Very impressed

[cooperblade]

Fantastic performance today, OK we didn't have much to beat but there were so many positives to take away from the game.

Let's get the caveats out of the way first, I'm not 100% sure that the tactics will/would work quite so well at home and Derby were the perfect side for us to play (pedestrian in the extreme and like to pass it about at the back).

Now the hyperbole. The workrate was right up there with anything we've had under Warnock or Bassett and that was the thing that allowed all the good stuff to happen. We pressed them very high up the pitch, this was made all the more effective by the fact that Monty now occupies a slightly more advanced position. This means his tackling and closing down becomes an offensive, rather than defensive, weapon.

The other noticeable tactic was letting Calve push on almost at will. Jordan sat in much more than he did v PNE and all the overlapping came down the right. He's maybe just a little bit one-footed but for the time-being at least, he's new and the opposition haven't worked that out (I'd be surprised if Derby had watched us v PNE). His tracking back was a little Bardsley-esque at times but I got the impression it was more a fitness thing than thinking he was too good to be at SUFC like Phillip. When he was out of position, Britton or Montgomery dropped in to fill the void.

It seemed that we'd made a conscious decision to be a little less fluid up front and Cresswell and Ward didn't swap nearly as much as they did against Preston. This definitely worked and we found space up front at will.

We passed the ball well and we passed it with purpose. Occasionally I thought we overplayed in defensive areas but maybe that's just something we need to get used to!

Last season I came away from Pride Park thinking we'd go up because our defence was so good, now I'm thinking our attacking play can stand alongside what looks a very solid defensive unit.

My ratings

Simonsen 7 - Didn't have to make a save but it was great to see him coming to gather the hopeful punts into the box late on.

Calve 8 - Get a bit of running into him at Shirecliffe and he could continue to contribute a lot to our attacking play this season.

Jordan 7 - Steady today. Didn't get forward much but that meant we could keep our shape when Calve pushed on. White boots and rolled down socks worked very well with our away kit.

Nosworthy and Bartley 7 - Not really tested but looked very comfortable, nice to have such a pacey centre back pairing. Don't see Morgs getting back in just yet.

Britton 8 - Position suits him down to the ground. Sets the tempo and keeps us in possession.

Ertl 7 - Should've scored but other than that, he did well and worked hard.

Montgomery 8 - Not quite West Ham (a) 03/04 (or was it 04/05?) or Fulham (h) 06/07 but up there with his best performances. Won the ball high up the pitch and kept it well when he had it.

Ward 7.5 - Much better. Troubled Derby throughout and closed down and pestered throughout.

Evans 7.5 - His best performance that I've seen this season. Held it up well, used possession cleverly and worked a number of chances for himself. A goal away from being an excellent performance.

Cresswell 7 - Like Ward and Evans, a much better performance than in recent games. Hopefully he's rediscovered the knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Subs - special mention for Quinny (i've praised Monty so I might as well really piss Pinchy off) - looked like a great option in the front 3, nearly scored, drew a bad foul from Roberts which led to him getting stretchered off and generally kept the momentum up.

How will today's tactics work at home against a side that isn't as keen on playing it from the back as Derby were? Not sure but I do think we've got a couple of options to change it - Bogdanovic, Quinn and Yeates offer something different to Cresswell, Monty and Ertl and maybe we'll need to use them more at home.

I'll be honest, when Speed was appointed (and more so when he kept Ellis and brought in Carver) I thought we'd been a bit hasty and that we wouldn't see enough of a change in style. Today has reassured me massively that Speed can prove to be the man we've been looking for. He's likeable enough that. hopefully, we won't have the factions in the stands we had in the times we were going well under Warnock and Blackwell. He seems to have introduced a style that makes the most of what we've got and we've improved game on game in his reign so far. Throw in the brilliant, utterly tuneless Gary..Gary Speed song and we might just have a winner.


UTB

 

[Micalijo]

I think your third para is one of the greatest football related pieces of literature ever written.

Monty has created a new position. The destroyer behind the attackers.

 

[cooperblade]

I think your third para is one of the greatest football related pieces of literature ever written.

Monty has created a new position. The destroyer behind the attackers.

Not sure if you're taking the piss or not but thanks anyway.

You might be one of the only people in the world who remembers my article on bladesonline about 5 years ago - Is Monty the new Keane?

