Deadbat
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- Aug 6, 2009
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Tufty Club Reaction below….at all the main outlets
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tufty-club-reaction-spurs-home/id1508158343?i=1000482112342
Match report below
The Blades finally got back to winning ways after an excellent performance saw them see of Spurs 3-1 at Bramall Lane. After the improved showing in the FA Cup, despite defeat to Arsenal, United took this on and put in a determined and organised showing. The effort was superb throughout and three lovely goals in the set up and execution saw them blow Spurs away. The visitors had a lot of the ball but actually were wasteful. Even the VAR decision went for United, although technically this was down to the ridiculous rules on handball rather than VAR stepping in unnecessarily. United have been stung many times this season so will feel that they were due on and ironically one of the most controversial decisions was in the return fixture when Lundstram’s big toe saw a goal ruled out.
The Blades playing without three key men and arguably their two best players were able to be compact without the ball, they hunted in packs and turned over the ball. When they had it, they used it much better than they had done in the previous three league games and fashioned some good moves. This was more than the more direct approach we saw in the game against the Gunners at the weekend. In the end Tottenham were well beaten despite the late consolation by Kane.
United were still without Jack O’Connell but also had to make do without John Fleck and John Lundstram. Ben Osborn came in for his first start in the Premier League and Berge started the game after a good showing in the game on Sunday when he came on. Spurs had an expensively assembled bench with Ali, Winks, Vertonghen, Ndombele and Lamela amongst those in reserve. United could only name 7 subs of the permitted 9, with injuries taking its toll and no place for Luke Freeman who had picked up a knock.
The Blades began in determined mood moving into the Spurs half and within a minute they had tested Lloris with Baldock coming inside and hitting a shot that was straight at the Spurs keeper. United were moving it about well and McGoldrick was coming off deep into midfield and linking play and him and McBurnie nearly combined. The wing backs were well advanced too. Spurs did break and win a corner and a Dier flick was just away from Sissoko at the far post.
United had been decent but when they lost it Spurs showed they could break at speed and twice they nearly got in after a Kane flick saw Son get away and then Bergwijn also found some space but Basham made a block. Spurs then had their first real effort but Kane fired well over before Sissoko hit a weak shot at Henderson when well placed.
As the drinks break came, it was a relatively even game with Spurs maybe looking the more generous when they broke but United were competing well.
A soft foul on Moura saw Kane have a free kick which he blasted into the empty Kop but United were finally able to celebrate a league goal since the restart on the half hour. It was the goal that had become United’s trademark before lockdown with the wing back and centre back well forward. Baldock fed Basham who drove into the box and pulled back for BERGE who took a touch but he was quite wide but hit a superb drilled shot right into the far corner. It was a fantastic moment for the young Norwegian with his first goal in a Blades shirt and his celebration showed his delight.
Within a minute, it seemed Spurs were instantly level. They broke through and after a lucky bounce it fell for Kane who sidestepped Basham and rolled it past a leaden footed Henderson. It was poor defending but then it seemed there was an issue in the build-up. The VAR check for handball showed that Moura who was pushed over saw the ball bounce off his hand and into the path of Kane. Technically by the rules it was a handball and VAR had little choice despite everyone criticising VAR. It was not their fault but the ridiculous rules which have helped United twice this season in this regard amidst a number going against us. The VAR team should have brought it back for a foul on Moura in the build up though as he was pushed by Berge. Kane and Mourinho looked furious. United finally had something go for them after a series of poor decisions and bad luck since the lockdown.
Norwood was booked for a poor pull back on Moura and then caught Ali with an arm soon after and was lucky not to be sent off after this moment of madness. The final moments of the half saw Spurs to continue to probe and United had to hold firm with Egan and Basham solid and Osborn working hard also. Egan made two blocks before the half time whistle.
The second half saw the Blades come out determined to keep their shape and discipline and they did this early on limiting Spurs to very few chances of note. United were just keeping a nice bank of defenders and midfielders and limiting Spurs more through the middle after the first half they had afforded a bit too much space in this area.
The work ethic from the Blades was summed up when Sissoko inexplicably kicked the ball out for a corner from half way after McBurnie had chased him down. Lamela came on for Bergwijn on 55 minutes but the best chance since the break came after great work by Berge and Baldock led to a chance for McGoldrick but he fired into the side netting despite the ‘fake’ crowd thinking it was in!
