but the side he put out had a nice balance and we were assertive all game and the side forcing the tempo throughout. Worried we went long for a period from around the hour mark but he made changes and helped slow it down for a bit. Will be pleased to have the reaction with the two wins over the last few days. Needs to ensure we keep the same level of consistency week in, week out. Credit to him for getting the side up for it and better than two sides higher up the league.





Leicester – Despite all the uncertainty off the field with ownership and them seemingly having run out of money (or interest – or both?!) they had enough talent left over from the Premier League that they would be around the top 6 I felt. The issue over them being charged from both the Premier League and EFL (isn’t it?) seems ridiculous and like with the Man City charges, shows how little control and governance the leagues have. If teams have broke the rules, they should be punished and swiftly. Having things delayed and then waiting to be put in place, due to the league they are in, makes a mockery of it all. The rules out there almost seem so flimsy that even when teams break them, punishments take an age to be applied and seem to be whichever the wind is blowing. They may get a deduction this year but not holding my breath. If they do, then they will be definitely stuck in this league (won’t be enough to put them in trouble you would not think) but even if they get away with it again, they will probably still not have enough to push for promotion. Maybe they will change the manager (again) as they do not seem happy with him or the owners – but they are very inconsistent but seem to be moving downwards more than upwards in terms of trajectory. Have some exciting forward players but ship goals and can win well one week but then lose the next week easily (bit like us and many other sides at this level). It does show how things can change in football. Not long ago they were winning the league and FA Cup and a model club but now with the ownership seemingly not as settled (after the awful tragedy) they seem stuck going nowhere again.



I did wonder if they were as bad as their fans were making out – when I read Roy’s view’s from – but they were! They were atrocious and despite possessing some real talent with power, pace and trickery in the starting line up and the bench, they were soundly beaten. Their intensity levels was miles off it and they just sat back, defended and invited pressure. They barely launched an attack and had so little of the ball where it mattered. They tried to pass out from the back, despite it causing issues for them and their tactics in terms of trying to get out and move up the pitch, I could not work out at all? The game began with us dominating and you sensed chances and a goal would come and so it proved. I thought that maybe in the second half they would raise it and have a bit of a go but they just continued with the same timid approach. They lost most of their individual battles and the 2nd goal summed it up as Thomas lost the 50-50 and nobody reacted when the cross came in. They had a bit of a spell after they made some changes but did not test Cooper at all – I think we just tired and stepped off the gas. The third goal gave the scoreline a more realistic gloss but then of course they finally had a shot and a goal but it mattered little. Overall, they were soundly beaten and the way the players sort of gave up, was a concern. They did not look a team at all and even though they have some individual players with real talent, those players offered little and then defensively were not able to react at key moments.



Be interesting to see where they go now? The manager may well go as I have said and you would think a new appointment would surely get more out of this group but there is a bit of a mess in terms of some good young talent, some experienced players and the lack of much leadership – but a real lack of consistency in terms of individual and collective performances. They remind me a bit of how we looked to start this season.



Opponent Man of the Match – James was the lone bright spot but even he struggled with Soumare and Riedewald. He did score at the end and one who tried to drive them on. Ayew gave them a bit of life and Monga showed some good skills and penetration but overall, not a lot to shout about.



Opponent Weak link – A number to choose from. The keeper looked uncertain, they had little up front and the number 7, Fatawu was incredibly selfish and playing his own games, diving and trying ridiculous long shots with men well placed. Cordova Reid often seems to score against us but was quiet and the young lad, Thomas up top was given no service. Skipp was quiet and did not realise he was playing but it is between two players for worst opponent – Okoli was dreadful as Cannon gave him a bit of a run around and had no awareness of who was around him and dallied on the ball all game. The award goes to Luke Thomas though. Reminded us of why we all disliked him when he played for us (in the Premier League!). Slow to react to things, weak in the challenges and technically not good enough – he made a number of errors – including the goal when Brooks just beat him to the ball and then left him in the dust. Seriki and Brooks caused him lots of problems – as they did at the King Power. Not sure even Choudhury was that great but came into a lost cause. I do think Wilder still had an interest in signing him (big hug and chat on FT) as he can play a few different positions.



