Wolves 1 United 0 - report

[Deadbat]

Another Sunday and another defeat. This time it was at Wolverhampton as Wilder’s hapless United side went down to another loss, as the home side avenged the reverse at Bramall Lane back in November. However, despite the 1-0 reverse, the Blades put in a much better performance and on another day would have taken something from the game and created the better chances over the game. Rhian Brewster put in a decent performance and had United’s main chances on the afternoon but Sarabia’s header was all Wolves needed to take the three points.



United have not won at Molineux since 2002 when a Michael Tonge inspired Blades side ripped Wolves apart but today continued their recent poor record here but manager Wilder will point to a better showing where they stayed in the game.



Wolves were unchanged after their win at Spurs and were looking to build on their impressive recent form. The Blades changed things round again with four coming in; Grbic, Trusty, Norwood and Brewster for Foderingham, the suspended Holgate, Osborn and Osula.



The Blades took to the field wearing red and white shirts and red shorts and would be hoping a different kit combination might bring them luck!



Grbic took an early ball and managed to skilfully avoid not coming out of his box in taking the ball. Wolves were possession heavy as expected as United could not keep the ball. Neto’s ball was dangerous and Hwang could not quite get on the end of it. Ait Nouri then scooped the ball through and Neto’s shot was sliced wide.



Trusty did well to defend Kilman’s ball and stop Hwang getting his shot off in time. United had their first spell of possession but McAtee’s ball was away from Brewster. Neto broke and was cynically took down by Ahmedhodzic who was beaten for pace. The free kick came in and Lemina was completely unmarked but Bogle cleared his header. The attacks kept coming and Trusty headed behind. United were struggling to get out but Bogle’s enterprising run saw him get the Blades up the field but the appeals for a penalty on the United man were rightly ignored as the wing back went down way too easily.



Wolves were back on the attack and Semedo’s cross was met by Lemina and Ahmedhodzic as they came together and the corner was given. The cross came in and Gomes flicked his header behind.



United though had a double chance as the Robinson throw in caused problems and Brewster’s powerful hit bounced off Dawson and came back to him ad the striker hit a powerful shot that Sa punched out. There was a quick check for a penalty but it was adjudged to have hit the shoulder and his arms were down by his side. From the corner, Wolves broke by Larouci did well to get his body in the way as Neto looked to get clear. At the other end, the wing back then sent a wayward cross over but he at least was getting forward to help United stem the pressure in a better 5 minutes for the Blades.

Despite Wolves dominating the ball, Brewster did well to break down the right after Bogle flicked on and the striker was bearing down on goal but with McAtee on the left, he went for goal and blazed it over the bar. He needed to make the pass and made the wrong decision that was compounded by his wayward finish.



Brewster then did well to get away from Dawson and he found McAtee but no foul was given after the challenge and Hamer’s pass saw the attack end. United had at least got up the pitch and shown a threat despite not seeing much of the ball. The threat was shown again as Hamer sent a lovely ball over the top and McAtee was in and away from Dawson but once again the finish was poor from the away side as his shot lacked power as the defender got back at him and Sa made an easy save.



Despite the improved performance, the opening goal came from the home side. Ait Nouri got down the right-hand side and sent over a dangerous cross and Larouci stood ball watching and SARABIA was left completely free to head home giving Grbic no chance at all. United had fashioned the better chances in the game but basic defending had once again undone the Blades.



Neto then got away from Norwood as Wolves sensed a chance to finish United off, as many teams have done this season such is the brittle confidence of the visiting team. United managed to clear but the goal had clearly been a massive boost for the Wolves side. Neto then weaved away again and took a shot that swerved just over. Two United players came together after the chance as Robinson took umbrage at Souza’s role in the opportunity and both players raised their hands. After a season of ineptitude, it seemed ironic that one of the few times they showed fight, they ended up almost fighting each other! Fortunately, VAR, who did look at the incident, decided not to take any further action.



United tried to fashion a chance via Bogle and McAtee but Wolves broke again and United had to make a last-ditch interception. United did have another chance but Ahmedhodzic could not sort his feet out and the chance again went begging leading to another dangerous Wolves break.



Toti then played a lovely one two before coming inside unopposed and hitting an effort that Trusty blocked. The ball then came across and Sarabia’s effort was over the top. There was two minutes of stoppage time to be played but there were no further chances and despite an improved first half, United trailed yet again.



The second half started with United winning a corner, when McAtee threatened to get in but Lemina cleared and needed treatment. The Blades did get in the Wolves box through Brewster and the fall for Ahmedhodzic whose shot was blocked behind for another corner. Wolves then had a better spell and moved it around neatly but the game did become scrappy for a period although McAtee hit a left footed shot that went wide after working some space.



Wolves then attacked and after the ball went inside, the ball struck Souza’s arm but the ball had struck him quite close to after the initial cross and VAR decided not to get involved. The free kick came in and Grbic did not deal with it particularly well but Gomes was pulled up for dangerous play as he tried an overhead kick.



