Wednesday 0 United 3 - Report / Ratings

[Deadbat]

It was Derby Day delight again for the Blades and Chris Wilder, as they once again went to Hillsborough and took the honours on a Sunday afternoon. United totally dominated this particular contest as goals from Tyrese Campbell in either half and a late strike from substitute Tom Cannon saw an emphatic victory for the red and white side of the city.



In truth, it could have been even more as the Blades created multiple opportunities all game. Wednesday in contrast, did not have a single effort on Michael Cooper’s goals and were well beaten by the end in one of the most one-sided Sheffield Derbies in many years. Wednesday have still not scored in this contest for over 8 years, with Lucas Joao’s goal in the Bouncing Day game back in 2017 being the last time they hit the United net. The Blades have incredibly now won as many league games in the calendar year at Hillsborough, as the hosts Wednesday have!



United remain in the bottom three but will hope the victory will give them a springboard to try and move away from the relegation zone. Wednesday’s season already looks over in terms of their fate on the field and will hope that off the field, they can secure new owners that help to slowly turn things around.



The rain lashed down in S6, as both teams looked to find something positive for each team’s set of supporters. Wilder kept an unchanged side from the draw at home to QPR but back in the match day squad was Gus Hamer, who was on the bench with new signing Patrick Bamford. Wednesday made two changes with Ugbo given the chance to start up top. Their own new signing, another former Leeds man, Liam Cooper, was on the bench.



As expected the home fans were up for it and Wednesday snapped into some early challenges increasing the noise decibels around the stadium. The first opportunity came when Bannan found Ingelsson whose cross shot was blocked from Tanganga. United were able to settle and won a corner that saw a short delivery and it worked for Campbell but he clipped his effort over the bar. United now were starting to control the midfield area with O’Hare busy and Riedewald showing his calmness. The opening goal came on 11 minutes with both these men involved. Wednesday dithered in possession and Riedewald robbed him before feeding O’Hare. The midfielder, just as he had done in the game at the Lane last season, kept his composure, and slipped in CAMPBELL. The striker cooly rolled it into the corner and beyond Horvath and the lead was United’s!



Wednesday’s defence looked very hesitant and the visitors won another corner soon after before Campbell nearly got in again on the shoulder of his man. Wednesday fans initial noise had died down although they were frustrated when Tanganga pulled Ingelsson but the advantage was played leading to jeers from the majority in the stadium. The Blades were looking very dangerous in attack but Wednesday were giving the ball away cheaply and Iorfa’s awful back pass gifted the ball to Ings but Horvath made a save at close range. It was a golden chance to double the leads.



Campbell nearly profited from a ball forward as he continued to look a threat on the shoulder of the Wednesday defenders but Iorfa recovered.

The next period of the game became scrappy with United happy to slow things down as Seriki was brought down twice. Wednesday had not made any inroads into the United final third and indeed it was one way traffic in terms of serious attacks on goal. Ings was brought down as he used his experience and as Tanganga headed across there were appeals for a penalty for a handball. The tackles flew in and it threatened to boil over before Iorfa was booked for a cynical foul on O’Hare. After the Blades won another corner, the delivery came in and Palmer had a sizeable chunk of Tanganga’s shirt right in front of the referee and with the ball in play, the defender could have no complaints if a penalty had been awarded but chose to speak to the players instead in a let off for the long serving Wednesday man.



Iorfa had injured himself in making the recovery block on the Campbell chance and had tried to carry on but was struggling and Liam Cooper came on for his Wednesday debut on 41 minutes. Not long after and United had the ball in the net again as Campbell did well to control a fierce ball drilled at him and centered for Ings to finish but the offside flag went up and the veteran was ruled to be just offside. Wednesday won their first corner but rather than get the ball in the box, they made a mess of as short corner. Fusire was then booked for a late challenge on McCallum. Tanganga made a good block on Ingelsson as Wednesday had a rare break just before half time.



