Deadbat
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The eagerly awaited first game back after lockdown, with the eyes of the World on an empty Villa Park, saw an absolutely turgid opening game and a goalless stalemate. Villa were the better side and actually forced Henderson into a number of decent although expected saves and had more of the ball, territory and chances. United, in contrast never get going and all the talk over how much we would be raring to go never really came to fruition as Villa looked the more determined and prepared side. United were not helped by missing key men but have had a largely settled side compared to others but just lacked fluency and never looked a threat attacking wise all game, failing to muster many attempts of note at all. For all that, the narrative will be around a cross that the Villa keeper fumbled into the net. Somehow between them the various officials on and off the field failed to get the most obvious decision correct, to anyone who saw it.
The Blades were handed a blow before the game with two key men ruled out though injury with Jack O’Connell (knee) and John Fleck (knock) both missing. It seems O’Connell’s may be more serious. Without arguably their two best players was bot the best preparation. In came Jack Robinson for his full league debut and Sander Berge. On the bench, nine subs could be names of which any five could be called upon. There were returns to the match day squad for Rodwell, Kieron Freeman and Leon Clarke. There was no place for Retos and Zivkovic which may cast questions over their future at the club you would think with both players loan deals up in a few weeks.
Villa had John McGinn back but also named Keinan Davis up front and a surprise start also for keeper Orjan Nyland. There was no place for the injured Tom Heaton and record signing Wesley; both still out with long term injuries.
After a minute’s silence and both teams took the knee to honour the Black Live Matter in a touching moment. United began in composed fashion moving it about but slowly Villa started to come into the game with Davis trying to get into Egan at every opportunity and giving away two fouls.
The first chance came when Villa beat the offside trap and Hourihane hit an effort but it was straight at Henderson who palmed away the first effort on goal. Soon after Hause and Grealish were involved but Davis headed over when well placed in the best chance of the game.
United were very cautious so far and were not getting men forward as per normal. Norwood was pressed and gave it away but Robinson got his foot in to make a vital tackle.
Villa continued to be the more assertive in a game with a slow pace and McGinn headed off target. Grealish won a few free kick and United continued to be sloppy. The home team were knocking it forward and going long and Davis was the main threat winning knock downs.
After 24 minutes, there was a planned drink break which the slow pace barely merited.
El Ghazi got in the box but theatrically threw himself to the ground and Lundstram showed his frustration. Luiz chopped down McBurnie as United went down the other end.
United had not shown much as an attacking threat and Norwood’s corner was wasteful before Villa won one of their own but Hause chested wide.
A decent few minutes saw Stevens link well but the final ball never came over and the Blades had not threatened at all still. The game became scrappy and Lundstram was then booked harshly for stopping a free kick – not sure he could get out of the way.
Sharp had toiled well and won a free kick after the contact from Hause. The free kick was swung in and Nyland made a mess of it. It was reminiscent of the Blades goals at Palace goal from a corner and it seemed obvious it was taken over the line as his own player knocked into him. The referee looked at his watch and either it was not working or there was an error and it did not show goal. Unbelievably with Villa winning a free kick at the other end, there was not even the use of VAR to spot the most obvious error you could see. An absolute joke that the biggest league in the world and all the technology with the eyes of the world on it and they miss something that Sunday League officials would see. Not quite sure how the assistant referee did not see it. An absolute farce.
Not long after the half time whistle went and Wilder was clearly enraged. It seemed that there was an issue with the goal line technology and they admitted it had not been working.
The second half began with the controversy still raging over the first half decision but Villa picked off where they left off and Grealish won a corner and United were struggling to get going. Soon after another ball over the top and in on the angle was Davis and his shot was saved excellently by Henderson who pushed behind. The same man had a header saved by Henderson from another corner and Villa continued to dominate the ball and chances.
United tried to have some respite but again McBurnie and Sharp were not in the game and with Berge a virtual passenger, the Blades were forced back again. El Ghazi’s cross was dangerous after a lovely ball from Grealish but just evaded Davis at the far post with Egan diving in also. On the hour McGinn hit a curling shot but this was more comfortable for Henderson.