Referee / Officials – Farai Hallam. Lost both games this season with him officiating – at Ipswich and Preston – two defeats in different circumstances, for the Blades. Do not think he was great at Deepdale and whenever I have seen him, he was wanted to be noticed and that is not good for a referee. He took charge of the games at home to Plymouth and Blackburn (home) last season. Seems to be one that has been quickly elevated up the leagues. Today he started ok and seemed to be letting things flow but then seemed to be want to be seen again. As the game went on, he started to give some increasingly bizarre decisions – he was inconsistent as he waved some things away and then gave fouls for similar contact – both ways. He gave some very odd decisions – such as the one where Cannon kicked it straight out and he gave a corner when he was miles behind play. I thought in a game that was relatively one sided, he still managed to stand out for the wrong reasons and seems to be one that he they will earmark for the Premier League as he looks the part and is young needs to let the players play rather than make it about him. The one thing they did get right was actually the offside on Brooks and where it was taken from. As whilst Brooks was offside in the Leicester half, the rules state the free kick is taken from where the player touches the ball. So, the indirect free kick is taken ‘where the offense occurred, even if it's in the players own half of the field of play.’





Crowd/Day Out – Thought it was relatively quiet for a near 30,000 crowd on New Years Day. It was an all a bit flat. Maybe the home fans just thought they could not believe how bad Leicester were and how easy it was? I do think the player deserved more really in terms of the noise levels and encouragement but outside of the goals, it was quieter than I would have expected. The Leicester fans certainly seemed to make more noise – even if a lot of it was to voice their displeasure at the team/manager as they booed subs, said he did not know what he was doing and then asked for his dismissal in the morning. They did fill the away end but looked totally fed up by full time.

Agree with Ohare not his best game but he’s allowed one and he did score

 

[Large Mendonca]

I think harsh on O’Hare imo, due to him constantly turning over their possession, which he does very well. Other than that, bang on with the markings.

 

[North Shields Blade]

This is an excellent article on the game from a Leicester point of view although you’d have to say that it puts Deadbat’s pathetic efforts to shame. When has Deadbat ever started a report with a reference to the Roman stoic, Seneca? Come on, pal, pull your finger out.

Sheffield United 3 Leicester City 1: Enzo we miss u

On the day that Enzo Maresca lost his job at Chelsea, his erstwhile successor took another big step towards joining him on the unemployment line.

thefosseway.net

 

[de g.]

I think a little harsh on Cooper. He didn't have much to do in terms of saves because Leicester couldn't muster a shot on target until the injury time goal, but for the first time in a while he was collecting crosses/through balls with confidence and authority. He was pissed about the goal too, you could see the extent to which it angered him in his immediate reaction.

 

[Addison]

Agree Soumare man of match closely followed by Brooks and Seriki. Soumare has shown what the is capable of in the last two games and his partnership with Jairo was very effective. The down side is I believe is all three will be soon out of the team after the JTW. All 3 have contributed to our up turn in form and should keep the shirt for now imo.

Leicester were poor and the expected tactical changes second half that caused us so many problems last time out never materialised. Credit to our coaching staff for dealing with what Leicester changed second half. Midfield and the right side looked very strong. McCallum snuffed out the foxes aerial threat down the right. Overall a good performance on the back of a testing schedule.

The one major concern is the goalkeeper. Our record of injury management is poor. Something is clearly wrong with Cooper. He was slow to get down to the shot last night again and his overall movement looks laboured. It would be a backward step in his career if there is any truth in the rumours he is awaiting an operation that has been delayed to the end of the season. We have to find a replacement in the JTW to allow the operation to take place now. Our second choice just isnt good enough. Any momentum we are building now will fail if we continue to neglect this most important position.

 

[N20 Blade]

Ratings: (marks may seem low but there were a number of 7.5/10 games and in contrast Leicester may have had a number of 2-3/10 marks!)



Cooper 5/10 – Did not have much to do at all – cannot recall a save to make at all? His kicking though was not good enough again and he sliced one ball and then another few he kicked out of play. The goal I question him too sadly again. It may have took a nick but he had time to get across and got his hand to it but did not keep it out.