Soon after McGoldrick gave way for Mousset as United looked to stretch Spurs on the break. This half Spurs had been more probing and less dangerous on the counter as United looked to be more solid, understandably being a goal ahead.
McBurnie’s tireless hold up and efforts continued and more good work led to the important second goal. His diagonal ball fed Stevens who then fed Osborn. The wing back carried his run and the ball back to him was timed to perfection with Stevens staying onside and squaring it for MOUSSET to tap home from close range. It was a brilliantly made goal and United now had a cushion.
More good work from the industrious Osborn saw United force Spurs to cough up possession again as they became frustrated.
Ali and Ndombele came on for Aurier and Sissoko as they tried to throw men forward in an attempt to find a way back into the game. Kane had the ball in the net twice but once for offside and another for a clear foul on Egan saw them both rightly ruled out. Vertonghen came on for Davies as Spurs finally changed their shape but the second half performance from them had been poor as United kept them from creating very little at all. The Blades actually looked more dangerous on the break in an inverse of the first half for both teams in terms of style. United now had pace and Mousset was causing problems winning the ball and using his strength and pace.
On 82 minutes, the victory was all but secured. More neat football saw Norwood, Baldock and then Berge involved. Berge was superb with his touch, turn and then cross which led to MCBURNIE expertly sweeping home at the near post. It was another fantastic goal and United looked home and dry.
The final moments saw more good closing down from United as Spurs seemed to run out of ideas. McBurnie was booked for dissent after disagreeing with a foul given against him as he clashed with Lo Celso. As the game entered the final minute, United switched off and Son beat the offside trap and squared for KANE to score easily from close range. The Blades were the only Premier League team he had not scored against before tonight but this was merely a consolation. Four minutes of extra time were to be played. Kieron Freeman came on for McBurnie before Mousset showed more powerful play to win a free kick as the Blades saw things out to ensure they got the three points. United are of course now mathematically assured of another season in the top flight (not that it was in doubt) and now with three points in the bag can turn their attention to how high they can finish in the league.
United – Finally! A win, an almost complete performance some of the football, organisation, resilience and all the qualities we have shown most off the season were back. We saw glimpses on Sunday but today for most of the game I felt it was committed and we won so many loose balls, second balls and pressed Spurs all game. We moved it around when we could.
The front two (and the sub) up the top of the field were excellent and also the midfield worked hard. We started the game well but they were dangerous on the break of course and had a few chances but we scored a really well-made goal with players high up the field and link/interplay which we have not seen and Berge took it superbly. After this they did have the moment and it was a bonkers decision in terms of the rules. It should count but they have made nonsensical rules on the handball. A lot saying nothing VAR could do but rule it out but they should have gone back and given the foul at least as that was before the handball. They have all become a bit robotic but had some sympathy with the handball – that rule needs to change. We had another let off with the Norwood possible second booking but got to half time despite Spurs pace and breaking causing us problems.
Credit to Wilder as at half time we actually went deeper. That is not always a good tactic but today Spurs main threat was breaking if they beat the press. We became a bit more solid and sat back 10 yards and the midfield denied space though the middle. Too often this season (and at times first half) teams have run through us in midfield and defence but 2nd half we stiffened up in this area. Osborn and Norwood sat in front and McGoldrick and then McBurnie came and helped out. We forced them wide and they had no idea with the spaces restricted in the middle. We scored a great second goal with lovely work from a number of players with McBurnie and then Stevens/Osborn linking up so well and Mousset also getting in front of his man. After this they made changes but other than a few rightly disallowed goals not sure they created much. Egan was great at the back and then Berge and McBurnie continued their strong play. The third goal was another great goal also. Shame we gave one away at the death but 3-1 was about right over the game.
It feels fantastic to win, great to see a proper team performance and the smiles are back amongst fans and players. I was just so pleased that we did not see another loss and poor performance – we saw the glimmers of hope Sunday, even in a loss and today was another step up. Now we can relax a bit. I would not rush Fleck and O’Connell back – get them totally right even if we have to wait a few more games. We have two tough home games to come but don’t fear any of the away games particularly with Burnley up and down, Southampton the same and Leicester fading fast. I have said before a top 10 finish would be fantastic. I maintain that but now the dreams of Europe start to flicker again. For me, positions, Europe are all nice but I just wanted us to finish the season with a semblance of the team/performances we have seen this season and tonight we saw that.