McAtee worked some space after the initial tackle came in on him but United could not get a shot away and the City loanee then lost the ball and Wolves broke. The game was now end to end and the Blades were able to see off this chance and get down the other end and Hamer found McAtee, whose cross was met by Brewster but his effort from a difficult angle was saved by Sa. It was a decent effort from the striker who had been lively today. United’s performance had been much improved from the previous week.



Wolves threatened to break though with Neto, their best player running forward but Ahmedhodzic made the tackle and Norwood completed the clearance. However, the danger remained and Larouci’s unnecessary clearance for a corner kept them up the United end. The corner drifted out as the game entered the final quarter. Sarabia and Gomes linked up cleverly and the former hit a shot that had Grbic flailing but the ball went just wide. After a largely lethargic opening to the second half, the home side had lifted them from their slumber and were now back in control. Hamer and Robinson both gave the ball away cheaply but Wolves’ fans were getting frustrated that their home side were not putting the game to bed.



United then moved the ball well and Hamer came inside after Souza played on but the ball went out for a corner and Wolves did clear. The Blades then broke after Grbic took a corner and sent Brewster away but Semedo cynically pulled the United player back. The visiting team asked for more and Ahmedhodzic was booked for his protests. Osborn came on for Larouci and United kept up a decent spell of pressure as Brewster drew another foul after another decent run. Hamer completely wasted the free kick with a bizarre set play when United surely had to get a shot away? Wolves fans mocked the United’s efforts with ‘That’s why you’re going down!’ It was a fantastic opportunity to work the keeper and completely wasted.



Former Blades loanee Doyle came on for Ait Nouri and got a nice ovation from the visiting Blades fans. A bizarre moment came when Vini Souza went down and Grbic didn’t even put the ball out properly but fortunately Wolves did not go for goal and stopped the game quite sportingly. The clock ticked towards the final 10 minutes, and United worked some space with Norwood finding Ahmedhodzic who stood up the cross and the defender had to head behind.



A triple chance came when Brewster, who had gone down with cramp, Norwood and Souza were replaced by McBurnie, Osula and Davies. United were looking the more likely but were struggling to fashion any clear chances despite their improved play. They won a long throw and a corner but Hamer once again wasted a good opportunity to get the ball in the box.



A ball came across and McBurnie brought it down and tried to get his shot off but it was blocked. United kept the ball up the pitch and were trying to see if they could nick something but were struggling to test Sa despite the improvements.



Robinson sent over a long throw on 87 minutes and somehow it evaded Trusty and Osula after Ahmedhodiz helped it on. It seemed like it was another day that was not going for United. Doherty replaced the goalscorer Sarabia in the final minute before another two opportunities presented for Robinson to hurl the ball into the box. The second one on 92 minutes was cleared and then Wolves were able to see time out with the final ball forward flicked into Sa’s hands as Osula looked to get on the ball.

 

[Deadbat]

United – Despite not scoring and another loss, it was much better today. We looked like a side that could compete and we actually saw far more of the ball today. We also had chances – mainly in the first half. I thought we definitely deserved something from the game but another game where we have failed to score and for all the better play, we lacked that real attacking thrust when it mattered. Wolves only had a few chances of course but they took the one first half with a good ball and header. First half they had all the ball but actually we had the three or four decent chances with Brewster and McAtee all having opportunities. They were not sitters with only maybe the Brewster one he needs to do better (the one where he ran in). However, we remain powder puff in front of goal despite us doing better in general play. Yet, we got into the opponents half and had play in their final third. This is more than we have had most of the season. We made the home team get frustrated and gradually got on top even if we could not get level.



Second half we did really well with the ball and midfield we controlled the game for spells and we also were able to move it around better and get men up – we saw Bogle, Anel and Trusty also coming forward in general play and set plays. I thought with better decisions or if we had taken more chances in terms of those little moments in the Wolves final third, then we may have create more (we created very little 2nd half). However, Wolves sort of tried to settle for the win and ended up hanging on which was weird really as if they had kept the ball and gone at us, they surely would have got more goals? The big positives is better games from the likes of Anel and Brewster and we looked more compact and organised and not shipping away goals/chances like we have done.



It was much, much better in terms of a lot of aspects but it is all comparative when we have been getting done 5’s most weeks recently so being competitive is an improvement. We actually were well in the game and had as many, if not more chances – first half. Still we lost and not sure we tested the keeper enough or created enough that final half hour (only the one Brewster half chance second half) for all the better play. Wolves saw it out and will just take the win. For us, it will be a game where we at least saw some rays of light and hope and we did not get thumped but we might not play as well as that again all season and we have to take points/score goals when we play like that.



Ratings:



Grbic 5/10 – Did not have much to do first half really in terms of actual saves. A few routine things but then the first time we give them a proper chance, it ends up in our net. Given no protection at all. Had a few other shots that he was at full stretch for that went over but oddly, the Wolves keeper had made more saves in that first half. He was kicking long more than the short play outs, which seems a new ploy to just get us out and not take chances. Second half he flapped at a cross and then kicked one out. Did take a cross though and a good ball out to set him clear. Saved one shot at the end but kicked it straight to them. Does not look totally convincing. Not sure what he was doing on the Souza injury – he needs to boot it out – if Wolves had put it in the net, then it would have counted.