Seriki 7.5/10 - Another good performance. He bottled up another good winger and then got forward and caused problems. Worked well with Brooks and their combo play was a feature all evening. A few final bits did not quite come off but kept going and then second half he got into more good areas and set up a few opportunities – including the third goal which was perfect and on a plate for O’Hare.



McCallum 6.5/10 – Not one of our best players but solid enough with some decent interceptions and pieces of link play down the left. Not really threatened at all in terms of defensively. A few of his corners were not hitting the target to start with (loopy) but took a really good one of course – more drilled – that lead to the first goal.



Bindon 6.5/10 – After the shocker at Wrexham, bounced back with two solid games. Tonight, he was ok but not really threatened really and swept up well. One or two dodgy moments second half – complete air shot on one cross I think? However, he was decent again and did what he needed to. The goal flicked off him I believe though – not blaming him of course.



Tanganga 7.5/10 – Mopped up defensively with a few headers back and tackles (one great block first half) and looked solid. He has been a threat from corners and had a few efforts that have just missed or he has headed back for others – but this time meets it to score a bullet header. After this he was able to help deny them, even any of the subs, even a sniff.



Riedewald 7/10 – Solid game where he did what he had to as we controlled midfield. Just kept it nice and easy. A few times looked to have got away from him but hangs out that long leg and managed to get it back. He looks so composed and never panics. He picked up the loose stuff and made sure we just kept it. The only negative was the goal where he tried to pull his man back and then lets him go and he goes and scores. Overall though he gave another good performance where we controlled the middle of the pitch.



Soumare 7.5/10 – Great at Stoke for an hour and today he took it on even more. He was the stand out player for United – maybe just over Brooks, Cannon and Seriki. He won the ball on the floor and in the air and seemed to be everywhere. He got around the pitch but when he had the ball, he used it well and was able to go forward – so not just sideways and backwards. He was progressive but was doing it quicker than he has before. He did not waste many balls and some of our best attacks came from his play in the middle. Carried on second half and helped us keep them pinned back. I thought he would not be near the side after some awful showings quite recently but has come in (as Arblaster was not ready to play every week) with Peck out and stepped up. Fair play to him. Needs to keep it up.



Brooks 7.5/10 – I have been disappointed that he has not had more opportunities this season. Overall, when he has played since Wilder came back, he has been good and showed more consistency. He has the odd off game but that is what many wingers are like. After a few good games, Chong was put back in and I did not agree with this. He got a chance at Stoke and did ok and kept his place and was very good tonight. He got on the ball, went both inside and outside and was a threat, He missed a decent chance when he sort of shinned wide. Kept going and linked well with Seriki all game and then the second goal, he made it his and showed composure to find the pass. Hope he keeps him and Seriki together for the majority of the games moving forward. These two, Peck and Blaster are surely the core we need to build upon?



O’Hare 5.5/10 – I thought he was really poor tonight! The worst he has been for some time and was sloppy with possession – the ball kept coming off him or he made the wrong decisions. Still worked hard for the team and got into good areas but just did not come off. However, kept going and got the third as he anticipated the cross and got another goal – now our joint leading scorer isn’t he – with 7 – overtaking Bamford.



Cannon 7.5/10 – He has slowly started to improve and shown in quite a few games the last few months, he maybe does have something to offer! He has scored a few well taken goals but his overall play has improved. He is running the channels well, looking stronger (he forced corners/free kicks) with his strong running and tenacity showing the assets he has to offer. He took the goal really well and two clinical finishes now. He is offering more than Campbell currently.



Bamford 5.5/10 – Like O’Hare, not sure it was his best night actually and that shows how good we were – that maybe our two most dangerous forwards recently, were off it and we still won easily. He snatched a chance early and then also had a good one straight at the keeper. He did not quite hold it as well as he has done but still linked a few times and his movement and clever play continues to help us stay up the field. Hopefully, we can tie him down but worrying the longer it goes on.



Subs -



Campbell 4/10 – I think he is on a really bad run of performances – both starting and when he has come off the bench. He just seems incredibly slow and sluggish, often behind the ball and not looking sharp. He looks languid and is not even pressing – even when he should be fresh. Needs to up his game and intensity levels.



Hamer 5/10 – Only played last 20 minutes but he flattered to deceive too with some silly flicks and giveaways but involved in the build up to the third with a pass across. Could have played Burrows in near the end but went for a shot. We do look better without him starting currently, as mad as that sounds.