A lot will say fan (like me) are being hypocritical praising tonight and saying how great we are when we slammed them for 3 poor performances but the reality is, we were great tonight and were crap in the other 3 (but have been superb all season). Not sure anyone can disagree with that. I will be honest and say I could not see where the next point was coming from after Man Utd as we looked so leggy and not the same team but that is where maybe some (including me) should have more faith in this group and Wilder but it was a night and day performance from the previous 3 league games. The reality is if we play like we did tonight then we will win more games than we lose.
In terms of players, Berge will rightly get a lot of plaudits tonight. I have been critical of him of course but the last two he has really shown a lot and I am pleased. I think a lot will say people like me should eat humble pie but I don’t see it like that – for me he was showing little and I said that. He did not look much of a player but now the last two he has stepped up and rightly get praise. Some criticised McBurnie also and I was one but he too has improved and is getting lots of plaudits. You can say somebody was poor in some games and good in others. You don’t have to say they ARE good or bad players – but you can call performances. Berge had shown little but now had. I won’t go the other way and say he is amazing and what a player as we need to see him do it regularly but it has been really promising. I have praised McBurnie a lot this season but felt he like a few others were off from the lockdown.
Still a few not quite at it – Norwood still up and down and a lucky boy with some silly fouls/decisions and Stevens even though he made the goal and got better also made some atrocious decisions at times and his touch/passing and overall play is well below what it had been. I felt that there were so many plusses tonight though. Individually and collectively; it was so much better. We now can go to Burnley and with the confidence back hopefully go there and continue on from tonight. For a few days we can smile again though and at least not hear all this ‘Sheffield United have not turned up since the restart (which was right before tonight)’ and finally we have our team back again – its not turn 3 games though as with the lockdown its 4 months since we saw a show like that but big well done to Wilder and the team.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tufty-club-reaction-spurs-home/id1508158343?i=1000482112342
Match report below
The Blades finally got back to winning ways after an excellent performance saw them see of Spurs 3-1 at Bramall Lane. After the improved showing in the FA Cup, despite defeat to Arsenal, United took this on and put in a determined and organised showing. The effort was superb throughout and three lovely goals in the set up and execution saw them blow Spurs away. The visitors had a lot of the ball but actually were wasteful. Even the VAR decision went for United, although technically this was down to the ridiculous rules on handball rather than VAR stepping in unnecessarily. United have been stung many times this season so will feel that they were due on and ironically one of the most controversial decisions was in the return fixture when Lundstram’s big toe saw a goal ruled out.
The Blades playing without three key men and arguably their two best players were able to be compact without the ball, they hunted in packs and turned over the ball. When they had it, they used it much better than they had done in the previous three league games and fashioned some good moves. This was more than the more direct approach we saw in the game against the Gunners at the weekend. In the end Tottenham were well beaten despite the late consolation by Kane.
United were still without Jack O’Connell but also had to make do without John Fleck and John Lundstram. Ben Osborn came in for his first start in the Premier League and Berge started the game after a good showing in the game on Sunday when he came on. Spurs had an expensively assembled bench with Ali, Winks, Vertonghen, Ndombele and Lamela amongst those in reserve. United could only name 7 subs of the permitted 9, with injuries taking its toll and no place for Luke Freeman who had picked up a knock.
The Blades began in determined mood moving into the Spurs half and within a minute they had tested Lloris with Baldock coming inside and hitting a shot that was straight at the Spurs keeper. United were moving it about well and McGoldrick was coming off deep into midfield and linking play and him and McBurnie nearly combined. The wing backs were well advanced too. Spurs did break and win a corner and a Dier flick was just away from Sissoko at the far post.
United had been decent but when they lost it Spurs showed they could break at speed and twice they nearly got in after a Kane flick saw Son get away and then Bergwijn also found some space but Basham made a block. Spurs then had their first real effort but Kane fired well over before Sissoko hit a weak shot at Henderson when well placed.