Bogle 6/10 – Started the game by losing his man a few times and not being tight enough. When he did get close he was grabbing the shirt too much. To be fair he did get out and had a few decent runs up the pitch but one pathetic dive was disappointing. Involved in setting up the chance for Brewster with a flick. He was nowhere near his man as the cross came in for the goal. Second half we saw less of him as an attacking force really. He did link a few times but the lacks the power and pace to really go past his man – at the league below he could do that. He then gave some cheap fouls away near the end to stop any momentum.



Larouci 5.5/10 – Started well with some decent defensive pieces of work where he shadowed it out and also got up the field a few times but his final ball was poor. On the goal he is asleep and needs to be aware of the man near him but just leaves him. I am not sure whether it was his designated man (Semedo would be probably?) but he was in the build up and closest to him and should see him move inside him. He either needs to talk to Robinson or go with him. He seemingly does neither and just stands there. After this he made a few decent defensive interceptions again. Second half he ballooned another cross over but then did well soon after to get back. Went off not long after. His overall performance was more like a 6.5-7 but his fault on the goal has to be taken into account.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – Better today in that he did some good things both defensively and attacking wise. Started with a few bits of good cover play but then a clumsy and unnecessary tackle when Neto got away. He also then started to lose his man and not get tight enough as we saw a number of free headers come in. He always seems at full stetch and seems to have lost some pace or maybe this league is just much quicker and he is struggling. He did have chances though and got forward a few times – could not sort his feet out first half and then had one blocked second half. Helped another on right at the end too.



Robinson 6/10 – Along with the rest of the defence, he started ok and some good blocks/tackles but then he was guilty of ball watching when crosses came in. Not great to see him squaring up to Souza after even if he did feel he could have done better. Some might see they are showing some spirit but it’s not a good look and Wolves will have seen that and think they had gone. Seemed to lose his head after this and lost the ball a few times or overplayed. Not even sure we created much from his throws really.



Trusty 6/10 – He was back in the team after poor form saw him lose his place and thought he was ok in the first half in that he made some blocks and won the odd challenge. Another who seems to grab the shirt but then when he balls come in from wide, he is often nowhere near his man. A few wild passes or clearances to start the second half kept Wolves in our half. However he ended the game more front foot and won his battles and also got forward and nearly got in on the chance at the end.



Souza 6/10 – Felt he was ineffective largely first half as they sort of passed through out midfield. He was neat and tidy the few times he has the ball but not sure he really made any key interceptions or tackles and then ends up getting in a bust up with Robbo. Seems frustrated with the rest of his teammates and probably regrets coming here. Second half he saw more of the ball and helped us link things as we had more possession. He was at least able to get into better areas and was involved in some of our better moves too.



Norwood 5.5/10 – Largely anonymous really first half. A few sideway passes and then some long balls to nowhere but he did not have many touches and they got through us and their midfield dribblers found space and gaps. Did get more in the game in the second half and was better with the ball as for once we actually had more possession and felt helped us control the ball.



Hamer 4/10 – Another that has to do way more. He shies away from physical contact (two 50-50’s he completely neshed) and whilst he put one good ball over the top to McAtee, he was not really on the ball anywhere near enough and the game just seems to pass him by. For one of our so called better technical players, he has to impose himself more but his fitness and lack of pace means that he struggles with players who have these attributes. Second half he at least got on the ball a bit and had one run that led to a corner and another few moments but made an absolute mess of the free kick chance on 75 minutes. Kept making poor choices and the wild shot at the end summed him up. I have been disappointed with him this season – he shows flashes but way off the standard of this level (as are most).



McAtee 5.5/10 – He had a few good runs and moments but often got crowded out of it or lost it, going down too easily. Had that one good chance but let Dawson get back and his shot was weak. Her was a threat in terms of getting on the ball and always an outlet but not sure much came off for him at all despite him keeping going and trying to get on the ball. He keeps running and always offer that channel ball but too much of the time he either does not have the help or gets muscled off it. I thought we played well today but the two main creative players, Hamer and McAtee did not really create much or look a goal threat despite having more of the ball than they have for some time.



Brewster 7.5/10 – Best we have seen him for a long time, maybe ever in the Premier League! I am not getting carried away as he still did not score and had some good chances but at least looked a threat in the sense that he had those two shots from the corner that were decent enough efforts and he nicked the ball away from the defender a few times and held it up. However, he missed a really good chance when he did get away and needed to do much better or take the pass, to his left. He did well to get away and draw a yellow card for a cynical tackle. Then won a foul with another good run. He was lively and a threat all game and played intelligently. Much better and hopefully something to build on but we have heard it all before.



Subs –



Osborn 6/10 – Decent enough as we were going forward more and helped us keep the ball as we looked the more likely.



Osula – Not sure he had many chances, he ran after a few or tried to get on the end of a few flicks.



McBurnie – As above. Flicked one on near the end but felt he came on too late.



Davies – Cannot recall him doing much but at this stage we were relying on long throws.





