Saints v Blades

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 12:37 pm

1-0 Southampton

ksrclaret · Post by **ksrclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 12:45 pm

Sheff Utd look genuinely awful. No longer are they a decent side on a bad run, they must surely now be classed as a poor team.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 12:47 pm

Today's going to be a good day for us.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 12:57 pm

Anybody else notice they went downhill as soon as Henderson left? He kept them in so many games last season.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:04 pm

It's exactly the same problem we had when Tom got injured - the whole fabric of the defence is weakened. An experienced keeper can marshall his defence in so many ways. The newcomer has to be exceptional to be able pick up the reins.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:09 pm

Seems hard to believe the change in Sheffield United from just a few months ago, now playing with little confidence and don't look like they can buy a point never mind a win.

If we can get all our bods fit and keep them fit, I think with our experience we should be OK and finish above the likes of Sheff Utd, WBA, Fulham and Leeds, who all defensive issues

burnmark · Post by **burnmark** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:10 pm

Not easy viewing for the colourblind amongst us.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:11 pm

Top Claret wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:09 pm
Seems hard to believe the change in Sheffield United from just a few months ago, now playing with little confidence and don't look like they can buy a point never mind a win.

If we can get all our bods fit and keep them fit, I think with our experience we should be OK and finish above the likes of Sheff Utd, WBA, Fulham and Leeds, who all defensive issues

Leeds will throw another £150 million at the wall in January. Fulham definitely will also. I don't think Sheffield United and WBA will though.

But for me, it's more about what we do. We 100% need 2, possibly 3 players and if we don't, it won't matter what the other clubs do.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:13 pm

Think it’s a combination of a few things.
Henderson was great for them but don’t think Ramsdale is a bad keeper at all.
They are not getting stuffed by anyone.
O Connell looks like a big miss for them as he was the marauding centre back that was bombing forward all the time.
Lundstrum was instrumental for first half of last season then he’s been in and out with these contract issues.
Other teams may have sussed them out a bit more - but they did say that all last year and even towards the end of the season didn’t they still tonk Chelsea who could not cope with their system ?

Loss of form, injuries, few different players etc all combined and they are losing games by the odd goal instead of drawing or winning games. Fine margins as they say but would not surprise me if they went on a decent run either as they have a good manager like we do who won’t give up.

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:19 pm

Must admit I'm not overly impressed with Southampton, they look okay but not as good as 'the experts ' seem to be suggesting. Perhaps they are better away from home where they can hit people on the break.

burnmark · Post by **burnmark** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:19 pm

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:20 pm

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:20 pm

Both goals Sheffield Utd have conceded are typical of a team at the bottom. Scrappy.

RalphCoatesComb · Post by **RalphCoatesComb** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:20 pm

Has any team had so few points after 12 games?

Relegated before Christmas !

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:22 pm

RalphCoatesComb wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:20 pm
Has any team had so few points after 12 games?

Relegated before Christmas !

I think the Sky commentator said it was the worst start.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:23 pm

2-0
Forget the above
They are just sh-ite!

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:25 pm

RalphCoatesComb wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:20 pm
Has any team had so few points after 12 games?

Relegated before Christmas !

I've just checked on Derby who ended the season with 11 points in 2007/08 but they had 6 of those in the first 12 games which included their only win of the season.

ksrclaret · Post by **ksrclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:29 pm

They've got some players who are now starting to look very, very poor for this level.

Baldock - just awful
Jagielka - simply can't hack it at PL level now
Ampadu - pathetic
Berge - a bit of a donkey. £22m?
McGoldrick, McBurnie, Sharp, Brewster - a collection of 'strikers' who just don't look like they could score a goal again.

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:31 pm

I have been impressed with Che Adams this season and also towards the end of last season. He looks more like a player you would pay decent money for.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:31 pm

That squad of players overachieved massively last season so it’s not surprise that they’re finding it tougher this time. I didn’t expect them to be this bad though. They’ve lost their edge and currently look a long way out of their depth.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:31 pm

Swizzlestick · Post by **Swizzlestick** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:34 pm

Ramsdale just saved the blushes of 47 year old Phil Jagielka, who shouldn’t be anywhere near a PL starting XI.

I think the system try play is so reliant on certain players that when a few of those players are missing/out of form, it falls apart. Some very poor signings too - McBurnie is nowhere near it

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:40 pm

3-0. Ouch.

SalisburyClaret · Post by **SalisburyClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:40 pm

Southampton have been excellent this season - they press well , have great movement and nearly all their players can run with the ball - simple.

RalphCoatesComb · Post by **RalphCoatesComb** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:40 pm

3 - 0

But at least Chris Wilder is a Blades legend

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:42 pm

Too easy.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:42 pm

I would never want us to rely on other teams doing bad to save us, but this of course is a pleasing scoreline.

Now let's do the business this evening.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:42 pm

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:44 pm

Feel sorry for Sheff Utd. They remind me of Burnley defying the odds against the big boys. Much prefer them to the other Yorkshire lot, the mighty Leeds.

nyclaret · Post by **nyclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:45 pm

It will be interesting to see for how long they'll stick with Wilder because at this rate there is only one way they are going.

Safron · Post by **Safron** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:47 pm

I wouldn't call any other team until we start moving up the table, karma as a way of biting you in the ass

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:48 pm

nyclaret wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:45 pm
It will be interesting to see for how long they'll stick with Wilder because at this rate there is only one way they are going.

He surely deserves enough time to see them go down and bring them back up again? His overall career at SU has been superb.

It would take a hard board to sack him this season, regardless.