On 64 minutes United brought on McGoldrick and Freeman (Luke) for Sharp and Berge. Villa also made a double change with El Ghazi and Davis being replaced by Samatta and Trezeguet. Soon after McGinn and Konsa departed for Nakata and El Mohamady as the flurry of changes continued.
United had their best chance with poor defending saw United win the ball back but McBurnie’s pass was short and Lundstram’s shot was blocked.
Nyland then looked uncertain again on a cross and parried away but Villa cleared away.
Mousset replaced McBurnie with ten minutes to play and at least United started to get on it more but were still not creating much but McGoldrick saw them retain the ball more. We finally saw a few traditional overloads down the right but once again the final ball was poor.
The game entered four minutes of additional time and it almost seemed like both teams had run their race and the game seemed to just peter out. United ended with the ball but disappointingly moved it backwards rather than seek a late chance and the final whistle went soon after.
A point apiece and an odd one to describe. Villa will be the happier of the performances but United will feel aggrieved despite a sloppy display that they did not get the three points after the incredible decision.
United – O’Connell and Fleck are our best two players and most important for me. They are the spine of our team so was disappointing they were out – just hope they are not long term although Fleck’s sounds more encouraging for a return and the lack of information on O’Connell is a bit worrying. We saw the lack of depth in the squad on the bench with some names you won’t think will be here in a few months.
I would have gone Stevens LCB and Osborn LWB and said it before the start but that did not happen and he went with Robinson and Berge. We began ok for 5 minutes but then Villa grew into it and had the better of the first half with Henderson making a few saves and then a bad miss from Davis.
Not the start we wanted in terms of the performance and the injustice will be talked about of course and cost us but the showing outside of this we deserved nothing. We barely had 2 or 3 successful passes in a row when we got into their half and the midfield was miles off the attack. We kind of froze I felt which is not like us and looked a bit unsure of what to do. It was all a bit safe. Maybe the break, the disruption of injuries etc did not help but it was not us at all out there. I do think we thrive on atmosphere so to me it does not help us in an empty stadium. Villa were not miles better but were more adventurous generally and at least committed men forward and had a go at goal. It was like we were waiting for something to happen and nobody drove forward. Slowly towards the end we did better but we never really got a good ball forward or into the box all game and did not turn the defence at all. The changes improved us but we still not hurt them. I think privately Wilder will be disappointed but glad to get a point on the board and get it out of the way. Now we can hopefully get back to what we do best and try and build up the momentum. We are often slow to start games. We have a quick turnaround again and with Newcastle on Sunday coming up; we need to respond.
The Blades were handed a blow before the game with two key men ruled out though injury with Jack O’Connell (knee) and John Fleck (knock) both missing. It seems O’Connell’s may be more serious. Without arguably their two best players was bot the best preparation. In came Jack Robinson for his full league debut and Sander Berge. On the bench, nine subs could be names of which any five could be called upon. There were returns to the match day squad for Rodwell, Kieron Freeman and Leon Clarke. There was no place for Retos and Zivkovic which may cast questions over their future at the club you would think with both players loan deals up in a few weeks.
Villa had John McGinn back but also named Keinan Davis up front and a surprise start also for keeper Orjan Nyland. There was no place for the injured Tom Heaton and record signing Wesley; both still out with long term injuries.
After a minute’s silence and both teams took the knee to honour the Black Live Matter in a touching moment. United began in composed fashion moving it about but slowly Villa started to come into the game with Davis trying to get into Egan at every opportunity and giving away two fouls.
The first chance came when Villa beat the offside trap and Hourihane hit an effort but it was straight at Henderson who palmed away the first effort on goal. Soon after Hause and Grealish were involved but Davis headed over when well placed in the best chance of the game.
United were very cautious so far and were not getting men forward as per normal. Norwood was pressed and gave it away but Robinson got his foot in to make a vital tackle.
Villa continued to be the more assertive in a game with a slow pace and McGinn headed off target. Grealish won a few free kick and United continued to be sloppy. The home team were knocking it forward and going long and Davis was the main threat winning knock downs.
After 24 minutes, there was a planned drink break which the slow pace barely merited.
El Ghazi got in the box but theatrically threw himself to the ground and Lundstram showed his frustration. Luiz chopped down McBurnie as United went down the other end.