Manager: Wilder 6/10 – A better performance but still a loss. We never looked like getting hammered today and were not as wide open as we have been, so that is a positive and we stayed well in the game. We deserved something and had the better chances but we did not take them and they took theirs with more naïve defending costing us. We did look more solid and actually had control of the game and ball for long spells second half and our shape was much better with another changed side and playing almost the only lads we had left! I do think he should have made the changes earlier – I would have out McBurnie on alongside Brewster with 20 minutes to go. The subs were too late really to make an impact.





Wolves – They have been flying but were poor for long spells today. They showed flashes and clearly have some talented players. O’Neill has done a good job there – I thought they might struggle and do down but have been playing well as a team and picked up some impressive results. They will be comfortably mid table and nowhere near being in a relegation threat. At the Lane they were not great and today despite some good moments, they seemed to get scrappy and were poor second half. If United had got a point, they could not have argued really. The crowd became nervous and they were not able to sustain any possession really and ended up almost hanging on right to full time.





Opponent Man of the Match – A few lovely footballers but Neto stands out. Great dribbler and always able to take the ball away from opponents and get in those dangerous areas.



Opponent Weak link – I like Hwang but thought he was poor and completely ineffective today. A few of their players were not really at it and they ended up losing possession quite a bit second half.



Referee/Officials – Darren Bond. Thought a fair few of the 50-50’s went for them but at least VAR saw sense with the coming together of the two United players at each other and the Souza penalty. The rest of the yellow cards seemed pretty clear cut really. Not sure that there were many big decisions that affected the game.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Thought Larouci was terrible to be honest. His reading of situations and actual defending were shockingly bad. At least two of his crosses were reminiscent of Kozzys in THAT Port Vale game and when Osborne came on, he made a world of difference.

Thought the ref was pretty low key but why did he book Anel for protesting the possible red card for the foul on Brewster? OK, red card would have been harsh but as captain, Anel has every right to question it. I didn't see him swearing, gesticulating, not much really so a very poor decision for me.

Other than that, think you're a bit low on a few today, we were organised, got stuck in and a lot better than some of the recent shite.

UTBFTP

Oh and FIRST

 

[Deadbat]

Thought Larouci was terrible to be honest. His reading of situations and actual defending were shockingly bad. At least two of his crosses were reminiscent of Kozzys in THAT Port Vale game and when Osborne came on, he made a world of difference.

Thought the ref was pretty low key but why did he book Anel for protesting the possible red card for the foul on Brewster? OK, red card would have been harsh but as captain, Anel has every right to question it. I didn't see him swearing, gesticulating, not much really so a very poor decision for me.

Other than that, think you're a bit low on a few today, we were organised, got stuck in and a lot better than some of the recent shite.

UTBFTP

Oh and FIRST

Larouci did send two crosses over and poor on the goal but 4 or 5 other really good bits of defending where he read it, got in and saw the danger out or blocked the man off. I think he is poor but weirdly outside of the above three bad moments, he did quite well.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

We'll agree to disagree then Deaders, thank you for the report and keep 'em coming.

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Not first.

 

[Suomi_Blade]

I thought Larouci was out best player today, if it wasn't for his pace Neto and Semedo would have helped wolves get 2 or 3 more goals.

Brewster had a good game as well, you can see he has a good shot on him, pace as well, sometimes his reading of the game seems slighty off but i guess that might come with confidence

 

[Rochdaleblade]

Larouci did send two crosses over and poor on the goal but 4 or 5 other really good bits of defending where he read it, got in and saw the danger out or blocked the man off. I think he is poor but weirdly outside of the above three bad moments, he did quite well.

I quite enjoy watching Larouci, in a weird Guus Uhlenbeek sort of way. Fleeting moments of quality combined with laugh out loud ineptitude.

 

[bakeblade]

I thought Larouci was out best player today, if it wasn't for his pace Neto and Semedo would have helped wolves get 2 or 3 more goals.

Brewster had a good game as well, you can see he has a good shot on him, pace as well, sometimes his reading of the game seems slighty off but i guess that might come with confidence

The fact is Larouici cost us the game by losing his man.

 

[VictoryBlade]

It just shows how far we have fallen when we seem to be overall happy...................to lose?

 

[Houston_Blade]

why did he book Anel for protesting the possible red card for the foul on Brewster?

Isn’t it all just under the new rule where you if ask the ref to book or red the opposition you get booked yourself? I wonder how often it’s applied to the bigger clubs though?!

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

We were decent today. But, surprise surprise, we lacked depth, quality, experience and creativity. Spend fuck all, get fuck all. Here's looking at you, Princey boy.

 

[Houston_Blade]

The fact is Larouici cost us the game by losing his man.

Not really, if we’d have scored then they’d have scored another. We had some decent chances and didn’t do well enough with them. We let the cross come in to start with (Norwood) so it’s a combination of mistakes.

 

[Deadbat]

I quite enjoy watching Larouci, in a weird Guus Uhlenbeek sort of way. Fleeting moments of quality combined with laugh out loud ineptitude.

Yeah you have no idea what he might do next. In a season of absolute dross, that kind of fun is quite appealing - less so when he does something that just leads to a goal!