As the drinks break came, it was a relatively even game with Spurs maybe looking the more generous when they broke but United were competing well.
A soft foul on Moura saw Kane have a free kick which he blasted into the empty Kop but United were finally able to celebrate a league goal since the restart on the half hour. It was the goal that had become United’s trademark before lockdown with the wing back and centre back well forward. Baldock fed Basham who drove into the box and pulled back for BERGE who took a touch but he was quite wide but hit a superb drilled shot right into the far corner. It was a fantastic moment for the young Norwegian with his first goal in a Blades shirt and his celebration showed his delight.
Within a minute, it seemed Spurs were instantly level. They broke through and after a lucky bounce it fell for Kane who sidestepped Basham and rolled it past a leaden footed Henderson. It was poor defending but then it seemed there was an issue in the build-up. The VAR check for handball showed that Moura who was pushed over saw the ball bounce off his hand and into the path of Kane. Technically by the rules it was a handball and VAR had little choice despite everyone criticising VAR. It was not their fault but the ridiculous rules which have helped United twice this season in this regard amidst a number going against us. The VAR team should have brought it back for a foul on Moura in the build up though as he was pushed by Berge. Kane and Mourinho looked furious. United finally had something go for them after a series of poor decisions and bad luck since the lockdown.
Norwood was booked for a poor pull back on Moura and then caught Ali with an arm soon after and was lucky not to be sent off after this moment of madness. The final moments of the half saw Spurs to continue to probe and United had to hold firm with Egan and Basham solid and Osborn working hard also. Egan made two blocks before the half time whistle.
The second half saw the Blades come out determined to keep their shape and discipline and they did this early on limiting Spurs to very few chances of note. United were just keeping a nice bank of defenders and midfielders and limiting Spurs more through the middle after the first half they had afforded a bit too much space in this area.
The work ethic from the Blades was summed up when Sissoko inexplicably kicked the ball out for a corner from half way after McBurnie had chased him down. Lamela came on for Bergwijn on 55 minutes but the best chance since the break came after great work by Berge and Baldock led to a chance for McGoldrick but he fired into the side netting despite the ‘fake’ crowd thinking it was in!
Soon after McGoldrick gave way for Mousset as United looked to stretch Spurs on the break. This half Spurs had been more probing and less dangerous on the counter as United looked to be more solid, understandably being a goal ahead.
McBurnie’s tireless hold up and efforts continued and more good work led to the important second goal. His diagonal ball fed Stevens who then fed Osborn. The wing back carried his run and the ball back to him was timed to perfection with Stevens staying onside and squaring it for MOUSSET to tap home from close range. It was a brilliantly made goal and United now had a cushion.
More good work from the industrious Osborn saw United force Spurs to cough up possession again as they became frustrated.
Ali and Ndombele came on for Aurier and Sissoko as they tried to throw men forward in an attempt to find a way back into the game. Kane had the ball in the net twice but once for offside and another for a clear foul on Egan saw them both rightly ruled out. Vertonghen came on for Davies as Spurs finally changed their shape but the second half performance from them had been poor as United kept them from creating very little at all. The Blades actually looked more dangerous on the break in an inverse of the first half for both teams in terms of style. United now had pace and Mousset was causing problems winning the ball and using his strength and pace.
On 82 minutes, the victory was all but secured. More neat football saw Norwood, Baldock and then Berge involved. Berge was superb with his touch, turn and then cross which led to MCBURNIE expertly sweeping home at the near post. It was another fantastic goal and United looked home and dry.
The final moments saw more good closing down from United as Spurs seemed to run out of ideas. McBurnie was booked for dissent after disagreeing with a foul given against him as he clashed with Lo Celso. As the game entered the final minute, United switched off and Son beat the offside trap and squared for KANE to score easily from close range. The Blades were the only Premier League team he had not scored against before tonight but this was merely a consolation. Four minutes of extra time were to be played. Kieron Freeman came on for McBurnie before Mousset showed more powerful play to win a free kick as the Blades saw things out to ensure they got the three points. United are of course now mathematically assured of another season in the top flight (not that it was in doubt) and now with three points in the bag can turn their attention to how high they can finish in the league.