I was never suggesting that he was in the same class as Keane but I think there are some similarities in what they bring to a team. I think some people mistakenly see Monty as a holding player because his main attributes are defensive (tackling, closing down etc). He's never been that, he's always made forward runs and (partly due to his lack of composure admittedly) his presence in the team keeps the tempo high which has generally benefitted us. He's at Sheffield United not Manchester United because his touch isn't the best, his decision making can be questionable and he doesn't score goals - I don't think that means he can't contribute a great deal to a side looking to pass the ball though. His short-passing is actually OK and, crucially, he can win the ball for us in areas where we can hurt teams despite our lack of pace. Based on today, I think we'll score quite a few goals away from home this term that come from us winning the ball in key areas - Monty's bound to play a big part in that.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Cheers for your report mate. I really like what you said about us being aggressive and winning possession in advanced areas, which resulted in chances. We often pressed high up the pitch under Blackwell as well, but it seemed to me to be primarily with the aim of stopping the opposition from playing, and not really doing it with a real aim of creating chances for ourselves.

If this is something Speed has been determined to put right it is very encouraging.

 

[LSF]

Not sure if you're taking the piss or not but thanks anyway.

You might be one of the only people in the world who remembers my article on bladesonline about 5 years ago - Is Monty the new Keane?

I was never suggesting that he was in the same class as Keane but I think there are some similarities in what they bring to a team. I think some people mistakenly see Monty as a holding player because his main attributes are defensive (tackling, closing down etc). He's never been that, he's always made forward runs and (partly due to his lack of composure admittedly) his presence in the team keeps the tempo high which has generally benefitted us. He's at Sheffield United not Manchester United because his touch isn't the best, his decision making can be questionable and he doesn't score goals - I don't think that means he can't contribute a great deal to a side looking to pass the ball though. His short-passing is actually OK and, crucially, he can win the ball for us in areas where we can hurt teams despite our lack of pace. Based on today, I think we'll score quite a few goals away from home this term that come from us winning the ball in key areas - Monty's bound to play a big part in that.

Once again Coops (and no, I'm not your fan club sec. ) you sum up a subject succintly and with great insight. Somebody with a bit of football nous who sums up what Monty is about. Not elegant, not pretty, but a darn sight better passer of the ball than some would have you believe and a fantastic attitude. I'm not sure whether you played the game or not mate but your insight always impresses me, maybe some of Jack rubbed off on you?
I always enjoy your posts.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Not sure if you're taking the piss or not but thanks anyway.

You might be one of the only people in the world who remembers my article on bladesonline about 5 years ago - Is Monty the new Keane?

I was never suggesting that he was in the same class as Keane but I think there are some similarities in what they bring to a team. I think some people mistakenly see Monty as a holding player because his main attributes are defensive (tackling, closing down etc). He's never been that, he's always made forward runs and (partly due to his lack of composure admittedly) his presence in the team keeps the tempo high which has generally benefitted us. He's at Sheffield United not Manchester United because his touch isn't the best, his decision making can be questionable and he doesn't score goals - I don't think that means he can't contribute a great deal to a side looking to pass the ball though. His short-passing is actually OK and, crucially, he can win the ball for us in areas where we can hurt teams despite our lack of pace. Based on today, I think we'll score quite a few goals away from home this term that come from us winning the ball in key areas - Monty's bound to play a big part in that.

Maybe these stats will back you up Coops?

For attacks that starts after winning the ball in the opposition's third you'll need on average about 34 attempts to score a goal.

For attacks that starts in your own third (with the opposition having men behind the ball) you need about 234 attempts to score a goal.

This shows the effectiveness of being aggressive in the opposition half (also immediately after losing possession up there).

 

[Micalijo]

Once again Coops (and no, I'm not your fan club sec. ) you sum up a subject succintly and with great insight. Somebody with a bit of football nous who sums up what Monty is about. Not elegant, not pretty, but a darn sight better passer of the ball than some would have you believe and a fantastic attitude. I'm not sure whether you played the game or not mate but your insight always impresses me, maybe some of Jack rubbed off on you?
I always enjoy your posts.

Steady on!! Is he paying you? Great post, and I wasn't taking the piss Cooper. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. Monty can play in an advanced role (in certain circumstances!!)

I was never fortunate enough to see Cooper play but I am assured by those who did that he was one of the nastiest, dirtiest and most limited players ever to play for his school team.

 

[Foxy]

Cheers for your report mate. I really like what you said about us being aggressive and winning possession in advanced areas, which resulted in chances. We often pressed high up the pitch under Blackwell as well, but it seemed to me to be primarily with the aim of stopping the opposition from playing, and not really doing it with a real aim of creating chances for ourselves.

If this is something Speed has been determined to put right it is very encouraging.

Definate difference, very noticible difference in the type of pressure.

As I've said elsewhere on here, and via twitter from the match....