 

[Jan Age]

It just shows how far we have fallen when we seem to be overall happy...................to lose?

Surprised this hasn’t got more likes … as it’s exactly true … wank… part of the great reset

 

[bakeblade]

Not really, if we’d have scored then they’d have scored another. We had some decent chances and didn’t do well enough with them. We let the cross come in to start with (Norwood) so it’s a combination of mistakes.

You don't know that. I'll stick to actual facts.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Isn’t it all just under the new rule where you if ask the ref to book or red the opposition you get booked yourself? I wonder how often it’s applied to the bigger clubs though?!

Can't be, because I saw at least one of their players waving an imaginary card on another occasion and the referee decided to laugh along with him. Inconsistent? Surely not

 

[bakeblade]

It just shows how far we have fallen when we seem to be overall happy...................to lose?

True... We all expected us to get dicked by 3, 4 or 5. So to only lose 1 nil seems a bit of a relief.

 

[Addison]

Well the plus is we kept it down to 1. The minus is despite an improved defensive display Brewster and Mcatee missed opportunities that you have to take at this level. Larouci showed some tremendous pace today but his awareness of runners around him is on a par with Bogle and when you have defenders who constantly display this failing no matter how well you are playing you will always gift goals as we did today.

First half they constantly walked past Norwood and Hamer in midfield. Second half we improved but in possession we were slow and cumbersome. Agree Hamer has been a disappointment, maybe he needs to keep off the sauce because his levels of fitness are poor by EPL standards. Not blaming him for the free kick. Thats the routine that led to the disallowed goal against Villa. JLT should have been making the run at the back post, another who had a poor game.

Brewsters running and pace was a plus. His decision making when in possession of the ball less so especially when he failed to see a simple pass to Mcatee would have let him in. His biggest question mark as it has been all the time hes been here is his fitness. We all hope his limping at the end is due to cramp not another hammy.

Tactics wise you didn't have to be a genius to work out the game plan was keep it tight for 80 minutes and give Mcb and Davies 10 minutes and go for it. Problem was we were 1-0 down and earlier substitutions once again were required. As for levels of fitness when are Mcb and Davies going to be capable of starting games? Davies has to come in for Norwood surely otherwise keeping him to 10 minutes a game is a complete waste of a wage, ditto Mcb.

As for our JTW signings one is suspended and looks a defensive liability. The other after a promising start has regressed into sick note mode. After last week we are left to clutch at straws that we didn't get hammered and actually looked the better team second half without really threatening. A fit team with Archer, Baldock, BBD and Davies capable of starting would have got a result imo. Are we ever going to see these four start in the same team!

 

[Houston_Blade]

You don't know that. I'll stick to actual facts.

Agreed with the facts however it’s not that much of a stretch to suggest that a goal for us would have led to Wolves upping their game and scoring another.

 

[Deaneandagana]

Well the plus is we kept it down to 1. The minus is despite an improved defensive display Brewster and Mcatee missed opportunities that you have to take at this level. Larouci showed some tremendous pace today but his awareness of runners around him is on a par with Bogle and when you have defenders who constantly display this failing no matter how well you are playing you will always gift goals as we did today.

First half they constantly walked past Norwood and Hamer in midfield. Second half we improved but in possession we were slow and cumbersome. Agree Hamer has been a disappointment, maybe he needs to keep off the sauce because his levels of fitness are poor by EPL standards. Not blaming him for the free kick. Thats the routine that led to the disallowed goal against Villa. JLT should have been making the run at the back post, another who had a poor game.

Brewsters running and pace was a plus. His decision making when in possession of the ball less so especially when he failed to see a simple pass to Mcatee would have let him in. His biggest question mark as it has been all the time hes been here is his fitness. We all hope his limping at the end is due to cramp not another hammy.

Tactics wise you didn't have to be a genius to work out the game plan was keep it tight for 80 minutes and give Mcb and Davies 10 minutes and go for it. Problem was we were 1-0 down and earlier substitutions once again were required. As for levels of fitness when are Mcb and Davies going to be capable of starting games? Davies has to come in for Norwood surely otherwise keeping him to 10 minutes a game is a complete waste of a wage, ditto Mcb.

As for our JTW signings one is suspended and looks a defensive liability. The other after a promising start has regressed into sick note mode. After last week we are left to clutch at straws that we didn't get hammered and actually looked the better team second half without really threatening. A fit team with Archer, Baldock, BBD and Davies capable of starting would have got a result imo. Are we ever going to see these four start in the same team!

Wilder called it correctly in his post match interview in which he asserted that we had them exactly where we wanted them in the 2nd half, but didn’t have the belief or composure to finish them off.

Overall a better performance and one in which we at least gave the opposition a game, but nevertheless another defeat - onwards we go to a MNF fixture with Arsenal in which we will need the return of some senior players (Baldock, BBD, Archer, David & Mcburnie) to stand a chance.

 

[bakeblade]

Wilder called it correctly in his post match interview in which he asserted that we had them exactly where we wanted them in the 2nd half, but didn’t have the belief or composure to finish them off.