Chong – Only on for 5 minutes- one clumsy ball straight at an opponent but then one good run too across the field.



Arblaster – Kept it simple with some quick and incisive passing and then a superb ball for the third – the weight, pace and the fact he did it first time was all perfect and saw Seriki able to get to it right in his stride. Needs time to keep getting games and getting stronger but a moment like that showed his undoubted quality.



Burrows – Not on for long. One cross into the box and another where he ran 50 yards and Hamer ignored him.



Manager: Wilder 7/10 – An excellent performance where we won the battles individually and controlled the game all over the pitch. He made two changes but the side he put out had a nice balance and we were assertive all game and the side forcing the tempo throughout. Worried we went long for a period from around the hour mark but he made changes and helped slow it down for a bit. Will be pleased to have the reaction with the two wins over the last few days. Needs to ensure we keep the same level of consistency week in, week out. Credit to him for getting the side up for it and better than two sides higher up the league.





Leicester – Despite all the uncertainty off the field with ownership and them seemingly having run out of money (or interest – or both?!) they had enough talent left over from the Premier League that they would be around the top 6 I felt. The issue over them being charged from both the Premier League and EFL (isn’t it?) seems ridiculous and like with the Man City charges, shows how little control and governance the leagues have. If teams have broke the rules, they should be punished and swiftly. Having things delayed and then waiting to be put in place, due to the league they are in, makes a mockery of it all. The rules out there almost seem so flimsy that even when teams break them, punishments take an age to be applied and seem to be whichever the wind is blowing. They may get a deduction this year but not holding my breath. If they do, then they will be definitely stuck in this league (won’t be enough to put them in trouble you would not think) but even if they get away with it again, they will probably still not have enough to push for promotion. Maybe they will change the manager (again) as they do not seem happy with him or the owners – but they are very inconsistent but seem to be moving downwards more than upwards in terms of trajectory. Have some exciting forward players but ship goals and can win well one week but then lose the next week easily (bit like us and many other sides at this level). It does show how things can change in football. Not long ago they were winning the league and FA Cup and a model club but now with the ownership seemingly not as settled (after the awful tragedy) they seem stuck going nowhere again.



I did wonder if they were as bad as their fans were making out – when I read Roy’s view’s from – but they were! They were atrocious and despite possessing some real talent with power, pace and trickery in the starting line up and the bench, they were soundly beaten. Their intensity levels was miles off it and they just sat back, defended and invited pressure. They barely launched an attack and had so little of the ball where it mattered. They tried to pass out from the back, despite it causing issues for them and their tactics in terms of trying to get out and move up the pitch, I could not work out at all? The game began with us dominating and you sensed chances and a goal would come and so it proved. I thought that maybe in the second half they would raise it and have a bit of a go but they just continued with the same timid approach. They lost most of their individual battles and the 2nd goal summed it up as Thomas lost the 50-50 and nobody reacted when the cross came in. They had a bit of a spell after they made some changes but did not test Cooper at all – I think we just tired and stepped off the gas. The third goal gave the scoreline a more realistic gloss but then of course they finally had a shot and a goal but it mattered little. Overall, they were soundly beaten and the way the players sort of gave up, was a concern. They did not look a team at all and even though they have some individual players with real talent, those players offered little and then defensively were not able to react at key moments.



Be interesting to see where they go now? The manager may well go as I have said and you would think a new appointment would surely get more out of this group but there is a bit of a mess in terms of some good young talent, some experienced players and the lack of much leadership – but a real lack of consistency in terms of individual and collective performances. They remind me a bit of how we looked to start this season.



Opponent Man of the Match – James was the lone bright spot but even he struggled with Soumare and Riedewald. He did score at the end and one who tried to drive them on. Ayew gave them a bit of life and Monga showed some good skills and penetration but overall, not a lot to shout about.