At times, especially early doors it was our front players with the addition of Monty and Ertl pressuring, tackling or forcing a mistake from the Derby back four, every time creating an attack. The defence at times were holding a line almost on half way, meaning that the majority of the play was in a dangerous area for Derby when they had the ball. We either won it from them and created a chance/started a move or they resorted to aimlessly lumping it to Simmo.

It might have been a different story against a team with real pace up front/on the wings, as we'd have to rely on very strong discipline and a fast back line if the opposition managed to successfully get it forward.

As much as we can say we've always had a high tempo, high pressure approach... it was something totally different today. I wouldn't feel I'm getting carried away in saying the players looked like they were thinking 10 seconds faster. They knew what they were doing before they had recieved the ball. They were all moving and thinking ahead of play instead of stood slowly reacting.

Like Coops says, we were even playing it out of our own 6 yard box, there were a couple of occaisions where we had 2 defenders and two midfielders with a passage of almost warmupesque one touch pass and move out of our own box under pressure! Bloke behind shouting "STOP DICKING ABOUT WITH IT AND SMASH IT OUT!".

You put into more words what I was trying to say earlier in the match thread Coops, the only single thing you've written that I'd change is the rating of Bartley, he'd probably get .5 more due to his ownership of anyone challenging with him and the maturity and confidence he seemed to play with.

As for Monty, he's always been able to do it, he just looks far better when the team around him conciously make space. Often over the last few years he's won back the ball or had it given to him and everyone's hidden... it's been a completely different story under Speed. His pass to Calve in the build up shows he can play an offensive ball.

I'm not going to get carried away, because it's the Blades we're talking about, but I've not been as genuinely excited about the next game coming for a long time.

 

[Worksop II]

I thought today was different for one reason,

When we lost the ball in attack, we didn`t panic and retreat back to our 6 yard box, some players hung around and nibbled at em

Jonny Ertl in particular

A fine example of competing all over the pitch

Last season for me, 6 away games 0 wins

This season 1 for 1

Well done Captain Monty and all

I may go this Tuesday

 

[Pedders]

Good report sounded a good performance, Looking foward to see if it can continue on tuesday UTB

 

[shreds1975]

Chris Morgan: "not being disrespectful to other midfield players, everybody has their own role within the team. The gentleman earlier spoke about Monty. We all know Monty is not a footballer ...

/audience laughs

And you all know what I mean! Monty is never going to get on the ball, and do a pirouette and smash a diagonal out to a full-back. I tell you what, if I was picking a team and the gaffer has the same opinion as me because he spoke about him, he loves Monty. You've got to have people like that in your team. You've got to have grafters. You've got to have people that go and get the ball back for you to give it Britts and let Britts go and play.

Britts can't do what Monty does and Monty can't do what Britts does. So that's what makes a good team. You need people like Britts. If you're going to play football you've got to have people that are comfortable in possession and when we do it at the back he's always one of those people who comes and shows for the ball and wants it."


I wasn't theretodayso cannot comment on his performance. But I am with Morgan when it come to Monty.

 

[Pinchy]

Not pissed off at all Coops! Quinn did a good job when he came on.

Objectively and leaving aside personal preferences I thought Teenage Ninja Mutant Ertl gave a better performance than Monty (who himself did well today). I would up Ertl and Bartley to 8 and slightly reduce Monty's mark.

That said, there wasn't a poor Blade on the pitch today. Highly promising. Watch us lose on Tuesday now!

 

[Blade58]

Nice op cooperblade.

Very promising and all credit to Speed and the players he has at his disposal.

If this is a sign of things to come, well I can't wait.

The only nagging doubt I have in the back of my mind is that the problem we will face in the coming months (remember it's a long season) is not the players we have, but the players we wont have.

The squad is too small imo, hence the quality too thin. Suspensions and injuries could (and will knowing our luck) catch up with us.

I live in hope the board, who will recognise the opportunity we have, will find some money to back the manager and allow him to push on. (Malaysians where are you?)

We could just be looking at a great talent in Gary Speed, so let's back him!

 

[Blade58]

Not pissed off at all Coops! Quinn did a good job when he came on.

Objectively and leaving aside personal preferences I thought Teenage Ninja Mutant Ertl gave a better performance than Monty (who himself did well today). I would up Ertl and Bartley to 8 and slightly reduce Monty's mark.

That said, there wasn't a poor Blade on the pitch today. Highly promising. Watch us lose on Tuesday now!

love it!

 

[Wards]

Thanks for the very good report, I couldn't make today as I was playing myself but sounds excellent, roll on Tuesday!