The beginning of the second half has been a vulnerable period for United in games this season so it was important the Blades kept their solid and professional approach to the game. The reality was that United could, and should have scored again very early on. Peck won another loose ball, a feature of the game and fed Campbell but he opted to go near post this time and lashed it into the side netting. However, moments later and he made no mistake as the same two players combined again. Peck’s ball was perhaps more of a block than a deliberate pass into the striker’s path but CAMPBELL was suddenly in the clear and through. Several defenders tried to get back but he kept his composure again and superbly finished on the angle going across Horvath again. The delight behind the goal was clear as United now had the game in a tight grip.



Peck had been in determined mood and he clashed with ex Blade Lowe as United showed they were more than up for the fight. Wednesday now were relying on long throws to try and find a moment and half-hearted appeals for a penalty on Palmer were waved away – rightly so, with far less contact than the one at that end in the first half. Jamal Lowe won a corner but United dealt with the danger with the excellent Mee continuing to look unflappable. Cadamarteri came on for the tiring Fusire, before Tanganga was completely wiped out knocking him into the boards- and seeing him endure a bloody face – amazingly the referee saw no offence and played on! On the hour, Brooks got away after Ings clever flick and Amass scythed him down leading to another Wednesday booking.



Wednesday finally had a shot on 67 minutes but it was miles off target as Max Lowe shot into the Kop behind the goal after Campbell’s clearance dropped to him. McNeil came on for the ineffective Ugbo to sarcastic cheers from the home fans, whilst United made their first chance with Bamford coming on for Ings with 20 minutes left to play.

The game was really opening with the home side tiring rather than looking like they were going to create a grandstand finish. Peck won the ball and exchanged passes with Brooks and the winger tried to curl an effort but it was straight at Horvath. Campbell went down with a knock and was replaced by Tom Cannon as the game entered the final 20 minutes.



The home side were not really offering anything and Mee snuffed out one run into the box before Riedewald and Peck both got their foot in and intercepted loose passes. Seriki was still showing lots of energy and his run took him across the field but was blocked out and he too needed treatment. Bamford’s clever play saw him hold it up and play a ball through for Cannon and the striker was in. He took a heavy second touch and meant his finish was too close to Horvath and he made the save from the one on one.



Many of the home fans were now traipsing out of the stadium as United continued to look the more likely to add to their tally. Brooks had a shot deflected over before another great run from Seriki saw him go past two defenders and send a low cross over with 6 United men in the box! Bamford attempted to flick it past Horvath but the keeper made the block. This was a golden chance for another goal missed as United looked set to run riot. The third goal did come in stoppage time though. With 8 minutes to be played the Blades gave the scoreline a more realistic feel in the 91st minute. CANNON dropped on another loose clearance and came down the left before coming inside and hitting a curling effort that clipped Cooper and went into the far corner past Horvath’s despairing dive. The Blades fans were in dreamland behind the goal and celebrated wildly as the players came together as one. Burrows, Hamer and Soumare came on for O’Hare, Brooks and Riedewald.



McNeil had a long ranger wide in the first effort that was even remotely close – in the 95th minute but United raced to the other end and saw Cannon, Bamford and then Soumare have chances to pull the trigger but Wednesday were able to get back and stop further punishment. The final whistle went soon after and with an almost half empty Hillsborough on three sides, United’s players were able to go their supporters to celebrate. Wilder pushed Cannon, Campbell and Arblaster forward to take the acclaim before joining Bamford to link arms and sing the song that the former Leeds man sang when they were promoted mocking his now manager!



United made it three derby wins on the bounce and it is seven for Wilder without defeat – something he signalled to the visiting fans – and despite the circumstances surrounding their city foes demise, it was still a fantastic victory. Any time you beat the old enemy is one to saviour and a resounding win – the biggest away from home in the history of the rivalry – was a sweet moment for the player, manager, and fans alike.