Opponent Weak link – A number to choose from. The keeper looked uncertain, they had little up front and the number 7, Fatawu was incredibly selfish and playing his own games, diving and trying ridiculous long shots with men well placed. Cordova Reid often seems to score against us but was quiet and the young lad, Thomas up top was given no service. Skipp was quiet and did not realise he was playing but it is between two players for worst opponent – Okoli was dreadful as Cannon gave him a bit of a run around and had no awareness of who was around him and dallied on the ball all game. The award goes to Luke Thomas though. Reminded us of why we all disliked him when he played for us (in the Premier League!). Slow to react to things, weak in the challenges and technically not good enough – he made a number of errors – including the goal when Brooks just beat him to the ball and then left him in the dust. Seriki and Brooks caused him lots of problems – as they did at the King Power. Not sure even Choudhury was that great but came into a lost cause. I do think Wilder still had an interest in signing him (big hug and chat on FT) as he can play a few different positions.



Referee / Officials – Farai Hallam. Lost both games this season with him officiating – at Ipswich and Preston – two defeats in different circumstances, for the Blades. Do not think he was great at Deepdale and whenever I have seen him, he was wanted to be noticed and that is not good for a referee. He took charge of the games at home to Plymouth and Blackburn (home) last season. Seems to be one that has been quickly elevated up the leagues. Today he started ok and seemed to be letting things flow but then seemed to be want to be seen again. As the game went on, he started to give some increasingly bizarre decisions – he was inconsistent as he waved some things away and then gave fouls for similar contact – both ways. He gave some very odd decisions – such as the one where Cannon kicked it straight out and he gave a corner when he was miles behind play. I thought in a game that was relatively one sided, he still managed to stand out for the wrong reasons and seems to be one that he they will earmark for the Premier League as he looks the part and is young needs to let the players play rather than make it about him. The one thing they did get right was actually the offside on Brooks and where it was taken from. As whilst Brooks was offside in the Leicester half, the rules state the free kick is taken from where the player touches the ball. So, the indirect free kick is taken ‘where the offense occurred, even if it's in the players own half of the field of play.’





Crowd/Day Out – Thought it was relatively quiet for a near 30,000 crowd on New Years Day. It was a all a bit flat. Maybe the home fans just thought they could not believe how bad Leicester were and how easy it was? I do think the player deserved more really in terms of the noise levels and encouragement but outside of the goals, it was quieter than I would have expected. The Leicester fans certainly seemed to make more noise – even if a lot of it was to voice their displeasure at the team/manager as they booed subs, said he did not know what he was doing and then asked for his dismissal in the morning. They did fill the away end but looked totally fed up by full time.

I am in Edinburgh for New Year and watched the game on tv with a Hibs fan (we went to easter road for the Aberdeen game the other night). He was really impressed by us and especially the Brooks / Seriki combo down the right. He couldn't believe we are where we are (until I explained the Selles fiasco).

It was interesting to hear from a neutral, and he liked our closing down and aggression compared to the complete absence with the visitors. So nice to see positive play and goals.

Thank you for the great reports Deadbat and a Happy New Year to you.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

This is an excellent article on the game from a Leicester point of view although you’d have to say that it puts Deadbat’s pathetic efforts to shame. When has Deadbat ever started a report with a reference to the Roman stoic, Seneca? Come on, pal, pull your finger out.

Sheffield United 3 Leicester City 1: Enzo we miss u

On the day that Enzo Maresca lost his job at Chelsea, his erstwhile successor took another big step towards joining him on the unemployment line.

thefosseway.net

In his defense, Deadbat often mentions the work of the unheralded philosopher Roy who lives under a derelict bridge.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

I think a little harsh on Cooper. He didn't have much to do in terms of saves because Leicester couldn't muster a shot on target until the injury time goal, but for the first time in a while he was collecting crosses/through balls with confidence and authority. He was pissed about the goal too, you could see the extent to which it angered him in his immediate reaction.

I’m not sure you can blame Coops for the goal.
It was a ferocious hit that took a clipped deflection and bounced in front of him. It was right inside the post too. Without the deflection. He would probably have got a hand to it.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

I’m not sure you can blame Coops for the goal.
It was a ferocious hit that took a clipped deflection and bounced in front of him. It was right inside the post too. Without the deflection he would probably have got a hand to it.

 

[Grappler]

What I noticed a lot was that Soumare started chasing players, catching them up, getting in front of them, and taking the ball from their feet, then finding the pass, just like Vinni Souza used to do so well.