Overall a better performance and one in which we at least gave the opposition a game, but nevertheless another defeat - onwards we go to a MNF fixture with Arsenal in which we will need the return of some senior players (Baldock, BBD, Archer, David & Mcburnie) to stand a chance.

CW confirmed George and BBD will be back for the Arse, no mention of Archer

 

[Bladey_blade]

Well the plus is we kept it down to 1. The minus is despite an improved defensive display Brewster and Mcatee missed opportunities that you have to take at this level. Larouci showed some tremendous pace today but his awareness of runners around him is on a par with Bogle and when you have defenders who constantly display this failing no matter how well you are playing you will always gift goals as we did today.

First half they constantly walked past Norwood and Hamer in midfield. Second half we improved but in possession we were slow and cumbersome. Agree Hamer has been a disappointment, maybe he needs to keep off the sauce because his levels of fitness are poor by EPL standards. Not blaming him for the free kick. Thats the routine that led to the disallowed goal against Villa. JLT should have been making the run at the back post, another who had a poor game.

Brewsters running and pace was a plus. His decision making when in possession of the ball less so especially when he failed to see a simple pass to Mcatee would have let him in. His biggest question mark as it has been all the time hes been here is his fitness. We all hope his limping at the end is due to cramp not another hammy.

Tactics wise you didn't have to be a genius to work out the game plan was keep it tight for 80 minutes and give Mcb and Davies 10 minutes and go for it. Problem was we were 1-0 down and earlier substitutions once again were required. As for levels of fitness when are Mcb and Davies going to be capable of starting games? Davies has to come in for Norwood surely otherwise keeping him to 10 minutes a game is a complete waste of a wage, ditto Mcb.

As for our JTW signings one is suspended and looks a defensive liability. The other after a promising start has regressed into sick note mode. After last week we are left to clutch at straws that we didn't get hammered and actually looked the better team second half without really threatening. A fit team with Archer, Baldock, BBD and Davies capable of starting would have got a result imo. Are we ever going to see these four start in the same team!

Think with better composure Brewster not passing to McAtee would have been the correct decision, McAtee was behind the defender so the pass would have been unlikely to have lead to a shot imo as it would have been intercepted bar an error

 

[Barmyblade]

A few thoughts based on the stats:

• surprisingly Bogle won 6 aerial duels, no one won more, and twice as money as Robbo (who presumably was up against a much taller opponent!)
• Vini won more tackles than anyone else in the team, and has the highest pass success rate (92.9%) so I think he had a pretty good game
• Rhian Brewster (baby) had four shots, two on target, one key pass, and a 90% pass success rate (unheard of for a striker)
• Hamer (once again!) made more key passes than anyone in our team (and put in more than twice as many crosses)

So personally i think there has been some slightly harsh marking, given we dominated a very good team (away from home) for a fair proportion of the game.

 

[Wards]

His decision making when in possession of the ball less so especially when he failed to see a simple pass to Mcatee would have let him in.

I think the replays proved the ball to McAtee was never really on. If he'd have played it and it got cut out then everyone would've berated him for not shooting. He should've produced a better finish but overall he did really well today.

 

[Bergen Blade]

A lot of teams have two centre halves and they cope well with crosses. We have three, yet on the goal, we rely on our left wing back to challenge a standard cross into the box. Why? Where were they?





I think the midfield has something to do with it. On occasions Hamer broke out of the midfield to press high up the pitch along with Brewster and McAtee. I'll assume this was him following instructions, not him being undisciplined. So when Wolves switched play over from their right to left, we only had Norwood and Souza as our midfield.


Souza can't move over to cover, meaning Norwood is pretty much on his own as Nouri cuts inside. Bogle had his man out wide, Anel had to watch Hwang. As the midfield is not back, Trusty can't stay centrally to just focus on defending a cross, he has to cover for Anel. JR is marking Lemina. Consequently we have no centre half to challenge for a back post cross.

Nowadays it is pretty easy to make a few yards for yourself against Norwood. He just doesn't have the legs to keep up with players when there is a bit of space. So Nouri is completely unchallenged as he looks up and puts in a perfect cross.


Larouci is improving, but defending crosses in the air seems to be something he's not used to doing.

In summary Wolves punish:

1) a midfield lacking numbers
2) centre halves being pulled out of position as they compensate for the struggling midfield
3) Norwood's lack of quick feet
4) Larouci's poor aerial ability/marking

 

[Silent Blade]

A few thoughts based on the stats:

• surprisingly Bogle won 6 aerial duels, no one won more, and twice as money as Robbo (who presumably was up against a much taller opponent!)
• Vini won more tackles than anyone else in the team, and has the highest pass success rate (92.9%) so I think he had a pretty good game
• Rhian Brewster (baby) had four shots, two on target, one key pass, and a 90% pass success rate (unheard of for a striker)
• Hamer (once again!) made more key passes than anyone in our team (and put in more than twice as many crosses)

So personally i think there has been some slightly harsh marking, given we dominated a very good team (away from home) for a fair proportion of the game.

If I was a player I wouldnt worry about markings from know it alls!