 

[Deadbat]

United – I was nervous going into this game and for all the talk of Wednesday having nothing to lose and it being a free hit – you kind of could see why such comments were being made. They are pretty much down and in that sense could be relaxed knowing we are still (despite our bad start) the better side and would be favourites to most neutrals. Many Blades I spoke to were worried due to this and the fact they had not beaten us for such a long time and the feel-good factor since Chansiri had gone. I thought they would be bang up for it and conversely, despite Wilder clearly getting the derby, worried that our players this season have been rather spinless much of the campaign. I thought the crowd would be bang up for it (although surprised they did not sell out with them being so massive and everyone so desperate to come back). I thought they may come out of the blocks and really have a go at us and push us back but it never really happened. The weather maybe helped as made it a miserable day and flattened the atmosphere a bit but after the long drawn out Hi Ho Silver Lining (not just saying this as it THEM lot but this song is rather dated isn’t it – it’s in the same sort of category as the Birdie Song or the Conga!) they did have a go for a few minutes with one attack and block but this was maybe the closest they got all game! We settled down, slowly won the battles, used he ball intelligently and started to control the game. We scored a really well taken goal and could have had more. It was pretty one sided and they rarely even got in our box in the whole first half. Even when they won a rare corner, they messed that up. United won midfield completely and Bannan was anonymous again – as he has been in most of these games – albeit this one had little help around him. The centre backs started to become nervous and the goal really took the wind out of them and they kept coughing up possession. With better finishing or officiating (offside looked close and the penalty should have been given) we could and should have been 2 or 3 up at the half. I thought we were very good and the defence not worried at all. O’Hare continued his good form and Campbell and Peck looked like the players of last season finally!



Of course, it was still only 0-1 and you know we have not performed at all in the 2nd half of games and conceded more goals 45 mins to 60 than any other club. The pessimist in me thought they’d have a go now (they had not first half) and push us back with some pressure. It just did not happen. We should have scored the second before we did score the second and that effectively killed the game. Campbell again took this so well but Peck was involved again.



It became scrappy after this and our game management was superb (seen some say we were time wasting – maybe we did take the sting out of things but any team does that when winning away from him no matter who the opponent is – I think if we had gone for more, we would have got more though so maybe they should not complain about this!). They had a few long throws but Cooper was a spectator all game and they never threatened at all. Mee was excellent at the back and Seriki’s energy was contagious and saw others run harder and faster too. As the game went on, they never looked like nicking one – I always worried if they would then we might crumble but I think I underestimated how bad they are. They were unable to put us under any pressure, to create any real momentum and created nothing. They were woeful and looked like they were well beaten even after the second goal. We finally realised this and went for the kill and really with better finishing would have scored more than just the Cannon goal. It could have been 5 or 6-0. We had so many chances and Horvath kept it from being even more embarrassing. I must admit I was imploring us to go for more – which is not like me – I normally just want us to keep professional and see the game out at the end but could see they had completely gone. The moment when we had 6 in the box to their 3 summed up how knackered they were and we had completely overpowered them. We looked stronger, faster and more skilful throughout to be honest. We have not said that all season and I am not getting carried away, as I say as I really did not realise how bad they are/were.



They may say we missed a chance to properly avenge the Boxing Day game and say that they are so bad, we should not be celebrating so much. There is an argument for and against this. Part of me is annoyed we did not get more but before the game I thought we may lose or at best a 0-0 draw (again the pessimist in me) and maybe I should have had more confidence in how much better we are? We might be third bottom but there looked to be a big gap between them. So, to win an away derby 3-0 I and everyone, must be absolutely delighted. To say we should not celebrate (Windass on ITV and some Wednesday fans) is ridiculous. We should always celebrate beating them – no matter what the circumstances and level. I love it when we beat them at U18’s and U21’s too (which we have done as well – all at their place!). Big credit to Wilder again who once again delivered in the derby and he now is the most successful manager in this fixture.



We now must take this on to the next games. We cannot now have a run of games without wins, which happened after those two wins versus Watford and Blackburn. We have to put a run together and try and move away from the bottom. It will take time but today should give the players confidence and hopefully some can show those performances consistently.