United – Finally! A win, an almost complete performance some of the football, organisation, resilience and all the qualities we have shown most off the season were back. We saw glimpses on Sunday but today for most of the game I felt it was committed and we won so many loose balls, second balls and pressed Spurs all game. We moved it around when we could.
The front two (and the sub) up the top of the field were excellent and also the midfield worked hard. We started the game well but they were dangerous on the break of course and had a few chances but we scored a really well-made goal with players high up the field and link/interplay which we have not seen and Berge took it superbly. After this they did have the moment and it was a bonkers decision in terms of the rules. It should count but they have made nonsensical rules on the handball. A lot saying nothing VAR could do but rule it out but they should have gone back and given the foul at least as that was before the handball. They have all become a bit robotic but had some sympathy with the handball – that rule needs to change. We had another let off with the Norwood possible second booking but got to half time despite Spurs pace and breaking causing us problems.
Credit to Wilder as at half time we actually went deeper. That is not always a good tactic but today Spurs main threat was breaking if they beat the press. We became a bit more solid and sat back 10 yards and the midfield denied space though the middle. Too often this season (and at times first half) teams have run through us in midfield and defence but 2nd half we stiffened up in this area. Osborn and Norwood sat in front and McGoldrick and then McBurnie came and helped out. We forced them wide and they had no idea with the spaces restricted in the middle. We scored a great second goal with lovely work from a number of players with McBurnie and then Stevens/Osborn linking up so well and Mousset also getting in front of his man. After this they made changes but other than a few rightly disallowed goals not sure they created much. Egan was great at the back and then Berge and McBurnie continued their strong play. The third goal was another great goal also. Shame we gave one away at the death but 3-1 was about right over the game.
It feels fantastic to win, great to see a proper team performance and the smiles are back amongst fans and players. I was just so pleased that we did not see another loss and poor performance – we saw the glimmers of hope Sunday, even in a loss and today was another step up. Now we can relax a bit. I would not rush Fleck and O’Connell back – get them totally right even if we have to wait a few more games. We have two tough home games to come but don’t fear any of the away games particularly with Burnley up and down, Southampton the same and Leicester fading fast. I have said before a top 10 finish would be fantastic. I maintain that but now the dreams of Europe start to flicker again. For me, positions, Europe are all nice but I just wanted us to finish the season with a semblance of the team/performances we have seen this season and tonight we saw that.
A lot will say fan (like me) are being hypocritical praising tonight and saying how great we are when we slammed them for 3 poor performances but the reality is, we were great tonight and were crap in the other 3 (but have been superb all season). Not sure anyone can disagree with that. I will be honest and say I could not see where the next point was coming from after Man Utd as we looked so leggy and not the same team but that is where maybe some (including me) should have more faith in this group and Wilder but it was a night and day performance from the previous 3 league games. The reality is if we play like we did tonight then we will win more games than we lose.
In terms of players, Berge will rightly get a lot of plaudits tonight. I have been critical of him of course but the last two he has really shown a lot and I am pleased. I think a lot will say people like me should eat humble pie but I don’t see it like that – for me he was showing little and I said that. He did not look much of a player but now the last two he has stepped up and rightly get praise. Some criticised McBurnie also and I was one but he too has improved and is getting lots of plaudits. You can say somebody was poor in some games and good in others. You don’t have to say they ARE good or bad players – but you can call performances. Berge had shown little but now had. I won’t go the other way and say he is amazing and what a player as we need to see him do it regularly but it has been really promising. I have praised McBurnie a lot this season but felt he like a few others were off from the lockdown.
Still a few not quite at it – Norwood still up and down and a lucky boy with some silly fouls/decisions and Stevens even though he made the goal and got better also made some atrocious decisions at times and his touch/passing and overall play is well below what it had been. I felt that there were so many plusses tonight though. Individually and collectively; it was so much better. We now can go to Burnley and with the confidence back hopefully go there and continue on from tonight. For a few days we can smile again though and at least not hear all this ‘Sheffield United have not turned up since the restart (which was right before tonight)’ and finally we have our team back again – its not turn 3 games though as with the lockdown its 4 months since we saw a show like that but big well done to Wilder and the team.
He may be an ex-pig but Andy Hinchcliffe was spot on last night - it wasn't a bad VAR decision, it was an entirely correct VAR decision. The issue is with the rule.