 

[Champagneblade]

Another Sunday and another defeat. This time it was at Wolverhampton as Wilder’s hapless United side went down to another loss, as the home side avenged the reverse at Bramall Lane back in November. However, despite the 1-0 reverse, the Blades put in a much better performance and on another day would have taken something from the game and created the better chances over the game. Rhian Brewster put in a decent performance and had United’s main chances on the afternoon but Sarabia’s header was all Wolves needed to take the three points.



United have not won at Molineux since 2002 when a Michael Tonge inspired Blades side ripped Wolves apart but today continued their recent poor record here but manager Wilder will point to a better showing where they stayed in the game.



Wolves were unchanged after their win at Spurs and were looking to build on their impressive recent form. The Blades changed things round again with four coming in; Grbic, Trusty, Norwood and Brewster for Foderingham, the suspended Holgate, Osborn and Osula.



The Blades took to the field wearing red and white shirts and red shorts and would be hoping a different kit combination might bring them luck!



Grbic took an early ball and managed to skilfully avoid not coming out of his box in taking the ball. Wolves were possession heavy as expected as United could not keep the ball. Neto’s ball was dangerous and Hwang could not quite get on the end of it. Ait Nouri then scooped the ball through and Neto’s shot was sliced wide.



Trusty did well to defend Kilman’s ball and stop Hwang getting his shot off in time. United had their first spell of possession but McAtee’s ball was away from Brewster. Neto broke and was cynically took down by Ahmedhodzic who was beaten for pace. The free kick came in and Lemina was completely unmarked but Bogle cleared his header. The attacks kept coming and Trusty headed behind. United were struggling to get out but Bogle’s enterprising run saw him get the Blades up the field but the appeals for a penalty on the United man were rightly ignored as the wing back went down way too easily.



Wolves were back on the attack and Semedo’s cross was met by Lemina and Ahmedhodzic as they came together and the corner was given. The cross came in and Gomes flicked his header behind.



United though had a double chance as the Robinson throw in caused problems and Brewster’s powerful hit bounced off Dawson and came back to him ad the striker hit a powerful shot that Sa punched out. There was a quick check for a penalty but it was adjudged to have hit the shoulder and his arms were down by his side. From the corner, Wolves broke by Larouci did well to get his body in the way as Neto looked to get clear. At the other end, the wing back then sent a wayward cross over but he at least was getting forward to help United stem the pressure in a better 5 minutes for the Blades.

Despite Wolves dominating the ball, Brewster did well to break down the right after Bogle flicked on and the striker was bearing down on goal but with McAtee on the left, he went for goal and blazed it over the bar. He needed to make the pass and made the wrong decision that was compounded by his wayward finish.



Brewster then did well to get away from Dawson and he found McAtee but no foul was given after the challenge and Hamer’s pass saw the attack end. United had at least got up the pitch and shown a threat despite not seeing much of the ball. The threat was shown again as Hamer sent a lovely ball over the top and McAtee was in and away from Dawson but once again the finish was poor from the away side as his shot lacked power as the defender got back at him and Sa made an easy save.



Despite the improved performance, the opening goal came from the home side. Ait Nouri got down the right-hand side and sent over a dangerous cross and Larouci stood ball watching and SARABIA was left completely free to head home giving Grbic no chance at all. United had fashioned the better chances in the game but basic defending had once again undone the Blades.



Neto then got away from Norwood as Wolves sensed a chance to finish United off, as many teams have done this season such is the brittle confidence of the visiting team. United managed to clear but the goal had clearly been a massive boost for the Wolves side. Neto then weaved away again and took a shot that swerved just over. Two United players came together after the chance as Robinson took umbrage at Souza’s role in the opportunity and both players raised their hands. After a season of ineptitude, it seemed ironic that one of the few times they showed fight, they ended up almost fighting each other! Fortunately, VAR, who did look at the incident, decided not to take any further action.



United tried to fashion a chance via Bogle and McAtee but Wolves broke again and United had to make a last-ditch interception. United did have another chance but Ahmedhodzic could not sort his feet out and the chance again went begging leading to another dangerous Wolves break.



Toti then played a lovely one two before coming inside unopposed and hitting an effort that Trusty blocked. The ball then came across and Sarabia’s effort was over the top. There was two minutes of stoppage time to be played but there were no further chances and despite an improved first half, United trailed yet again.



The second half started with United winning a corner, when McAtee threatened to get in but Lemina cleared and needed treatment. The Blades did get in the Wolves box through Brewster and the fall for Ahmedhodzic whose shot was blocked behind for another corner. Wolves then had a better spell and moved it around neatly but the game did become scrappy for a period although McAtee hit a left footed shot that went wide after working some space.



Wolves then attacked and after the ball went inside, the ball struck Souza’s arm but the ball had struck him quite close to after the initial cross and VAR decided not to get involved. The free kick came in and Grbic did not deal with it particularly well but Gomes was pulled up for dangerous play as he tried an overhead kick.