Ratings: (hard to mark as Wednesday were so bad but not one player played really badly and a lot of good to very good to excellent performances)



Cooper 6/10 – Hard to mark really as barely touched the ball – he did not make a save that is for sure. Watched one over and wide. His kicking was rubbish though as he kept kicking it out constantly! Will not have expected such an easy afternoon. Two clean sheets in a row now!



Seriki 8/10 – Superb. He is a player I really like and feel we have seen so much potential but has not stayed fit. I hear he is not great defensively or he is inconsistent but never seen this? Sure, he has some off games- Coventry was it or WBA away – one of those? However, I do not think he has had many poor games for us. Whenever he plays he always impresses with his pace, running and ability. He is very positive and puts teams on the back foot. He did that all game, winning free kicks, getting his body in the right position and as I say defending well. Going forward he was a constant threat and so many chances or attacks came from his direct and positive play. He also put in some good balls when he made the runs. Wednesday really struggled to deal with him all game. His main issue is of course, staying fit but he has been excellent in all three derby games he has played and today was the best of the lot.



McCallum 7/10 – Another good performance where he did what he had to defensively and used the ball well when going forward too. Won headers and blocks. A few loose moments but generally a really competent showing again – did not do anything wrong and was tidy and sensible when he had it. Wins a lot of headers which is a real asset both ways.



Tanganga 6.5/10 – I thought he made some really good blocks including the early one on Ingelsson and then one in the second half too but he also was out of position a few times. He is not as dominant aerially as I thought he might be (he is not as big as I thought he was!) but is much better at centre back. He got clattered and somehow was not given a foul but came on and helped lead the team to the victory. He was unfortunate not to win a penalty too. The referee did not seem to like him at all!



Mee 7.5/10 – His first few games he looked a class act but he has dropped off since then and made some bad mistakes being guilty of ball watching or not covering round the back. He has looked a bit leggy but today after a break, he looked sharp and looked very comfortable. Looked a veteran who knew where the ball was going and read it well all game. He made a few blocks/tackles and when he had it, he was very calm. Every time they tried to play it down the channel, he did what their defenders did not do and went with his man and got his body in the way. Very assured performance.



Riedewald 8/10 – I have not been impressed with him to be honest other than a few moments in games and feel he has looked slow, unfit and not particularly mobile and maybe I have been harsh? Today though whatever I/others have felt of his performances, he gave his best showing in a red and white shirt. He was sharp into tackles, picked up loose stuff and helped us dominate with and without the ball. His steal and tackle led to the first goal and he did this a few times in breaking up play. He also saw a lot more of the ball than other games and used it well – rarely gave the ball away. He and Mee looked like veterans who were just savvier then the Wednesday players and it showed today. If he can get fitter and stronger, can be an asset on that showing.



Peck 8/10 – I have been quite critical of him this season, as have others. He has not really influenced games and is lucky to have not been taken out in my opinion but today he looked back to his best from last season. The game means a lot to him and whilst he is not a Sheffield lad, he has been around the city since he was a youngster in the academy and gets it. He was the one doing the talking in the pre match huddle and to see him telling the Wednesday fans to ‘f off’ after two big challenges can only endear him further to the fanbase who I think (myself included) do want him to be a player that can develop and do well here. He has shown lots of promise last season and maybe it was too much for him to carry on that on every week? Today though he was determined, energetic and the ball almost seemed magnetised to him. He was always nipping in and winning the loose balls. He read their passes forward and I felt completely nullified the threat of Bannan as he got amongst him early on. He used the ball well when he had it and tried to go forward more than he has done. The midfield were excellent today and they worked hard – allowing them to get on the ball when they had won possession. His reaction on the goals and full time showed how much it meant to him.



O’Hare 8/10 – Another excellent performance and looked probably the classiest player on the field. Usual work ethic as he won numerous balls backs, got stuck in and was able to nick those little loose things that helped us turn over their possession. On the ball he looked assure and set up the goal with real composure. Whenever he had the ball he normally made the right choices in terms of pass or when to release. He is playing very well at the moment.