DomBFC1882 · Post by **DomBFC1882** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:50 pm

I'm absolutely perplexed how sheff utd have gone from a very good team who play good football to this what's currently on show. I suppose that's what confidence does to you and poor signings although it must be said they do really miss Jack o'connell

Safron · Post by **Safron** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:51 pm

Although I don't know who Sheffield utd scouts are but I don't know how they justified shelling out £30m for the lad Brewster, baffling

nyclaret · Post by **nyclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:58 pm

FactualFrank wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:48 pm
He surely deserves enough time to see them go down and bring them back up again? His overall career at SU has been superb.

It would take a hard board to sack him this season, regardless.

I completely agree but maybe their board will view it differently? He's spent a fortune on players.

THEWELLERNUT70 · Post by **THEWELLERNUT70** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:02 pm

I'd take McBurnie and Lundstrum if we could get them

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:04 pm

THEWELLERNUT70 wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:02 pm
I'd take McBurnie and Lundstrum if we could get them

Where ???? McDonalds

Hibsclaret · Post by **Hibsclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:10 pm

Bosscat wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:04 pm
Where ???? McDonalds

They’re definitely ham burgling a living that’s for sure...

THEWELLERNUT70 · Post by **THEWELLERNUT70** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:16 pm

McBurnie out of form yes, but he's a good player imo. Lundstrom hasn't benefitted from a run of games since his contract issues, another good player imo

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:26 pm

Just been talking to CT about this.

I think the record signing of Berge, who came into the side for Lundstram, was the starting point.

CT thinks they miss O’Connell, which they clearly do.

I think it’s probably a lot of both!

Hibsclaret · Post by **Hibsclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:32 pm

Whatever it is there is certainly only a couple of obvious differences leading to a team finishing with 50+ points not being able to buy a win...this shows how hard the league is and how no team other than the chosen few are actually safe

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:35 pm

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:26 pm
Just been talking to CT about this.

I think the record signing of Berge, who came into the side for Lundstram, was the starting point.

CT thinks they miss O’Connell, which they clearly do.

I think it’s probably a lot of both!

Very surprised you don't think the loss Henderson plays any part in this. I watched them last season and some of the saves he did to keep them in the game was immense. To me, he's an obvious reason.

bfcmik · Post by **bfcmik** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:36 pm

FactualFrank wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:48 pm
He surely deserves enough time to see them go down and bring them back up again? His overall career at SU has been superb.

It would take a hard board to sack him this season, regardless.

I think whether he is sacked will depend rather more on whether the board think he is the man to take the club back to where they want it to be. Can he keep them up? Can he get them straight back up? Would someone else be more likely to achieve those objectives? Past success is wonderful but wouldn't keep in in the job if the answers to those 3 questions are NO, NO, YES.

When we kept Dyche during and after the relegation season I'm sure those exact questions were being asked by our board - and probably by SD himself!

Conroysleftfoot · Post by **Conroysleftfoot** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:40 pm

FactualFrank wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:35 pm
Very surprised you don't think the loss Henderson plays any part in this. I watched them last season and some of the saves he did to keep them in the game was immense. To me, he's an obvious reason.

Totally agree with you about Henderson. He Has been a big miss for utd.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:46 pm

FactualFrank wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:35 pm
Very surprised you don't think the loss Henderson plays any part in this. I watched them last season and some of the saves he did to keep them in the game was immense. To me, he's an obvious reason.

We all know how key a top goalkeeper can be and Henderson was outstanding for them last season. Without pointing fingers at Ramsdale, he's a goalkeeper I'm not convinced of.

EarbyClaret · Post by **EarbyClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:52 pm

I think it's a different situation to our first promotion. We surprised everyone by going up, didn't spend big, were obviously not quite good enough but went down with an excellent looking Championship squad - all things consider sticking with SD seemed like the right thing to do - and so it proved

United's promotion probably wasn't quite such a surprise as ours but last season was unbelievable - as a result they have backed their manager to spend large and so far it hasn't come off and it would seem unlikely they'll give him the funds to buy their way out of trouble in January

I'd say he's on much more dangerous ground than SD in terms of keeping his job if they are relegated - not sure sacking him now would be a good move though, they could have real trouble recruiting a decent replacement

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:53 pm

bfcmik wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:36 pm
I think whether he is sacked will depend rather more on whether the board think he is the man to take the club back to where they want it to be. Can he keep them up? Can he get them straight back up? Would someone else be more likely to achieve those objectives? Past success is wonderful but wouldn't keep in in the job if the answers to those 3 questions are NO, NO, YES.

When we kept Dyche during and after the relegation season I'm sure those exact questions were being asked by our board - and probably by SD himself!

Dyche was never going to lose his job with relegation in 2015 because he'd been part of the decision to reserve most of the money to be spent on the new training ground.

As for Wilder, I'd be staggered if they sacked him but when they lost the game last week with that last minute goal against Leicester he looked a broken man.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:54 pm

Palace 0 Spurs 1

ksrclaret · Post by **ksrclaret** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:56 pm

One thing is for sure, Wilder has been backed heavily in the market. He’s signed several players for £20m+, none of whom I’m convinced on. McBurnie, Berge, Ramdsale, Brewster, all leaving a lot to be desired at the moment.

huw.Y.WattfromWare · Post by **huw.Y.WattfromWare** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:58 pm

As mentioned earlier the lack of goals has done for them. Brewster might have a PL career ahead of him but McGoldrick, McBurnie and Sharp were never good enough. They got plenty of goals from midfield last season and the defence saw them through. Not happening this time around for any section of their team.