 

[kezzablade]

I came away from the game feeling very please with what I saw. Created load of chances, passed it around well, no panic hoof balls and should have scored a bag full of goals.
I wont be getting carried away with it all as its just one game and still work in progress but very happy with the direction we are going now and can see what Speed is trying to do to change things.
Keep up the good work Mr Speed.......

 

[SoccerCynic]

What a very good result that was...achieved in the right way. Really good teams build on success and do not wait for problems or a crisis. Thats what we have to do now...push on! I hope that my confidence is not misplaced and that there are moves in hand to strengthen further.

 

[Come from away]

Cooperblade thanks for doing this, it is always more meaningful when somebody takes the time to review the players. Usually gets some good discussion and helps those who were not at the match to make sense of what they heard. Hope this encourages others to do the same - particularly for away matches. Thanks again. UTB!!!

 

[SwissBlade]

Good work Coops, sounded like we were better than expected.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Great report Coops thanks,interesting that Edwards was slating Evans all game long but when he was subbed you could hear the fans applauding.It was confusing as to whether they were glad he was being subbed or he had a good game.You have cleared this up for those of us listening in.

 

[Pinchy]

Good work Coops, sounded like we were better than expected.

Unrecognisable. It makes a complete mockery of the excuses and intelligence-insulting drivel of the former semi-pro reserve goalie who used to work for us.

 

[JohnDenver]

A Derby fan's verdict:

"Was it a good match? One shot on target, one header off target, six different players tried up front. A lacklustre performance by Derby resulted in an easy win for Sheffield United. Their goal came from a good move, but Dean Moxey was beaten too easily, which allowed a quality cross into the box. There seemed to be no Plan B and misplaced passes meant they kept putting themselves under pressure. Sheffield United could easily have won 4-0. Who played well/who had a nightmare? The visitors' central midfield triangle dominated. James Bailey was anonymous. Nyron Nosworthy was commanding in defence."

Dominating midfield against Derby, possibly the most patient passing side in the division, is something to be proud of.

Roll on Scunny.

 

[SwissBlade]

Unrecognisable. It makes a complete mockery of the excuses and intelligence-insulting drivel of the former semi-pro reserve goalie who used to work for us.

Sigh..... You just won't move on will you

 

[Pinchy]

I think it's a fair comment in the context of playing 'better than expected'. Don't you? I am moving on. Much more importantly so are SUFC - from mind numbing garbage to proper football. If GS can make this sort of progress so soon why on earth couldn't the ex non-league reserve at least try? I shall continue to delight in his departure. It matters!

Warnock and Robson are regularly mentioned in despatches. Sackedwell will be no different.

I have made as many positive comments as anyone this weekend.

 

[LSF]

I think it's a fair comment in the context of playing 'better than expected'. Don't you? I am moving on. Much more importantly so are SUFC - from mind numbing garbage to proper football. If GS can make this sort of progress so soon why on earth couldn't the ex non-league reserve at least try? I shall continue to delight in his departure. It matters!

Warnock and Robson are regularly mentioned in despatches. Sackedwell will be no different.


I have made as many positive comments as anyone this weekend.

I suppose we can all move on when we're winning Pinchy. The trick is - not spitting the dummy out when we next lose!
As for the derogatory name calling - I always ask myself - 'would you say that to a blokes face?' The answer is usually 'No'!

 

[SwissBlade]

I think it's a fair comment in the context of playing 'better than expected'. Don't you? I am moving on. Much more importantly so are SUFC - from mind numbing garbage to proper football. If GS can make this sort of progress so soon why on earth couldn't the ex non-league reserve at least try? I shall continue to delight in his departure. It matters!

Warnock and Robson are regularly mentioned in despatches. Sackedwell will be no different.

I have made as many positive comments as anyone this weekend.

As LSF says, its fine when we're winning. However, he's been in charge for 3 games, so theres lots of time for you to change your mind on this.

I remember when Robson got the boot and Blackwell came in he turned things around, its happened time and time again with new managers. Irvine was the messiah at the sty when he went in at the pigs. Now he's just a Legend at the lane.

The other issue is that whilst we're winning Speed will be the best thing since sliced bread, the players will all be his and the tactics his. But as soon as we lose? or gets emotional in front of the media It'll be "this is the legacy of Blackwell"

I'm glad we're appearing to have moved on, I really expected a dull 0-0 and i'd have been happy with that, so a decent clean sheet and win are good to see. Lets hope we can get behind the lads tomorrow and Sat and kick us up the league

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Pedantic question (and an easy tap in for someone to boot.)

When are clean sheets ever indecent?