Brooks 6.5/10 – Bit hit and miss and one of our weaker players on the day but he was still ok. First half seemed slow to get going and I thought he was a bit lackadaisical at times and their man beat him to a few balls but he grew into the game. He did a decent job defensively and him and Seriki linked up well as the game went on. Second half became more involved and he got on the ball more. He had a few runs and shots. I get frustrated with him as he has so much ability but needs to stamp his authority more. Did a job for the team.



Campbell 8/10 – Weird one as he did a few odd and frustrating things were the ball shot off him or he got in and then did not make the most of chances but he was by far the most threatening forward on the field and another who looked more like the player of last season – granted against really bad opponents. The centre backs for Wednesday never could get to grips with him and from the off, he got on the shoulders and looked a threat with his running, pace and power. The goal he took very well and showed he is an excellent finisher. He had a few other moments too where he maybe could have done better but he was non stop in terms of running behind and saw more energy from him that we have all season. He set up another for Ings that was disallowed and then did miss a good chance second half but soon after got the second. This was a good finish as had a long time to think about it (see Cannon’s chance later) but was very composed. Both goals were classy. With Bamford and Ings here, he will have to ensure he finds more of this form if he wants to retain his place. Certainly, making himself a reputation as a Derby goalscoring hero joining the likes of Doc Pace



Ings 6.5/10 – Some clever bits of play and he did work hard. Thought they never got to grips with him and Campbell as they held it up and ran the channels really well. He made some poor choices when well placed at times and should have scored the big chance. He was maybe a tad unfortunate to be just offside – looked very close? He flicked on a few others that led to chances and did keep pressing and closing. Another who was more involved than he has been and hopefully is getting fitter after now starting two games in a row.



Subs -





Bamford 7/10 – Was good when he came on. Did miss that one chance but played in Cannon for his opportunity and showed his experience with hold up play, flicked headers and intelligent runs off the ball. Looked a clever player and whilst I do not expect him to start many games, is a handy lad to have around even if it elevates the other forward’s games.



Cannon 7/10 – He missed a really good chance which to be fair he made a good run and got in behind but took a heavy touch and I never felt like he would score as it was too close to the keeper. He did make some good runs and helped stretch them near the end and then scored a good goal that was all his own work (yes a bit of a deflection) but he ran with it and hit a powerful shot and like Brewster, will have at least had a big moment in a Blades shirt now even if both have not really contributed enough for sizeable fees.



Soumare – Had a chance at the end and took too many touches as we were swarming all over them and looking for more.



Hamer – Did he touch the ball but only on right at the death. Nice to have him back. You might bring him in for Brooks maybe in the week or certainly next week with three games in a week?



Burrows – Made one good run and maybe Cannon needs to slip him in instead of going to the right on the final chance. At the moment, McCallum absolutely deserves to keep the shirt as he is playing well.





Manager: Wilder 9/10 – For today, hard not to give him more than such a high mark. I know he gets the Derby game and it means so much to him, like us, being a fan but he clearly prepared the team very well. We came out and were right at it – and they only really had a few minutes early on and a brief spell of throws second half. The rest of the game, we came onto them, got it forward quickly and exploited their weaknesses. We scored three but could have had five or six. It was as dominant an away performance and as one sided a Derby win as you could imagine to have. Each and every player did their job – including the subs and we controlled it from start to finish. You can say Wednesday are rubbish but we still had to go and get the win and we have not been great ourselves. Tactically he exploited the issues they have in the lack of pace and legs in the backline and we won the midfield battle. Shape wise it seemed like we had more men than them all game – a criticism I have levelled at us much of the season. We completely controlled and dominated a game in front of 30,000 Wednesday fans and yes they may be at one of their lowest ebbs (they have been lower in the 70’s to be fair – save our Owls in the Star and all that) but we still had to go and win the game. For much of the season we have not shown that level of domination and control to ease to a win. I have been critical of him and I feel deservedly so for some of our passive approach (granted Selles start made it so hard with dreadful recruitment allied to that) and the way we have approached games but big credit to him today. He continues to dominate this fixture – no matter the circumstances and no matter whom the rival manager is. He was fairly magnanimous at the end (although enjoyed him pointing the empty seats all around too!) and rightly credited Bannon, Palmer and the manager for sticking around Wednesday – having been through admin himself at Northampton. We have to build on this now and make sure we are positive, even if we are playing better sides, in forthcoming games. Will help having Hamer, Davies, Arblaster, Chong and even Bamford into the mix.