McAtee worked some space after the initial tackle came in on him but United could not get a shot away and the City loanee then lost the ball and Wolves broke. The game was now end to end and the Blades were able to see off this chance and get down the other end and Hamer found McAtee, whose cross was met by Brewster but his effort from a difficult angle was saved by Sa. It was a decent effort from the striker who had been lively today. United’s performance had been much improved from the previous week.



Wolves threatened to break though with Neto, their best player running forward but Ahmedhodzic made the tackle and Norwood completed the clearance. However, the danger remained and Larouci’s unnecessary clearance for a corner kept them up the United end. The corner drifted out as the game entered the final quarter. Sarabia and Gomes linked up cleverly and the former hit a shot that had Grbic flailing but the ball went just wide. After a largely lethargic opening to the second half, the home side had lifted them from their slumber and were now back in control. Hamer and Robinson both gave the ball away cheaply but Wolves’ fans were getting frustrated that their home side were not putting the game to bed.



United then moved the ball well and Hamer came inside after Souza played on but the ball went out for a corner and Wolves did clear. The Blades then broke after Grbic took a corner and sent Brewster away but Semedo cynically pulled the United player back. The visiting team asked for more and Ahmedhodzic was booked for his protests. Osborn came on for Larouci and United kept up a decent spell of pressure as Brewster drew another foul after another decent run. Hamer completely wasted the free kick with a bizarre set play when United surely had to get a shot away? Wolves fans mocked the United’s efforts with ‘That’s why you’re going down!’ It was a fantastic opportunity to work the keeper and completely wasted.



Former Blades loanee Doyle came on for Ait Nouri and got a nice ovation from the visiting Blades fans. A bizarre moment came when Vini Souza went down and Grbic didn’t even put the ball out properly but fortunately Wolves did not go for goal and stopped the game quite sportingly. The clock ticked towards the final 10 minutes, and United worked some space with Norwood finding Ahmedhodzic who stood up the cross and the defender had to head behind.



A triple chance came when Brewster, who had gone down with cramp, Norwood and Souza were replaced by McBurnie, Osula and Davies. United were looking the more likely but were struggling to fashion any clear chances despite their improved play. They won a long throw and a corner but Hamer once again wasted a good opportunity to get the ball in the box.



A ball came across and McBurnie brought it down and tried to get his shot off but it was blocked. United kept the ball up the pitch and were trying to see if they could nick something but were struggling to test Sa despite the improvements.



Robinson sent over a long throw on 87 minutes and somehow it evaded Trusty and Osula after Ahmedhodiz helped it on. It seemed like it was another day that was not going for United. Doherty replaced the goalscorer Sarabia in the final minute before another two opportunities presented for Robinson to hurl the ball into the box. The second one on 92 minutes was cleared and then Wolves were able to see time out with the final ball forward flicked into Sa’s hands as Osula looked to get on the ball.

I can probably claim a bit of an assist on that last win!

I wrote to Warnock saying I thought Kozzy had been poor and suggested Jagielka had some good attributes to take over at right back.

The day of the game I got a letter back from Warnock saying “I’m going to take you up on your suggestion of playing Jags at right back and if we lose, I’ll blame you!”

Maybe this played into Warnock’s “Sharon had a dream” psyche?

After the game, to one of the press he said he’d like to thank a London based Blades fan for the suggestion on Jags, he’s not thought of it and thought he had a blinder! He played there for the rest of that season including the “Unbelievable” goal against Leeds.

Warnock was quite good at that sort of stuff to be honest. I think he wrote back to every letter I sent.

 

[Champagneblade]

A lot of teams have two centre halves and they cope well with crosses. We have three, yet on the goal, we rely on our left wing back to challenge a standard cross into the box. Why? Where were they?


View attachment 179801


I think the midfield has something to do with it. On occasions Hamer broke out of the midfield to press high up the pitch along with Brewster and McAtee. I'll assume this was him following instructions, not him being undisciplined. So when Wolves switched play over from their right to left, we only had Norwood and Souza as our midfield.


Souza can't move over to cover, meaning Norwood is pretty much on his own as Nouri cuts inside. Bogle had his man out wide, Anel had to watch Hwang. As the midfield is not back, Trusty can't stay centrally to just focus on defending a cross, he has to cover for Anel. JR is marking Lemina. Consequently we have no centre half to challenge for a back post cross.

Nowadays it is pretty easy to make a few yards for yourself against Norwood. He just doesn't have the legs to keep up with players when there is a bit of space. So Nouri is completely unchallenged as he looks up and puts in a perfect cross.
View attachment 179803

Larouci is improving, but defending crosses in the air seems to be something he's not used to doing.

In summary Wolves punish:

1) a midfield lacking numbers
2) centre halves being pulled out of position as they compensate for the struggling midfield
3) Norwood's lack of quick feet
4) Larouci's poor aerial ability/marking

I also thought where the hell is Trusty? A cross into the box and he wasn’t even in the area!

 

[wadblade]

the disappointing thing for me is how well we played at Luton, where ManU struggled last week, and Wolves yesterday

if we had not gone down to 10 last week I think we may have given Brighton a game. We will never know, but i cannt help thinking, Maybe.
Its the hope that gets you