United had not shown much as an attacking threat and Norwood’s corner was wasteful before Villa won one of their own but Hause chested wide.
A decent few minutes saw Stevens link well but the final ball never came over and the Blades had not threatened at all still. The game became scrappy and Lundstram was then booked harshly for stopping a free kick – not sure he could get out of the way.
Sharp had toiled well and won a free kick after the contact from Hause. The free kick was swung in and Nyland made a mess of it. It was reminiscent of the Blades goals at Palace goal from a corner and it seemed obvious it was taken over the line as his own player knocked into him. The referee looked at his watch and either it was not working or there was an error and it did not show goal. Unbelievably with Villa winning a free kick at the other end, there was not even the use of VAR to spot the most obvious error you could see. An absolute joke that the biggest league in the world and all the technology with the eyes of the world on it and they miss something that Sunday League officials would see. Not quite sure how the assistant referee did not see it. An absolute farce.
Not long after the half time whistle went and Wilder was clearly enraged. It seemed that there was an issue with the goal line technology and they admitted it had not been working.
The second half began with the controversy still raging over the first half decision but Villa picked off where they left off and Grealish won a corner and United were struggling to get going. Soon after another ball over the top and in on the angle was Davis and his shot was saved excellently by Henderson who pushed behind. The same man had a header saved by Henderson from another corner and Villa continued to dominate the ball and chances.
United tried to have some respite but again McBurnie and Sharp were not in the game and with Berge a virtual passenger, the Blades were forced back again. El Ghazi’s cross was dangerous after a lovely ball from Grealish but just evaded Davis at the far post with Egan diving in also. On the hour McGinn hit a curling shot but this was more comfortable for Henderson.
On 64 minutes United brought on McGoldrick and Freeman (Luke) for Sharp and Berge. Villa also made a double change with El Ghazi and Davis being replaced by Samatta and Trezeguet. Soon after McGinn and Konsa departed for Nakata and El Mohamady as the flurry of changes continued.
United had their best chance with poor defending saw United win the ball back but McBurnie’s pass was short and Lundstram’s shot was blocked.
Nyland then looked uncertain again on a cross and parried away but Villa cleared away.
Mousset replaced McBurnie with ten minutes to play and at least United started to get on it more but were still not creating much but McGoldrick saw them retain the ball more. We finally saw a few traditional overloads down the right but once again the final ball was poor.
The game entered four minutes of additional time and it almost seemed like both teams had run their race and the game seemed to just peter out. United ended with the ball but disappointingly moved it backwards rather than seek a late chance and the final whistle went soon after.
A point apiece and an odd one to describe. Villa will be the happier of the performances but United will feel aggrieved despite a sloppy display that they did not get the three points after the incredible decision.
United – O’Connell and Fleck are our best two players and most important for me. They are the spine of our team so was disappointing they were out – just hope they are not long term although Fleck’s sounds more encouraging for a return and the lack of information on O’Connell is a bit worrying. We saw the lack of depth in the squad on the bench with some names you won’t think will be here in a few months.
I would have gone Stevens LCB and Osborn LWB and said it before the start but that did not happen and he went with Robinson and Berge. We began ok for 5 minutes but then Villa grew into it and had the better of the first half with Henderson making a few saves and then a bad miss from Davis.
Not the start we wanted in terms of the performance and the injustice will be talked about of course and cost us but the showing outside of this we deserved nothing. We barely had 2 or 3 successful passes in a row when we got into their half and the midfield was miles off the attack. We kind of froze I felt which is not like us and looked a bit unsure of what to do. It was all a bit safe. Maybe the break, the disruption of injuries etc did not help but it was not us at all out there. I do think we thrive on atmosphere so to me it does not help us in an empty stadium. Villa were not miles better but were more adventurous generally and at least committed men forward and had a go at goal. It was like we were waiting for something to happen and nobody drove forward. Slowly towards the end we did better but we never really got a good ball forward or into the box all game and did not turn the defence at all. The changes improved us but we still not hurt them. I think privately Wilder will be disappointed but glad to get a point on the board and get it out of the way. Now we can hopefully get back to what we do best and try and build up the momentum. We are often slow to start games. We have a quick turnaround again and with Newcastle on Sunday coming up; we need to respond.