 

[Deadbat]

Wednesday – It is an odd one, as friends who are fans seem almost excited despite them being bottom and almost certainly going down but I kind of get that after the period under Chansiri. Of course, there is no guarantee new owners will bring success or make right decisions and is a total lottery really (look at ours!) and it will take a lot of money to get the club turned round. Their ground, training ground, academy and whole infrastructure is a long way behind – even ours. As much as Wilder’s chest bumping interview last year may have irked them – he was right. Might not be quite the quick fix some think it is – Birmingham did it but had a lot of money and proven sports people who went in. It could be a few years before they are even a stable Championship club – let alone thinking of the Premier League. I think some Wednesday fans (a lot as many will have never seen them at the top level) probably do not realise how big the gap is when you get there and when you look at the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford – it is easy to be dismissive when you look at their club sizes but they have taken years of work off the field to get to the level they are – like 10 years or so in most cases. It could be a long time still before they end up at the level they want and League One is not straightforward (I think they will just assume they will do a Birmingham but does not always work like that). Maybe they get big investors and they pump a lot of money in and it happens quicker but Chansiri tried that (signed players on huge transfer fees for the league like Rhodes and Hooper etc) and it fell apart in the last few years. I think it is more than just chucking money at it and you need a base to build upon with good people making the right decisions. Of course, we are really seeing the problems with not having that and you look at our recent transfer window which was a disaster.



It has been a rough time for them and you feel for the staff and those businesses that have been affected but they still seem to have a level of arrogance about them that certain clubs do not. The celebrating admin (people probably losing money and jobs – some be Wednesday fans) was a bit crass I felt. I sense it was more about Chansiri going but still was poor taste as this is the 2nd time it has happened to them where they have effectively cheated paying their way.



On the field, they have done well this season despite all the losses and only once or twice got hammered. Is it quite the reserves or ramshackle side they are making out? They had as many (more?) who played in the Derby games last year and there is a fair bit of experience in the starting line-up. It is not a great side granted and a weak squad but it’s no worse than teams like Rotherham or Plymouth who went down in recent years. I would argue their wage bill might even be still higher than such sides. So not buying this ‘we have a team of reserves and kids’ argument really. Without being able to sign more players (again should that be allowed if they cannot pay business they owe money to – they should not be able to take on more employees surely?) they will struggle even more as the number of games and injuries will take their toll. I expect they will go down and it not be that close but those that have stayed have really had a go. Credit Bannan for leading them and for the senior players that did stay. They do not have much real quality in the side and will lose most weeks but they will be able to start thinking about next season, as probably as early as Easter.



Today, they came out and as expected were up for it. It felt like the big moment of their season with them almost certain to go down but it kind of quickly petered out after the first few minutes. We won a few corners, got the goal and they never recovered. I expected Bannan to get on the ball and them to flood our box but it did not happen. They barely got into our box, never got crosses in and had only two shots towards goals – the one Lowe hit into Parsons Cross and then the late McNeil one that went wide. They have had 5 shots on target in 5 derby matches which tells its own story. I worried about the long throws but they were not even winning them as we won the aerial stuff as well as the stuff on the floor. They were well beaten and had no energy or belief and by the end were hanging on grimly to avoid further humiliation. If the game was a boxing match, it would have been stopped long before the end and another 5-10 minutes and we would have got 2 or 3 more. They had completely gone and looked a tired and hapless bunch by the end.



When I saw them earlier in the season (granted they have got pumped by Coventry/Bristol City/Stoke at home) they have stayed in games but are clearly better away playing on the break and sitting in. Today they kind of did neither and got caught between doing nothing really. They had shown a lot of fight and togetherness and as I say still have a lot of experience despite all this talk of how young and fragile they are – their average age of those on the pitch (starters and subs who played) was older than ours – 27.29 for Wednesday and 26.5 for us – which may surprise some. Granted they do not have the depth and experience of us in reserve.



I thought they would cause us some problems and make it scrappy and a fight and at the very most it would be a one goal defeat for them but they were well beaten in the end. It is hard as the crowd rightly have stayed behind them but today I think even though a lot (most) of the blame goes to the previous owner for the state they are in, the team and individuals after a two week break (cannot blame fatigue) did not really give anything for the fans to get behind and they looked a poor side that looked like they had no belief how to score goals or how to stay in the game. It will be interesting if the fan support remains (numbers and encouragement) if the losses keep piling up. Short term the togetherness may remain but if they cannot bring players in (you’d expect the transfer embargoes will remain as that cannot be taken away just because the owner has left – as more clubs may do that and they have broken multiple rules as a club – granted he headed it up) so will be relying on frees but it is going to be a long, hard season. When the new owners come in, that will bring a boost but in terms of big changes, that is going to take longer and the fans may have to be patient.





Opponent Man of the Match – Amass worked hard and showed some flashes but as the game went on Seriki pushed him further back. Ingelsson took some long throws and run about a bit but outside of this they lacked quality. Their best player was the keeper – he may have done better on the two goals second half if I am being ultra critical – reminded me of Cooper being slow down to long shots this season. However, outside of this he made so many other saves – Ings, Bamford, Cannon, Brooks etc. He kept the score down. Liam Cooper at least won a few headers for them when he came on but equally struggled with the ball over the top.



Opponent Weak link – Most of their players lost their individual battles. Ugbo, I forgot was playing and he did not have many touches at all? He is dreadful and even makes Cannon look dangerous (he was today!). Iorfa and Lowe really struggled with the balls down the side and over the top. The young lad Fusire never got into the game but their midfield as a whole was not able to get on the ball in key areas and gave it away a lot. Valery I liked when I saw him last season and thought he was better at right back but maybe needs must – he kept giving it away – such as on the goal. I have to say Bannan – as great a servant as he has been – never turns up in these games. Completely anonymous and rendered to just helping balls on. He is probably done at this level – which is good as he is not going to be at this level next season but he is still one of their better players and a real talisman.



Referee / Officials – David Webb. Was supposed to be Bobby Madley but was changed in the week. He reffed the Blackburn game this year but also did Burnley and Leeds last season post Xmas. We lost both games but he was very good – particularly in the Leeds home game. Let games flow and did not make the game about him. Today, he tried to do that again but I felt he let some things go that should have been penalised. A lot of the game he was fine though and at least tried to keep the game going but it did become stop start (granted we went down a few times but away teams will do that when winning).



The crowd were getting frustrated with the officials (Seriki kept getting fouled cynically and they kept moaning about it!) which was odd as the big decisions went to them undoubtedly. The penalty looked fairly clear cut -yes Tanganga had a bit of Palmer’s shirt but 80% of the offence was from the defender who grabbed and pulled him to the floor. The ball was in play. I think if it had not been a derby, he would have given it as he was looking right at it. It was a clear a penalty as you could see really.



The handball appeal before this seemed to be right as hit his shoulder. The offside I would like to see from another angle as I think was very close and again without VAR, went their way (could they have massively grumbled if this had been given?). They continued to moan at the officials but Wednesday were constantly fouling and tripping us up – they rightly were the only team to get yellow cards. I can only think of one foul on Ingesson by Tanganga – that should have been given as he gave an advantage and brought it back for us for a separate incident before that for a foul. Tanganga got completely wiped out and was somehow not given as a free kick – fouled and knocked into the boards – granted this was accidental but how that was not a foul I do not know? Outside of this, Wednesday were constantly tripping and pushing and then the fans were complaining he was giving free kicks? It reminded me of us in the Premier League when better players just ran past us and ours lazily hang out a leg or fouled the quicker players. The assistant did not penalise Ingelsson who constantly took throws from 5 to 10 yards further away where they should have been taken. Overall though the officials did not affect the game particularly and as I say the big calls went for them – may have been even bigger margin if they had gone for us.


Coverage - Did not go (hate going there but fair play those that did and had another great day!) so watched on Sky - Goodman hates us still but even he admitted we were miles better and should have had a pen. Windass was bitter and childish at the end. Saw a bit of ITV at the end. Waddle looked like a hobo.

 

[Deadbat]

FIRST.

Enjoyed writing that.

Not sure count - ZERO

 

[wadblade]

I cannot remember an easier game even in the 100pts season

 

[wadblade]

?

 

[DifferentClass]

I cannot remember an easier game even in the 100pts season

Men against single celled organisms.

 

[wardonia_blade]

When they beat is 4-0 in 1979 that was against the worst Blades team in living memory. Fourth division bound. Yet they banged on about it for 40 odd years. Enjoy today Blades. Enjoy it for a long time.

Worst performance I have seen from David Webb. Thought he and Lewis Smith would be in the PL this season.

 

[Addison]

I've been critical of CW's tactics and rightly so. Today he got it right. I've watched a few pig games this season and everything went through Bannan. We snuffed him out and closed down the channels stopping their wing backs. Big difference was Seriki forcing them back and causing them problems all match. We have to keep playing him he offers something different and oppo. players fear his pace. Campbell gets the plaudits for his goals but Seriki for me was mom.

We turned up at last albeit against a poor side. They have shown much more this season in games. CW won the tactical battle and they had no answer. We should have had more but achieving the best away result in the history of the Derby is good enough.

The old heads proved experience counts today. Mee was exceptional and Reidwald finally looks match fit. Hopefully that will continue to improve. Bamford off the bench is now an option we didnt previously have.

The amount of bleating going on from S6 reveals how much this result has hurt them despite protestations that it is meaningless. It isnt. Blades 46 league wins Pigs 37. The gap is getting bigger. We can thank the coaching staff and players that they have dumb downed the S6 are a massive club hysteria in the media. It won't stop them fantasising as they constantly do but the juggernaut of optimism has been de railed for now.

We have to take this performance into the next game. Pompey is critical. We cant regress back into win one lose 2 or 3 mode. Its been a good day for Blades but too often this season we have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. With a run of games coming up before Christmas the spectre of fitness and injury still hangs over us. Davies Chong, Mee, Ings, Reidewald, Bamford, Hamer and Arblaster are all in treat with kid gloves fitness phase. Add in Ogbene on the treatment table and its a problem that will require careful management over the next few weeks.

Just off now to send another text to the other halfs pig relations. They are currently operating radio silence

 

[Proper Blade]

It's a good point about Wednesday's ability to bounce back. Chansiri or no Chansiri, most of them don't realise just how miles behind they are on and off the pitch. Their stadium is falling to pieces, their academy is a laughing stock, they have no saleable assets - they are in an absolute mess. There's a reason why they're valued at £30m and we're valued at over £100m. It could take them a decade to even be able to compete at this level.

 

[Deadbat]

It's a good point about Wednesday's ability to bounce back. Chansiri or no Chansiri, most of them don't realise just how miles behind they are on and off the pitch. Their stadium is falling to pieces, their academy is a laughing stock, they have no saleable assets - they are in an absolute mess. There's a reason why they're valued at £30m and we're valued at over £100m. It could take them a decade to even be able to compete at this level.

I think that is the shock they might have. They are convinced it will definitely all turn around next season. Convinced it will be like Brum with rich owners and they smash League 1. They might but not a guarantee at all.